How to Microdose Mushrooms for Calm and Connection
I was four years old when I asked my dad “Why are we here?” And I didn’t mean why are we here, in this house, or this location of the globe. I meant why do I exist? What is the point of all of this?
I don’t recall what his response was, but it surely didn’t make sense to my developing brain. In some ways, at 42 years old - I still find myself asking that question. I come up with theories to soothe my wandering mind and consciousness that resonate until they no longer make sense, and I return to the same question yet again.
Microdosing is the practice of consuming small amounts of psychedelics, such as psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms) to enhance focus, creativity, and overall well-being. Personally, I have found that they increase my patience, tolerance, and ability to stay anchored in the present moment. They are the inspiration for this site as they help to make my days brighter.
What is Microdosing Magic Mushrooms?
Microdosing involves the practice of consuming small, sub-perceptual doses of psychedelics, to avoid the intense sensory and cognitive effects of higher doses (commonly known as "tripping out”) and has been steadily gaining popularity in both pop culture and scientific literature.
While the effects of microdosing can vary from person to person and depend on the specific substance and dosage used, many individuals report positive outcomes after adding microdosing to their spiritual routines.
Why Do People Microdose Magic Mushrooms?
Enhance Mindfulness: It can help people enhance their overall mindfulness in each moment and foster a deeper connection to their surroundings.
Improve Mood: Microdosers report improved mood, leading to a more positive and balanced emotional state.
Enhance Creativity: It can boost creative thinking and ideation, opening new avenues for self-expression, problem-solving, and creative endeavors.
Enhance Learning: Microdosers experience enhanced cognitive function, leading to improved learning and information retention.
Decrease Anxiety: It has shown promise in reducing anxiety and providing relief from stress and tension.
Improve Health Habits:Microdosers often report positive changes in their health habits, such as adopting healthier lifestyle choices like improved eating habits and consuming less alcohol.
Decrease Procrastination: It can reduce procrastination tendencies, leading to increased productivity and focus.
Increase Sociability: Some individuals find that microdosing enhances their sociability and interpersonal interactions, introverts unite!
Improve Sleep: Microdosing may contribute to improved sleep patterns and better overall restfulness.
Decrease Substance Use: Microdosing has been associated with decreased substance use in some individuals (self included! My nightly glass of wine is no more since I began a microdosing practice).
How Does Microdosing Help with Spiritual Practices?
A spiritual practice can take many forms, such as meditation, yoga, prayer, or any other activity that helps you connect with the depths of your inner self and the connectedness of the world around you. These practices can bring a sense of peace, understanding, and fulfillment to one's life, and by adding a microdose of magic mushrooms it can allow you to go deeper within yourself.
I Want to Start Microdosing, But I’m Still Nervous.
First and foremost, it is important to note that microdosing should be used with caution for individuals with a history of mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety. If you have any concerns, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional before trying microdosing. Now that the legal mumbo jumbo is out of the way, let’s really get into it. :)
Research on the use of psychedelics, like magic mushrooms, has been conducted for more than 70 years! Surprised? Many people are! I will not go into the various reasons why our society and government still deems these fungi as a Schedule 1 drug, or something that has a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical uses, but I will look at the scientific research on microdosing with you. So, let’s dive in!
Research on Microdosing Mushrooms
In a comprehensive study of microdosing called microdose.me, researchers are gathering valuable information about microdosers and their practices. The study is one of the largest of its kind and includes over 23,000 individuals from 84 different countries. It aims to shed light on the effects of microdosing by looking at various aspects, including how microdosers combine psychedelic and non-psychedelic substances (a practice known as stacking) and how it relates to mental health.
The researchers are also investigating the differences in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms between microdosers and non-microdosers, especially among those with mental health concerns.
What They’ve Found So Far:
Psilocybin and LSD are the most commonly used substances for microdosing, with microdosers typically taking them 1 to 4 times per week.
The main motivations for microdosing include enhancing emotional well-being, cognitive functioning, and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Microdosers reported reduced severity of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, especially among those with mental health concerns.
More than half of microdosers combine their microdose substance with other substances, such as Lion's Mane mushrooms or cacao.
Microdosers were less likely to use alcohol regularly and more likely to abstain from alcohol entirely, showing a trend towards healthier lifestyle choices.
Frequent cannabis use among microdosers may also reflect therapeutic intent, as it is associated with reducing anxiety and depression.
This study shows that microdosing is primarily driven by therapeutic and wellness motives, suggesting a growing interest in using psychedelics for mental health support.
Additional Research on Microdosing
One study found that microdosing psilocybin improved mood and cognitive flexibility in healthy individuals.
Another study found that microdosing psilocybin improved self-reported measures of creativity, divergent thinking, and emotional stability.
Another study found that microdosing psilocybin can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
It is important to note that these studies were conducted with small sample sizes, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential therapeutic benefits of microdosing psychedelics, especially in a clinical setting.
