Michael Davis
The amount of micrograms in a mushroom capsule varies depending on the type of mushroom, the size of the capsule, and the desired effect. Mushrooms can be ground into a fine powder and encapsulated to create mushroom capsules. These capsules are often referred to as microdoses, containing small, non-perceptual amounts of psilocybin-containing mushrooms. While there is no standard definition of a microdose, it typically ranges from 100 mg to 250 mg of dried magic mushrooms, with some sources suggesting a range of 0.25 to 1 gram. It is important to note that the weight of the dose depends on whether the mushrooms are wet or dried, as wet mushrooms have more water weight. Additionally, the potency of mushrooms can vary, and it is crucial to prioritize safety by starting with a low dose and gradually increasing if desired.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of microdosing | To alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression |
| Types of mushrooms | Reishi, turkey tail, chaga, lion's mane, shiitake, portobello, white button mushrooms, porcinis, etc. |
| Dosage | 100 mg to 250 mg of dried magic mushrooms |
| Microdosing definition | Approximately 1/5 to 1/20 of a recreational dose |
| Microdosing range | 0.25 to 1 gram |
| Capsule types | Gelatin or vegetarian |
| Capsule ingredients to avoid | Fillers like brown rice, mushroom mycelium on grain, or wheat |
| Capsule ingredients to look for | Organic seals of approval, whole fruiting body, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, organic pullulan capsules |
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What You'll Learn
Microdosing vs macrodosing
Microdosing and macrodosing are two approaches to taking hallucinogens, primarily LSD, DMT, and psilocybin (magic mushrooms). Macrodosing refers to a "normal" or standard dose of these substances, generally causing intense hallucinations, euphoria, and reality distortions. Microdosing, on the other hand, involves taking a fraction of the standard dose, typically about a tenth or twentieth of a macrodose. This smaller dose is believed to reduce reality distortions while enhancing mood, focus, concentration, creativity, energy, and social connections.
The popularity of microdosing has grown in recent years, with people reporting improvements in various aspects of their lives. Some individuals take microdoses of mushrooms or other psychedelics to enhance their work performance, boost creativity, or address issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addiction. Microdosing allows people to incorporate psychedelic drugs into their daily routines while maintaining or improving their cognitive and mental function. It is important to note that the effects of microdosing can vary from person to person, and there is limited scientific research on the practice due to the illegal status of most hallucinogens.
To create mushroom capsules for microdosing, individuals can use a capsule machine and dried mushrooms. The mushrooms are ground into a fine powder and weighed precisely using a digital scale to ensure an accurate dose. The powder is then encapsulated, and the capsules can be taken orally. The standard dose for microdosing is typically between 100 mg and 250 mg of dried magic mushrooms, taken across dosing days and days off.
On the other hand, macrodosing typically involves taking a full dose of psychedelics, which can lead to a loss of self-identity and out-of-body experiences. While macrodosing has been traditionally associated with religious and spiritual practices, where large doses induce visionary states, it also has therapeutic benefits. Macrodosing with psychedelics can be effective in relieving conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety. However, it is important to prioritize safety and start with a low dose when macrodosing, as different strains and variables can influence the effects.
In conclusion, microdosing and macrodosing offer different paths for exploring the effects of psychedelics. Microdosing allows individuals to incorporate small amounts of psychedelics into their daily lives without impairing normal functioning, while macrodosing involves taking full doses that can lead to intense hallucinations and altered states of consciousness. As the psychedelics industry moves forward, it is essential to consider the benefits and drawbacks of each approach, prioritize safety, and further explore the potential therapeutic applications of these substances.
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Capsule-making equipment
While there is no standard for how many micrograms are in a mushroom capsule, a typical microdose of dried magic mushrooms ranges from 100 to 250 milligrams. Pure psilocybin in capsules allows researchers to administer precise doses, typically 2 to 4 milligrams, to clinical trial participants.
To make mushroom capsules, you will need the following capsule-making equipment:
- Capsule Filling Machine: This device allows you to fill multiple capsules efficiently and hassle-free. Choose a machine that suits your needs, with options ranging from simple capsule fillers to more advanced capsule filling machines.
- Capsules: Select the appropriate capsule size and type, such as gelatin or vegetarian capsules, that are compatible with your filling machine.
- Digital Scale: Precision is critical in microdosing. A digital scale, preferably a micro digital scale, enables you to accurately measure your ingredients and ensure the correct dosage.
