Sarah Brown
Microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms has gained popularity in recent years, with many believing it can enhance mood, creativity, concentration, productivity, and empathy. However, it is important to understand the correct dosage and potential risks before consuming psilocybin mushrooms. The most common dose is considered to be between 1 and 2 grams of dried mushrooms, while a microdose is typically around 0.1 to 0.5 grams. The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary depending on the strain, dose, and individual factors such as body weight and sensitivity. It is crucial to start with a low dose and gradually increase it to find the optimal dosage. Additionally, it is essential to identify the correct mushrooms, as many wild mushrooms are not edible and can be harmful or even fatal. The legality of psilocybin mushrooms varies depending on location, so it is important to abide by local laws and regulations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common dose | 1-2 grams of dried mushrooms |
| Microdose | 0.1-0.5 grams of dried mushrooms |
| Standard psilocybin microdose | 200 mg (0.2 grams) |
| Effects | Enhanced focus, creativity, mood improvement, increased self-awareness, altered brain oscillatory activity, perception, cognitive functions, and mood |
| Time to kick in | 15-60 minutes after dosing |
| Duration | 4-6 hours or more for heavier doses |
| After-effects | Calmness, introspection, and lingering negative thoughts |
| Safety | Generally thought to be safe in low dosages, but can be harmful or fatal if the wrong type of mushroom is consumed |
| Legality | Varies by location; in most parts of the world, possession, cultivation, and distribution are illegal |
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What You'll Learn
Microdosing: taking a fraction of a regular dose
Microdosing is the practice of ingesting very small, sub-perceptual amounts of psychedelic substances. In the case of psilocybin mushrooms, this means consuming a fraction of the amount that would usually induce hallucinations or a "trip".
The goal of microdosing is to achieve the potential physiological and psychological benefits of psilocybin without the significant alterations in consciousness associated with a full psychedelic experience. In other words, "if you see visions, it's not a microdose".
A microdose of psilocybin mushrooms is typically defined as 5-10% of a standard psychoactive dose. This generally equates to between 0.1 and 0.5 grams of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms, although some sources suggest a maximum of 0.3 grams. It is important to note that the concentration of psilocybin can vary significantly between mushrooms, even within the same batch and strain, so caution should be exercised when determining the dosage.
There are several protocols for microdosing schedules, with the most popular being the Fadiman protocol, initially proposed by psychologist James Fadiman. This protocol involves one day of microdosing followed by two days off, based on anecdotal reports that the effects of microdosing last for two days. Another popular schedule is the Stamets Stack, patented by renowned mycologist Paul Stamets. This involves combining a psilocybin microdose with Lion's Mane Mushroom and Niacin (Vitamin B3) on a dosing schedule of 4-5 days on and 2-3 days off.
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Safety: the importance of research and understanding local laws
When it comes to dosing mushrooms, safety must always come first. This involves understanding the potential risks, contraindications, adverse events, and drug interactions associated with mushroom consumption. Additionally, it is crucial to be aware of the legal status of mushrooms in your local jurisdiction.
Mushrooms, specifically those containing psilocybin and psilocin, often referred to as "magic mushrooms", have been used for thousands of years in various traditional and ancestral contexts. In modern times, there is increasing interest in their potential therapeutic uses, particularly in Western healthcare. However, it is essential to recognize that the safety, efficacy, and quality of products containing psilocybin have not been assessed or approved by many regulatory bodies, including Health Canada. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct thorough research before considering mushroom dosing.
This research should include understanding the potential risks and side effects of mushroom consumption. While the use of magic mushrooms rarely results in life-threatening symptoms, there are various negative consequences that individuals may experience, including perceptual changes such as hallucinations, changes in consciousness, chills, dilated pupils, euphoria, facial flushing, increased heart rate, headaches, higher body temperature, increased sweating, nausea, and vomiting. It is also important to note that mushrooms can interact with certain psychiatric medications, potentially leading to a relapse or worsening of the condition. Additionally, there is a risk of consuming poisonous mushrooms, as they may resemble magic mushrooms in appearance.
Furthermore, understanding local laws and regulations regarding mushroom possession, use, and distribution is essential. The legal status of psilocybin and psilocin-containing mushrooms varies across different jurisdictions. For example, in Canada, while there is interest in the therapeutic use of psilocybin, there are currently no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin. In some places, like Oregon, there are certified centers where individuals can legally experience psilocybin under the guidance of trained and licensed professionals. It is crucial to be well-informed about the specific laws and regulations in your area to ensure compliance and avoid legal repercussions.
Overall, when considering mushroom dosing, comprehensive research and understanding of both the potential risks and legal implications are vital. By prioritizing safety and adhering to local laws, individuals can make informed decisions and minimize potential harm.
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Common dose: 1-2 grams of dried mushrooms
A common dose of dried mushrooms is between 1 and 2 grams. This is a general guideline, and the specific dose may vary depending on the strain of mushrooms. It is important to note that the effects of magic mushrooms can vary significantly, even within the same batch and between different strains. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution when dosing, especially for those new to mushroom use.
