Laura Smith
Microdosing is the act of taking a very small amount of a psychoactive substance, such as magic mushrooms, to enhance your mood without the mind-altering side effects. The recent decriminalization of magic mushrooms in several cities and states across the US has led to an increase in curiosity around microdosing. While there is limited research on the effects of microdosing, some studies have shown that it can improve mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and increase productivity. However, it is important to note that the effects of microdosing are not yet fully understood, and there may be potential downsides or negative side effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Microdosing is taking a fraction of a regular dose of a psychedelic substance, such as psilocybin or LSD. |
| Dosage | A microdose is typically between 0.1 and 0.3 grams of mushrooms. |
| Frequency | People who microdose generally take these doses semi-regularly, about two or three days a week. |
| Effects | The effects of microdosing are not well understood, but some people report improved mood, reduced anxiety and depression, enhanced focus and creativity, and increased feelings of connection with others. |
| Safety | Microdosing is considered fairly safe, with a very high overdose threshold. However, there have been reports of increased anxiety, impaired focus and energy, and negative effects on the heart. |
| Legality | Psilocybin is illegal in many places, including the UK and several US states, but it has been decriminalized in some localities. |
| Sources | Mushrooms must come from a trusted source due to varying potency and potential scams. |
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What You'll Learn
What is microdosing?
Microdosing is the act of taking a very small amount of a psychoactive substance, in this case, magic mushrooms, to enhance your mood without experiencing the mind-altering side effects. It is important to note that the effects of microdosing are not yet fully understood, and there is still much unknown about the practice.
When microdosing magic mushrooms, users take a much smaller dosage (typically around 0.1 to 0.3 grams) than they would if they were seeking to hallucinate or have a psychedelic experience. This is known as a “sub-perceptual dose” or a “fraction of a regular dose". The mushrooms can be consumed in various ways, such as chewing them dry, adding them to hot tea, or mixing them into food or capsules.
The interest in microdosing magic mushrooms has been increasing, with people reporting improved mood, reduced anxiety and depression, enhanced productivity, and better cognitive function. However, it is important to note that the research on the effects of microdosing is still ongoing and the benefits are not yet fully understood. Some studies have found that the positive effects of microdosing may be due to a placebo effect or an expectancy effect.
It is also crucial to consider the potential risks and side effects of microdosing. While magic mushrooms are generally considered safe in low doses, there is a lack of regulation and the potency of mushrooms can vary greatly, making it difficult to determine the exact dosage. Additionally, there may be negative side effects, such as increased anxiety, impaired focus, and impaired energy. Therefore, it is important to approach microdosing with caution and to ensure that the mushrooms are sourced from a safe and trusted supplier.
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How to microdose safely
Microdosing involves taking a very small amount of a psychoactive substance to enhance your mood without the mind-altering side effects. A microdose is typically defined as 5-10% of a standard psychoactive dose. For psilocybin, this is generally estimated to be between 0.1 and 0.3 grams (100 to 300 mg) of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. However, due to the inherent variability in the potency of mushrooms, it is important to start with a very low dose and exercise extreme caution, especially if you are new to microdosing.
- Always speak to your primary care physician before starting your journey into the world of psychedelic medicines or making any changes to your existing health regimen.
- Make sure you are getting your mushrooms from a safe and trusted source. It is very easy to poison yourself with the wrong type of mushroom, as there are many types of mushrooms in nature that look similar but may be poisonous and harmful to your health.
- Divide each microdose and store them properly before starting the cycle.
- Track microdoses and effects in a journal or spreadsheet, especially on the first day of microdosing. Jot down notes about how you respond to the microdose to keep track of any bad reactions.
- Time your microdoses throughout the day. Generally, doses last four to six hours and are best taken at a time of day when you can allow for a level of emotions and creativity to surface.
- Microdosing is not suitable for everyone and may exacerbate certain mental health issues in some individuals. If you have any pre-existing mental health conditions or concerns, consult a healthcare professional.
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Methods of consumption
Microdosing magic mushrooms is the act of consuming a very small amount of a psychoactive substance, such as psilocybin, to enhance your mood without experiencing the mind-altering side effects. A microdose typically involves consuming about 0.1 to 0.3 grams of mushrooms each time, which is around 5% to 10% of a recreational dose.
- Chewing - Mushrooms can be chewed directly, either in their fresh state or dried. This method may not be palatable to some due to the tough texture and earthy taste of the mushrooms.
- Beverages - Dried mushrooms can be ground into a fine powder and added to hot tea, coffee, or a broth/soup. This method allows the psilocybin to be easily incorporated into a liquid, making it more discreet and potentially easier to consume.
- Edibles - Mushrooms can be crushed or ground and then mixed with chocolate or other foods. This method masks the taste and texture of the mushrooms, making them more palatable.
- Capsules - Powdered mushrooms can be encapsulated in gelatin capsules, providing a precise dose and a convenient method of consumption. This method eliminates the taste and texture of the mushrooms and allows for easy ingestion with water.
