John Miller
Microdosing mushrooms, or psilocybin, is a popular topic on Reddit, with many users sharing their experiences, dosages, and methods. Some users report enhanced perception, creativity, open-mindedness, and wisdom from microdosing. However, opinions vary on the definition of microdosing, and some users caution against the unpredictability of mushroom dosages. While some users recommend blending doses, others advise against consuming mushrooms in baked goods due to the difficulty of determining the correct dosage. The cultivation of psychedelic mushrooms is also discussed, with users offering guidance on growing mushrooms and sourcing spores or liquid culture syringes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Microdosing mushrooms | Enhances your ability to perceive things, and may benefit your wisdom, open-mindedness and creativity |
| Mushroom potency | Unlike pure lab substances like LSD, it is hard to weigh and know the potency of a mushroom |
| Dosage | A commonly used tactic is to blend your doses, for example, grinding 1g of mushroom and weighing out 0.1g doses for 10 days, instead of cutting the mushroom into 10 pieces |
| Effects | If you microdose and feel anything, it’s not a “micro” dose. If you microdose for an extended period of time, it’s not microdosing |
| Addiction | Mushrooms are not necessarily “addictive” in the same way as cocaine or alcohol or sugar |
| Dose for beginners | If you haven't taken psychedelics before, start with a smaller dose. Not necessarily a microdose, just on the lesser end of the spectrum of dosage needed to feel the effects |
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What You'll Learn
Microdosing mushrooms may enhance your perception and creativity
Microdosing on psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin or "magic" mushrooms, is the act of taking a fraction of a regular dose. The practice has gained popularity due to its purported benefits, including enhanced mood, creativity, concentration, productivity, and empathy. However, the evidence supporting these advantages is mixed, and the lack of a standardised definition for microdosing complicates research efforts.
Proponents of microdosing mushrooms believe that it can unlock creativity and induce a state of unconstrained thought, leading to more creative ideas. A study conducted by Luisa Prochazkova of Leiden University in the Netherlands supports this notion. The research, published in the journal Psychopharmacology, found that microdosing improved both divergent and convergent thinking in participants. They exhibited enhanced fluency, flexibility, and originality in solving tasks, suggesting that microdosing selectively benefits the creative domain without altering intelligence or analytical abilities.
However, not all studies show positive results. A randomised controlled study found that while participants reported feeling happier and more creative, there was no objective evidence of improved creativity, well-being, or cognitive function. This study supports the hypothesis that the benefits attributed to microdosing may be primarily due to the "expectancy effect," where individuals fervently expect positive outcomes from taking a pill, regardless of its actual contents.
It is important to note that the potency of mushrooms can vary significantly, and the risk of poisoning from consuming the wrong type of mushroom is high. Additionally, the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies across regions, and their safety is a subject of ongoing debate. While some jurisdictions have decriminalised or legalised their use, it is essential to stay informed about the laws and potential risks associated with microdosing mushrooms.
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Microdoses are typically unnoticeable, and macrodoses can be felt
Microdosing involves taking very small doses of a psychoactive substance, such as psilocybin, the primary psychoactive ingredient in mushrooms, or LSD. This allows users to experience the therapeutic benefits of the substance without any intense psychoactive effects. Microdoses are typically unnoticeable, and macrodoses can be felt.
When microdosing with mushrooms, it is important to consider your individual sensitivity to psilocybin and the potency of the mushrooms used. It is recommended to start with a low dose, such as 0.01 grams, and increase gradually as needed. One user reported that a dose of 0.1 grams caused them to feel taller and experience a "growth spurt at 40." Another user reported that a dose of 0.2 grams for three days on and one day off worked well for them.
To create your own microdose capsules, you will need a scale that can measure a thousandth of a gram to ensure an accurate dosage. A tobacco or herb weighing scale should suffice. You will also need a grinder, such as a coffee grinder or a pestle and mortar. First, dry the mushrooms and grind them into a powder. Then, measure out the desired dose and take one dose to start, noting your reaction. It is important to observe the effects not just on the days you take the microdose but also on the days between doses, as many people report increased feelings of creativity and energy the day after microdosing.
Some people also choose to blend their doses. For example, instead of cutting a 1-gram mushroom into 10 pieces, you can grind it all and weigh out individual doses of 0.1 grams each for 10 days. This lowers the unpredictability of the doses. However, it is important to note that the potency of mushrooms can vary, and it may be difficult to determine how potent a particular mushroom is.
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Microdosing for extended periods is not considered microdosing
Microdosing typically involves taking small, sub-hallucinogenic amounts of a psychedelic substance. The intention is to gain the cognitive benefits of the substance without experiencing the full effects of a "trip".
