Microdosing has become a topic of widespread debate as of late. While still being illegal, it has gained massive popularity in a short period of time. Becoming ever-present in the tech and artistic communities, Microdosing has become just as commonplace as the use of pharmaceutical drugs like Adderall. In fact, in many cases, micro-dosing has replaced these drugs, with users searching for a more natural experience.
But what exactly is micro-dosing? To put it simply, micro-dosing is the act of consuming small, non-psychoactive amounts of certain drugs, in this case, Psilocybin. In doing so, users can receive many of the natural benefits of psilocybin without any of the hallucinations associated with “tripping.” Psilocybin and Psilocin, the result of psilocybin being processed by the lover, interact with the brain’s neurotransmitters and receptors. They both have a resounding impact on serotonin and the parts of the brain that control both panic and arousal. Additionally, they heighten emotions, good or bad, especially fear and love.
Effects and Use
Users can experience many different positive effects by taking a micro-dose or sub-therapeutic amounts of drugs like psilocybin and cannabis. Micro-doses of psilocybin have been known to improve creativity and critical thinking, boost energy levels and problem-solving abilities, restore emotional balance and have been used to treat addiction, anxiety and depression. In many cases, patients have chosen to micro-dosing psilocybin as a replacement for stronger pharmacological treatments.
Psilocybin becomes less potent the more it is used in a single session, so dependency on it is highly unlikely. In fact, to this day, no reported cases of psilocybin addiction have ever been documented. Similarly, micro-dosing psilocybin has actually shown amazing strides towards helping with opiate and nicotine addiction.
Micro-dosing Methods
Though it can be as simple as ingesting sub hallucinogenic amounts of magic mushrooms, micro-dosing takes on many forms today. From teas to edibles to capsules, there is seemingly no limit to the practical applications of psilocybin. The most common application today is in the form of microdose capsules. These easy to take, discreet capsules offer psilocybin on the go and usually look just like a vitamin. In most cases, the magic mushrooms are ground and blended with other natural health products and nutrients Ginseng, Lion’s Mane, Gingko Biloba and Pine Bark extract.
Another popular method of micro-dosing is in chocolate form. Many companies offer pre-dosed chocolate bars or individual chocolates to make both dosage and consumption easier. Chocolate is extremely effective at masking the somewhat unpleasant taste of dried mushrooms. The chocolate also has many antioxidants of its own, combined with its natural effect on the mind and cognitive function. Chocolate is a natural mood enhancer, just like psilocybin in small doses. As a result, combining the two strengthens their effects.
Above all, when choosing to microdose psilocybin, it is recommended that you “start low and go slow”. In other words, begin with a very small amount, 50-100mg and see how that affects you. It may be too little to notice, or you may find that as little as 50mg is enough for you to gain the benefits of psilocybin. After that, you can adjust your doses accordingly.
Mushrooms, magical or otherwise
Many microdose products offer and advertise a mushroom or “shroom” blend. In most cases, this doesn’t refer to a blend of different psychedelic mushrooms but rather a blend of one strain of psilocybe and a combination of other non-psychedelic mushrooms. Mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, and for a good reason. They are an excellent source of many vitamins and nutrients, including niacin potassium and riboflavin. Similarly, mushrooms provide protein and carbohydrates with extremely minimal fats.
There are several non-psychedelic mushrooms that you will often see included in micro-dose caps. Manufacturers often add these mushrooms to help tailor the effects of the capsule to either enhance certain qualities, or add other desired ones to the overall experience.
Lion’s Mane
So much more than a delicious culinary treat, Lion’s Mane stimulates the production of NGF. Nerve Growth Factor is a neuropeptide whose essential functions relate to neural protection. Similarly, they work to enhance signalling and pathway stimulation. The stimulation of NGF is not an isolated benefit. In fact, its effects cascade across several body systems. By counteracting neurotoxicity, Lion’s Mane has shown to be effective in treating and preventing an astonishing array of degenerative illnesses and diseases. For instance, those who have Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Reishi Mushrooms
In addition to helping with sleep cycle regulation, the non-psychotropic Reishi mushroom (organic) protects cardiovascular health. It does this by positively influencing blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Known as the “Mushroom of Immortality,” its antimicrobial properties also strengthen the immune system.
Maitaki and Shiitake Mushrooms
Organic Maitake and Shiitake mushrooms are delicious non-psychotropic mushrooms full of healthful nutrients and vitamins. They promote all-around immune support and vitality. Regularly consuming mushrooms of all types will help lower cholesterol and assist in cancer prevention.
Turkey Tail
Turkey tail (organic) is a polypore mushroom containing a unique antioxidant profile, phenols and flavonoids. They promote immune system health by reducing inflammation and stimulating the release of protective compounds.
References
- Simone Kitchens (2018) “Microdosing’s Micromoment: Consuming Crumb-size amounts of psychedelics – not to get high but to feel more focussed and creative and present – has moved a tiny bit mainstream” The Cut. (online) Available from https://www.thecut.com/2018/05/microdosing-guide-and-explainer.html (Accessed on January 25, 2021)
- Sharon Begley (2018) “Microdosing is touted by’shroomers and Reddit users. Science is starting to test their claims – and finding some truth.” Stat News (online) Available from https://www.statnews.com/2018/08/23/science-testing-claimed-benefits-of-psilocybin-microdosing/ (Accessed on January 26th, 2021)
- Amanda Siebert (2020) “Microdosing Psychedelics Is Trendy, But Does It Work? Here’s What Science Says” Forbes (online) Available from https://www.forbes.com/sites/amandasiebert/2020/11/13/microdosing-psychedelics-is-trendy-but-does-it-work-heres-what-science-says/?sh=60743b4bcf7c (Accessed on January 26, 2021)
- “Psilocybin” “Microdosing” Wikipedia (online) Available from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microdosing
Really appreciate the article guys, thanks. I was on the fence about microdosing for a long time, there’s so many conflicting schools of thought out there. It’s nice to get a perspective that is coming from a place of knowledge other than just desire to sell product. I started to 50mg caps every three or four days as I felt they were needed and it made such a drastic change in my overall mood. If you’re on the fence like I was, come on down to the microdose side, the grass is definitely greener.