Editorial commentary

Andrew Huberman on microdosing: skepticism matches the mixed evidence

Huberman has expressed skepticism about microdosing compared with controlled macrodose research; current evidence is mixed and expectancy effects matter.

Person: Andrew Huberman Source: Huberman Lab with Robin Carhart-Harris Statement: 2023-05-15 Reviewed: 2026-04-25 Reviewer: Dr. Michael Teplitsky

The Statement

I've always just been a little bit skeptical.

Source: Huberman Lab with Robin Carhart-Harris (microdosing discussion).

Context

Microdosing is popular in wellness and productivity culture, but Huberman's discussions often distinguish subperceptual dosing from clinical psychedelic sessions.

What The Evidence Shows

Placebo-controlled microdosing studies have produced mixed findings. Some outcomes may reflect expectancy, while clinical psilocybin research generally uses larger supervised doses.

Where It Lands

Accurate

Microdosing evidence is mixed.

Controlled studies have not consistently shown large benefits beyond placebo or expectancy.

Disputed

Microdosing is equivalent to clinical psilocybin therapy.

Clinical trials usually use supervised higher-dose sessions, not routine microdosing.

Bottom Line

A skeptical framing is warranted. Microdosing is not proven to deliver the same benefits studied in supported high-dose clinical protocols.

Editorial commentary. Not medical or legal advice. Not endorsed by or affiliated with Andrew Huberman.