However, the effects of microdosing can be subtle and may not be immediately noticeable. This can make it difficult to determine the ideal dosage and frequency of administration. If an individual continues to increase their dosage over an extended period, they may eventually surpass the threshold where the effects of the substance become noticeable. At this point, it can no longer be considered a microdose.
For example, one individual who microdosed with mushrooms reported that they did not notice any benefits when taking between 0.1 and 0.3g. They considered a dose of 1.5g to be a "normal macrodose" and noted that they would need to take 5g to experience a "heavy trip". Another individual who had been microdosing for years settled on a dose of 0.10g, which is approximately a third of a 1/2 teaspoon of ground mushroom.
Additionally, microdosing for extended periods may increase the risk of adverse effects. For instance, one individual reported a 50% increase in pain in their neck and shoulders after microdosing with magic mushrooms. While another individual who had been microdosing for 2+ months fell and experienced a lung collapse.
Therefore, it is important to approach microdosing with caution and to be mindful of the potential risks involved, especially when considering extended use.
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Mushrooms are unpredictable, so grind and weigh doses
Mushrooms are unpredictable, and there are several reasons why. Firstly, it is hard to know how strong mushrooms are. Secondly, the length and intensity of each mushroom trip can vary and are influenced by factors such as the user's mood, personality, and expectations, and environmental factors. Additionally, the effects of magic mushrooms can be unpredictable and dangerous when taken with other drugs or medications. Furthermore, some mushrooms are extremely poisonous and can cause violent illness or even death. Therefore, it is essential to grind and weigh doses when microdosing mushrooms to ensure accuracy and reduce the risk of negative side effects.
When microdosing mushrooms, it is crucial to understand that the effects can vary significantly from person to person. Factors such as body weight and metabolism can influence the effects of mushrooms. Therefore, it is recommended to start with a smaller dose, not necessarily a microdose, to gauge the effects. For example, a user on Reddit mentions that they typically take between 2.5-4 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, while another user settles on a microdose of about 0.10 grams.
The unpredictability of mushrooms also stems from their similarity in appearance to certain types of poisonous mushrooms. Consuming these poisonous mushrooms can lead to severe consequences, including violent illness and, in some cases, death. As a result, it is essential to properly identify and source mushrooms from reputable suppliers to reduce the risk of ingesting poisonous varieties.
Additionally, the effects of magic mushrooms can be unpredictable when combined with other substances. For instance, mixing magic mushrooms with ice, speed, or ecstasy can increase the chances of a bad trip and lead to panic. Furthermore, mushrooms should not be taken by individuals on psychiatric medications, as it could lead to a relapse or worsening of their condition. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and refrain from combining mushrooms with other substances without proper knowledge and guidance.
In conclusion, the unpredictability of mushrooms underscores the importance of grinding and weighing doses when microdosing. By doing so, individuals can better control the amount of psilocybin ingested, reducing the risk of negative side effects associated with higher doses. Additionally, accurate dosing allows for a more consistent experience, enabling individuals to explore the potential benefits of microdosing mushrooms while minimizing the chances of a negative experience.
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Body weight doesn't affect how hard psilocybin hits you
While some drugs are dosage-dependent on weight, this does not seem to be the case with psilocybin. Body weight-adjusted dosing is considered a 'gold standard' in pharmacological research, and has been widely used in studies on psilocybin. However, several studies have shown that body weight does not predict the response to psilocybin. This is because psilocybin is a neurochemical, and its action in the body is different from that of alcohol, for example, which is digested in the liver and dilutes itself in the blood.
This is not to say that body weight has no impact on the effects of psilocybin. One user on Reddit noted that as a relatively small person with a fast metabolism, this factored into their dosages. However, they also stated that the effects of psilocybin depend on what is "going on upstairs", and therefore, it is always recommended to start with a small dose when trying psilocybin.
The effects of psilocybin on body weight, intake, and output have been studied in male and female mice. These studies found that psilocybin-treated mice were consistently heavier than controls in the days following treatment, with no effect on intake or output. Further analysis revealed that psilocybin increased lean and water mass and led to changes in metabolic function.
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Frequently asked questions
Microdosing is taking a small amount of a psychedelic substance, such as psilocybin mushrooms, to enhance your ability to perceive things.
The amount you microdose depends on your body and metabolism. If you are new to psychedelics, start with a smaller dose and work your way up. A commonly used tactic is to blend your doses. For example, if you plan to microdose 0.1g for 10 days, grind 1g of mushroom and weigh out individual doses, rather than cutting the mushroom into pieces.
A study found that people who microdose LSD and magic mushrooms score higher on measures of wisdom, open-mindedness and creativity. However, if you feel anything from your microdose, it is not a microdose.
You can buy mushroom blend chocolate bars, but these often don't contain psilocybin. You can also grow your own mushrooms using spores or liquid culture syringes, which are available to buy online.
