A Little Bit of LSD for a Lot More Energy? The Science of Microdosing
This article examines the scientific evidence behind the popular practice of LSD microdosing, specifically focusing on its most commonly reported effect—increased energy—and what the latest research reveals about this growing wellness trend.
Synopsis
The wellness world is buzzing with the concept of microdosing—taking tiny, sub-perceptual doses of psychedelics to enhance mood, creativity, and focus. A groundbreaking 2025 qualitative study analyzing participant experiences from a rigorous randomized controlled trial found that increased energy was the most commonly reported effect of LSD microdosing, with an impressive 72.5% of participants experiencing this benefit (1). This finding is supported by earlier quantitative data from the same trial showing statistically significant improvements in energy ratings on dose days (2). While the research also highlights important considerations around anxiety and individual variability, these studies provide the most robust scientific evidence to date on what people actually experience when they microdose LSD in a controlled setting.
The Microdosing Phenomenon: From Underground to Laboratory
From Silicon Valley biohackers to artists and entrepreneurs, it seems like everyone is talking about microdosing. The idea is simple yet tantalizing: take a dose of a psychedelic substance so small that you don't experience any of the classic hallucinogenic effects, but just enough to feel a subtle yet significant shift in your mood, focus, and energy levels. It promises the potential benefits of psychedelics without the commitment or intensity of a full-blown trip. For years, the evidence for microdosing was purely anecdotal, with a wave of positive media reports and personal testimonials fueling its popularity. Users claimed it helped them become more creative, productive, and emotionally balanced, but without rigorous scientific studies, it was impossible to separate the true pharmacological effects from the power of suggestion and the placebo effect.
Now, researchers are finally putting microdosing to the test in controlled laboratory settings, and the results are painting a much clearer picture. A landmark study published in 2025 in the Journal of Humanistic Psychology provides the first qualitative analysis of participant experiences from a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of LSD microdosing (1). This research represents a major breakthrough because it captures the lived experiences of people who took LSD microdoses in a scientifically controlled environment, eliminating many of the confounding variables that plagued earlier observational studies.
What the Science Really Says About Energy
The 2025 study analyzed in-depth interviews with 40 healthy male participants who completed a six-week trial of taking 10 micrograms of LSD every third day (1). The researchers used rigorous content analysis to categorize the effects participants reported, and the results were striking. Increased energy emerged as the single most commonly reported effect, with 72.5% of participants experiencing this benefit. This was significantly higher than the 15% who reported decreased energy, demonstrating a clear directional effect. To put this in perspective, the prevalence of increased energy in this controlled trial was dramatically higher than what has been reported in previous uncontrolled community surveys, where only about 10% of microdosers mentioned energy increases (1).
This qualitative finding is powerfully supported by earlier quantitative data from the same trial cohort. A 2023 study published in Biological Psychiatry used daily questionnaires to track participants' experiences and found credible statistical evidence (greater than 99% posterior probability) of improved ratings of energy, creativity, connectedness, and happiness on dose days compared with non-dose days (2). Importantly, these effects remained even when the researchers controlled for participants' expectations, suggesting a genuine pharmacological effect rather than just placebo.
The Full Picture: Benefits and Cautions
While the energy-boosting effects of LSD microdosing are exciting, the research also reveals a more complex picture. The 2025 qualitative study identified what researchers call "bidirectionality of effects," meaning that participants could experience both positive and negative effects along the same dimensions (1). For example, while 50% of participants reported reduced anxiety, 25% reported increased anxiety. This variability is clinically significant. In fact, four participants in the original trial had to withdraw due to heightened anxiety related to an overstimulation effect (2). The researchers noted that this feeling of excessive energy, while often positive, can tip into overstimulation for some individuals, particularly at higher doses (1).
This complexity underscores an important reality: LSD microdosing is not a one-size-fits-all intervention. Individual responses vary considerably, likely due to differences in biology, psychology, and environmental context. The research suggests that factors like mindset, setting, and even the specific activities a person engages in on dose days can significantly influence their experience (1). This is why any therapeutic use of microdosing would require careful dose titration and personalized protocols, as has been incorporated into more recent clinical trials for depression (3).
What This Means for You
So, what does this rigorous science mean for someone curious about microdosing? It suggests that the anecdotal reports of increased energy and vitality have a real basis in controlled research. If you find yourself struggling with low energy, lack of motivation, or a general sense of mental and physical sluggishness, LSD microdosing represents an intriguing avenue worth exploring—but only under proper guidance and in appropriate contexts. The research makes clear that this is not about chasing a high or quick fix. It's about potentially tapping into subtle neurochemical shifts that could support greater energy, presence, and engagement with life.
However, it's essential to approach this with informed caution and realistic expectations. The benefits appear to be transient, occurring primarily on dose days rather than building into lasting changes (2). There is also a real risk of anxiety and overstimulation, particularly for individuals who may be sensitive to stimulant-like effects. This is why undertaking such a journey should only be done with trained professionals in a safe, legal, and supportive environment where your individual response can be carefully monitored and adjusted.
Curious to Learn More?
If you are intrigued by the potential of microdosing and want to understand how it might fit into your wellness journey, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team. We can provide you with the most current, evidence-based information, answer your questions, and help you make an informed decision based on rigorous science, not just hype. Your path to a more energized and engaged life could be just a conversation away.
References
1.Murphy, R. J., Wardlaw, M., Smith, T., Noorani, T., et al. (2025). Participant Experiences of Microdosed Lysergic Acid Diethylamide in a 6-Week Randomised Controlled Trial. Journal of Humanistic Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1177/00221678251382624
Disclaimer: Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy has not been approved by any regulatory agencies in the United States, and the safety and efficacy are still not formally established at the time of this writing.