A Beginner’s Guide to Microdosing Psilocybin: Dosage, Schedule, and Benefits
Could Small Doses of Psychedelic Mushrooms be The Magic Ingredient to Manifesting A Thriving Life?
In light of the rising global mental health challenges, particularly amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic causing a nearly threefold increase in depression rates, there’s been a captivating surge of interest in exploring psychedelics as a potential treatment for mental health and an overall integrated sense of well-being. This has led to a wave of research, ranging from clinical studies at renowned institutions like Johns Hopkins University to Silicon Valley’s productivity and self-improvement circles. As a personal advocate for the emergence of psychedelics for personal and planetary transformation, I am pretty excited to be alive for this paradigm shift!
If you’ve found your way here, you’re probably on a personal journey to discover more about micro-dosing, so I’ll aim to cover the basics for you.
You’ve Heard The Hype, but What is Microdosing?
Microdosing Psilocybin is all about taking tiny, sub-perceptual doses of the active compound found in magic mushrooms as an intentional and consistent self-development practice. Unlike larger doses, which can cause significant alterations in consciousness, mood, and thought processes, micro-doses are typically so small — approximately 1/10th of a macrodose, that they don’t produce noticeable psychoactive effects. But here’s the kicker — users report subtle but positive changes, and from what I’ve witnessed, these seemingly micro-changes cascade into much bigger transformations long-term. Author of Atomic Habits, James Clear, says, “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” micro-dosing can certainly amplify the ability to make more conscious choices, moment to moment. Paul Stamets, an American mycologist, author and advocate of medicinal fungi and mycoremediation, claims,” By working with mushrooms, we can unlock new possibilities for human growth and evolution.”
Is Magic in Every Cap? What are the Potential Benefits of Microdosing Psilocybin?
Research into psychedelic medicine is a revolutionary and continuously evolving field that is still in its early stages, yielding varied results. Studies are being carried out in academic medical settings through clinical trials, where participants are exploring the effects of taking hallucinogenic doses of these substances, known as psychedelic-assisted therapy. There’s still a long road ahead to draw clear and widely applicable conclusions from this research.
When it comes to microdosing psilocybin results, there’s even less data available, and many of the suggested health benefits are based on assumptions drawn from larger-dose trials. It’s essential to embrace the potential of psychedelic therapy with an air of curiosity and caution, recognising the need for further evidence in some cases as well, of course, a consideration for its legalities, depending on where you are in the world.
Caveats aside, it’s wonderful to consider what experts and research presume about the potential health benefits of microdosing and that super-conscious remedies to some of our biggest challenges may be encoded in nature. Numerous anecdotal reports indicate that psychedelic therapy may be a more regenerative and integrative approach to mental healthcare and may have more positive outcomes than the traditional band-aid approach in some cases. People claim to experience expanded consciousness, empathy, understanding, and the ability to change unconscious patterns by making new choices, all supported by a heightened sense of presence. A large number of subjective experiences echo these claims.
According to the Journal of Psychopharmacology, the top four reported subjective benefits of psilocybin microdosing are:
Improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Enhanced creativity and productivity.
Increased energy and alertness
Enhanced empathy, sociability or communication skills
Dosage: How Mush Is Too Mush?
The Recommended starting dose is 0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried and ground psilocybin mushrooms in capsule form.
As reported by Health News, Psilocybin can be taken alone or as part of a neuro-regenerative ‘stack’ alongside Lion’s Mane and Niacin, formulated by Paul Stamets.
Due to potential variations based on individual tolerance and sensitivity, start on the low end of the spectrum and adjust as needed, finding a good dosage within those bounds.
