For as long as most of us can remember, mushrooms have been associated with music festivals, raves, and the underground drug culture. Now you keep hearing the term “microdosing” when it comes to psychedelics like mushrooms, but you’re not sure what it means.
Will you get high if you microdose mushrooms? Is it legal to microdose mushrooms? What does microdosing mushrooms even do?
You have questions — that’s to be expected.
Luckily, science has taught us that magic mushrooms are more than the psychedelic effects they were once known for. This guide shares the main benefits of microdosing mushrooms and how to incorporate microdosing into your current lifestyle.
What Is Microdosing and How Should You Feel After Microdosing Magic Mushrooms?
Microdosing refers to consuming small, sub-perceptual amounts of a psychedelic substance like magic mushrooms (psilocybin) to experience subtle cognitive and emotional benefits without the full-blown hallucinogenic effects associated with higher doses.
When microdosing magic mushrooms, individuals typically take a fraction of the usual recreational or therapeutic dose (2.5 milligrams or less), often every few days or on a specific schedule. The aim is not to induce a psychedelic trip but to enhance creativity, focus, mood, and overall well-being.
After microdosing, people often report feeling a range of subtle and positive effects, including:
- Increased mental clarity
- Heightened creativity
- Improved mood
- Reduced anxiety; and
- Enhanced problem-solving abilities
Some users describe a sense of "flow" in their work or daily activities. Microdosing is not intended to produce significant alterations in perception or reality, and most users should not experience the visual distortions and intensity associated with standard doses of magic mushrooms.
Starting with a low dose and monitoring your response to determine the right microdose for your individual needs is crucial to success. The effects of microdosing can vary from person to person, and may not be suitable for everyone, so caution and responsible experimentation are key.
The legality of psilocybin and magic mushroom use varies by jurisdiction, so it's important to be aware of and comply with local laws and regulations.
3 Benefits of Microdosing Magic Mushrooms
#1: Increased Creativity
Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered brain activity and connectivity. This altered state of consciousness is believed to promote enhanced cognitive flexibility and divergent thinking, which are crucial components of the creative process.
Microdosing may lower inhibitions and reduce self-criticism, allowing individuals to think more freely and associate ideas in novel ways. It may also lead to a heightened sense of curiosity and openness to new experiences, fostering a mindset conducive to creative exploration.
Some users report increased focus and a flow-like state during microdosing, allowing for deep engagement with creative tasks. However, the precise mechanisms of how microdosing influences creativity are still being studied with much of the research being anecdotal, and the effects can vary among individuals.
#2: Increased Productivity and Attention
As psilocybin interacts with the serotonin receptors it is believed to promote increased brain connectivity and neural plasticity. This enhanced connectivity may lead to improved communication between different brain regions responsible for attention and executive functions.
As a result, microdosing may heighten focus, making it easier to engage in tasks for extended periods.
It can also help individuals maintain attention to detail and resist distractions. Many users report a heightened sense of motivation and increased energy, which can translate into enhanced productivity. This may be especially helpful for people diagnosed with disorders such as ADHD.
The subtle mood-lifting effects of microdosing can contribute to a more positive and efficient work environment. Not everyone will experience increased productivity and attention, so careful experimentation and self-monitoring are crucial when considering microdosing for these purposes.
#3: Increased Mood/Lower Anxiety
Microdosing at sub-perceptual levels is thought to gently stimulate serotonin receptors, leading to an uplifted mood and reduced feelings of anxiety. Users often report experiencing:
- A sense of well-being
- Reduced stress; and
- An overall positive outlook
The increased connectivity within the brain may also allow for greater emotional processing and the resolution of underlying emotional issues.
Microdosing may also foster a state of mindfulness and self-awareness, enabling individuals to better manage their emotions and cope with anxiety.
While many people report these benefits, the effects of microdosing can vary among individuals, and responsible experimentation is recommended to determine the right approach and dosage for each person.
3 Common Microdosing Protocols When Exploring the Benefits
There are several common microdosing protocols, and individuals may choose the one that suits their needs and preferences.
#1: The Fadiman Protocol
Developed by Dr. James Fadiman, this protocol is one of the most well-known and widely used. It involves taking a microdose every fourth day. The dosage typically ranges from 1/10th to 1/20th of a standard recreational dose of the psychedelic substance.
Users follow a schedule of one dose on the first day, two days off, and another dose on the fourth day, and continue in this pattern.
#2: The Stamets Stack
Named after mycologist Paul Stamets, this protocol is similar to the Fadiman approach but with slight variations.
This method involves taking a microdose on five consecutive days, followed by two days off. The dosage is often in the range of 1/10th to 1/20th of a full dose.
#3: Intuitive Microdosing
Some individuals prefer to create their own microdosing schedule based on their specific needs and responses.
They may start with a lower dose and gradually adjust it to find the right level that provides the desired effects. The schedule can vary from person to person, but it often involves taking microdoses every few days with intermittent rest days.
How To Determine Your Microdose to Experience the Benefits of Microdosing Mushrooms
The first thing to remember is that microdosing mushrooms should not cause any psychedelic effects. In other words, you should feel sober, not trippy, and it should not impair your ability to function or tend to your normal daily activities.
If you’re in the process of determining the amount that will help you reap the benefits of microdosing mushrooms, here are some steps you can follow:
- Start with a baseline: Begin with a low dose (0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried magic mushrooms). Use a scale to measure your doses accurately.
- Keep a journal: Note the date, time, and dose of each microdosing session. Include information about your mood, energy levels, focus, creativity, and any changes in anxiety or overall well-being.
- Establish a schedule: Many people follow one of the three protocols listed above. Whichever you choose should be followed for several weeks to allow time for adjustments.
- Make gradual adjustments: Increase or decrease the amount by small increments (e.g. 0.05 grams) for each session. This allows you to fine-tune your microdose.
- Listen to your body: If you notice any negative side effects, such as increased anxiety or restlessness, it may be a sign that you’ve exceeded your optimal dose and should reduce the amount in your next session.
- Consult with experts: Discuss microdosing with psilocybin facilitators, such as the graduates from Clinical Cognitive Training in Oregon. They can provide personalized advice based on your unique circumstances, especially if you have specific medical concerns or uncertainties.
By following this process, you can gradually determine your optimal mushroom microdose for your desired outcomes while staying safe and responsible in your experimentation.
Common Ways To Microdose Mushrooms To Experience the Benefits
The choice of method often depends on personal preference, ease of access to materials, and the desired experience.
There are a few common methods to help you experience the benefits of microdosing mushrooms:
- Dried mushroom capsules
- Tinctures
- Lemon tek
- Chocolates
- Gummies
- Brewed tea
- Sublingual absorption
- Raw consumption
Regardless of the method you choose, following our tips and gradually adjusting the dosage as needed to find the optimal microdose for your goals will improve your chances of success.
Always be aware of the legality of psilocybin and magic mushroom use in your jurisdiction and prioritize safety and responsible experimentation.
Help Others Through Their Microdosing Experience by Becoming a Certified Psilocybin Facilitator With Clinical Cognitive Training
Are you a naturally helpful person who also understands the benefits of microdosing mushrooms? If so, becoming a psilocybin facilitator may be the perfect career path for you.
At Clinical Cognitive Training in Oregon, we are preparing the next generation of facilitators to assist people along their journey with mushrooms. Whether it’s microdosing or macrodosing, our facilitators are experts at guiding people through their experience with psilocybin.
For more information about our programs, or to learn more about what psilocybin facilitators do, contact Clinical Cognitive Training today.
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