Microdosing psilocybin has quickly picked up the attention of the psychedelic community and mainstream media at a rapid pace. Throughout the past few years, a wide variety of individuals have tried microdosing to help alleviate their symptoms of depression and anxiety or improve their productivity and overall well-being. When microdosing, a user takes a sub-perceptual amount of a substance. For a psilocybin dosage, Dr. Fadiman recommends taking 0.2 grams of dried psilocybin mushrooms once every third day to start. That way you have a baseline day to determine whether or not microdosing is effective for your specific situation.
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HOW ARE PSILOCYBIN DOSES MEASURED
Typically, psilocybin doses are measured in grams. The most common type of psilocybin mushroom is Psilocybe cubensis which contains approximately 0.6% psilocybin when dried. This means every gram of P. cubensis contains 6 mg of pure psilocybin. Most users grind up the dried mushroom then put them in size 00 capsules to avoid the bitter taste that these mushrooms have.
PSILOCYBIN DOSAGE CHART
The psychedelic community developed a way of communicating psilocybin’s effects at different doses using a 5 level tiered system: Level 1 references a light dose that is just above threshold. It involves a mild “stoning” effect, visual enhancements, short term memory anomalies, and an altered perception of music that makes it sound wider in range. The second level involves brightened colors, mild closed and open eye visuals, a distracted thought pattern, and enhanced creativity.
Level 3 includes visuals with warped kaleidoscope-like patterns, mild hallucinations, three dimensional closed eye visuals, minor synesthesia, and a distorted sense of time. The 4th level includes effects such as heavy hallucinations, splitting of the ego, mild loss of reality, complete loss of time, synesthesia, and out of body experiences with ESP. type phenomena. Level 5 involves a heavy dose that will cause effects such as a total loss of regular senses, total loss of ego, and a complete loss of reality. At this level, a common description is that the universe ceases to exist for a person, making it hard to put into words.
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COMMON CLINICAL RESEARCH DOSES
The Mental Health Clinician conducted a meta-analysis of all studies on psilocybin from 1999 to 2008. This meta analysis found clinical doses ranged from 25 micrograms per kilogram to 420 micrograms per kilogram. For an average adult weighing 70 kilograms, or about 150 pounds, this would be a dose between 1.75 milligrams to 29.4 milligrams. Going back to our average amount of psilocybin contained in dried P. cubensis of 0.60%, this would be 0.3 grams to 4.9 grams of dried mushrooms.
HOW MUCH PSILOCYBIN CAUSES AN OVERDOSE?
Toxicity levels of pure psilocybin are relatively low in comparison to other common substances. Studies conducted on rats found that the level of toxicity to be even lower than that of caffeine. Cases of overdoses due to psilocybin alone are also extremely rare. As of 2011, there were only two cases of overdoses caused exclusively by psilocybin mushrooms.
A measure was also developed by the Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances called the Therapeutic Index (TI). This measures the relative safety of a substance in comparison to the dose required to receive therapeutic effects. Higher values indicate that the substance has a higher safety profile. Psilocybin has a therapeutic index of 641. This is a high value compared to commonly used substances such as aspirin or nicotine which have a value of 199 and 21 respectively.
MICRODOSING PSILOCYBIN
The act of microdosing is when a user consumes a sub-perceptual dose of a psychoactive compound. Advocates of microdosing believe consuming an extremely small dose of a psychedelic substance brings some of the positive effects of the substance while still allowing the user to remain fully functional to carry on with all of the activities of a standard day. Typical dosages are somewhere around a tenth of the amount of a standard dose.
History of Microdosing
When it comes to microdosing, there is very little history in regards to scientific studies surrounding this method of consumption. The history behind microdosing is very unclear, but it is known that Albert Hofmann, the chemist who discovered LSD, began microdosing in the later parts of his life during the 1990s. Prior to the 1966 prohibition on psychedelic research, no formal studies were conducted on microdosing. There has been some progress made in starting the process that will allow researchers to study microdosing in a formal setting. Some scientists are trying to make their case through congregating user reports while others are doing initial clinical trials to determine the safety of studying microdosing.
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Why do People Microdose?
People try microdosing for a variety of reasons. Some microdose to alleviate the symptoms of their mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression, while others are trying to increase their productivity and creative problem-solving abilities.
WHAT IS CONSIDERED A MICRODOSE OF PSILOCYBIN?
