So you are ready to start microdosing! Maybe you are considering a mushroom microdose for your depression or your anxiety…
Maybe you have PTSD or other more serious traumas…
Or maybe your life has lost its “sparkle” or “shine” and you’re ready for some inspiration and magic…
Depending on your life circumstances, especially if you are working through some serious mental health challenges, the choice to begin microdosing may feel like a big step. Perhaps you’ve never tried mushrooms before… Or maybe you have some fears and concerns that you want to address before you begin.
One question that arises for people is “Can I have a bad trip on a microdose?”...
Well, have no fear, because fear and apprehension can be a normal feeling before embarking on something like microdosing.
So I guess what we actually mean is… Have fear! It’s ok. It’s normal. And the good news is… Most of your fears will dissolve once you realize THIS about microdosing…
When It Comes To A Microdose You Have NOTHING To Lose…
Psychedelics can feel like a BIG step for many people… It’s hugely vulnerable to consume an unknown substance… and surrender yourself to an experience you have little to no control over…
I guess that’s part of the thrill… You just have no idea what is going to happen once you’ve taken your dose…
I know personally I have had some fairly intense experiences from eating mushrooms. In fact once I had what you would call a “bad trip”...
I literally thought (and whole heartedly believed) that my heart had stopped. I was on a small island off the coast of British Columbia. I thought I was a goner for sure. All the classic thoughts went through my mind…
My family will be heart broken… How could I have lived a better life… My regrets… My failures…
All of it.
Eventually I realized… Wait a minute! This is all in my head! If my heart had truly stopped, I would be on the ground dying… Looking back, I can’t help but laugh at myself… I was totally fine.
But that fear stuck with me. It actually took me many days to come back from that place of terror. It ultimately taught me a lot of beautiful lessons, but I would rather not repeat that experience…
So when I began microdosing, I had some apprehension… What if I take too much…? Am I going to freak out again…? Can I have a bad trip…?
So Here’s the Good News… Microdosing Is SAFE and SUBTLE…
Microdosing is safe and very subtle.
You are NOT going to have a bad trip from a microdose! Just follow the guidance in this article and you will feel confident and secure as you embark on your (micro) journey…
It is meant to be a background experience (think like a strong cup of coffee). Ok maybe coffee makes you really anxious and jittery… But I think you understand the metaphor here.
How To Ensure You WON’T Have A Badtrip…
So if you’re concerned about having a bad trip on your microdose here are some important things to keep in mind…
Firstly, a microdose is meant to be subtle. Like really subtle. Like the kind of subtle where you get halfway through your day and you think to yourself… “Why do I feel so good today…?” Then you remember… Oh yah! I took that magical capsule first thing this morning…
If you take your capsule, and you’re locked to the couch because you can’t help but stare into the beautiful colors of your white wall… Then that’s not a microdose… (we’re exaggerating of course)
Get Your Dose Straight…
So here is how to ensure an easeful and graceful experience with your microdose.
Choose a day where you can be present with yourself. No work, with minimal responsibilities. This should be a pleasurable and relaxing day. Think…
A relaxing bath
Time in nature
Creativity & art
Dance & music
Time with a loved one
Then start small. Like 50mg (our lowest dose) kinda small. Take one capsule in the morning on an empty stomach (or before you begin your activity for the day). Speak your intention out loud, or quietly to yourself.
If you are feeling nervous, set a clear intention of trust. Trusting in yourself and nature’s medicine that whatever happens is perfect, and that you are safe and protected.
Then dive in!
See how you feel. Generally, it takes about 1 hour to feel the subtle effects.
From Microdosing People Often Find…
Increased creativity, focus & flow states
Deeper connection to nature
Heightened awareness
Colors, sounds and textures are more vivid
Reduction in anxiety, depression & other mental health symptoms(feelings of groundedness and upliftment)
Be aware of any changes you may experience in consciousness… but also let go and just move on with your day. Try not to put too much thought or emotional energy into the experience. Let it be as it needs to. You may notice effects, but also at 50mg many people do not notice much.
If you do not notice any effects from 50mg, then you can either take a second 50mg capsule 2 hours later, or the following day, try taking 100mg (2x 50mg capsules) instead. Keep increasing your dose by 50mg until you reach a comfortable and fulfilling microdose experience.