- Spoon: A simple spoon is useful for transferring and mixing your ingredients.
- Ceramic Container: This is ideal for mixing your ingredients without reacting to them.
- Grinder: A quality grinder is essential for processing dried mushrooms into a fine powder. A food mill is preferred for consistency, but a coffee grinder can also be used.
- Dried Mushrooms: The primary substance for your capsules. Ensure you are using dried mushroom bodies, as wet mushrooms have more water weight, impacting the accuracy of your dosage.
- Additional Ingredients: Consider adding ingredients like Lion's Mane mushroom powder and Niacin, which aid in absorption and support circulation.
Having the right capsule-making equipment and ingredients ensures precision, ease, and safety in the preparation process. It is important to follow harm reduction practices and start with low doses when working with psychedelic substances.
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Safety and harm reduction
Microdosing has gained attention for its potential to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, it's important to approach this practice with caution and a thorough understanding of safety and harm reduction measures. Here are some detailed guidelines to ensure a safe and responsible experience:
Start with Low Doses:
Begin with a conservative amount, such as 0.25 to 1 gram, or even less. This threshold dose allows you to open the window slightly without fully immersing yourself in a mystical or psychedelic experience. You can gradually increase the dose once you understand how your body and mind respond to the initial amount. Remember, microdosing is about taking a fraction of a regular dose, and it's better to start slow and adjust as needed.
Understand Different Strains and Variables:
Recognize that reactions to magic mushrooms vary significantly from person to person. The effects are influenced by various strains and other variables. Educate yourself about these differences to make informed choices. Understand that different species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms vary in strength and can produce a range of experiences, from non-perceptual microdoses to intense "heroic doses."
Accurate Weighing and Measurement:
Precision is critical in microdosing. Invest in a high-quality digital scale to accurately measure your ingredients. The weight of the dose will depend on whether the mushrooms are wet or dried, as wet mushrooms have more water weight. Always ensure you are ingesting the correct amount to generate your desired effect.
Capsule Machine and Size:
Utilize a capsule machine to streamline the process of creating your microdosing capsules. Choose the appropriate capsule size, whether gelatin or vegetarian, as each size has a different capacity, impacting the total quantity of the substance required.
Ingredient Quality and Sourcing:
Prioritize the quality and sourcing of your mushrooms. Only obtain mushrooms from a trusted source, as it is dangerously easy to mistake poisonous mushrooms for edible ones. Look for organic mushroom capsules free from additional additives, fillers, and flow aids. Ensure that the capsules are suitable for your dietary requirements and manufactured in facilities that meet your standards.
Avoid Combining with Other Substances:
Exercise caution when combining magic mushrooms with other substances. Have a thorough understanding of potential interactions between mushrooms and other medications or substances. Never mix mushrooms with other substances without proper knowledge of their potential effects and risks.
Keep a Journal:
Maintain a journal or detailed notes on your experiences with microdosing. Record what works and what doesn't, allowing you to fine-tune your approach and make informed decisions about dosage and frequency. This practice helps you learn from your experiences and make adjustments accordingly.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations:
Stay informed about the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms in your region. While some places have decriminalized psychedelics, understanding the laws and regulations surrounding their use is essential for harm reduction.
Remember, microdosing is not a panacea, and taking a full dose is not a guaranteed solution. The key is integration—incorporating any insights gained from psychedelic experiences into your daily life through practices like meditation or significant life changes. Always put safety first and approach this journey with knowledge, caution, and respect for the power of these substances.
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Different types of mushrooms
Mushrooms have garnered attention for their potential therapeutic benefits, such as alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression. The different types of mushrooms used for microdosing include psilocybin-containing mushrooms, lion's mane, and niacin.
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms, often referred to as magic mushrooms or psychedelic mushrooms, are known for their mind-altering effects. Microdosing involves consuming small amounts of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, typically 100-250 mg of dried magic mushrooms, resulting in subtle effects like improved mood or energy. The weight of the dose is crucial, as wet mushrooms have a higher water weight than dried mushrooms, impacting the overall potency.
Lion's mane is another popular mushroom for microdosing, valued for its cognitive benefits. Combining lion's mane with niacin, or vitamin B3, aids in the absorption of the mushrooms and supports circulation.
Mushroom microdosing capsules can be created using a capsule machine and filling them with the desired blend. The capsules come in various sizes and can be made from gelatin or vegetarian alternatives. A digital scale is essential for precision in measuring the ingredients, and a grinder is used to process the dried mushrooms into a fine powder.
