Microdosing Psilocybin
Preparing psilocybin mushrooms or psilocybin truffles for microdosing involves more steps than microdosing with LSD but is still straightforward. The trickiest part is estimating how much psilocybin is in a particular mushroom. Different species and strains of mushrooms will not only have different quantities of psilocybin, but fresh and dried psilocybin mushrooms do, too. Even different parts of the mushroom can contain slightly different amounts.
For Psilocybe cubensis, the classic magic mushroom, a typical microdose is 0.1 to 0.3 grams, although that amount may be smaller for people with clinical issues. Psilocybin truffles are usually milder, so you may require a slightly higher dose. Many wood-loving psilocybin mushrooms, such as Psilocybe cyanescens, are stronger, so you would need to take less.
Once your doses are prepared by grinding to a powder and encapsulating, you can follow a similar protocol to that used for LSD, use the Stamets stack and dosing regimen, or work with us to develop your own protocol via our Microdosing Course or coaching services.
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How Should I Properly Microdose Cannabis?
Microdosing cannabis is relatively easy, once you find your ideal dose. While it’s possible to microdose cannabis by smoking or vaping, we’ve found that the simplest and most reliable method is by using low-dose edibles. The Marijuana Policy Project has designated 10mg of THC as a standard dose per serving, so anything below that can be considered low-dose.
Products that call themselves low-dose tend to be in the 1mg to 5mg of THC range. We tend to recommend 2.5mg as a good starting point for microdosing, but always experiment to see what is best for you. Potency levels vary greatly between products and brands, and everyone’s personal tolerance level is unique. As a general rule, it’s best to take it slow and steady. After taking a microdose, wait at least two hours to see the full effects before taking more. This precaution is crucial with edibles, as they can take a relatively long time to take effect.
It is also not uncommon to hear of people microdosing CBD in conjunction with microdosing psilocybin mushrooms.
Should I Microdose MDMA?
Microdosing MDMA is not as common as LSD and psilocybin, but with the general rise in interest in microdosing, some have wondered if the practice could enhance their mood and boost their energy. While some people have reported success with an MDMA regimen, we do not recommend it. There’s a lot of evidence to suggest that frequent MDMA use can be detrimental to your health. After all, MDMA is not like classic psychedelics; it’s an amphetamine and a stimulant that does very different things to your body and neurochemistry than a tab or microdose of LSD.
How Can I Be Sure I Am Microdosing Safely?
Apart from legality, the key factors around safe microdosing are substance, dosage, and effects.
- Substance: Is this psychedelic what I think it is? Where legal, source your psychedelics from reputable suppliers. If this isn’t an option, ensure your substance is pure by using free drug-checking services or test kits to make sure you have unadulterated LSD rather than 25I-NBOMe or 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI). If you are using psilocybin, make sure your mushrooms are the correct species by learning to identify them or only sourcing them from someone who can reliably do so. For mushroom sourcing tips and reliable vendor recommendations, check out Third Wave’s Ultimate Guide to Sourcing Psychedelic Medicines.
- Dosage: Carefully measure your microdose using accurate scales for mushrooms, or by diluting your LSD so that it’s practical to take a small amount. Be aware that the strength of any psychedelic, natural or not, can vary. Some mushrooms are stronger than others, and one blotter can contain more LSD than the last.
- Effects: While microdosing should be sub-perpetual enough to avoid interfering with your everyday life, be aware of how you are feeling and perceiving on days that you have dosed. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while adversely affected! Pay attention to any adverse changes in mood or other unwanted side effects. These are signs that you might need to pause or adjust your protocol.
