Mushroom Microdosing: A Beginner's Guide To Safe Consumption

Magic mushrooms are mushrooms that contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin, which can cause hallucinations and distort a person's sense of reality. The use of psilocybin mushrooms, also known as shrooms or mushies, has grown in popularity in recent years, with some people believing that microdosing can have therapeutic benefits. However, it is important to note that the potency of mushrooms can vary greatly, and taking too high of a dose can lead to negative experiences, including terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, and even long-term mental health issues such as psychosis. To ensure a safe experience, it is recommended to plan your dose in advance, correctly identify the mushrooms, and consume them in a comfortable and safe environment.

Microdosing: a fraction of a regular dose

Microdosing involves taking a fraction of a regular dose of a drug. In the context of mushrooms, microdosing involves taking a small amount of psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms. While there is no single, clearly recognized definition of microdosing for psychedelic drugs, it generally refers to taking a dose that is below the threshold for perceptual effects, often in the range of 1-10% of a standard or "trippy" dose.

When it comes to magic mushrooms, a microdose typically involves consuming a small amount of dried mushrooms, usually around 0.1 to 0.5 grams, although some sources suggest doses as low as 0.3 grams. The mushrooms can be chewed dry, added to hot tea or broth, or crushed and mixed with food or capsules. People who microdose mushrooms typically do so on a semi-regular basis, such as two or three days a week.

It's important to note that the potency of mushrooms can vary significantly, and it is very easy to poison oneself with the wrong type of mushroom. Therefore, it is crucial to obtain mushrooms from a trusted source and exercise caution when microdosing. While some people report benefits such as improved mood, enhanced creativity, and cognitive enhancement, the research on the effects of microdosing mushrooms is still ongoing, and there may be potential side effects.

Before considering microdosing, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to assess the potential risks and benefits for your specific situation. Additionally, it is worth noting that the legal status of mushrooms varies across different regions, and it is important to be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding their use.

Effects: distorted sense of time, place, and reality

The effects of taking psychedelic mushrooms vary depending on the individual, their mood, personality, and expectations, and the strength and amount of mushrooms consumed. Psilocybin, the compound found in mushrooms, can cause a distorted sense of time, place, and reality.

Hallucinogenic psilocybin is known to alter the subjective experience of time. Research has shown that psilocybin impairs the ability to accurately reproduce interval durations longer than 2.5 to 3 seconds and causes individuals to tap their fingers at a slower rate. Psilocybin also affects an individual's ability to synchronize to inter-beat intervals longer than 2 seconds. These effects on temporal processing are specific to relatively long durations and are attributable to memory and decision-making components of the internal clock model.

The distortion of time perception caused by psilocybin is thought to be due to its influence on serotoninergic 5-HT2A receptors in the brain. This same mechanism is believed to be responsible for the hallucinations, delusions, and distorted perceptions experienced by individuals with schizophrenia. By studying the effects of psilocybin on time perception, researchers can gain insight into the underlying serotonergic signaling mechanisms involved in psychosis and schizophrenia.

In addition to altering time perception, psilocybin can also affect an individual's sense of place and reality. Mushrooms containing psilocybin are considered illegal drugs due to their hallucinogenic properties. When consumed, they can cause individuals to feel drowsy or relaxed at lower doses, while higher doses can lead to hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. The intensity of these effects depends on the strength of the mushrooms and the amount consumed.

It is important to note that the potency of mushrooms can vary, and consuming too large a dose can lead to a terrifying and traumatic experience, with intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. In very rare cases, extremely high doses of mushrooms can even lead to death. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and seek mushrooms from a trusted source if choosing to consume them.

Safety: not an exact science, potency varies

When it comes to dosing mushrooms, it's important to remember that it's not an exact science. The potency of mushrooms can vary greatly, and there is no standardised dose, especially outside of clinical trials. Mushrooms are not regulated, and their potency can differ based on species and growing conditions. For example, the psilocybin content in dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms can vary from 0.5% to 2% of their dried weight. This means that a 25 mg psilocybin dose could be anywhere from 1.25 to 2.5 grams of dried mushrooms. Therefore, it is always recommended to start with a lower dose when trying a new batch.