A microdose is considered a sub-perceptual dose, meaning it does not produce any acute effects. When a user microdoses they will not feel any effects kicking in or feel as though they are “high.” Most users microdose psilocybin to help alleviate their symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improve both convergent and divergent thinking performance. A study from 2018 showed preliminary results that back up the claims surrounding convergent and divergent thinking. Typical microdoses are a tenth of a normal dose. Dr. Fadiman, a strong advocate for microdosing and psychedelic research, recommends a dosage of 0.2g of dried mushroom once every three or four days.
What the Community Says about Microdosing Psilocybin
The psychedelic community strongly believes microdosing psilocybin should be further studied for its potential therapeutic benefits. A wide range of reports that exist that include anecdotal reports of individuals regularly microdosing with psilocybin.
One of these reports involved a person suffering from Bipolar II and PTSD looking for a solution to their seasonal depression. After trying a wide range of medications and therapies, they eventually tried microdosing with a full understanding it could increase their levels of mania. They found taking 0.2 grams every fourth day highly increased mania, so they cut back the regularity and dosage to 0.15 grams every other week. This new schedule helped them better manage their seasonal depression even going as far as stating, “it was the first winter I’ve ever had where I wasn’t depressed.” Another user suffering from depression reported that they “felt more capable, emotionally resilient, faster in mental/emotional recovery, and a much-improved ability to choose other actions.”
What Scientists Say about Microdosing Psilocybin
As of November 2019, there are very few rigorous, scientific studies on the effects of microdosing psilocybin. This is largely due to the regulations surrounding the study of psychedelic substances. However, scientists have collected anecdotal evidence to support their desire to further study the potential benefits and risks of microdosing. One study interviewed 21 individuals microdosing psilocybin mushrooms on a regular basis. This study found that the users reported “mostly positive consequences” with effects including an improved mood, cognition, and creativity.
Dr. James Fadiman is another scientist collecting anecdotal information to show why microdosing should be further studied under rigorous scientific standards. He is actively collecting reports from anyone who has microdosed in the past or is currently doing it.
What the Critics say about Microdosing Psilocybin
There has been widespread growth in the attention that microdosing has received in recent years. This has led to critics pointing out potential downsides as the practice becomes more and more common. A large amount of these criticisms base their claims on a study conducted on microdosing DMT with rats. The study found that microdoses of DMT affected the metabolism of male rats resulting in weight gain. It also found that female rats had developed neuronal atrophy. The other common criticism of microdosing psilocybin is its potential to cause an upset stomach which is a common side effect of psilocybin mushrooms.
WHERE DO I BUY PSILOCYBIN TO MICRODOSE?
While psilocybin mushrooms are subject to the Controlled Substances Act in the United States and the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances which requires its members to prohibit psilocybin, spores of psilocybin mushrooms are legal in many areas of the world. These spores can then be used to grow your own psilocybin mushrooms. However, once these mushrooms have grown, they become an illegal substance.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE MICRODOSING PSILOCYBIN
One of the most important aspects of microdosing is ensuring a consistent dosage. Dosage refers to the dose of the substance as well as the time-frequency and duration that the doses are taken. A microdose is such a small amount that it is easy to accidentally consume a larger dose than expected. Psilocybin mushrooms make this even more difficult due to the varying strengths of the different species and individual mushrooms. One example of this can be seen in the differences in potency between the cap and stem of psilocybin mushrooms. A study analyzing psilocybin mushrooms in Japan found that the P. cubensis had a maximum potency of 1.27% in the stem and 1.35% in the cap. This study also showed whole mushrooms had a potency ranging from 0.37% to 1.30%.
Furthermore, as Dr. James Faidman and user reports suggest the frequency with which you microdose plays a role in its effects. Dr. Faidman prescribes a microdose every third day, but individuals have experimented with different dosages as well.
Common Effects when Microdosing Psilocybin
Common effects of microdosing psilocybin include:
- Improvements in mood, cognition, and creativity.
How to Microdose Psilocybin
In the psychedelic community, microdosing psilocybin means consuming a very small dose of psilocybin mushrooms every third or fourth day. Typical doses range from 0.10 grams to 0.25 grams of dried P. cubensis mushrooms. Most users will pulverize the mushrooms into a powder, weigh out doses, then store those doses in size 00 capsules for later use.
Paul Stamets created a unique microdosing technique he calls “stacking.” It involves a combination of niacin, Lions Mane, and P. cubensis. This method combines approximately 0.1-1 gram of P. cubensis, 5-20 grams of Lions Mane, and 101-200 milligrams of niacin. His belief is the niacin enhances the effects of the psilocybin while reducing the psychedelic experience.
