Microdosing Psilocybin aka Magic Mushrooms

Psilocybin and psilocin are the main active compounds in “magic mushrooms”. Psilocybin is the prodrug for psilocin: psilocin can cross directly over the blood-brain barrier, while enzymes in the body dephosphorylate psilocybin, converting it into psilocin. Psilocybin is an indole alkaloid that is structurally very similar to serotonin. Psilocybin is considered one of the classic psychedelics because it is structurally related to the neurotransmitters serotonin or dopamine (which are 5-HT2A agonists). Other classic psychedelics include LSD and mescaline.

The psychedelic effects include heightened/altered sensory experiences of vision, sound, and physical sensations. Other effects include a distorted sense of time, increased empathy and connection to others and the natural world, ego dissolution, and mystical/spiritual experiences.  Effects of psychedelics are dose and setting dependent; they can evoke a state of inward reflection that can be deeply personal and existential. Side effects may include disorientation, increased heart rate, anxiety, and paranoia, which create what some people call a “bad trip”. Some people have reported long-term effects from these negative experiences, such as flashbacks, while others return to baseline without further issues. Learn more about how to dose Psilocybin aka magic mushrooms here. For now we are going to discuss microdosing.

Unlike cannabis which can be legally purchased in many forms, including flower, oils, and edibles, the future of commercial psilocybin sales will likely rely heavily on a single form of consumption. Micro-dose capsules filled with dried psilocybin mushrooms have been shown to provide a variety of benefits to users and are growing in popularity. As the primary form of consumption, the demand for micro-dose capsules will shape the evolving psilocybin industry. It is important to ask for the strain of the mushroom and do a quick search to confirm if it is appropriate for microdosing. Not all magic mushrooms or psilocybin are the same.

A micro-dose of psilocybin is typically about 1/5 to 1/10th of a macro-dose (a dose large enough to initiate a psychedelic trip). Unlike a macro-dose, a micro-dose does not create a ‘high’ feeling or induce a psychoactive effect in the user’s perception. After consuming a micro-dose of psilocybin, some users report a positive mood, stimulated productivity, and increased focus, energy levels, and creativity, while others have complained of increased anxiety or migraines.

Dosage will range from .25 g to .50 g of dried mushrooms or 2.5mg to .5mg of psilocybin capsule. Start out low for your first round. You can choose to increase your dosage at any time. Any dose over .50 g of dried mushrooms or .5mg of psilocybin capsule will be considered low dose in which you may experience physical sensation, euphoria, and enhanced senses.

For maximum effects, it is recommended to orally administer the start of your day for 3-4 consecutive days per week. We highly recommend to have a psychedelic coach or psychedelic therapist for support and to help assist with dosing recommendations and treatment plans based on purpose of usage. Psilocybin can be consumed daily, but not recommended as users will build up a tolerance quickly. Although, like cannabis, psilocybin cannot be overdosed, consuming psilocybin may initiate food poisoning, accelerate the nervous system, and can negatively affect the liver.