Psychedelics have influenced art and culture for over 60 years, inspiring artists, writers, and musicians to create unique works. Today, these substances are no longer confined to counterculture—they're entering modern medicine and revolutionizing psychiatry. Microdosing, or taking small psychedelic doses in work settings to boost productivity and creativity, is also gaining popularity.
What is microdosing?
Microdosing is the intake of small, sub-hallucinogenic doses of psychedelics, especially LSD or psilocybin "magic mushrooms." A microdose is roughly one-tenth of a recreational dose—too small to cause hallucinations, but enough to subtly affect cognitive function.
Psychedelics have long been studied in large doses: LSD was used to treat alcoholism and addiction as early as the 1950s, and psilocybin has shown promise for treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
Why do people microdose?
Despite limited scientific research, microdosing is becoming increasingly popular. Some report reduced symptoms of anxiety or depression, others better focus and productivity. But the most common goal is enhancing creativity.
How do psychedelics enhance creativity?
Full psychedelic experiences often involve vivid hallucinations, described as the peak of inner creativity. They've inspired artists for decades, including musicians like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Pink Floyd.
Studies have shown that even a single large dose of psilocybin can increase a person's creative thinking for up to a week after use. But does a microdose have the same effect?
Scientific evidence on microdosing
Silicon Valley—home to tech giants like Apple, Google, and Meta—has become the epicenter of microdosing for enhanced creativity and productivity.
Some research supports this. In a study of 278 microdosers, nearly 13% reported improved creativity as a major benefit, behind only improved mood and concentration.
The only open-label study (2018) directly examining psilocybin microdosing and creativity found enhanced originality and cognitive flexibility. However, since participants knew what they were taking, placebo effect could not be ruled out.
Subsequent double-blind studies have yielded mixed results, suggesting microdosing may have only modest or negligible effects on creativity.
Mental clarity and creativity
A calm mind is essential for creativity. Stress and anxiety can block creative flow. Animal studies suggest even microdoses of DMT reduce anxiety. If confirmed in humans, microdosing could foster calmness and mental clarity, opening doors to creativity.
The future of microdosing
Attitudes toward psychedelics are shifting, but these substances remain illegal in many countries, including the UK, limiting widespread use. Nevertheless, interest in microdosing continues to grow.
Science hasn’t yet given final answers about how effective microdosing truly is for boosting creativity. While studies continue, we can only speculate whether psychedelic microdoses really unlock new creative horizons.