If you have spent any time investigating magic mushrooms, you have probably heard the term ‘micro-dosing.’ Despite being a relatively new practice, micro-dosing mushrooms has quickly gained traction, especially among individuals interested in the therapeutic effects of psilocybin.
In this guide, we’ll share all the basics of micro-dosing magic mushrooms in order to help get you started on your journey.
Magic Mushrooms: What Is Micro-dosing?
Microdosing involves taking tiny amounts of a psychedelic with doses so low they won’t have significant psychoactive effects. Many people engage with psychedelics for their hallucinogenic properties. That said, a growing number of people are microdosing magic blue meanie mushrooms for the therapeutic effects: enhance cognition, boost mood, and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
In macrodoses, side effects may be less noticeable and outshined by the mind-altering psychoactive compounds. On the other hand, individuals who microdose with magic mushrooms can subtly feel its side effects increase over time.
Mood, energy, and mind-enhancing side effects of micro-dosing integrate into daily life without intoxication or impairment. Moreover, micro-dosing gives you all the fantastic effects of psychedelics without the psychoactive effects!
What are Psilocybin Mushrooms?
Psilocybin mushrooms are a family of fungi containing the psychedelic compound psilocybin. Commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, psilocybin mushrooms produce effects similar to LSD: euphoria, visual hallucinations, increased introspection and self-reflection, spiritual experiences, increased openness, and more.
In the US, the cultivation, sale, purchase, and use of psilocybin mushrooms remain federally illegal. However, some states have taken steps to decriminalize and legalize in recent years.
What Is a Microdose of Mushrooms?
Magic mushroom doses are measured by weight, with a standard microdose typically weighing around 1/10 to 1/20th of a typical dose. In the case of magic mushrooms, a microdose should be around 0.05 grams to 0.25 grams. If you want additional information on the accurate formula, there are plenty of guides for microdosing psilocybin and magic mushrooms that break down what, exactly, a proper microdose will entail.
Why Microdose Mushrooms?
Although microdosing mushrooms don’t produce the same ‘high’ as a standard dose, that doesn’t mean microdosing doesn’t have a noticeable effect. People who microdose magic mushrooms do it to enjoy the therapeutic and mood-boosting benefits – without the high and without disrupting daily life.
In some cases, the choice to micro-dose may be purely out of curiosity. In contrast, other individuals may use micro-dosing psilocybin to treat chronic mental health concerns, mood disorders, and more.
Therapeutic Uses
In small doses, psilocybin has proven to reduce some of the mental and physical symptoms of depression, anxiety, and similar mental health conditions. In addition to boosting mood for short periods, microdoses of psilocybin may increase cognition, reduce mental strain, and improve the ease of daily tasks.
Increased Performance
Psilocybin doesn’t just boost mood; it can help boost performance by giving your brain an extra shot of energy, concentration, and learning capacity. By opening the mind and allowing you to become more aware, microdoses of psilocybin can help increase performance at work, in school, at home, or even in your hobbies.
Creative Boosts
Microdoses of psilocybin boost mood, concentration, and energy and even help you feel more creative. Further, microdosing psilocybin can give you a creative boost, help you get out of a creative rut, and inspire you to create something new.
FAQ
Fascinated by microdosing but worried you might mess it up? Here are just some frequently asked questions about microdosing psilocybin to help you overcome doubt and get you informed:
How Often Should You Microdose Mushrooms?
Depending on what you hope to achieve from your microdosing journey, you may choose to microdose daily, twice weekly, weekly, or even just monthly. Many individuals working to combat the effects of depression and anxiety prefer to microdose daily.
In contrast, others may prefer to stick to the weekends or outside of work hours. As long as you don’t take more than the recommended dose and take psilocybin only once a day, most people can successfully micro-dose daily without adverse effects.
How Do You Measure a ‘Microdose’?
The best way to measure a microdose is by weighing it. A sensitive scale will help you to get specific measurements of your mushrooms before consuming them.
How Long Does a Microdose of Mushrooms Take to Kick-In?
Depending on your consumption method, the onset of a microdose could take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. It’s also important to note a microdose will not result in psychoactive effects. As a result, many individuals may not detect the onset of effects or know precisely when the shrooms are kicking in.
Risks
While psilocybin is a relatively safe substance, there are risks associated with taking anything. Therefore, you should always do your research, be in a safe space, and purchase from a reputable source.
If you have a pre-existing heart condition, psilocybin could increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart-related health issues. If you are taking prescription medication, check for known interactions between your meds and psilocybin before micro-dosing to avoid unpleasant side effects.
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