Microdosing psilocybin mushrooms is an exciting new trend. Many people are reporting amazing results like curing (or reducing) their anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. While others are reporting increased focus, creativity, and overall well being.
If you’ve ever experienced a full dose of mushrooms (2g or more), then you likely are aware of the vast array of experiences they can offer. Some people laugh and experience extreme joy. Others get lost in a world of fears and anxieties (a “bad” trip). And some people have total existential crisis, and their life is never the same. From my experience with mushrooms, both in microdose and in full “journey” doses, the magic of mushrooms is that they are wild and unpredictable. They have a tendency to show us exactly what we need (and what we’re ready) to see.
Microdosing mushrooms tends to offer a similar unpredictability, but in a much more subtle and gentle way.
But What Exactly is a Microdose…?
What Is A Microdose of Psilocybin?
Well, it is just like it sounds... It is a “micro” dose of magic mushrooms. This basically means a person is ingesting such a small dose of psilocybin, that they are hardly aware (or completely unaware) that they consumed any mushrooms at all. Depending on the individual this will range from 50mg (0.05g) to 300mg (0.3g). To put things in perspective, for someone to experience a full mushroom “trip”, one would generally consume anywhere from 2500mg (2.5g) to 5000mg (5g) of psilocybin.
A Microdose Should NOT…
Make you hallucinate
Give you “out of body” experiences
Make you unable to drive or operate a vehicle
Impact you so much that you are unable to fulfill your regular daily tasks
Make you anxious
If you have taken a microdose and any of the above occurs, you should decrease your dosage.
A Microdose MAY…
Increase your self awareness
Enhance your mood
Make colors slightly more vivid
Reduce anxiety
Increase focus and creativity
Everyone experiences microdosing differently. Some people, especially those who are highly sensitive, may report more profound effects than others. Some people notice no perceptible differences.
So… How Do You Begin Microdosing Mushrooms?
Find the Strength That is Right for You
If you’ve never microdosed psilocybin before, then you will need to discover the dose that is right for you. Everyone is different. Depending on your body, your tolerance and your desired results, your “perfect” dose strength will likely be different than others.
We have found that the ideal starting dose is 0.1g (100mg). Most people do well with this dose, with the effects being subtle but not too noticeable. If you are using an encapsulated product, and you find 0.1g is too strong, you can open your capsule and cut the dose in half. Likewise, if it is too weak, simply take two capsules instead of one. Remember, you can always add (take more), but you can’t subtract.
Another important factor in dosage is when and where you consume your microdose. Microdosing on an empty stomach (especially first thing in the morning) tends to yield a stronger effect than after eating. Likewise, taking your micro with coffee or cacao generally offers a stronger effect.
From our experience, doing something creative after taking your microdose will result in a stronger effect. If you simply take your dose for the day and “hit the work grind”, you may not notice the subtle effects. However, if you take your dose and then spend time in nature, or you pursue an artistic endeavour, you will likely feel more effects.
A Word On Tolerance…
Tolerance to microdosing is an interesting subject. There is not any definitive research in this department. It seems to vary from individual to individual. Some people find they build a tolerance to the psilocybin, while others find they become more sensitive. Common protocols suggest taking days off of microdosing (we suggest 5 days on, 2 days off), so to avoid tolerance.
It’s important to pay attention. Perhaps you are the type of person who becomes more sensitive over time. In which case, you may want to reduce your dose strength as needed. Whereas if you find your tolerance is increasing, you can either take a higher dose, or you can change the frequency of your dosing. Some people will take more days off (1 day on, 2 days off), while others will take a prolonged period of time off (1-2 weeks).
So, keep in mind when finding the right dose:
Microdosing on an empty stomach yields stronger effects
Take with coffee or cacao for a stronger effect
You can always take more, but you can’t take less (meaning, start small then take more if needed)
You should notice effects within 1 hour after consuming the microdose
Take your microdose on a day off when you can have time alone - Try spending time in nature or doing something creative.
Often people who regularly smoke marijuana need to consume a higher strength microdose.
Pay attention to your tolerance - is it increasing or decreasing? Adjust accordingly.
Have A Clear Intention
A Clear Intention is crucial before any significant life experience. Microdosing psilocybin is no different.
What do you want to get out of your microdose experience?
For example, do you want to…
Get to the root of your anxiety / Depression?
Experience more joy in life?
Relax and laugh more?
Connect more deeply to yourself or others?
Build confidence?
Increase your focus or creativity?
Whatever your intention is, make a note of it - either a mental note, or literally write it down and stick it on your forehead! Or… stick it on your fridge or desk. This intention will guide your experience. It will also create a barometer for the success of your microdosing adventures.
You can continually come back to your intention, revise it, assess it, and build upon it. Keeping a daily journal is a great way to do this. Each day you can write about your intention and what you have noticed.
You may eventually “outgrow” your intention. For example, your intention may originally be to have greater focus and creativity in your life. As you journal, inquire and grow with this intention, you may find that what is blocking your focus and creativity is rooted in anxiety. So, your intention may shift to clearing your anxiety.
Decide On Frequency
How often do you want to microdose psilocybin? We recommend choosing a protocol and deciding on a period of times (1 month, 3 months, or more…) that you can commit to. This will create a container for you to explore the magic of the microdose.
Frequency will be different for everyone. Some people like to take a microdose everyday, whereas others like to dose up more sporadically when they feel inspired.
However, there are two common and popular protocols for microdosing.
At Majik Microdoses, we suggest the 5 days on, 2 days off protocol. This means you will take a microdose everyday for 5 days. Then you will take 2 days off. The 2 days off prevents your body from building tolerance to psilocybin, and it allows you to have some perspective on your experience with a “clear” mind (figuratively speaking of course…). We like this method because it gives a regular experience of microdosing, as well as an easy structure based on the 7 days of the week for people to follow. We recommend following this protocol for at least 3 months to see what lasting effects you experience.
Another common method is once every 3 days. This means you will take a microdose one day (lets say monday). Then, take 2 days off (tuesday and wednesday). On the 3rd day (thursday) take another microdose. We recommend following this protocol for at least 3 months to see what lasting effects you experience.
To be honest though, the way I have always microdosed is by following my inspiration. When I first started, I microdosed everyday for about 3 months. Intuitively, this felt the best. Then with time, I began cutting back. Each day while I meditated I would decide whether or not I would take a microdose. Some days I would, others I would not. Recently, I have rarely been taking microdoses. However that could change at any moment.
Work With A Trained Professional
Microdosing is not a “one size fits all approach”, especially if you are trying it out for depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges.
Generally, microdosing will eventually bring up your “shit”. This is not a bad thing. For a “wound” to heal, it often needs to opened up and examined. This can be painful. Trauma or other issues may arise through microdosing. That’s why it’s good to work with a trained professional to support you on your journey.
A trained professional may be a therapist, a healer, a psychiatrist, or any who is trained to support trauma and healing. You need to find the right practitioner that fits your needs.
Even if you are just microdosing for “fun”, it’s good to have someone you can talk to about your experiences. You may notice things from your subconscious begin to surface with time, even if your intention is purely recreational.
This is the nature of psilocybin mushrooms. They dissolve the boundary between the conscious and unconscious. The unconscious can house our shadow, so be ready!
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