Microdosing mushrooms involves taking a very small amount of psilocybin, typically one-tenth to one-fifth of a recreational dose. However, it’s important to approach microdosing with an open mind and a sense of curiosity, and to be mindful of any potential risks or side effects. Rather than experiencing intense and sometimes overwhelming effects, many people describe the effects of microdosing as more subtle and nuanced.
How Microdosing Psilocybin May Help Improve Mental Health
Serotonin is a hormone that causes feelings of happiness and well-being and helps stabilize mood. Examples of psychedelics include LSD, magic mushrooms, ayahuasca, and N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, commonly known as DMT. Of course, not everyone looks to microdosing as a productivity hack, and not everyone is as sensitive to the come-up as I am and the handful of my survey participants who reported a similar sensation. The reasons people microdose are as varied as the individuals themselves, but there are some overall trends. Many of the 83 people who filled out a survey I created reported microdosing for some kind of mental health reason, like depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADD/ADHD, addiction, and even pain management. However, in recent years, some people have started microdosing psychedelics, including psilocybin, also called magic mushrooms, and LSD.
Respondents
Psilocybin, the primary psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, is known to bind to serotonin receptors in the brain. Microdosing is often used for its potential therapeutic and personal growth benefits. In the case of microdosing shrooms, this means taking a very small amount of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms. As interest in this practice grows, more and more people are turning to this unconventional method as a way to improve mood, creativity, and productivity. Now that you know what microdosing is; learn more about the history of microdosing, Dr. James Fadiman, the benefits and risks, and medical applications of microdosing.
Limitations and future directions
It’s important, however, to remember that extremely limited research has been done on this topic and it is still illegal to purchase magic mushrooms or LSD in the United States. Only three studies have looked into the science behind microdosing in humans, so evidence of the method’s therapeutic effects remains inconclusive. Former Iterable executive Justin Zhu told Bloomberg he took a small amount of LSD, a psychedelic drug, to improve his focus during a 2019 meeting.
Anecdotal evidence shows that some people believe that microdosing helps improve their brain function by allowing their brain to operate at its fullest potential or making them more open to new ideas. Overall, 44% of people who responded perceived that their mental health was much better as a consequence of microdosing. This method often involves asking questions to people who have been microdosing or were already interested in it. As such, there may be a bit of bias in these studies, as the people may expect to have a good experience while microdosing.
Are There Microdosing Disadvantages? Microdosing Mushrooms Side Effects
This relatively new therapeutic approach involves the use of psychedelic substances in larger doses under the supervision of a medical professional, typically in combination with psychotherapy. It is important to note that these substances are still illegal and cannot be legally prescribed or given by a doctor or psychiatrist. However, as more research is done on the use of psychedelics, both in standard dosages and microdoses, it may be possible that psychedelics find their way into various treatment paradigms. While these substances tend to have low physiological risks, full doses do place people at the risk of experiencing psychological side effects including what is popularly referred as having a « bad trip. » There is a lack of research into the effects and potential benefits of microdosing. Another problem is that researchers do not yet know the possible long-term effects of this practice.
- The thinking behind microdosing is that it allows you to experience potential benefits without unwanted side effects.
- Microdosing does not cause classic psychedelic effects such as visual disturbances; instead, microdosers experience more subtle, “sub-hallucinogenic”, effects from the practice.
- Furthermore, most psychedelic substances are illegal, making microdosing tricky for most individuals.
According to a recent analysis, Colorado leads when it comes to states that are most interested and open to microdosing and psychedelics based on search results of residents. The accepted definition of substance misuse is the use of prescription, illegal drugs, or over-the-counter drugs or alcohol in excessive amounts or for other purposes than originally intended. There is no set rule as to whether microdosing any psychedelics is a type of substance misuse. Other species mentioned dmt: side effects withdrawal overdose and treatment were Liberty Caps (Psilocybe semilanceata) and Atlantis truffles (the sclerotia of Psilocybe atlantis). Interestingly, some of the more advanced microdosers reported that they’ve found that some strains and species make them more tired than others, but it can be subjective to the individual and dose-dependent. As more research on the effects of different magic mushroom strains and species emerge, we’ll likely have more info on strains that are better or worse for microdosing.
Psychedelics, and microdosing in particular, still require a lot of scientific research to fully understand their workings. Although some claim microdosing is nothing more than a placebo effect, a large body of anecdotal evidence demonstrates that microdosing can lead to physical, mental, and emotional improvement. Since 2010, Dr. James Fadiman, an American transpersonal psychologist, has been collecting microdosing reports from people around the world. His findings with numerous positive experiences serve as the foundation for the scientific quest into the world of microdosing.
Be conscious on these days about what you are feeling, experiencing, and thinking, but try not to judge or overthink. Instead, briefly write in your journal about the subtle differences that you notice. Putting your reflections on paper gives your subconscious mind an opportunity to speak. There are many proposed remedies for mental health concerns, such as meditation, therapy, and prescription medications. The most recent trend offered as a way to improve mental well-being is microdosing. Another research study in the Netherlands sees researchers actually administer microdoses of LSD to participants in the lab, which means they have more control over it – but that it’s a very small sample size.
Steve Jobs, cofounder and previous CEO of Apple Inc., was open about his LSD experiences. Fielding’s study is currently in progress, and preliminary findings suggest LSD microdosing can increase pain lsd toxicity tolerance. On Monday, a tech startup CEO was fired after he took a microdose of LSD before a work meeting. Reflecting repeatedly on these areas makes you even more aware of this inner journey.
According to the same study, some participants also experienced negative side effects, like increased anxiety and a “cycling pattern“ between depressive and euphoric moods. However, the scientific research on the benefits of microdosing is still in its early https://sober-house.net/what-happens-when-you-mix-cannabis-and-alcohol/ stages, and much more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of this practice. Many people who microdose report improved mood, creativity, and productivity, as well as a greater sense of connection to themselves and others.
Mushroom expert, Paul Stamets, also has developed his own protocol specifically for microdosing Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. He recommends folks microdose for five days in a row then take two days off. He also recommends combining microdoses of psilocybin containing mushrooms with the supplements Niacin (a form of Vitamin B3) and Lion’s Mane (a non-psychedelic medicinal mushroom).
