Emma Wilson
Microdosing involves the regular self-administration of psychedelic substances in doses small enough to not impair normal cognitive functioning. The most widely reported substances used for microdosing are psilocybin mushrooms and LSD. Psilocybin is a chemical that comes from certain types of mushrooms and has been used by indigenous peoples in parts of Mexico and Central America for thousands of years as part of a sacred and ancient tradition. Today, in the United States, psilocybin is considered a psychedelic drug—a type of drug that affects how the brain processes serotonin. The effects of taking psilocybin are unpredictable and may vary depending on the user's personality, mood, expectations, and surroundings. Microdosing psilocybin involves ingesting very small, sub-perceptual amounts of psychedelic mushrooms. The goal is to harness the potential physiological and psychological benefits of psilocybin without inducing the significant alterations in consciousness or sensory perception associated with a full psychedelic experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Microdosing involves the repeated self-administration of psychedelic substances in doses small enough to not impair normal cognitive functioning |
| Most widely reported substances used for microdosing | Psilocybin mushrooms, LSD, mescaline, 2-CB |
| Dosage | 0.1 to 0.3 g of dried mushrooms, 3–5 times per week |
| Benefits | Improvements in mood, emotional well-being, cognitive functioning, creativity, stress reduction, reduction in depression, anxiety, and more |
| Adverse effects | Insomnia, increased anxiety and depression, poor mood, low energy, physical discomfort, poor focus and cognitive functioning, and impaired psychomotor performance |
| Legality | Microdosing is legal only under supervision in Oregon, the first state in the US to decriminalize possession of most drugs, including psychedelics |
| Challenges | Variability in the potency of mushrooms, the concentration of psilocybin differs significantly from one mushroom to another, even within the same batch, and between different strains |
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What You'll Learn
Microdosing involves taking a fraction of a regular dose
A microdose is typically defined as 5-10% of a standard psychoactive dose, which for psilocybin is estimated to be between 0.1 and 0.3 grams (100 to 300 mg) of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. This equates to about 0.2-0.5 grams of magic mushrooms. However, it's important to note that the concentration of psilocybin can vary significantly even within the same batch and between different strains, making precise dosing challenging.
The intention of microdosing is to achieve subtle enhancements in mood, creativity, focus, and emotional resilience while maintaining the ability to engage in normal daily activities. Some studies have identified improvements in mood, emotional well-being, and cognition among microdosers. However, other studies have found little to no evidence of improvements in these areas, suggesting that the positive effects may be due to the expectancy effect.
It's worth noting that microdosing psilocybin can also lead to negative side effects such as insomnia, increased anxiety and depression, poor mood, low energy, gastrointestinal symptoms, and impaired cognitive functioning. Additionally, it is very easy to poison oneself with the wrong type of mushroom, as many types of mushrooms can look similar but may be poisonous. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and obtain mushrooms from a trusted source.
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The Stamets Stack is a popular method
The Stamets Stack is a protocol involving three main ingredients: psilocybin, Lion's Mane, and niacin. Psilocybin is a compound produced by almost 200 species of fungi (mushrooms) and is known for its psychedelic effects. Lion's Mane, also known as Bearded Tooth Fungus or Hedgehog Mushroom, is a medicinal mushroom that naturally grows in North America, Europe, and Asia. It has been used for hundreds of years in traditional Chinese and Japanese cultures as a tonic for overall health and longevity. Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is added to enhance the effects of the other two ingredients.
When following the Stamets Stack method, it is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase to find the right amount for your needs. A microdose of Psilocybe cubensis, the most common and studied species of magic mushroom, typically ranges from 0.1 to 0.2 grams of dried mushrooms or 1 to 2 grams of fresh mushrooms. However, some experienced users may prefer a "low dose" of 0.5 to 1 gram of dried mushrooms or 5 to 10 grams of fresh mushrooms.
It is important to note that the Stamets Stack is designed to be taken for 4 to 5 consecutive days, followed by a 2 to 3-day break. During the break, you may continue to supplement with Lion's Mane. Additionally, when taking niacin in a dose higher than 25-50 milligrams, you may experience a "niacin flush," characterised by a tingling sensation and redness in the face, neck, and arms. This reaction is harmless and indicates that the niacin is working as intended.
The Stamets Stack is believed to offer cognitive enhancement and neuroregenerative effects, with reported improvements in mood, mental health, and psychomotor performance. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any microdosing protocol, as psilocybin is illegal in many countries and can carry risks if not sourced from a trusted provider.
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Microdosing can lead to adverse effects
Psilocybin mushrooms can produce physiological tolerance, which might suggest that there could be diminishing returns if one stays at the same dosage. This means that even if microdosing does help, one may need to increase the dosage over time to achieve the same effects. Additionally, the potency of mushrooms can vary greatly, and it is very easy to poison oneself with the wrong type of mushroom. There are many types of mushrooms in nature that look similar, but some are poisonous and can harm the liver, causing severe illness or even death.
