Welcome to the Complete Microdosing Guide to Magic Mushrooms, where we will share everything you need to know about microdosing. Whether you’re interested in microdosing psilocybin mushrooms for therapeutic purposes, such as to treat depression, or for more casual reasons (such as improving your focus or to increase creativity), it’s important to get a good understanding of what microdosing is exactly and how it works.
Introduction to Microdosing Mushrooms
It should come as no surprise that psychedelic mushrooms are greatly misunderstood by the general public. The legacy of prohibition and misguided regulations have kept them out of the public eye and almost inaccessible to researchers whom today are seeing great potential in their use. This isn’t something just promoted by people in the alternative communities or psychonauts. Researchers at top-rated schools like Harvard, UC Berkeley, Stanford, UC Davis, and many more are engaging in clinical trials dealing with psilocybin mushrooms and microdosing in general. Researchers now have much more than anecdotal evidence to rely on and in some areas, you can enroll legally in clinical trials.
While microdosing is pretty straightforward it is important to take the correct steps needed to have a fulfilling experience. That is why we have put together the complete microdosing guide to mushrooms for you to enjoy!
Basics of Psychedelic Mushrooms
Psychedelic mushrooms are unique natural wonders that are shown to have huge therapeutic potential, regardless of the negative criticisms and historic prohibition. While they are often perceived as having potent hallucinogenic effects, they can also be used in ways that do not cause inebriation while offering many health benefits. This latter concept is called microdosing (tiny amounts) and is what this microdosing mushrooms guide is focused on. Yet before we get into microdosing, let’s get a bit of background on what psychedelic mushrooms really are.
Learn More: Guide to Psilocybe Cubensis
Magic Mushrooms Meaning
Magic Mushrooms also known as Shrooms is a colloquial term that usually refers to hallucinogenic mushrooms in the genus Psilocybe. While the term can technically be used for any type of mushroom, this term has largely been coined in the context of psychedelic mushrooms which are often synonymous with psilocybin mushrooms.
The Ultimate Magic Mushroom Strain Guide
Learn all about the different psilocybin mushroom strains nature has to offer.
What do Psychedelic Mushrooms Look Like?
Psychedelic mushrooms can vary in shape, size, and even color depending on the species and specific variety. The most common is the species scientifically known as Psilocybe cubensis, of which there are many varieties. Aside from differences in the reported feeling, they can also greatly differ in the way they look depending on if they are dry or fresh.
● Fresh mushrooms often have sturdy white stems that can be as wide as your pinky finger and may bruise blue within 5-10 minutes after damage. The caps are brown and may also bruise.
● Dried mushrooms look shriveled and typically have much thinner and fragile structures. They may have blueing from damages that occurred before drying, but they will no longer bruise after being disturbed.
● Some varieties can be completely white or vary greatly in stem/cap size and shape. Some may look more like “truffles” or in other shapes that don’t look like mushrooms at all!
What do Magic Mushrooms Do to Your Brain?
Shrooms have effects due to a chemical compound known as psilocybin that has intimate interactions with your brain. When you ingest psilocybin, it’s metabolized into psilocin, which binds to serotonin receptors (5-HT2A) in the brain. This receptor is responsible for regulating emotional responses, mood, and sensory perception.
When consumed in small quantities as is the case with microdosing the effects are mild and arguably less mind-altering than a cup of coffee, but they can still have potent therapeutic effects. Consumed in large quantities they can have the potent mind-altering effects that magic mushrooms are most known for. While this is a microdosing guide, it is also worth mentioning that users find larger doses of mushrooms have also been shown to have diverse therapeutic effects.
Magic Mushrooms for Treating Anxiety
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Microdosing Psilocybin Mushrooms
Microdosing Definition
Microdosing is the act of taking a sub-perceptual dose (a very small dose vs a “normal dose”) of a psychedelic substance. Most people report feeling subtle shifts in mood and well being that are much different than what people associate with hallucinogens. At this level you’re still conscious enough to fully engage in everyday activities without feeling impaired or incapacitated; just generally more “aware” and productive while remaining completely sober.
