Sarah Brown
Microdosing is the practice of ingesting very small, sub-perceptual amounts of psychedelic substances. It has gained popularity in recent years, with psilocybin (magic mushrooms) being the most commonly used microdose substance. When microdosing mushrooms, it is important to start with a very low dose and exercise caution, as the concentration of psilocybin can vary significantly even within the same batch and between different strains. The goal of microdosing is to achieve subtle enhancements in mood, creativity, and focus while maintaining the ability to engage in normal daily activities. A common schedule for microdosing is to do it every three days, as it is believed that microdosing can have a lasting effect.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Microdosing is the ingestion of very small, sub-perceptual amounts of psychedelic substances. |
| Common Substances | Psilocybin ("magic mushrooms"), LSD, MDMA, mescaline, ketamine, ibogaine, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and prescription drugs like Ritalin. |
| Dosage | 5-20 µg of LSD and 0.1-0.3 g of dried psilocybin mushrooms. |
| Frequency | Common schedules include microdosing every three days or following a three-day cycle. Some people microdose several times a week with various patterns of alternating days. |
| Duration | Microdosing can last from one week up to two years or more. |
| Benefits | Increased vitality, creativity, productivity, social ability, focus, analytical thinking, positive mood, memory, mindfulness, and general well-being. Lower levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and distractibility. |
| Risks | Nausea, changes in body temperature, panic, hallucinations, intensified feelings and sensory experiences, changes in time perception, increased energy and heart rate, persistent hallucinations, and psychosis. |
| History | The use of psychedelic substances in microdoses has a long history, dating back to indigenous practices combining cacao with psilocybin mushrooms ("chocolate-mushrooms"). Modern microdosing can be traced to Albert Hofmann, who synthesized LSD in 1938, and James Fadiman, who described microdosing in detail in his book. |
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What You'll Learn
Microdosing frequency
However, some people may choose to microdose every day, although this is less common. Daily microdosing is believed to have lasting effects, and it is not necessary to dose every day to achieve these effects. Additionally, daily microdosing can lead to tolerance, where higher doses may be needed over time to achieve the same effects.
The duration of microdosing regimens can vary, with some people microdosing for a week up to two years or more. Most people stop microdosing when they feel they are no longer achieving the desired effects.
It is important to note that the effects of microdosing can vary depending on the individual and the specific substance being used. The concentration of psilocybin in mushrooms can differ significantly, even within the same batch and between different strains, making it challenging to achieve precise and consistent doses outside of a controlled environment. Therefore, it is crucial to start with a very low dose and exercise extreme caution, especially for those new to microdosing.
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Stacking
Microdosing is the practice of consuming small, sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic substances. The most widely reported substances used for microdosing are psilocybin mushrooms and LSD, with other substances such as mescaline, 2-CB, MDMA, Ritalin, cannabis, and ketamine also being used. Microdosing is believed to provide benefits such as improved mood, enhanced focus, increased creativity, reduced anxiety, and improved mental health.
When it comes to stacking, it refers to the practice of combining multiple substances or supplements with psilocybin mushrooms to potentially enhance the effects. One of the most famous stacks is the Stamets Stack, coined by amateur mycologist Paul Stamets. This stack combines a psilocybin microdose with two other components: Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) and niacin (vitamin B3). Lion's Mane Mushroom is known for its nootropic properties and its ability to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), promoting neurogenesis. Niacin, according to Stamets, acts as a flushing agent, helping to deliver the active compounds across the blood-brain barrier and into the peripheral nervous system.
Other stacking combinations mentioned in sources include psilocybin with ceremonial cacao, which contains theobromine, a mild stimulant that can promote feelings of well-being and heart-opening. Some users believe that cacao complements the effects of psilocybin. Additionally, there is a combination of psilocybin with HE (Lion's Mane Mushroom) and B3 (niacin), which has gained popularity in informal microdosing information networks. The conjecture is that B3 may facilitate the bioavailability of psilocybin and HE through vasodilation, potentially resulting in super-additive effects.
It is important to note that the potential effects of these stacking combinations have not been rigorously studied in clinical settings, and there is a lack of formal investigation into the consequences of microdosing. Individuals should exercise caution and consult with knowledgeable healthcare professionals before combining any substances, as the potential for unknown drug interactions exists. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that possessing, cultivating, and distributing psilocybin mushrooms remains illegal in most parts of the world.
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History of microdosing
The history of microdosing is a complex and evolving area of study. While the earliest occurrence of microdosing is unknown, there is evidence that traditional cultures have long incorporated the use of psychedelic plants. For example, the Aztecs combined cacao with psilocybin mushrooms in a practice called "cacahua-xochitl", which translates to "chocolate-mushrooms". Similarly, psilocybin admixtures composed of honey, flowers, and herbs have been documented in historical records among Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. During the Middle Ages, mushrooms, henbane, stinging nettles, and other active substances were commonly added to beer to enhance its effects until the passage of the German Reinheitsgebot, or Bavarian Purity Beer Act, in 1516.