Furthermore, while some people report improvements in mood, emotional well-being, and cognition, others have experienced small changes towards cognitive impairment. Some studies have found that low doses of psilocybin mushrooms can result in noticeable subjective effects and altered EEG rhythms, but without evidence of enhanced well-being, creativity, or cognitive function. In fact, one study found that a 0.5g dose of dried mushroom material did not positively impact creativity, cognition, physical activity levels, or self-reported measures of mental health and well-being. Instead, it observed a trend towards impaired performance in some cognitive tasks.
It is important to note that the research on microdosing psilocybin mushrooms is still ongoing, and the evidence from some studies is mixed. While microdosing may work for some people, it is not a guaranteed solution and may not provide the expected benefits for everyone. Therefore, it is essential to approach microdosing with caution and to ensure that the mushrooms come from a trusted source.
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Microdosing is difficult outside a clinical environment
Microdosing psilocybin mushrooms involves taking a fraction of a regular dose, typically around 0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried mushrooms, self-administered 3–5 times per week. While some people believe that microdosing can provide benefits such as improved mood, mental health, and cognitive functioning, the evidence from scientific studies is mixed.
Microdosing psilocybin mushrooms outside of a clinical environment can be difficult and may pose several challenges and risks. Firstly, the potency of mushrooms can vary significantly, and without proper regulation, it is challenging to determine the exact dosage being consumed. The mushrooms used for microdosing must come from a trusted source, as there are many types of mushrooms in nature that look similar but may be poisonous. Poisoning from consuming the wrong type of mushroom can have severe consequences, including liver damage, severe illness, or even death.
Additionally, psilocybin can cause adverse effects, especially when combined with certain substances or for individuals with specific health conditions. Some people have reported experiencing insomnia, increased anxiety and depression, poor mood, low energy, physical discomfort, impaired cognitive functioning, and impaired social skills after microdosing psilocybin. It is also important to note that psilocybin can be fatal at very high doses. Furthermore, adulteration of psilocybin with dangerous and hard-to-detect substances, such as fentanyl, is a potential risk that individuals should be aware of.
The lack of standardized definitions and protocols for microdosing psilocybin mushrooms further complicates the matter. The dosage and frequency of consumption may vary depending on individual factors such as health status, previous experience with similar substances, and the combination of psilocybin with other substances. Without proper clinical oversight, it can be challenging to determine the appropriate dosage and frequency for each individual, and there is a risk of physiological tolerance developing over time.
While microdosing psilocybin mushrooms may offer potential benefits, it is essential to approach this practice with caution and be aware of the limitations and risks associated with self-administration outside of a clinical environment. It is always advisable to seek guidance from healthcare professionals or trained therapists who can provide support and ensure the safe use of psilocybin mushrooms.
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Microdosing is only legal under supervision
Microdosing psilocybin mushrooms involves taking small amounts of the substance, which is a compound produced by almost 200 species of fungi. The mushrooms must come from a trusted source as it is very easy to poison oneself with the wrong type of mushroom.
While microdosing psilocybin mushrooms has become increasingly popular, the practice is not yet legal. Psilocybin is a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), meaning it is illegal to possess, obtain, or produce. Federal authorities consider it to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
However, there is growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, and some jurisdictions have decriminalized or are considering legalizing its use under supervision for medical purposes. For example, Oregon has legalized the use of "magic mushrooms" for mental health treatment in supervised settings, and a similar bill is pending in California. Additionally, the District of Columbia passed the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act of 2020, which allows for the possession and non-profit distribution of psilocybin mushrooms.
In Canada, the province of Alberta has regulated and allowed the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy. Colorado has also decriminalized psilocybin mushrooms, and other US cities and states have decriminalized psychedelics at the local level.
While the legal landscape is evolving, as of now, microdosing psilocybin mushrooms remains illegal in most places, with potential for prosecution by federal and state authorities. Persons interested in microdosing should carefully consider the legal implications and only consume such substances under the supervision of qualified professionals in jurisdictions where their use is permitted.
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Frequently asked questions
Microdosing psilocybin mushrooms involves taking small amounts of the psychedelic substance, typically between 0.1 and 0.3 grams of dried mushrooms, 3-5 times a week. The goal is to achieve subtle enhancements in mood, creativity, and emotional resilience without impairing normal cognitive functioning.
Some people report improvements in mood, emotional well-being, and cognitive functioning. There have also been reports of reduced stress, depression, and anxiety. However, scientific studies on the effects of microdosing psilocybin mushrooms are limited and the evidence is mixed.
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 even within the same batch of mushrooms, so achieving a precise and consistent dose can be challenging. Make sure the mushrooms come from a trusted source.
The legal status of microdosing psilocybin mushrooms varies depending on the jurisdiction. In the United States, the only legal way to obtain pure psilocybin is through highly regulated clinical research studies. However, some states like Oregon and Colorado have decriminalized the possession of psilocybin and are establishing systems for residents to receive psilocybin services under supervision. Many cities and towns across the US have also decriminalized natural psychedelics like mushrooms.
