Emily Johnson
Psilocybin is a psychedelic drug derived from several species of 'magic mushrooms within the genus Psilocybe. It has been used for its psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects for generations, with civilisations such as the Aztec, Maya, Olmec, and Zapotec documenting its use in healing rituals and religious ceremonies. Today, there is growing interest in the therapeutic use of psilocybin, particularly in the treatment of mental health conditions such as treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and PTSD. When it comes to dosing, the average psilocybin content is approximately 1% psilocybin per gram of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushroom, which equates to 10 milligrams of psilocybin in a 1-gram dose of mushrooms. However, it is important to note that the psilocybin content can vary between species and even within the same species, so it is always recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase if necessary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average psilocybin content in 1g of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushroom | 10 milligrams (mg) or ~0.9 mg |
| Common dose | 25 mg |
| Microdose | 0.5 g |
| Full-blown psychedelic experience | 3.5 g or 5 g |
| Full-blown psychedelic experience psilocybin content | 35 mg or 50 mg |
| Medium to high dose | 20-30 mg |
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What You'll Learn
A 1g dose of magic mushrooms is considered a low dose
Magic mushrooms, or psychedelic mushrooms, are part of the genus Psilocybe, which contains almost 200 species of fungi that produce psilocybin, a psychedelic compound. Psilocybin is a prodrug, which means it is metabolized by the body into psilocin, the active compound that causes psychedelic effects.
The average psilocybin content in one gram of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms is about 1%, or 10 milligrams (mg). This equates to a low dose, which typically does not induce full-blown psychedelic effects or hallucinations, but can cause enhanced sensory perception, euphoria, and more vibrant colours. This is not to be confused with a "microdose", which is a sub-perceptual dose that is much lower than a recreational dose and does not induce hallucinations.
A 1g dose of magic mushrooms is generally considered safe and is commonly used for therapeutic purposes. However, it is important to note that the effects of psilocybin can vary greatly from person to person, and there are many different strains and variables that can influence the effects. It is always advisable to start with a low dose and increase gradually, as larger doses can result in terrifying or traumatic experiences.
In addition, it is crucial to prioritize safety when consuming magic mushrooms. They should be sourced from a trusted provider as it is easy to mistake poisonous mushrooms for psychedelic mushrooms, which can cause severe illness or even death. Furthermore, magic mushrooms should not be combined with other substances without proper knowledge of potential interactions, and it is recommended to avoid consuming them if one is in a negative or stressful mindset.
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A 1g dose of dried mushrooms was used in a microdosing study
Psilocybin, the main psychedelic ingredient in "magic" mushrooms, has gained attention for its therapeutic use. Microdosing, or the use of low sub-perceptual doses of psychedelics, has become increasingly popular in recent years. While there are many anecdotal reports of its benefits, there is a lack of placebo-controlled studies to validate these claims.
One study investigated the effects of a 1g dose of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms, separated into two doses of 0.5g. The samples were dried and ground into a fine powder, with 150mg of each sample sent for chemical analysis. The study found that a 1g dose of dried mushrooms did not have a significantly positive impact on creativity, cognition, physical activity levels, or self-reported measures of mental health and well-being. However, there was a trend towards impaired performance in certain cognitive tasks.
It is important to note that the effects of microdosing can vary depending on the source of the mushrooms and the weight of the individual consuming them. The average psilocybin content is approximately 1% per gram of dried mushrooms, which would equate to 10mg of psilocybin in a 1g dose. However, the variability in psilocybin content can range from 0.5-2% dried mushroom weight based on species.
While a 1g dose of dried mushrooms is generally considered a low dose, it can still produce noticeable effects. Individuals may experience euphoria and an enhancement of their senses, such as seeing more vibrant colors. However, this dose is not considered a microdose, and higher doses of dried mushrooms can induce full-blown psychedelic experiences.
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A 25mg fixed dose of psilocybin is around 2.5g of dried mushrooms
Psilocybin is the main psychedelic ingredient in "magic" mushrooms. It is an indole alkaloid found in several species of mushrooms within the genus Psilocybe. Psilocybin is nontoxic and has been used for therapeutic purposes. The traditional and ancestral use of psychedelic mushrooms originated in Mesoamerica, with civilisations such as the Aztec, Maya, Olmec, and Zapotec using psilocybin to evoke altered states of consciousness for healing rituals and religious ceremonies.
The psilocybin content in mushrooms varies depending on the species and preparation method. The most commonly used mushroom is Psilocybe cubensis, which contains around 10–12 mg of psilocybin per gram of dried mushrooms. However, psilocybin levels can range from 0.1% to 2% of dry weight, with mushroom caps usually containing higher psilocybin levels than stems.