Also, it is important to keep in mind that the use of psychedelics, including cannabis and psilocybin, carries inherent risks and should be approached with caution.
Microdosing should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional or certified plant medicine guide and after conducting a thorough evaluation of the potential risks and benefits.
Curious About Growing Your Own Magic Mushrooms?
Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Growing Magic Mushrooms at Home for step-by-step instructions to start your cultivation journey.
I’m Ready to Start. How Do I Know How Much Magic Mushrooms I Should Take?
It is important to note that the effects of psilocybin can vary greatly depending on the individual and the type of mushroom consumed, similar to cannabis strains, the variety of psychedelic mushrooms plays a role in how it impacts you.
Also, psilocybin is illegal in many places, so make sure you understand the legal implications of using and possessing the medicine.
It is important to start with a small dose and gradually increase it until you find the right dosage for you. It is also important to keep in mind that the effects of microdosing can take time to become noticeable and may not be immediately apparent - but from personal experience and interviews, I can say the majority of people notice a difference the first time they take them.
When incorporating microdosing into your spiritual practice, it is wise to approach it with caution and take a gradual approach to finding the right dosage for you.
Here is a step-by-step process to help you safely and effectively incorporate microdosing into your spiritual practice:
1. Consult with a healthcare professional: Before trying microdosing, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have a history of mental health disorders or are currently taking any medications.
2. Start with a small dose: Begin by starting with a small dose of the substance you plan to microdose with, the typical starting dose is around 0.1-0.3g of dried mushrooms.
3. Try it on certain days of the week: It is recommended to try microdosing only a few days a week, rather than every day, to avoid building up a tolerance.
4. Consider your setting and context: When microdosing, it's important to consider the setting and context in which you consume the substance. It's best to do it in a comfortable, safe and controlled environment where you can focus on your spiritual practice without distractions.
5. Consider other things in your life: Before and after trying microdosing, it is important to consider other things in your life that could affect your experience, such as stress levels, diet, and sleep.
6. Keep a journal: Keeping a journal to track your experiences, including the dosage and the effect it has on your spiritual practice, can help you find the right dosage for you.
7. Be patient: Keep in mind that the effects of microdosing can take time to become noticeable and may not be immediately apparent. It's important to be patient and give yourself time to adjust to the effects of the substance.
How Do I Know It's Working?
Psilocybin's effects are usually noticeable within 30-60 minutes after dosing.
These effects peak around 2-3 hours after dosing and gradually subside to negligible levels at least 6 hours later.
Psilocybin is generally well-tolerated, with only mild and transient adverse reactions reported, such as transient anxiety, confusion, mild nausea, and headaches.
I’m Taking Western Medications, Can I Still Microdose Mushrooms?
Psychedelics can interact with certain medications in ways that may be harmful or reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Some medications that can potentially interact with psychedelics include:
Antidepressants: Psychedelics can interact with certain antidepressants, such as SSRIs and SNRIs, and can cause increased serotonin levels in the brain, which can lead to a condition called serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can include confusion, agitation, sweating, muscle stiffness, and a rapid heartbeat.
Blood thinners: Psychedelics can increase the risk of bleeding, particularly when taken with blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin and aspirin.
Sedatives: Psychedelics can enhance the sedative effects of medications that cause drowsiness, such as benzodiazepines, sleep aids, and opioids, which can lead to excessive drowsiness and impaired motor function.
Antipsychotics: Psychedelics may interact with certain antipsychotics, such as haloperidol, and can cause an increased risk of side effects, such as confusion, agitation, and muscle stiffness.
It is important to inform your healthcare professional about any medications you are currently taking before incorporating microdosing into your spiritual practice. Your healthcare professional can advise you on the potential risks and benefits, and help you determine the best course of action.
Overall, microdosing can be a safe and effective way to enhance spiritual practices, but it is important to approach it with caution and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. Remember that the integration of microdosing into spiritual practices should be done mindfully and with the intention of fostering personal growth and spiritual exploration
Ready to grow your own magic mushrooms? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Growing Magic Mushrooms at Home for step-by-step instructions to start your cultivation journey.
References:
Carhart-Harris RL et al. Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry. 2016:3(7);619-627.
Prochazkova L et al. Microdosing psychedelics as cognitive and emotional enhancers. Journal of psychoactive drugs. 2019:51(2);129-135.
Carhart-Harris, RL et al. Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: six-month follow-up.” Psychopharmacology. 2018:235(2);399-408.
Rust T et al. Low-dose vaporized cannabis significantly improves neuropathic pain. The Journal of Pain. 2020:21(2);S153-S162.
Rootman J et al. Adults who microdose psychedelics report health related motivations and lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to non-microdosers. Sci Rep. 2021:11;22479.
Cavanna, F et al. Microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Transl Psychiatry. 2022:12;307.