How Psilocybin Works inside the Body
Psilocybin is a serotonergic substance meaning it acts on the serotonin, or 5-hydroxytryptamine, receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system. The primary receptors it acts upon are the 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C receptors. It also activates the 5-HT2A receptors with slightly lower activity. The activity at these receptors causes an increased concentration of dopamine at the basal ganglia. This is responsible for the euphoric and psychedelic effects of psilocybin.
Small Doses
Small doses of psilocybin, referred to as a “microdose,” do not produce any acute effects, but rather a psychological and social benefit from regularly consuming microdoses. These effects include increases in:
- Alleviated symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Enhanced productivity
- Improvements in overall well-being
- Enhancements in convergent and divergent thinking
Large doses
When consumed in large doses, psilocybin produces a profound psychedelic effect involving:
- Closed and open eye visuals
- Dilated pupils
- Reduced appetite
- Euphoria
- Heightened emotions
- An altered sense of reality.
Common Interactions when Microdosing Psilocybin
Psilocybin, along with most other psychedelics, causes vasoconstriction. This means mixing it with other vasoconstrictors can cause unpleasant and potentially dangerous effects. Mixing psilocybin with any MAOIs can enhance its potency which could cause a microdose to produce stronger effects than expected. Alcohol mixed with psilocybin mushrooms can place unnecessary stress on the liver since they are both metabolized by it.
Safety Concerns
The primary safety concern with microdosing psilocybin is alterations in heart rate. Using psilocybin with a pre-existing heart condition can cause tachycardia or bradycardia.
Is it Legal to Microdose Psilocybin?
Psilocybin is a controlled substance in most of the modern world. The United States listed it as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. However, Denver, Colorado decriminalized psilocybin mushrooms in May of 2019. The United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances also lists psilocybin, which requires all members of the UN to prohibit it. However, psilocybin mushrooms are legal in Brazil and Jamaica. Psilocybin truffles are legal in the Netherlands. The Virgin Islands prohibit the sale and transport of psilocybin mushrooms, but possession and personal use is legal.
Psilocybin Microdosing: 2021 Complete Guide
Microdoses consist of consuming a hallucinogenic substance in amounts below what is perceptible. Many people who have incorporated psilocybin microdoses into their routines report having higher levels of creativity, more energy, greater ability to concentrate and easier to relate, as well as less anxiety, stress, and even depression. That will be the correct amount for a microdose of psilocybin using mushrooms. You can use any variety of psilocybin mushrooms. The most popular are Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe semilanceata, Psilocybe azurecens, Psilocybe cyanescens, and Panaeolus. Yes indeed, take into account the amount of psilocybin contained in the variety you are going to use (for example, the last two I mentioned are rich in psilocybin), adjusting the microdose accordingly. Spiritual Benefits As if this weren’t enough, some enthusiasts also claim that microdoses of psilocybin have helped raise their spiritual awareness and enhance their senses. Medical benefits In addition, studies on hallucinogens have found that psilocybin may have positive effects on anxiety and mood disorders. In fact, the Beckley Foundation is spearheading the legalization of psilocybin mushrooms, supported by studies showing that psilocybin has long-term positive effects on the treatment of patients with depression resistant to conventional treatments.
On the other hand, Oakland County (in California) decriminalized all medicinal plants, including psilocybin mushrooms, a move that caused Denver (in Colorado) to hold a referendum to decriminalize such mushrooms. Psilocybin has also been shown to be effective in treating addiction. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University (United States) found that 80% of smokers who took psilocybin as part of cognitive behavioral therapy were able to quit tobacco completely. In addition, it has also been discovered that mushrooms (and microdosing LSD) allow to obtain results comparable or superior to those of conventional drugs for the treatment of cluster headaches. In particular, many people experienced long periods of remission after treating their headaches with hallucinogenic substances. In light of all these promising results using full doses, there is reason to believe that microdoses of psilocybin could provide similar positive changes in life. Browse this content
Table of Contents
How are psilocybin microdoses taken using mushrooms?
Microdosing using psilocybin mushrooms is a fairly straightforward process. Basically, you have to prepare microdoses, consume them at the right time and follow a protocol over the course of a month to ensure long-lasting benefits. So below I will explain what each of these steps consist of.
