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The Rise of Microdosing: What New Research Reveals About America's Quiet Revolution

If you are interested to track your Micro Dosing Protocol - check out our new website https://microdose-tracker.com - it's free


For years, those of us in the psychedelic integration space have watched microdosing move from underground practice to mainstream curiosity. We've heard the anecdotes, supported clients through their protocols, and witnessed the quiet transformations. But until now, we've lacked solid data on just how widespread this practice has become.

The recently published 2025 RAND Psychedelics Survey changes that. This landmark study, conducted with over 10,000 participants drawn from a nationally representative sample, provides the most comprehensive picture yet of psychedelic use in America—and the findings around microdosing are striking

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The Numbers Are In: Nearly 10 Million Americans Microdosed Last Year

Let that number sink in for a moment. According to the RAND survey, approximately 9.55 million U.S. adults microdosed psilocybin, LSD, or MDMA in the past year. That's roughly 3.7% of the adult population engaging in a practice that remains federally prohibited.

But here's what really caught my attention as an integration guide: among those who used psilocybin in the past year, 69% reported microdosing at least once. For MDMA, that figure was 65%, and for LSD, 59%. These aren't fringe numbers—microdosing has become a mainstream approach to working with these substances.



Figure 1: Proportion of past-year users who reported microdosing at least once
Figure 1: Proportion of past-year users who reported microdosing at least once

Psilocybin Leads the Way


Figure 2: Past-year use rates for psychedelic substances among U.S. adults
Figure 2: Past-year use rates for psychedelic substances among U.S. adults

The survey confirmed what many of us have observed in our practice: psilocybin has emerged as the dominant psychedelic substance in America. With approximately 11 million adults using it in the past year, psilocybin mushrooms are now more widely used than MDMA, ketamine, and LSD combined.

The total number of psilocybin use days in America last year exceeded 200 million—and nearly half of those days involved microdosing. This tells us something important: people aren't just seeking occasional profound experiences. They're incorporating these medicines into regular, sustained practices aimed at ongoing wellbeing.


Figure 3: Share of total use days involving microdosing
Figure 3: Share of total use days involving microdosing

What This Means for Integration Work

As someone who works primarily with 5-MeO-DMT integration, I often encounter clients who are also exploring microdosing as part of their broader relationship with psychedelics. This research validates what I see in my practice: these two approaches often complement each other.

Macrodose experiences—particularly with substances like 5-MeO-DMT—can catalyze profound shifts in consciousness and perspective. Microdosing, on the other hand, offers a gentler, sustained approach that many find helpful for:

  • Managing anxiety and depression symptoms between larger experiences

  • Supporting the integration process after profound ceremonies

  • Enhancing creativity and problem-solving in daily life

  • Cultivating mindfulness and emotional regulation

The RAND data suggests that the psychedelic renaissance isn't just about seeking peak experiences. It's about developing ongoing relationships with these medicines as tools for growth and healing.


A Note of Caution: The Importance of Informed Practice

While these numbers demonstrate growing acceptance and use, they also underscore the critical need for education and proper support. The researchers noted that there's still no standardized definition of what constitutes a "microdose"—participants self-reported based on their own understanding of the term.

The RAND report also highlighted an important area requiring more research: the potential implications for cardiac health with repeated microdosing, particularly concerns around cardiac fibrosis and valvulopathy that warrant further investigation.

This is where integration support becomes essential. Whether you're exploring microdosing for the first time or incorporating it into an existing practice, working with someone who understands these substances can help you:

  • Develop a protocol that aligns with your intentions and health considerations

  • Navigate the psychological and emotional terrain that may arise

  • Integrate insights into lasting behavioral and perspective shifts

  • Stay informed about emerging research and safety considerations


The Bigger Picture: A Cultural Shift in Progress

Perhaps the most significant takeaway from this research is what it reveals about where we are as a culture. Nearly 10 million Americans choosing to work with these substances—often outside of legal frameworks—speaks to a deep hunger for tools that support mental health and personal growth.

The survey also found that Amanita muscaria mushrooms have entered the top five most-used psychedelics, likely due to their current legal status and increasing online availability. This reminds us that the landscape is constantly evolving, and staying informed is crucial.

As policy discussions continue at state and federal levels, data like this matters. It helps us move beyond stigma and prohibition toward evidence-based approaches that prioritize safety, education, and harm reduction.


Moving Forward Mindfully

If you're among the millions exploring microdosing—or considering it—know that you're part of a significant cultural moment. These practices, rooted in ancient traditions and now validated by growing scientific interest, offer genuine potential for healing and growth.

But they also deserve respect and intentionality. Whether you're working with psilocybin microdoses or integrating profound 5-MeO-DMT experiences, the real transformation happens not in the substance itself but in how we integrate these experiences into who we're becoming.

That's the work I'm here to support. If you're curious about integration—whether for microdosing, macrodose experiences, or the full spectrum of psychedelic work—I'd welcome the conversation.


If you are interested to track your Micro Dosing Protocol - check out our new website https://microdose-tracker.com it's free

Source: Priest, M., Kilmer, B., Senator, B., & Setodji, C.M. (2026). U.S. Psychedelic Use and Microdosing in 2025: Insights from a Probability-Based and Nationally Representative Survey. RAND Corporation.



About the Author

Sascha Kuhlmann is an integration guide specializing in 5-MeO-DMT and psychedelic integration support. Based in Illinois, he works with individuals seeking to make meaning of profound experiences and integrate them into lasting growth.

Learn more at adultintraining.us

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