If you feel inebriated from consuming microdoses then your dose does not fall under the microdosing definition!
Microdosing psilocybin provides many benefits, including improved focus and productivity, heightened creativity, better emotional balance, more energy and drive, relief from mental health issues such as anxiety and depression symptoms, increased mindfulness or “present-state awareness,” and enhanced relational skills. Microdosers report that it also has helped them get through challenging times—either personal or professional—more easily than if they hadn’t used the substance at all.
Microdosing is not about getting high; it’s about getting these benefits with none of the psychedelic side effects. For many people who microdose it’s also about avoiding expensive and often times addictive pharmaceutical drugs while still maintaining cognitive function while for others, it’s just about improved mood.
Microdosing isn’t just something that happens on its own either; there are specific steps that must be followed to ensure success with this practice (see below). We will discuss these steps and more in this microdosing mushrooms guide. If done correctly though, the results can be profound and even life-changing for many people!
The How-To Guide to Microdosing Psilocybin
What Dosage Should I Take When Microdosing Psilocybin?
A microdose is a small dose, a microdose is about 1/10th the dose of a typical mind-altering mushroom dose, or about 0.15-0.3 grams of mushrooms. If you are making doses from bulk dried mushrooms use an accurate scale and it is recommended to start with 0.15 grams and work your way up. Potency can vary depending on the quality of the original mushrooms. Alternatively, you can consume your microdoses in preweighed capsules, gummies, or other food items. A little experimentation will help you find your ideal dose.
How Often Should I Microdose?
It might take some time to find the proper microdose regimen and there are some popular strategies that have gained traction in the last few years. Often a weekend day is a great place to start with one to see how you feel.
Many people using microdoses take “4 days on and 3 days off”. This means they take the microdose for 4 days in a row and then they do 3 days without it. This is said to help prevent the development of tolerance and to let your mind integrate the previous experiences. Alternatively, some individuals take it every other day with the weekends off or develop their own personalized routine. Others report taking one every three days as an ideal regiment. It is worthwhile to try each and see what works best for you.
When is the Best Time to Microdose Magic Mushrooms?
Microdoses are best consumed in the morning before breakfast but they can also be taken midday. Microdoses are most recommended to be consumed during waking hours. For purposes of this microdosing mushrooms how-to-guide, we recommend taking microdoses at least 8 hours before sleeping.
How Long Does it Take For Effects to Take Place When Microdosing?
Depending on the form factor, microdoses take approximately 45 to 90 minutes before taking effect. Capsules and other powdered forms will typically onset faster than eating a cap or mushroom stem.
Things to do While Microdosing Mushrooms
You can microdose mushrooms when doing everyday activities and may see improved performance and enjoyment in doing them. Since microdosing involves a sub-perceptual dose, you should never feel incapacitated or intoxicated. Regardless of what you do while microdosing, it’s important to take a moment to give thanks for this natural compound found in nature and set an intention before taking your dose. Next, in this Microdosing mushrooms guide we’ll talk more about the things you could do when microdosing.
Work
Whether it’s professional or academic, many people have found great satisfaction when microdosing for work. Some claim it helps improve their concentration during long hours and ultimately results in increased productivity. Others report it helps them obtain a ‘flow state; of mind and that it helps break through mental blocks. Microdosing can also make work more enjoyable and help in the development of creative ideas that can improve the outcome of your hard work.
Exercise
Many people are now microdosing while exercising. Whether it be for competitive athletic activities, weight lifting, or more gentle exercises like yoga and hiking, people experience increased motivation, better focus, and a greater drive to finish their exercise routines.
Be Creative
Creative work, like writing, painting, designing, composing music, or crafting can be greatly improved by microdosing. Many artists claim it improves divergent thinking, allowing them to discover new and novel ways to express themselves in their projects while eliminating some of the anxiety that comes with getting started or writers’ block.