It is important to note that different species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms vary in strength and effects, and microdosers should always prioritize safety by starting with low doses and gradually increasing if desired.
Apart from the mushrooms used for microdosing, there are numerous other types of mushrooms used in cooking, each with its unique characteristics and culinary applications:
- Button Mushrooms: These are the most common mushrooms found in grocery stores, with an estimated 90% of the mushrooms consumed in the US belonging to this variety. They have a mild flavour and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are versatile and can be used in soups, salads, pizzas, stuffing, or sautéed dishes.
- King Oysters: Meaty king oyster mushrooms are prized for their texture and versatility, making them a popular ingredient in various dishes.
- Morels: Morels have an elusive, honeycomb-like appearance and are sought after for their unique flavour and texture. They are often used in gourmet dishes.
- Black Trumpets: Found in the Midwest and eastern US during late summer and all year in the West, black trumpets have a rich, smoky flavour with notes of black truffle when dried. They are commonly used in mushroom risotto or as a substitute for truffle oil.
- Chanterelles: Chanterelles have a trumpet-like shape with a depression in the centre of their caps. They are a popular species known for their distinct flavour and aroma.
- Shiitake: Shiitake mushrooms have a crispy texture and a distinctive flavour. They can be added to creamy pasta dishes or used in vegan cheesesteaks.
- Oyster Mushrooms: Oyster mushrooms are versatile and can be folded into tacos or added to quesadillas for a tasty treat.
- Criminis/Portobellos: White button mushrooms, criminis, and portobellos are all the same species at various life cycle stages. Criminis, or cremini, are darker, firmer, and more mature than white buttons, while portobellos are the largest and most mature. Criminis are often sautéed for a crunchy texture and can be used in soups or grain bowls.
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Clinical trials and research
One double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Translational Psychiatry in 2022 investigated the acute and short-term effects of 0.5g of dried mushrooms on subjective experience, behaviour, creativity, perception, cognition, and brain activity. The study found no objective evidence of improvements in creativity, well-being, and cognitive function.
Another randomised controlled study, which represents the strongest type of evidence due to its ability to weed out the placebo effect, also found that low-dose psilocybin mushrooms did not lead to improvements in creativity, well-being, and cognitive function. However, some intriguing subjective effects were observed, including increased happiness and creativity, as well as changes in brain waves recorded on an EEG machine.
A separate study published in PMC investigated the effects of low doses of Psilocybe cubensis on behaviour, creativity, perception, cognition, and brain activity, with a specific focus on controlling for expectation without introducing an artificial motivation for microdosing. The study found a significant increase in the time required for part A of the TMT test and a decrease in the visibility of the second target with a 300ms lag in the attentional blink task.
The therapeutic use of psilocybin has also been explored in clinical trials, with the strongest evidence found in trials for cancer-related depression and anxiety, treatment-resistant depression, and alcohol and tobacco addiction. Preliminary research suggests that psilocybin may also be useful in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), cluster headaches, migraines, and demoralization with an AIDS diagnosis.
It is important to note that the weight of the mushroom dose depends on whether the mushrooms are wet or dried, as wet mushrooms have a higher water weight. Additionally, the potency of mushrooms can vary greatly, and they are not regulated outside of clinical trials, making it challenging to determine the exact dosage when consuming non-synthetic mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of micrograms of mushrooms in a capsule varies depending on the type of mushroom and the size of the capsule. For example, a microdose of psilocybin-containing mushrooms is typically between 100 mg to 250 mg of dried mushrooms, while a microdose of LSD is usually between 2-4 mg.
Mushroom capsules are used as a convenient way to consume mushrooms without having to worry about taste or preparation. Some people use mushroom capsules as a form of microdosing, where they take a small, non-perceptual amount of psilocybin-containing mushrooms to boost their mood or energy. Others use mushroom capsules as a dietary supplement to add beta glucans, potassium, B vitamins, and antioxidants to their supplement routine.
To make your own mushroom capsules, you will need a capsule machine, capsules, a digital scale, a spoon, a ceramic container, a grinder, and dried mushroom bodies. First, use the digital scale to accurately measure your desired dose of mushrooms. Then, use the grinder to process the dried mushrooms into a fine powder. Finally, use the capsule machine to fill your capsules with the mushroom powder.
