Microdosing psilocybin means taking tiny amounts of psychedelic mushrooms to experience subtle physiological benefits while minimizing potential side effects. A microdose is roughly 1/10 of a typical psychoactive dose with roughly 0.2 grams of dried magic mushrooms.
Accurately measuring a psilocybin dose can be challenging due to the varying potency of mushrooms, making it essential to find the right balance. Since a new user will be using a trial-and-error approach to get the desired result, it’s recommended to experiment when you have no obligations or commitments.
Microdosing is becoming increasingly favorable for improving emotional resilience and enhancing well-being. Millions of individuals have tried psychedelic products such as psilocybin microdose capsules offered by Good Friday Wellness as a sub-threshold or precursor to a psychedelic response, remaining in a general state of sobriety.
Understanding Microdosing Psilocybin or Psychedelic Magic Mushrooms
Microdosing involves consuming a very small amount of psilocybin or psychedelic mushrooms, typically around 1/20 to 1/10 of a standard recreational dose. The objective is to harness the therapeutic effects without experiencing an adverse response or trip.
Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin, the active compound that interacts with the brain’s serotonin receptors to produce an altered state of consciousness.
The Nature-Scientific Reports performed an observational study with 900 individuals who microdosed for a month and roughly 200 people who did not use the psychedelic.
The study revealed small to median improvement in symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and stress for those who microdose compared to those who did not. Research on microdosing is ongoing, specifically to discern the measurement that constitutes a mushroom microdose.
A favored protocol many people follow, and one used in clinical studies, is Fadiman’s protocol, which assigns “off” days to gain clarity into the effects produced by microdosing. It’s particularly beneficial for a beginner, allowing them to gauge the differences between days not consuming and those where they do.
As with any protocol, users decide a cycle duration, between 4-8 weeks, and can reset when becoming tolerant for approximately 2-4 weeks.
With the Fadiman approach, you would take a dose on day one, rest for two days, and take a dose on day four. Let’s review Precautions and considerations before starting a cycle.
The Variables
Microdosing effects can vary considerably from one person to the next. Variables to consider are personal biochemistry, dose, and setting, with the potential to influence the response. Starting with a small dose and gauging your tolerance and the effects is vital.
For those new to psychedelics, it’s wise to reach out for guidance from someone seasoned with microdosing to help get you started and under the guidance of a preferred medical provider. Check out Microdosing Psilocybin & Common Dosage Explained – For a detailed breakdown of psilocybin microdosing.
The Legalities
Psilocybin mushroom legal status varies from one state to the next and among different countries. Researching your local laws is critical to ensure you’re within compliance. For those who don’t have access to mushrooms, you can plan a holiday to an area offering them.
Again, you want to make sure the laws in your location allow microdosing mushrooms if you choose to bring them back into your local area.
The Risks
In most cases, psilocybin microdosing is well-tolerated, though users should still be mindful of any associated risks. Before consuming any new substance, consulting with your healthcare provider is recommended.
The doctor will assess your physical condition, any underlying health concerns, and medications to ensure usage will be safe according to this medical profile. Some individuals may experience minor issues like nausea, headaches, or mood shifts when microdosing mushrooms.
A priority is to follow one of the recommended protocols, such as Fadiman’s, to avoid a developing tolerance and the possibility of increasing doses to achieve the desired result. Consistently increasing the amount beyond a microdose could lead to habitual use.
The Science
While microdosing is becoming increasingly popular, research focused on psilocybin microdosing is limited and ongoing. Most of the reports on efficacy are anecdotal or from individual experimentation.
For official reports on short and long-term efficacy, more studies are warranted. Read here for a complete guide on mushroom microdosing.
Microdosing Protocol for Magic Mushrooms or Psilocybin
Fadiman’s is the protocol most commonly followed and used in many studies. The differences between varied methods are the “off” days that allow users to gain clarity as to the substance effects.
The Stamets Stack
Paul Stamets, an amateur mycologist, is dedicated to the study of the therapeutic properties of hallucinogenic and non-hallucinogenic mushrooms. With Stamet’s protocol, several supplements are stacked to create a “nootropic stack.” Lion’s Mane and Niacin or Vitamin B3 are also incorporated with this methodology.
Lion’s Mane boasts the potential for stimulating nerve growth, promoting neurogenic as is true with psilocybin. With his research, Stamet suggested that niacin acts as a flushing agent, pushing the other compounds to the neuron extremities and through the brain and blood barrier to encourage neural repair.
Some people are incredibly sensitive to niacin reacting with skin flushing. This can create a slight burning sensation or itching. This response can be resolved relatively quickly, but avoiding this protocol is recommended moving forward.
This approach follows a cycle of three consecutive days of microdosing, followed by a two-day break, before repeating the pattern.
Intuitive Psilocybin Microdosing
Usually, after following one of the other protocols for a few cycles, people will switch to a more intuitive regimen. With this approach, users decide when the proper time is to microdose based on the environment and specific needs.
A priority is that there be assigned “off” days, at least one full day without a dose, or reserve no less than two consecutive days for full sobriety in a seven-day timespan. The objective is to integrate tools like magic mushrooms into your healing process and not use them habitually to cope.
As scientific research progresses in the mushroom microdosing, a more comprehensive understanding of its limitations and efficacy can be established. As scientific understanding grows, microdosing psilocybin may offer a pathway to improved cognitive function and emotional balance.