Connect With Others
Microdosing can make it easier to connect with others and form strong relationships. Reducing/eliminating social anxiety allows people to enjoy being out with friends, having conversations with strangers, or engaging in thoughtful dialog under pressure. It can help ease small talk into deeper conversations about meaningful topics or feelings you might otherwise be reluctant to speak about. Many therapists are offering therapy where people are encouraged to microdose which helps them open up and share their experiences.
Everything You’d Normally Do
You can do anything from your everyday life while microdosing! It’s not something you need to take for a special occasion, but it can improve the quality of life for everyday activities regardless of their nature and it can be fun to work into your normal routine. As mentioned above, setting an intention and feeling gratitude prior to taking your dose is suggested to set you on the right track.
For the purpose of this Microdosing Mushrooms Guide we always encourage people who are new to microdosing to try it for the first time in relaxed and non-stressful environments. Set and setting is important with any amount of psychedlics, especially when just getting started. Starting with a low dose and going slow is particularly important in case you may have hypersensitivity.
Forms of Mushrooms for Microdosing
With the rising popularity of microdosing, there are many ways to microdose. While many people choose to buy mushrooms in bulk, pre-weighed microdoses are also an excellent and easy way to consume them. When consuming pre-packaged materials like microdosing capsules, be sure to read the instructions thoroughly and follow as indicated. This microdosing guide to mushrooms highly recommends finding a reliable and trusted producer and to take extreme caution with finding the right dosage for you.
Shroom Capsules/Microdosing Capsules
The most common and easy way to consume microdoses is in shroom capsule form. They are pre-weighed out, tasteless, and easy to incorporate into a routine. Typical shroom capsules contain between 0.1 grams to 0.3 grams of psilocybin mushrooms andmay be supplemented with other herbs/nutrients (like lion’s mane mushroom or niacin). Mushroom blends and other adaptogens/ nutraceuticals added to each capsule are often referred to as a “stack.” Stacking compounds using capsules is beneficial as blends are preformulated for a desired effect (memory, productivity, wellness, etc.). This Microdosing Mushrooms Guide highly recommends microdosing capsules due to their simplicity and reliability related to dosage.
Microdosing Chocolates
Chocolates are also a popular option for microdosing. These are pre-weighed out, easy to consume, and best of all they can be delicious! Dark chocolate also provides its own natural stimulating effects and a high quantity of antioxidants. Natural compounds in dark chocolate help reduce any nausea that could be experienced during digestion and can increase the psilocybin effects, requiring a smaller than typical dose.
Other Ways to Microdose Mushrooms
Tea, Tinctures, Gummies, and many other ways exist for consuming your microdose. As mentioned above, it’s important to know the source of the products you consume.
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Buying Shrooms
To start, it’s important to check your local laws and understand the legal risks of purchasing psilocybin mushrooms. While hallucinogenic mushrooms are illegal in many parts of the world (even in microdoses!) they have become legal, decriminalized, or highly accepted in various parts of the world. Some places require special permits to purchase hallucinogenic mushrooms, others can be bought by adults without any permits or prerequisites. This Microdosing Guide to Mushrooms highly encourages you to not expose yourself to the risk of illegal activities.
How to Buy Mushrooms for Microdosing/How to Get Shrooms
If you want to try microdosing, buy microdosing mushrooms it is recommended to buy mushrooms or microdoses from a reputable source. You may have to ask around to friends and other members of your community about where to buy microdosing mushrooms or find a retailer online. We highly discourage purchasing mushrooms from strangers or people on the street which can lead to dangerous situations and may result in low-quality mushrooms. Alternatively, you can find producers online who may be willing to ship directly to your door regardless of local laws. Always take extreme caution from where you buy microdosing mushrooms.
How much are shrooms?
The price of shrooms can greatly vary depending on the quality, your location, and your particular contact. Most vendors won’t sell any less than 1/8th of an ounce which will cost you between $35-and $75. Purchasing in bulk will greatly reduce the cost as an 1/8th of an ounce is between 12-35 microdoses.
How Much is an Ounce of Shrooms?