Microdosing Schedule: The Fadiman Method
Enter the realm of groundbreaking research led by the renowned American writer James Fadiman. His pioneering work on the psilocybin microdosing protocol has garnered widespread attention and numerous success stories. Let’s uncover the transformative potential of microdosing psychedelic mushrooms under the guidance of a true visionary:
Step 1: Explore. Before starting the Fadiman protocol, beginners should choose a day when they have no commitments and definitely do not need to supervise children! There are many emerging microdosing coaches today, and seeking guidance from a microdosing specialist can help you determine the most suitable starting dose.
Step 2. Observe. Take some time to rest and cultivate some awareness around your experience. If you already engage in mindfulness practices, you may find it easier to tap into the present moment. If not, no worries! The mushrooms may be able to help you. Set and setting can certainly aid in entering into an intentional frame of consciousness. While microdosing, it’s important to be mindful of your physical and emotional state and evaluate whether the effects align with your expectations. Journaling to record and reflect on your experience can help you find the right dosage that feels good to you.
Step 4. Adapt. If you found that your initial try at microdosing had the desired effects, continue on with the dosage. However, if you encounter unwanted side effects or you experience no noticeable changes, you may need to increase or decrease the dosage. Taking too much could worsen anxiety, while taking too little may not yield any results. Your practice is to land on your personal sweet spot when it comes to dosage. Remember, though, that the dosage should be sub-perceptual, so the only changes you should be able to notice are in mood, energy, focus, and creative problem-solving.
Step 5. Consistent Practice. When Psilocybin builds up in your system, you begin to build a tolerance to the cognitive effects. To avoid this, Dr. Fadiman recommends a regimen of one day on and two days off.
The Fadiman protocol recommends following this pattern for a period of four to ten weeks, followed by a break of two to four weeks before starting the protocol again.
Although Dr. Fadiman suggests this cycle for both high-dose and microdosing, he states that it is safe to microdose daily without taking breaks.
For those interested in experimenting with Dr. Fadiman’s protocols, he provides the following recommendations from his book, The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys, for microdosing:
Daily for overall cognitive enhancement.
Every other day for managing anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
On weekdays, abstaining on weekends to improve performance in business and professional activities.
It’s important to remember that true, long-lasting change happens over time and that transformation also comes with its challenges. When we grow and heal, we start to outgrow our old patterns; things that are no longer in resonance with who we are becoming start to feel uncomfortable or can even fall away. This is why it is also recommended to work with a professional microdosing coach or psychologist who understands this journey so that you can resource yourself with support when you need it.
Psilocybin Safety and Considerations
Remember, when it comes to microdosing Psilocybin, it’s essential to choose a reputable provider to ensure quality and safety. Possible side effects such as headaches, nausea, and anxiety can be mitigated by starting with a low dose and making gradual adjustments. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you have underlying health conditions. Keep in mind that legal considerations are crucial, as Psilocybin is still illegal in many areas. Stay informed about local laws to avoid legal issues, and remember that responsible use is the key to unlocking the benefits of microdosing while minimising potential risks.
Is the Mycelium Network the ‘“Internet of The Cosmos”’?
Paul Stamets may be right — Microdosing Psilocybin might be like tapping into a kind of ‘super consciousness’ and a means to access higher wisdom and a deeper sense of meaning, but whatever the theory, we do see a resounding message that microdosing psychedelic fungi seems to illicit a positive connection to the self and others as well as a profound understanding that we are deeply interwoven into the tapestry of nature — surely an important realisation if we are to collectively shift our relationship with the planet as humans. New studies emerging also hold the promise of subtle yet profound benefits, from improved mood and creativity to enhanced empathy and energy — all of which seem to support anecdotal success stories.
By starting with small, carefully measured doses and following proven protocols, you can explore the transformative potential of microdosing while maintaining safety and legality.
Are you here because something inside is calling you to dig deep and take you on a voyage into self-discovery, or are you simply looking for some tools to help you find mental clarity and resilience? Mycelium certainly seems to hold a lot of promise. At the very least, it’s hard to have a bad day when there’s so mushroom for joy. Ask me; I’m full of bad jokes!
