What is microdosing?

Microdosing is the practise of taking tiny amounts of psychedelic substances, or micrograms like mushrooms, to experience subtle effects that improve your mood and enhance mindfulness, enhance creativity, focus, and overall well-being.

Unlike traditional high-dose “macro” trips, microdosing provides a more subtle experience, meaning the effects are minimal and often go unnoticed.

Some consider mushrooms to be the “multi-tool” of psychedelics. You can use them for almost anything that psychedelics can do: healing trauma, expanding your mind, self-discovery and awareness, releasing the fear of death, social anxiety, and much more. They’re an amazing and beautiful compound.

Psilocybin is the main active compound responsible for these psychedelic properties. It interacts with serotonin receptors in your brain, leading to altered perceptions, mood, and cognition. Figure 1 shows the molecular composition of psilocybin.

News and opinion websites such as Vox, Axios, Bloomberg, and Wall Street Journal have covered them. You can google “psychedelics” and get multiple articles to come up, as they’ve been covered quite a bit in almost every news outlet imaginable.

Just in the past year, the New York Times published these articles on psychedelics:

1. The Rise of Psychedelic Retreats
2. The Psychedelic Revolution Is Coming. Psychiatry May Never Be the Same
3. The Promise and Perils of Psychedelic Health Care

Is microdosing right for you?

While psychedelic medicines and mushrooms, particularly, may work for many people, they’re not for everyone. Many of you reading this article will probably decide not to use psychedelic medicine –at least not right now, and that’s totally fine.

For me, mushrooms are most effective when used as a daily microdose or as a “reset”. When I feel stuck in my thinking, have no energy, or I’m in my head spinning out on something, mushrooms get me out of that cycle and open up space for new ways of thinking. In my personal experiences with mushrooms, I usually get far more “mind expansion” than I get “trauma healing,” which is why I use them intentionally, and more as a supplement to my healing routines and practices.

One strategy that I’ve seen many people use effectively is to start by microdosing mushrooms, then move to MDMA or other assisted therapies, and finally move to larger macro or heroic doses of mushrooms.

Mushrooms can be very dark, especially for people with a lot of trauma or those who are new to using psychedelics. That’s why we encourage starting low and going slow. I’ve had friends who had “bad trips” because they weren’t ready or properly prepared to experience the emotions during and after triping that has turned them off psychedelics.

Mushrooms can make things worse before they get better and may bring up emotions you’ve been avoiding which can be very confronting and challenging. They can bring up both wonderful and scary emotions that can be hard to interpret or understand.

These experiences with mushrooms can also become incredibly beneficial if you’re approaching them from a non-fearful perspective and with a learning mindset. You can extract benefits from almost any experience, even the difficult ones. Those are often the best because you can learn new things and confront your fears. If you conquer them, your life will almost certainly improve.

How much is a micro?

So, by now you might be wondering, “How much of these mushrooms should I actually take?”

Great question! Let’s look at some research to get a handle on it.

Imagine taking something around the weight of a paperclip. That’s the usual amount for microdosing psilocybin mushrooms, somewhere between 0.1g to 0.5g dried weight.

A study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology showed that this little amount can boost creativity and mood without sending you on a full-blown psychedelic journey. It’s like adding a dash of spice to a dish – just enough to enhance the flavour without overpowering it.

If you’re new to this, the thought of trying mushrooms might be a bit intimidating. But, we’re talking about a teeny tiny amount here, carefully measured to give just a hint of what the full experience would be like.

Safety first: how to microdose responsibly

Before we continue, it’s important to emphasize the significance of safety when it comes to substance use. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new regimen, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medications.

Here are some key guidelines to follow:

• Start low and go slow:
  • Start with the smallest effective dose possible. The recommended starting dose for mushrooms is typically between 0.1 and 0.3 grams. Remember, the goal is to experience subtle effects, not to have a full-blown trip.
• Consistency is key:
  • Microdosing is often done on a schedule, such as “one day on, two days off.” This allows for a consistent and controlled experience. However, everyone’s body is different, so listen to your own needs and adjust accordingly.
• Know your source:
  • Make sure you get your mushrooms from a reliable and trusted source. It’s crucial to be aware of the quality and integrity of the product you’re using. Don’t be afraid to test it!
• Create a supportive environment:
  • Find a comfortable and safe space to microdose, whether it’s at home, in nature, or anywhere that makes you feel at ease. Surround yourself with positive vibes and eliminate potential stressors, especially the first few times you try it.