An ounce of shrooms is generally cheaper than buying it by the gram and can range between $150-$300, depending on location and availability.
How much is a gram of shrooms?
Shrooms usually can cost anywhere from $5 to $15 a gram but can easily be much more depending on your region.
Benefits of Microdosing Psilocybin Mushrooms
Researchers like the John Hopkins Center For Psychedelic Research and the world’s top universities like Yale University (whose news team recently released an article about their research) have been conducting scientific studies on the benefits of hallucinogens with great results. With new relaxed regulations on researching these substances a lot of progress has been made in a short time but there is still a lot to discover.
One study published in the journal Psychopharmacology showed that an international survey conducted on microdosing showed that a significant percentage of applicants showed a great benefit to their well-being. The article titled “Perceived outcomes of psychedelic microdosing as self-managed therapies for mental and substance use disorders” showed that “Forty-four percent of respondents perceived that their mental health was “much better” as a consequence of microdosing”.
The benefits of microdosing psilocybin mushrooms can be applied to a wide variety of different situations and circumstances including serious mood-related disorders. Keep reading this Microdosing guide to mushrooms to find out more about these benefits.
Microdosing Psilocybin to Reduce Opioid Dependence and Dependence on Other Drugs
Participants have reported the benefits of microdosing psilocybin to combat opioid dependency. A 2017 study has been reported to show a 27% reduced risk of opioid dependence and a 40% reduction in opioid abuse from those who microdose.
These studies make a great case for harm reduction schools of thought in treating substance abuse and dependency, such as quitting smoking.
Microdosing for Depression
Microdosing has been reported to help increase the well-being of individuals suffering from depression, especially individuals with treatment-resistant depression. Many people report feeling more motivated and a greatly improved quality of life even after a single microdose. Seeing people reduce their dependency on pharmaceuticals and SSRIs as a result of microdosing psilocybin is extremely promising for future treatments.
If you are microdosing for depression it is recommended to incorporate other healthy lifestyle choices and consider seeing a therapist. We do not recommend microdosing for depression as the only means for treatment.
Learn More: Therapeutic Use of Psychedelics for Mental Health
Microdosing Mushrooms for Migraines
Microdosing mushrooms for migraines has been shown to have the potential for migraine relief. When dealing with a severe migraine headache, one can take a microdose of mushrooms along with whatever pain-killer or remedy they usually take. It may not completely cure it and may not function for everyone, but it has been reported to be beneficial in some cases. If you decide to start microdosing mushrooms for migraines, also consider other lifestyle choices that may help reduce the frequency or severity of the migraines.
Microdosing for PTSD
Many veterans and patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are turning to psilocybin as an alternative treatment option. Users report feeling more connected to themselves and others after microdosing, helping them deal with past traumas that trigger painful memories. Some claim it helps reduce their anxiety and help reduce the intensity of negative episodes. If you are microdosing for PTSD it is recommended to be extremely cautious of your dosage. Do not start microdosing for PTSD without consulting your health practitioners and make sure to do it within a safe environment your first time just in case the dosage is strong.
Microdosing for Anxiety
Microdosing for anxiety is one of the most common reasons people microdose mushrooms. Many people claim it helps them feel more relaxed, less nervous, and less fearful in their everyday life. A recent and popular movement supports the right of cancer patients to treat their anxiety using psychedelics. Cancer patients often suffer from a troubled emotional state as well as increased anxiety levels and many believe these patients have the right to treat their anxiety using alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs.
When microdosing for anxiety it is recommended to avoid any particularly stressful activities the first time. Also, if you are microdosing for anxiety consider seeing a therapist and exploring conventional/alternative options for adjunct treatment.
Microdosing for OCD
Microdosing has been suggested to be beneficial in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). People who begin microdosing for OCD say it helps them gain control over their thoughts by taking away their intrusive nature, allowing them to focus on more important things like work or social interactions instead of compulsive behaviors. If you are microdosing for OCD consider other alternative treatments to use alongside microdosing.