In more recent history, Albert Hofmann, the discoverer of LSD, mentioned the use of very low doses of LSD (25 micrograms) in a 1976 interview. However, there are no other known records from Hofmann or his contemporaries that describe microdosing. Stanislav Grof developed psycholytic psychotherapy, a form of psychedelic-assisted therapy that involved small amounts of LSD, but the lower range of doses was over 100 micrograms, much higher than contemporary microdosing.
The prohibition of psychedelic research in 1966 further limited exploration into microdosing. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the potential benefits of psychedelic drugs, including the practice of microdosing. The current popularity of microdosing can be traced back to the book "The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide" by James Fadiman, which was the first publication to describe microdosing in detail and outline its purported benefits.
Since then, microdosing has gained a dedicated following, with individuals reporting a range of psychological and social benefits, such as increased vitality, creativity, productivity, and improved mood. However, it is important to note that the research on microdosing is still evolving, and there is a lack of consistent research and placebo-controlled studies in this area. While some studies have found intriguing subjective effects, such as improved mood and creativity, others have concluded that microdosing may not show objective evidence of improvements in various areas of functioning.
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Side effects
Microdosing involves the regular ingestion of very small quantities of psychedelic substances. While it is often hailed as a promising treatment for some conditions, there is still a lot that is unknown about its safety and potential side effects.
Although microdosing is believed to have several benefits, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. One of the most commonly reported side effects of microdosing mushrooms is an increase in anxiety and depression. While some people report improvements in mood and reductions in stress, others have experienced the opposite effect, with increased feelings of anxiety and depression after microdosing.
Another potential side effect of microdosing mushrooms is insomnia. This may be due to the stimulating effects of psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms. Additionally, some people have reported physical discomfort, including gastrointestinal symptoms, headaches, and temperature dysfunction.
Microdosing mushrooms can also lead to poor focus and cognitive functioning. Some individuals have reported feeling confused, having difficulty concentrating, and experiencing impaired perception and memory. In some cases, microdosing has been associated with increased blood pressure and heart rate, which could be potentially dangerous for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
It is important to note that the effects of microdosing can vary widely between individuals, and there may be other factors at play, such as personality, mood, expectations, surroundings, health, and previous experience with similar substances. As with any substance, it is always advisable to consult with a medical professional before consuming mushrooms, especially if you have a history of mental health concerns or other medical conditions.
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Microdosing for mental health
Microdosing involves the regular self-administration of psychedelic substances in doses small enough to not impair normal cognitive functioning. The most commonly reported substances used for microdosing are psilocybin mushrooms and LSD, with other psychedelic substances such as mescaline and 2-CB being used to a lesser degree. A medium-strength dose of psilocybin is considered to be 2 to 3 grams of dried mushrooms, while a microdose is typically around 0.1 to 0.3 grams, taken three to five times a week.
Microdosing has been an increasingly popular topic of research, with studies finding that it may have therapeutic potential for improving mental health. One recent study found that psilocybin microdosers demonstrated greater improvements in mood, mental health, and psychomotor ability over a one-month period compared to non-microdosing peers. These improvements were consistent across gender, age, and the presence of mental health concerns. Another study found that microdosers experienced improvements in mood, emotional well-being, and cognition, as well as reductions in stress, depression, and anxiety.
It is important to note that the effects of psilocybin can be unpredictable and may vary depending on factors such as dosage, personality, mood, expectations, and surroundings. While some people report positive experiences, others may have unpleasant experiences, often referred to as "bad trips," involving extreme fear, confusion, or panic. Adverse effects of psilocybin can include increased blood pressure and heart rate, headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, poor sleep, anxiety, paranoia, persistent psychosis, and hallucinations.
Additionally, the lack of a standardized definition of microdosing for psychedelic drugs and the varying potency of mushrooms can make it challenging to conduct consistent research in this area. The illegality and lack of regulation of substances such as LSD also make it difficult to know the exact dosage being consumed.
While microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms has shown potential for improving mental health, it is important to approach this practice with caution and be aware of the potential risks and adverse effects. Further prospective research is needed to confirm the therapeutic benefits of microdosing and establish its effectiveness in treating mental health concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
Microdosing is the practice of ingesting very small, sub-perceptual amounts of psychedelic substances. The goal is to experience the benefits of the substance without having a psychedelic experience.
There are a few common microdosing schedules that people tend to follow. One common schedule is to microdose every three days. This is because it is believed that microdosing can have a lasting effect, and daily dosing is not necessary.
Microdosing mushrooms have been associated with a range of psychological and social benefits, including increases in vitality, creativity, productivity, social ability, focus, analytical thinking, positive mood, memory, mindfulness, and general well-being.
