Microdosing involves taking a very small dose of some popular hallucinogenic substances. Proponents of microdosing believe that the practice benefits the mind, and research has recently started to explore this possibility. People should be aware that there may be some risks to microdosing, including the fact that the scheduling of these substances makes them illegal to possess. Microdosing is a relatively recent phenomenon involving taking very small doses of some popular psychedelic hallucinogens or other drugs. Importantly, this is a very small dose of the psychedelic that is not enough to produce a “trip” or the hallucinations often associated with these drugs. As a study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology notes, a technical definition of a microdose would be a dose of a drug that is only 1% of the active dose. However, the more common term for microdosing — a small fraction of a “normal dose” — is rather vague, as it does not provide a defined numerical value. Therefore, the common accepted definition is a small dose that does not cause any intoxication or significant alteration of consciousness. Anecdotal evidence suggests that people tend to take a small dose and then take it regularly or semi-regularly for an extended period. The duration of use varies from person to person. The intention of microdosing also differs from that of normal psychedelic or hallucinogenic substance taking. Many people use psychedelics at higher doses for self-exploration, recreation, or spiritual purposes. On the other hand, microdosers tend to take these doses to improve their well-being or enhance their emotional or mental state. At these low levels, many people do not notice the effects in the same as a person would notice a psychedelic trip. Many say that the feeling has no relation to a psychedelic experience. Proponents of microdosing claim that taking these psychedelics in small, measured doses benefits the mind, making them think more clearly or feel more open throughout the day. Few studies have investigated the effects of microdosing directly. Furthermore, experts know little about the effects of long-term microdosing. Another issue is that many studies to date have relied on self-reporting. This method often involves asking questions to people who have been microdosing or were already interested in it. As such, there may be a bit of bias in these studies, as the people may expect to have a good experience while microdosing. There is not yet enough strong evidence, including comparative research using placebos, to make a case for microdosing. However, users report a few different benefits, which generally relate to mental health and well-being. A study in Harm Reduction Journal categorized several possible benefits from reports by microdosers. These benefits include: improved focus, concentration, and mindfulness improved energy, wakefulness.