The highest starting dose people need is 200mg-300mg, especially if they are taking antidepressants or have a strong tolerance to substances. However we have found on average, people do well starting at 100mg. 50mg is a very safe and conservative place to start.
This Is The WORST That Could Happen…
If you start at 50mg, here’s the worst that will happen…
It’s not what you think… In fact the WORST that can happen actually has NOTHING to do with the microdose and it has everything to do with your mindset.
Let me explain. The worst thing that will happen is you have a “reverse” placebo effect. What I mean by this, is that if you are afraid and worried about a negative outcome, you may create this outcome simply because you are focusing on it…
How To NOT Get In Your Own Way…
If you are prone to worry, anxiety, and fear… Then do these things to avoid a “bad trip”...
Avoid stimulants the day of. No coffee or tea. Go herbal.
If you have a go to supplement for anxiety, like an herb or homeopathic remedy, then have it on hand. There are no known contraindications between supplements and psilocybin. Read this article if you are taking antidepressants or other medication.
Set an intention of trust in the medicine.
Visualize your experience: As you take your capsule, visualize a positive, uplifting and beautiful experience. Imagine everything going smoothly. Anchor this in your body and memory. If anxiety or fear ever peaks its head into your experience, bring yourself back to this visualization.
Practice deep breathing throughout your day, and especially if you start to feel fear or anxiety. Deep belly breaths.
Have a journal handy. Write down any racing or undesirable thoughts.
Consider keeping a positive affirmation handy: “I am safe.” “I trust this medicine, and I trust myself.” , or whatever may resonate with you at this time.
Try it with a trusted friend, or ask them to be available so you can call them if you feel anxious or uncomfortable.
Get out in nature. Nature is naturally calming and peaceful.
What COULD Happen At A Higher Dose…
So technically there is a physiological response that happens at higher doses, especially at 200mg+. This is still a microdose. Although “microdose” is a relative term. Some people find 200mg is very strong due to sensitivity. Others find they can take 500mg-1000mg and still be in a “microdose” range (although this is very unusual…).
For all intents and purposes, we’re going to consider 200mg the max “microdose” range here…
So, yes when taking a dose, especially at 200mg, you can experience some stronger (but still subtle) physiological responses…
Generally these experiences are relaxing and grounding. Often it feels like your body has been wrapped in a warm blanket. Senses are heightened, but discomfort is reduced…
In some rare cases, microdosing can increase anxiety. Keep in mind, this is not a “bad trip”, and it won’t spin out of control. In fact, there is a potential BLESSING here…
Why “Increased” Anxiety Is Actually A GREAT Opportunity…
As we explain in this article, this is not a bad thing. Although it could be uncomfortable for a period of time…
Basically, the mushroom spirit helps you in the way that you need. This is one of the spiritual realities of the mushroom.
Often in order to overcome discomfort, we have to go through it. You may have heard the expression, “the quickest way out of the storm is through it”. Sometimes the mushrooms guide us in this way.
What does this look like exactly? Your feelings of anxiety, whether emotional, mental, or physical, may temporarily “flare up”. This is like a brief storm that will quickly pass, especially if you breathe through it and stay present.
This is not a bad thing. This is an opportunity to break through your anxiety. So try to stay present, breathe, and trust that this is exactly what needs to happen. You will be SHOCKED at what this may do for you, both in the moment, and moving forward…
With the help of breath, presence, and these magical little mushroom helpers, your anxiety will pass. This may take some time, but it will pass. And as this unfolds, there is a GOLDEN opportunity for you…
You can integrate an experience of overcoming anxiety. You have the potential to realize that you are actually stronger than your anxiety… This can give you the confidence to overcome similar situations in the future (with or without the mushrooms).
When In Doubt, TALK To The Mushrooms…
And remember! Ask the mushrooms for help.
Yep. You heard me. There is a Spirit that lives inside of the mushrooms. Call it energy, chi, prana, or spirit. Ancient cultures were well aware of this, and now in the modern world, we are slowly remembering this connection.
So, ask them to be gentle with you. Explain any worries or fears. If you feel anxious, talk to them and ask for help.
I know… You probably think I sound totally INSANE. Try it and see for yourself. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. You have nothing to lose, and SO MUCH to gain by creating this spiritual dialogue with the mushrooms.