When determining the dosage of psilocybin, it is important to consider factors such as body weight and individual sensitivity to psilocybin. Clinical trials typically use doses of 20-30mg of psilocybin for a 70kg individual, with lower doses for those weighing less and higher doses for those weighing more. It is recommended to start with a lower dosage, especially if one is not experienced with psilocybin.
A fixed dose of 25mg of psilocybin is commonly used in clinical trial protocols. This dose corresponds to approximately 2.5 grams of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms, assuming an average psilocybin content of ∼1% psilocybin per gram. However, it is important to note that there can be intra- and inter-species variability in psilocybin content, so the actual weight of dried mushrooms required to achieve a 25mg dose may vary.
In summary, a 25mg fixed dose of psilocybin is around 2.5 grams of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms, but the specific weight may differ depending on the psilocybin content of the particular batch of mushrooms. It is always advisable to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it in a safe and controlled setting.
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An eighth-ounce of dried mushrooms contains around 35mg of psilocybin
An eighth-ounce of dried mushrooms typically contains around 35 mg of psilocybin. This is considered a high dose and will likely induce a "full-blown psychedelic experience". Experiences may include heavy perceptual and cognitive distortions, and you may or may not be able to hold a conversation or accurately perceive your surroundings. No two trips are exactly alike, but it is likely to be a stand-out experience in your life.
It is important to note that the psilocybin content in mushrooms varies depending on the species and batch. The average psilocybin content is around 1% per gram of dried mushrooms, which equates to 10 mg of psilocybin per gram. However, the variability in psilocybin content can range from 0.5% to 2% dried mushroom weight.
Microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms has gained popularity in recent years. Microdosing typically involves consuming a low, sub-hallucinogenic dose of psilocybin, usually around 0.5 grams of dried mushrooms, which is significantly less than an eighth of an ounce. While microdosing may not induce full-blown psychedelic effects, individuals may still experience enhanced senses, such as seeing more vibrant colours.
It is always recommended to start with a low dose when trying a new psychoactive substance, such as psilocybin mushrooms. Clinical studies have shown that psilocybin, in doses of 10 mg or 25 mg, does not cause any short-term or long-term detrimental effects in healthy individuals. However, it is important to closely monitor individuals after administration and provide a safe and supervised setting for consumption.
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Psilocybin has been used in therapeutic settings
Psilocybin, the main psychedelic ingredient in "magic" mushrooms, has been used in therapeutic settings to treat a range of mental health disorders and addictions. The molecular structure of psilocybin allows it to penetrate the central nervous system, and its effects on the brain and mind are being studied for their therapeutic potential in treating mental illnesses.
Psilocybin has been classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, and possession of psilocybin-containing mushrooms is outlawed in most countries. However, it has been approved for therapeutic use in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression in Australia since 2023. Psilocybin is typically taken orally, but other routes of administration, such as intravenous injection, can also be used.
Research has shown that psilocybin-assisted therapy, combined with supportive psychotherapy, can effectively treat major depressive disorder symptoms in adults for up to a year. In a study, participants' depressive symptoms were measured before and after treatment using the GRID-Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, with scores decreasing significantly from pretreatment to follow-up periods.
Psilocybin has also been studied for its potential in treating tobacco addiction. A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that a small number of longtime smokers were able to quit smoking after carefully controlled and monitored use of psilocybin in a cognitive-behavioral therapy treatment program. Additionally, psilocybin has been found to help reduce anxiety in some cancer patients.
The therapeutic use of psilocybin involves careful dosing and administration protocols. Current clinical trial protocols typically use a fixed psilocybin dose of 25 mg, which is consistent with previous weight-based dosing. The use of low sub-hallucinogenic doses, known as "microdosing," has also gained popularity, although more research is needed to understand its effects fully.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, there is 1% psilocybin per 1g of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushroom, which equates to 10mg of psilocybin. However, the psilocybin content can vary from 0.5–2% dried mushroom weight based on species.
A microdose of psilocybin mushrooms is usually considered to be 0.5g of dried mushrooms. However, there is no precise definition of what constitutes a microdose.
A 1g dose of psilocybin mushrooms is considered a low dose that still produces noticeable effects. You may experience euphoria and an enhancement of the senses, such as seeing more vibrant colours.
The "heroic dose" was coined by the late Terrence McKenna, who described it as his preferred way of diving into the full depth of the mushroom experience. It involves consuming 5 dried grams of mushrooms in silent darkness. At 1% psilocybin content, this would contain about 50mg of psilocybin.
