Microdosing – A Layman’s Guide

Microdosing is experiencing an unprecedented boom across the country. But what is it exactly, and how do we do it? What can we expect? 

In this brief article, we aim to give you the three need-to-know on the basics everyone should know before microdosing. 

What can be microdosed?

Microdosing isn’t just for psychedelics. Virtually anything can be microdosed. You can even microdose things like cannabis, caffeine, and chocolate, as all three have some form of measurable effects on the mind and body. When it comes to microdosing psychedelics however, what is meant is that a sub-perceptual dose of a psychedelic drug has been administered in order to achieve some specific or broad set of goal(s). In terms of psychedelics that can be microdosed, the most common are psilocybin, LSD-25, mescaline, and cannabis as Delta-8 and Delta 9- THC are psychoactives.

This is where it can get a bit tricky. No type of psychedelic interacts in the body in exactly the same way. The reason for this is the molecular structures each modulate serotonin receptors differently, which then alters brain chemistry according to those modulations. This explains why, for example, psilocybin and LSD-25  each produce different effects even though they are both classified under the same umbrella of drug category. 

A microdose of psilocybin for example is measured in milligrams – (1mg = 1/1000 of a gram), meaning a dose between 10-500mg is a microdose, while LSD is measured in micrograms – (1ug = 1/1000000 of a gram) meaning 5-30ug is a microdose. Imagine getting those metrics mixed up. 

Microdosing Metrics 

As you can tell from the previous example, microdosing is more complex than the generic term we use to describe it, as it covers dosing protocols across a class of compounds. When considering a microdosing protocol, it’s important to first understand: which compound should be used based on the record of effects, at what dosages, and at what frequency of use is appropriate.

Determining these factors from individual to individual varies widely as everyone has a different neurological makeup. Therefore tracking data, consulting experts, and learning metrics is vital to the success of such protocols.

In respect to time, let’s quickly go over psilocybin and LSD metrics, as they are likely the most common that will be in the public view for several years to come.

Psilocybin Microdosing is the simplest of the two as  milligram measurements can vary more widely in approximation to established baseline values without much worry of deviation from the anticipated effects. With magic mushrooms or magic truffles, a dose ranging anywhere from 10mg to 500mg of dried mushrooms is considered average, with higher ranges of doses being used only at elevated tolerance levels and/or bodyweight. The frequency of dosing may also vary. 

In order to avoid  tolerance or any other unknown side effects yet to be discovered by science, one of two protocols is recommended.

The first is to dose within a range 10 mg and 500 mg based on body weight for 5 consecutive days with two days then omitted, for 30 days or more. There is some dispute regarding duration of dosing as there is little data available for the effects of prolonged use past 30 days outside of clinical settings.

The second is to dose 10 mg to 500 mg once every 3 days for 30 days or more. The same lack of available data also complicates this protocol.

At this time, we don’t know which is more effective, or if 30 days should be standardised. The belief that one is better than the other is nothing more than opinion under investigation. It will take several more studies to make any real claims that can be grounded in science. 

Effects of Microdosing

As with the protocols themselves, the effects of microdosing psychedelics can range substantially from person to person. However there is a growing amount of evidence dating back decades to the 1960s-1970s that suggests there may be some level of uniformity of effect based on if an individual is taking an appropriate microdose based on their own bodyweight and neurological makeup. 

If metrics are within general tolerances – for example 100-150 mg of psilocybin and 10-15 ug of LSD – the effects most commonly reported include: uplifted mood, improved cognition, enhanced memory, reduction in anxiety, dissipation of headaches, improved motor control, and improved creativity – all measured in healthy adults with no pre-existing psychological conditions, according to reports published in sources such as the Psychedelic Press in the UK.

In Closing

With all the above benefits we know about which can likely be applied to a large segment of the population, it’s important to note that there are risks associated with psychedelics within other subsets of populations. Any individuals with mental health or neurochemical imbalances should not use psychedelics with a laissez-faire attitude. These compounds are modulators, not panaceas. If you are healthy and microdosing is something you wish to try, it is wise to consult with experts, doctors, and verified studies before doing so in order to identify any potential risks or side effects that might not be intended. If you are unhealthy, then further scrutiny is recommended.

We hope you have enjoyed this brief introduction to microdosing and its considerations!

If you wish to try microdosing, visit our shop and view our selection of health promoting psilocybin infused products and dried mushroom products!