LSD Microdosing — Psychedelics & Neuroplasticity
Lysergic acid diethylamide at sub-perceptual doses for cognitive enhancement, creativity, focus, and mood improvement — practiced by millions despite limited controlled trial data.
Overview
LSD microdosing typically involves 6-20 micrograms of LSD-25 (versus 75-200 µg for full psychedelic effect) taken on a schedule such as Fadiman's 1-on, 2-off protocol. LSD is a full 5-HT2A agonist with higher potency and significantly longer duration than psilocybin (12-14 hours vs 4-6 hours), making it more practically challenging for microdosing due to sleep disruption. James Fadiman's Global Microdosing Survey (n=4,050) reported improvements in mood, focus, energy, and creative thinking. The first pre-registered microdosing study (Szigeti et al., 2021, eLife) using a self-blinding citizen science protocol found positive benefits but substantial expectancy effects. Imperial College published the first fully blinded LSD microdosing RCT in 2023 — finding no significant cognitive or mood benefit over placebo in healthy volunteers. Silicon Valley adoption (Steve Jobs cited LSD as formative; numerous tech executives microdose) has driven cultural interest despite limited research.
Indications
- Cognitive performance and creative output enhancement (anecdotal/survey evidence)
- Mood elevation and emotional processing (observational)
- Focus and productivity optimization (observational)
- ADHD symptom management (anecdotal)
Mechanism of Action
LSD is a full 5-HT2A receptor agonist, significantly more potent than psilocybin per microgram — at microdose levels, produces sub-threshold 5-HT2A signaling without perceptual changes
Dosing
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| LSD-25 (Fadiman microdose schedule) | 6-20 micrograms | Day 1 on, Days 2-3 off, repeat | Accurate dosing extremely difficult with blotter; volumetric dosing in ethanol solution (1µg/mL) is most precise |
Evidence Grade
GRADE C
Safety & Contraindications
- Same contraindications as psilocybin: personal/family psychosis history is absolute contraindication
- Longer duration than psilocybin (12-14 hours) makes sleep disruption more likely
- Cardiovascular effects: dose-dependent hypertension and tachycardia
- Illicitly sourced LSD may be mislabeled or adulterated with NBOMes or DOx compounds — these are dangerous
- Always use reagent test kits (Ehrlich test) to confirm LSD vs. dangerous substitutes
- Schedule I substance: significant legal risk