- Extraction - Mushrooms can be extracted to create a liquid tincture, which involves infusing the mushrooms in a solvent such as alcohol or vegetable glycerine. This method provides a concentrated form of psilocybin and allows for precise dosing through dropper administration.
It is important to note that the potency of mushrooms can vary greatly, and there is no standardized definition of a microdose. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and start with a very small amount to assess tolerance and gradually increase the dosage if needed. Additionally, the legality of psilocybin mushrooms varies by region, and it is essential to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
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Where to buy magic mushrooms
Magic mushrooms are illegal in many places, including the UK, Germany, California, Georgia, and Idaho in the United States, and are considered a Schedule One drug. In the United States, their federal regulation falls under the Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965, and the Psychotropic Substances Act. The United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, adopted in 1971, also requires its members to prohibit psilocybin.
However, there are some places where magic mushrooms have been decriminalized, including Oregon, Colorado, and some cities across the U.S. In Oregon, voters passed a ballot initiative in 2020 that made "magic mushrooms" legal for mental health treatment in supervised settings. In Colorado, an early "gray market" exists, with some people growing mushrooms in closets and warehouses and "sharing" them.
With the recent decriminalization of magic mushrooms in some places, there are now some companies selling magic mushrooms directly to consumers, such as Microdose Pro, based in the Netherlands. However, it is important to note that the legality of magic mushrooms varies by jurisdiction, and it is the responsibility of the purchaser to understand the laws in their area.
When it comes to purchasing magic mushrooms, it is important to find a safe source. As one expert puts it, "there are a lot of scam artists out there, so word of mouth is a good idea if possible." It is also worth noting that the potency of mushrooms can vary greatly, and they are not regulated outside of clinical trials, so it is not an exact science when it comes to dosage.
If you are considering microdosing magic mushrooms, it is always a good idea to do your research and make sure you are sourcing your mushrooms from a trusted and legal provider.
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Effects of microdosing
Microdosing is the practice of consuming very low, sub-hallucinogenic doses of a psychedelic substance, such as magic mushrooms. The effects of microdosing magic mushrooms are still being investigated, and there is limited scientific research on this practice. However, there are a variety of reported effects, both beneficial and challenging, that have been outlined below.
Possible Benefits of Microdosing Magic Mushrooms
- Improved mood: This is the most frequently reported benefit of microdosing. A 2019 study found that 26.6% of participants experienced an improved mood. This benefit captures a wide range of positive mood improvements, including happiness, well-being, peace, calm, and reductions in depressive symptoms. It also includes improved outlook, appreciation of life, optimism, spiritual and emotional insights, and being more in touch with emotions.
- Improved focus: 14.8% of participants in the 2019 study reported increased focus. Microdosing may enhance focus and concentration, conscious awareness, mindfulness, and increase engagement and attentiveness.
- Increased creativity: A 2019 study found that people who microdose magic mushrooms experienced increased creativity and open-mindedness.
- Improved mental health: Some people take magic mushrooms for the purported cognitive benefits, such as enhanced focus and creativity. Microdosing may provide relief from adverse symptoms and facilitate improvements in one's thinking, emotional and/or cognitive state.
- Reduced anxiety and depression: Microdosing may help alleviate symptoms of clinical depression and reduce anxiety.
Possible Challenges of Microdosing Magic Mushrooms
- Physiological discomfort: Some people have reported experiencing physiological discomfort after microdosing.
- Increased anxiety: A small percentage of people (6.7%) in the 2019 study reported increased anxiety after microdosing.
- Migraines and sleep issues: These may be associated risks of microdosing, according to psychiatrist-in-chief Jeffrey A. Lieberman.
- Adverse reactions: People with serious psychiatric disorders or a history of psychosis may be more vulnerable to adverse reactions.
It is important to note that the effects of microdosing magic mushrooms can vary, and there is no guaranteed outcome. The benefits outlined above are based on preliminary studies and anecdotal reports, and more research is needed to confirm these effects conclusively. Additionally, the safety and legality of microdosing magic mushrooms are important considerations, as they can vary depending on your location.
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Frequently asked questions
Microdosing is taking a very small amount of a psychoactive substance to enhance your mood without the mind-altering side effects. The idea is to take enough that you'll feel the mood-boosting effects, but little enough that you'll get none of the psychedelic effects.
There is no single, clearly recognised definition of a microdose for any psychedelic drug. However, one definition is approximately 1/5 to 1/20 of a recreational dose. This equates to around 0.1g-0.3g of dried mushrooms. The mushrooms can be chewed dry, added to tea, or crushed and mixed into food.
While magic mushrooms are considered fairly safe physically, with an extremely high overdose level, they are still illegal in many places. There is also a risk of negative side effects such as increased anxiety, impaired focus and impaired energy. It is important to find a safe source of mushrooms.