When planning to consume mushrooms, it is essential to properly identify the correct type of mushroom. Many mushrooms growing in the wild are not edible, and some can cause irreversible damage or even death. It is also important to distinguish psychedelic mushrooms from non-edible mushrooms, as some non-edible mushrooms may look similar to psychedelic mushrooms but are harmful. Additionally, it is advised to purchase mushrooms from a trusted source, as it is easy to poison oneself with the wrong type of mushroom.
Before consuming mushrooms, it is recommended to plan your "trip" in advance. This includes considering where you will take them, who you will take them with, and how you are feeling before taking them. It is generally advised to avoid taking mushrooms alone and to have a sober friend around if possible. It is also recommended to wait at least two hours before re-dosing, as the effects of magic mushrooms usually kick in between 15 and 60 minutes after dosing and can last for 4 to 6 hours, or even longer for heavier doses.
It is important to note that the effects of mushrooms can vary depending on individual factors such as body weight, sensitivity, and mindset. Therefore, it is generally recommended to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it to find the optimal dosage for your unique needs. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain at least one day, and preferably two days, between doses to avoid building a tolerance.
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Effects: changes in brain activity, perception, and mood
Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, has been found to have profound effects on brain activity, perception, and mood.
Brain Activity
Psilocybin has been found to cause significant, widespread changes in the brain's functional connectivity, or how different regions of the brain interact and exchange information. These changes are more than three times greater than those caused by a control compound, and they persist for at least three weeks after ingestion. The brain regions affected by psilocybin include the cerebral cortex, thalamus, hippocampus, and cerebellum. The default mode network, which is usually most active when the brain is not focused on a specific task, is particularly affected by psilocybin. This desynchronization of brain networks may allow the brain to break out of rigid patterns of activity and become more flexible, potentially reorganizing into a healthier state.
Perception
Psilocybin is a hallucinogen that can distort how people perceive objects and people in their environment. It can also cause visual or auditory hallucinations and alter perception of time and space. The only way to eliminate the risk of a bad trip is by not taking magic mushrooms. However, the risk of a bad trip may increase with higher doses or if the user has feelings of anxiety before taking psilocybin.
Mood
Psilocybin has been found to acutely reduce processing of negative affective stimuli and increase positive mood. It reduces amygdala activity and connectivity when viewing negative emotional facial expressions and increases dorsal lateral prefrontal and medial orbitofrontal cortex responses to emotionally conflicting stimuli. These effects may be sustained after other acute effects of psilocybin have resolved, revealing a potential trans-diagnostic mechanism for its enduring therapeutic effects.
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Treatment: potential to treat depression, anxiety, and cluster headaches
Psychedelic mushrooms have been used to treat various mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and cluster headaches. Psilocybin, the main psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms, has been found to have therapeutic effects on mental health.
Depression
Psilocybin has been found to alleviate depression in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression. A small study found that a single dose of psilocybin can ease depression for at least five years in most patients. In a larger multi-site clinical trial, 37% of participants who received a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin, along with psychotherapy, went into remission from major depression. While these findings suggest that psilocybin can effectively treat depression, more long-term studies are needed to confirm these effects.
Anxiety
Microdosing psilocybin mushrooms has been found to reduce anxiety in individuals with anxiety disorders. Evidence from observational studies suggests that microdosing psilocybin can improve mood and alleviate symptoms of anxiety. A large study showed that individuals who microdosed psilocybin experienced greater improvements in mood and a greater decline in anxiety compared to those who did not microdose. However, it is important to note that some individuals may experience worsened anxiety or paranoia when taking larger doses of psilocybin mushrooms.
Cluster Headaches
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used by people living with cluster headaches to manage their symptoms. Cluster headaches are a chronic pain condition with no known cure or effective treatment. Psilocybin, when taken in low doses or "microdoses," has been reported to alleviate pain and reduce the frequency of cluster headache attacks. A preliminary study found that psilocybin mushrooms can be effective in relieving cluster headache pain, but the small sample size prevented researchers from reaching a definitive conclusion.
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Frequently asked questions
Microdosing is taking a fraction of a regular dose of psilocybin mushrooms. A common microdose is around 0.2 grams, but this may vary depending on factors like the potency of the mushrooms and the individual's body weight or sensitivity.
Some people believe that microdosing can enhance mood, creativity, concentration, productivity, and empathy. However, scientific evidence on the effects of microdosing is mixed. While some studies have shown intriguing subjective effects, such as people feeling happier and more creative, they did not find objective evidence of improvements in well-being, creativity, and cognitive function.
It is important to start with a very low dose and exercise caution, especially if you are new to microdosing. The concentration of psilocybin can vary significantly between mushrooms, even within the same batch and strain. A common dose of dried mushrooms is between 1 and 2 grams, but this should not be taken as a recommendation.
All drug use carries risks. It is essential to identify the correct mushrooms as many mushrooms growing in the wild are not edible and some can be harmful or even fatal. Additionally, possessing, cultivating, and distributing psilocybin mushrooms remains illegal in most parts of the world.