The effects of mushrooms are also influenced by individual factors such as weight, mood, personality, expectations, and mindset. The same dose of mushrooms can have varying effects on different people, and even the same person can have different experiences with the same dose at different times. This makes it challenging to determine a precise dose-response relationship for mushrooms.

Additionally, the effects of mushrooms can be unpredictable, and a negative experience can be distressing and even traumatic. It is important to be mindful of the potential risks and take appropriate precautions. It is recommended to have a trusted source for obtaining mushrooms and to correctly identify the mushroom species, as some wild mushrooms are toxic and can cause irreversible damage or even death.

Furthermore, it is crucial to plan your dose in advance and allow sufficient time between trips to fully process and recover from the experience. Mixing mushrooms with other drugs, including alcohol and medicines, can lead to unintended or unpredictable effects and increase the risk of adverse reactions. It is always advisable to speak with a healthcare professional before consuming mushrooms, especially if you have any medical concerns or are taking medications.

Legality: Class A drugs in the UK

In the UK, magic mushrooms are classified as Class A drugs, which means they are considered the most dangerous type of controlled substance. Class A drugs attract the highest penalties, and possession of these drugs is illegal and punishable by imprisonment. The specific penalty for possession depends on the class and quantity of the drug, as well as where the person and the drugs were found. For example, possession in a school or prison is considered an aggravating factor that may increase the severity of the sentence. On the other hand, mitigating factors, such as no criminal record, may reduce the severity of the sentence.

The police have the power to stop, detain, and search individuals on 'reasonable suspicion' of possessing a controlled drug. The UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 establishes the Home Secretary as the principal authority in the drug licensing system, allowing them to list new drugs and upgrade, downgrade, or delist controlled substances. This act categorises drugs into four classes: Class A, Class B, Class C, and temporary class drugs. The classification is based on the relative degree of overall harm from misuse, with Class A drugs deemed the most harmful.

While the Act has been criticised for its unscientific classification, excluding substances like tobacco and alcohol, it provides a framework for controlling and regulating the production, supply, use, export, and import of drugs. The Act also allows for the amendment of substance classifications through statutory instruments, considering the findings of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. This flexibility enables the Home Secretary to make changes without the bureaucratic delays associated with passing legislation through Parliament.

It is important to note that the legality of mushrooms in the UK is clear, and possession or use of these Class A drugs can result in significant legal consequences. The effects of mushrooms can vary, with some users experiencing enjoyable trips, while others may encounter terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, panic attacks, or fears of death. Additionally, taking too high a dose of mushrooms can lead to severe consequences, including a long-term mental health condition called psychosis and, in very rare cases, death. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the legal implications and potential risks associated with the use of mushrooms in the UK.

History: used by indigenous peoples for centuries

For centuries, Indigenous communities have been the caretakers and knowledge holders of psychedelic plant medicines, including psilocybin mushrooms. These communities tend to view these plants and fungi as sacred family members that are integral to their spirituality.

The Mazatec people in Mexico, for example, developed medicinal and sacramental uses of psilocybin mushrooms. However, when they shared their knowledge with a U.S. writer in 1957, their cultural and religious practices were disrupted by the monetization of "magic" mushrooms. This led to the commodification and legalization of psychedelic medicines in the West, causing emotional, cultural, and ecological harms to Indigenous communities who have been using these medicines for millennia.

In recent years, there has been a psychedelic revival globally, with Western science recognizing the potential mental health benefits of psilocybin mushrooms in treating depression, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, and end-of-life anxiety. Clinical trials and media buzz have fueled the legalization of therapeutic use, resulting in a booming global psychedelic drugs market.

While the legalization of psilocybin mushrooms offers potential benefits to wider society, it is crucial to acknowledge and address the historical and ongoing harms inflicted on Indigenous communities. There are growing calls for Indigenous-led conversations and collaborations to ensure cultural sensitivity, respect, and reciprocity in the use and commercialization of psychedelic medicines. These discussions aim to explore intellectual property rights, benefit-sharing, and cultural appropriation to foster equitable and inclusive practices that honor the contributions of Indigenous peoples.

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