Preparing your microdoses
Preparing psilocybin mushrooms for microdosing involves more steps than doing it with LSD, but it’s still pretty straightforward. The most difficult thing is estimating the amount of psilocybin that a specific mushroom contains. The reason is that not only will there be differences between the different varieties, but also between fresh and dried mushrooms. Even the different parts of the mushroom contain somewhat different amounts. Initial dose In any case, I recommend that you dry a batch of mushrooms, grinding them into a powder, or measuring about 0.1 grams as a starting dose. From there you can adjust the amount as needed. When you take a dose that makes you feel certain changes (especially drowsiness, the first effect of a psilocybin trip), you should reduce the dose below that amount.
How to take your microdoses
There are several ways to take psilocybin microdoses. The most practical is to accurately measure the doses and put them in empty capsules. This will ensure an even distribution and will also mask the flavor. Another option is prepare an infusion of psilocybin by dissolving the desired dose of powder in hot water, and even adding some honey. But don’t be afraid to experiment and mix the powder with whatever drink you have to start your day.
What program should I follow for microdosing?
Experts in the field suggest different microdosing regimens of psilocybin, but I prefer the one recommended by Dr. James Fadiman. Three times a day This regimen consists of take a microdose once every three days. In this way, you should ingest it on day 1. During days 2 and 3 you should not take anything. And then on day 4, you’d have to take another microdose. This pattern can be repeated for several weeks. For most people, the best time to do it is in the morning, because the beneficial effects will last all day without interfering with sleep. It is also useful to take notes in a journal to observe the effects of the process and adjust it appropriately (or simply to note the positive changes). Also it is important that you follow your usual routine when you take a microdose of psilocybin. The aim is to improve your daily existence by integrating microdosing into your routine, so you should not change what you normally do. However, when you try microdosing for the first time, it is best to take a day off without work and without attending social engagements. This will give you the opportunity to notice any unusual effects before microdosing in a more public setting. Keep in Mind While it may seem like you will only feel the effects of microdoses on the days you take them, try to observe the effects on the days off between doses as well. Many people also try to experience the greatest sense of flow, creativity, and energy during the day after microdosing. On the other hand, Paul Stamets recommends another different protocol to take microdoses of psilocybin. Routine Specifically, suggests taking one each day for four days, then resting for three days to avoid the development of tolerance. He also recommends that psilocybin be the main substance in a combination that also includes niacin and lion’s mane to improve neuroplasticity and general well-being. Both psilocybin and lion’s mane possess the ability to create new neurons and neural pathways, as well as repair existing neurological damage. Niacin removes wastes and transports the neurotransmitter GABA across the blood-brain barrier, which aids in the distribution of psilocybin molecules.
Together, Stamets believes that “this unique combination of compounds can be incorporated into other therapies to offer unique benefits and achieve significant medical advancements in the repair of neurons, the removal of amyloid plaques, and the improvement of mental health, cognition , agility and the ecology of consciousness ”. In any case, microdosing psilocybin daily is not recommended. Since your body builds tolerance to psilocybin, you may experience diminishing returns after a few days. This is why Fadiman recommends leaving a couple of days between doses. Spread your doses Also, the fact that the positive effects can sometimes be felt many days after a microdose is a good reason to space your doses. Another downside of microdosing every day is normalizing a very potent substance. You can compare it to drinking coffee to increase productivity. When you drink coffee every day, over time you will have to increase the dose to have the same effect. In this way, in a matter of a couple of months, one cup becomes two, three, or four cups. So it is best to resort to microdosing psilocybin to achieve an occasional bonus, instead of taking them regularly as if it were coffee.
Microdosing withdrawals
For newbies to hallucinogens, even microdosing can be intimidating. So retreats are a great option. for those who want to enter the world of hallucinogens surrounded by experts in a guided and personalized environment. In particular, microdosing retreats can be an option for people who want to get started with microdosing, and they could also be the best way to translate the hallucinogenic experience into lessons that allow them to live a better life. The Rise Wellness Retreat center, located on the south coast of Jamaica, offers an all-inclusive retreat where you can enjoy workshops and classes offered by certified health professionals using specially formulated microdoses of psilocybin.
Effects edit
What does science tell us about microdosing psilocybin?
Although there have been some studies on psilocybin microdoses in recent years, much more is known about the effects of large doses on the brain. Serotonin Much of what we understand about the functioning of hallucinogens is related to serotonin, a chemical compound that is among the most important neurotransmitters in the brain. Serotonin affects virtually everything we do, from how we feel to the way we process information. It keeps our brains working.
Hallucinogens, such as LSD and psilocybin, share a structure similar to that of serotonin,