Microdosing isn’t a magic bullet solution and shouldn’t be seen as a quick fix for any physical or mental health issues. It’s a practice that, when used responsibly, can complement healthy lifestyle choices such as exercise, mindfulness, and good nutrition.

A dosing guide that’s easy to digest

When it comes to microdosing schedules, it’s like choosing a workout routine – there’s something for everyone.

Let’s explore a couple of popular options:

This is the classic microdosing schedule, (named after Dr. James Fadiman, the father of microdosing) is often recommended for beginners.

This schedule involves taking one microdose every three days. It gives you a day of noticeable effects followed by two days for the effects to taper off, which can help prevent tolerance build-up.

This schedule involves taking one microdose on the same day three times each week. It provides a balance between the effects of the microdose and regular days, allowing your body to rest and reset between doses.

This schedule is designed to align with a typical work week. You microdose Monday through Friday and then take the weekend off. It can be beneficial for those who are looking to enhance their productivity and creativity during the week.

These dosing schedules aren’t set in stone. Feel free to start with one of them as your baseline and then tweak it as you go. People typically experiment to find what works best for them. It’s always important to consider personal needs and sensitivities.

But remember like any substance, the body can build a tolerance.

The body can build tolerance to microdoses, as with any substance. As a best practice, we recommend taking 1 or 2 weeks off every 2 or 3 months to avoid building a long-term tolerance and give your body and mind some time to rest.

💡 Creating a tailored dosing schedule that suits you involves understanding your goals, experimenting, and considering external factors like work, social life, and well-being.

What you can expect to experience when microdosing

No, you won’t see flying toasters or have heart-to-heart chats with your cat.

Microdosing delivers a very subtle amount of psilocybin changes like a lift in mood or an extra spark of creativity. It feels like adding a splash of colour to a grey day. One thing to keep in mind is that everyone’s experience may vary, so it’s important to approach it with an open mind and without any preconceptions.

Here are some of the potential microdosing benefits that users commonly report:

• Enhanced creativity: Many people find that microdosing mushrooms can help unlock their creative potential. It can spark new ideas, boost problem-solving abilities, and aid in thinking outside the box.
• Improved focus: Some users describe increased focus and concentration while microdosing. It can help you stay in the flow and engage more fully in the tasks at hand.
• Mood enhancement: It may bring a general sense of well-being, an improved mood, and a positive outlook on life. Just imagine living life through rose-coloured glasses but without the psychedelic effects.
• Increased energy: It can provide a gentle boost of energy, helping you feel motivated and ready to take on the day’s challenges.

The effects of microdosing can affect people differently. These are often subtle and may take time to notice. Keeping a journal to track your experiences can be helpful in reflecting on any changes or patterns.

It’s OK if it’s not right for you

If you decide that psychedelic medicine is not for you, that’s totally fine.

If you have any doubt, then it’s probably not the right thing for you, at least right now. For many people, it’s not going to be right at all. For others, it’s not the right thing for now but will be later.

Microdosing is about finding what resonates with you, dosing responsibly, and treating it as a part of your broader wellness strategy, rather than a magic cure-all solution. In the end, it’s about enhancing life’s experiences, not escaping them. Microdosing mushrooms might offer a new path, whether you’re seeking creative sparks, a mood lift, or a new approach to personal growth.

Be safe, listen to your body, and most importantly, don’t forget to give yourself those necessary breaks to keep the experience fresh and effective.

Keep open lines of communication with healthcare providers if needed, and don’t shy away from tapping into the knowledge of microdosing communities. With the right approach, microdosing can be more than just a trend; it could become a thoughtful addition to your daily routine.

With careful consideration, mindful intention, and a commitment to safety, the world of microdosing opens up a landscape ready for exploration. Enjoy the journey and stay grounded in your pursuit. After all, the path of self-discovery is often found in the subtle and nuanced, rather than the loud and flashy.

Happy exploring! 🍄🌱