Curious To Try Microdosing? Here's What You Need To Know
Micro-dosing is essentially exactly as it sounds, to take a micro dose of something, typically the dose being a form of psychoactive drug such as psilocybin (magic mushrooms) or LSD. While no one can really know for sure where this practice originated, many look toward tech moguls of silicon valley who may have started the trend in an attempt to reach higher levels of productivity, gain more creative insight and just generally to feel good doing it. All of these benefits and more have been reported from those who have tried micro-dosing.
Micro-dosing involves taking a very small amount of the desired substance, off and on again, to achieve the desired benefit.
One of the most important things to know about micro-dosing is that the dose (typically between 0.1- 0.3 grams, sometimes less and sometimes a bit more) is not enough to leave you feeling any psychoactive effects, so any worry you may have had about the potential of “tripping out” can get thrown out the window — so long as you are dosing correctly. If you were to trip out - this would defeat the purpose of 'micro'-dosing. The idea is for this treatment to be sustainable, to still be able to function normally, go to work, interact with others, drive and carry about your business just like you normally would, on any regular day. Though you may certainly have an extra pep in your step. While it can be fun and beneficial in it’s own way, the goal here is not to get lost for hours looking at every intricate detail of the bark on a tree, or watch the clouds until they morph into a train going to candy land and invite you on. A trip like this would be considered macrodosing, and will provide a very different experience.
Some Reported Benefits Of Microdosing
Many people who have tried microdosing are extremely enthusiastic about it, sharing many of their experienced benefits with anyone who will listen. Some of these benefits include, decreased anxiety, more presence, more joy, more creative insight, enhanced productivity and focus, the ability to see things from a new perspective, new ideas, more empathy and connection with others, more trust in oneself, more clarity and less brain fog. Other benefits that have been reported also include improved meditative practices, exercise, diet, sleeping habits, conscious awareness and mindfulness.
Microdosing has helped some people to come off of their psychiatric medications for anxiety and depression, like SSRI’s. However, it is important to talk to your doctor or a trained professional before attempting anything like that.
Others have claimed that micro-dosing psilocybin has helped them to kick unhealthy habits such as smoking, alcoholism and even opioid addiction. If you’re thinking that seems counter intuitive, that’s understandable, taking a drug to get off a drug?! You must be crazy. Well, maybe a little, but the important thing to know is that psilocybin is actually non-addictive. The substance in itself, though it is considered a “drug” is not addictive, and it carries the potential to assist you in overcoming addictive behaviors.
How To Dose?
Dosing comes down to personal preference, but it is important to take breaks off in between. Once every second or third day is a good place to start, and it’s not a bad idea to take a week off every month or so as to not build up a tolerance. You also need to have some time in between to allow the integration to occur. Taking breaks will also help you to lock down the dosage that works best for you, for example, 0.1 grams, or maybe even a smaller dose of 0.05 grams is ideal. Some people are very sensitive while others are not.
A typical Microdose is between 50-200mg (of psychoactive mushrooms), depending on how sensitive you are. We generally recommend people start at 100mg (our Nootropic100 as well as our full line of herbal microdose formulas contain 100mg). If someone is already known to be highly sensitive, then our Nootropic Gentle Caps (with 50mg of Psilocybe Cubensis) is a great option.
Dosing Schedule Examples: (no single schedule is inherently better than another, though you can find strong opinions on any one, so, do what works for you. pick one, try it, and adjust accordingly.)
a) Every 2nd day
b) 2 days on, 1 day off
c) 3 days on, 1 day off
d) 5 days on, 2 days off
What’s The Best Part Of Microdosing?
Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, negative side effects from microdosing psilocybin are extremely rare. So long as the dosage is correct and breaks are taken in between rounds of dosing it is unlikely to experience negative effects. If you have mental health disorders such as Bipolar Disorder or are predisposed to conditions such as Schizophrenia then it is important to know, that microdosing and the use of psychedelics in general should be avoided.
Where To Begin?
A variety of different blends can be found right here in our shop! Find the one that calls out to you and start experiencing the benefits right away. Our blends contain other medicinal mushrooms and herbs as well for added health benefits. Keeping in mind the dosage of each blend, which one are you most drawn to?
Set your intention before beginning your microdose regime, you may want to get clear on: what benefits do you hope to experience? What areas are you seeking clarity in your life? What habits do you hope to let go of? Then pick a day where you have at least 6 hours without having to do anything at all, and take a dose. Ideally, you don’t feel much of anything, over time is where the effects will start to be noticed. If you find you are feeling psychoactive effects at all, best to switch to a lower dosage.
Tried our blends before? Let us know which is your favorite!
Much Love from the team at The Golden Teacher.