Microdosing for Epilepsy
While this still requires more research, studies suggest microdosing for epilepsy may offer potential as an alternative treatment. This is because microdosing for epilepsy can help serotonin receptors regulate brain activity, reducing the possibility or the intensity of seizures.
Related: Magic Mushrooms as Medicine
Side Effects of Microdosing Psilocybin Mushrooms
Most studies agree that microdosing magic mushrooms is relatively safe with an extremely low LD-50 and unlikely to have serious negative long-term effects like many legal pharmacutical drugs. Regardless, it is always important to use caution and play close observation to any negative changes you may feel after you begin microdosing. This microdosing mushrooms guide recommends that you stop taking microdoses if you experience negative side effects from microdosing mushrooms.
Please note if you suffer from or have a family history of psychotic disorders please consult with a licensed physician before microdosing psilocybin.
Hallucinogenic Effects
If you are having hallucinogenic effects then it is most likely you took a larger dose than a microdose. Microdoses are sub-perceptual meaning that it won’t have any obvious effects on your perception of reality. If you are experiencing strong effects from microdoses make sure to double-check your dosage.
High Blood Pressure
Microdoses should not affect your blood pressure. This being said, if you do have blood pressure-related illnesses make sure to carefully monitor blood pressure after you begin taking microdoses. If you have any difficulties after begging to use microdoses it is recommended to stop taking them and consult a medical professional.
Nausea
Nausea is a common symptom with large doses of mushrooms but is uncommon with microdoses. If you are experiencing nausea after beginning to take microdoses you can help the temporary discomfort with mint, dark chocolate, chamomile, or other soothing herbs. Consider switching types of mushrooms or branded products if the issue persists.
Mostly Acute Issues
Acute illnesses are rare from microdoses and may be related to other causes. If issues persist and continue after consuming microdoses consider taking a different brand of products. If these issues cannot be remedied, consider stopping treatment and seeing a health care professional.
The Ultimate Magic Mushroom Strain Guide
Learn all about the different psilocybin mushroom strains nature has to offer.
Legality of Psilocybin Mushrooms
Magic mushrooms are still highly regulated and largely illegal in most countries. In recent years many places have decriminalized or permitted the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms within certain city-limits or states. In the United States, psilocybin and other mushrooms that contain it are considered illegal under federal law. This means federal agents may still prosecute mushroom–related charges regardless of local laws. Oregon is the first state to both decriminalize psilocybin and legalize it for therapeutic use.
Where is Buying or Microdosing Psilocybin Mushrooms Decriminalized in the USA?
Hallucinogenic mushrooms and magic truffles have been decriminalized in various parts of the United States. This includes;
● Denver, Colorado
● Oakland, California
● Santa Cruz, California
● Washington DC
● Somerville, Massachusetts
● Cambridge, Massachusetts
● Northampton, Massachusetts
● Detroit, Michigan
● Washtenaw County, Michigan
● Hazel Park, Michigan
● Seattle, Washington
● Oregon state
What Does Decriminalization Mean?
Decriminalization does not strictly legalize psilocybe mushrooms, but makes a more relaxed atmosphere around their possession. In most places, this prohibits local law enforcement agencies from spending resources on the prosecution of possession or consumption of these mushrooms and psilocybin in general.
Can You Go to Jail for Cultivating Mushrooms?
Cultivation of illicit mushrooms for commercial purposes is considered a felony and can result in jail time. If you are growing small quantities for personal use then the sentence may be more relaxed but this is not guaranteed. Sometimes growing your own is safer than buying them in your community, every situation is different.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading the Microdosing Guide to Psilocybin Mushrooms. By now you’ve probably realized that microdosing is much different than the experience most people associate with hallucinogenic mushrooms. It has many health benefits like reducing anxiety, improving creativity, and generally enhancing mood. It is generally considered safe for consumption but users must consider potential legal repercussions that may occur in some areas. Whether you just need an extra boost to help improve your daily life, or you’re using it to treat a serious illness, microdosing magic mushrooms can be an excellent alternative to traditional treatments.