The first mention of the term “microdose” surfaced in 2011 from James Fadiman, PhD, a researcher renowned for his work in psychedelics, notably featured in “The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide.” Since then, it has become part of the psychedelic culture.
From 2018 to 2020, publications like the New York Times and Forbes shed light on microdosing psychedelic substances, which brought it into mainstream awareness. Online discourse surrounding microdosing has surged notably. In forms like Reddit, you can find plenty of people asking questions and discussing the use of microdosing psychedelics.…
Among the plethora of psychedelics available, mushroom microdose stands out as a favoured option. Derived from the well-known magic mushrooms, this psychedelic offers a subtler experience compared to full trips. It enables users to access its positive effects without the intensity often associated with traditional mushroom consumption.
What Does Magic Mushroom Microdose Mean?
Microdosing psilocybin involves ingesting doses significantly lower than those used for recreational purposes, sometimes as small as one-twentieth or even less of a standard dose. For instance, a microdose of psilocybin could range from 0.1 to 0.5 grams of dried shrooms.
Anecdotal reports from advocates suggest that the practice contributes positively to mood and overall mental health concerns. While the precise mechanisms behind the mood-enhancing properties of microdosing remain unclear, some ongoing clinical trials are exploring various theories to validate these reports and better understand the potential effects.
How Does One Microdose Mushroom?
There are a few common microdosing schedules that individuals often adopt:
- Two dosing days followed by two non-dosing days
- Every other day dosing
- Monday to Friday dosing, followed by non-dosing on the weekend days
- Nightcap protocol, where users consume microdose psilocybin mushrooms every other day before sleep.
Evidence doesn't favour any particular microdosing schedule over another. While some individuals may opt for daily microdosing, it's not the prevailing choice. Microdosing may yield enduring effects, so daily dosing is unnecessary. Frequent microdosing of a psychedelic drug can pose the risk of developing tolerance to the substance. When you develop tolerance for a substance, it necessitates higher doses to feel the effects.
Two most popular methods you can explore:
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JIM FADIMAN
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PAUL STAMET’S STACK
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3-day cycle:
- Day 1: microdose
- Day 2: transition day (no microdose product consumed)
- Day 3: return to baseline (no microdose product consumed)
- Day 4: second microdose
Follow the routine for 4 to 8 weeks with 2 to 4 weeks of rest between cycles.
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Stamets’ Stack incorporates a blend of lion’s mane, psilocybin, and niacin (also recognized as vitamin B3).
- Day 1 to 4: microdose
- Day 5 to 7: rest (no microdose product consumed)
Follow the schedule for four weeks, with two to four-week breaks to allow for relaxation, reflection, and integration.
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Microdose Mushroom Benefits
Vince Polito, a cognitive psychologist at Macquarie University in Sydney, and Richard J. Stevenson, a Professor at the Department of Psychology at Macquarie University, used a systematic, observational investigation on users who microdose shrooms (1). They observed the effects of microdosing on 98 participants. Daily reports revealed a consistent uptick in psychological well-being on dosing days, albeit with minimal lingering effects on subsequent days.
Examination of pre- and post-study measures unveiled significant reductions in reported depression and stress levels, decreased distractibility, heightened absorption, and an unexpected increase in neuroticism.
Another psychedelic research featured in the reputable journal Scientific Reports (2) presents compelling findings indicating that the practice of microdosing psilocybin offers notable enhancements in mental illness and mood compared to non-microdosing counterparts. The analysis of microdosing's influence on cognitive and psychomotor capabilities yielded varied results. Its effects on spatial memory or processing speed appeared negligible.
Aside from mental health conditions, there are many anecdotal reports about relief for migraines and cluster headaches, improved creativity, and enhanced focus.
Although these clinical trials produce promising results, the research teams consistently highlight limitations within their studies. One notable consideration is the significant placebo effect associated with microdosing. Individuals anticipating positive microdosing effects tend to report the most noticeable benefits. A clinical trial to differentiate between the placebo effect and genuine health improvements attributed to microdosing is necessary.
This acknowledgment is necessary for steering future research toward a deeper exploration of the benefits of microdosing psychedelic drugs in addressing treatment-resistant depression and other mental health issues.
It's not clear what the true benefits of microdosing are. Similar to psilocybin-assisted therapy, microdosing could potentially treat mental health concerns like anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, etc.
There is only a handful of microdosing research, from systematic reviews exploring its effects on mental health and cognitive function to a few clinical trials on its impact on convergent thinking and divergent thinking.
How Does Microdosing Feel?
Unlike a full dose, a microdose is barely noticeable. The purpose of a microdose isn't to attain a transcendental state or to perceive life from a radically new perspective, as often experienced with higher doses of psychedelics. Visual distortions like patterning or trails aren't associated with the microdosing experience. It's primarily about a subtle heightening or refinement of the senses, which often results in a heightened sense of presence during daily activities for many individuals.
What's Inside a Microdose Mushroom Canada Product?
Each microdosing product is unique, but two things they have in common.
- Psilocybin mushrooms
- Other nootropic mushrooms or herbal component
Psilocybin mushrooms, or magic mushrooms, are the main ingredient of these products. They contain a specific amount of psilocybin that can provide the benefits mentioned above. Among the preferred mushroom strains utilized by manufacturers is the esteemed Golden Teacher variety.
The Golden Teacher mushroom represents a classic strain of Psilocybe cubensis, notable for its moderate psilocybin content. Its balanced potency renders it ideal for microdosing purposes. Certain products occasionally utilize alternatives like Blue Meanies.
In addition to psilocybin, these formulations often incorporate other medicinal mushrooms like lion's mane, reishi, and turkey tail. These supplementary fungal or herbal elements have been the subject of study for numerous years. They offer distinct advantages, such as immune system support and cardiovascular health promotion.
The most prevalent microdose products manifest as capsules such as Ground Sound. With their pre-measured quantities and resemblance to standard vitamins, they provide a hassle-free experience. While some individuals opt for dried shrooms or edibles, capsules from reputable brands ensure precise dosing without additional measurements.
Find Mushroom Microdose in Canada
Zoomies Canada provides a diverse range of microdose capsules for you to explore at your leisure. Partnering with established Canadian brands ensures the safety and quality of the products featured in our online shroom store. Browse our selection effortlessly and conveniently add your preferred items to your cart. Once you complete the payment, we will promptly ship your order to your address. After that, you can start using mushrooms to lift your spirits and brighten your day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the interaction between microdose shrooms and prescribed medication impact the body?
Limited information exists regarding the effects of microdosing mushrooms alongside prescribed medications. It is best to exercise caution when considering the combination of these substances. If you are currently taking medications such as anti-depressants, seek guidance from a medical professional to determine the compatibility of microdosing with your existing treatment regimen.
How long do the effects of microdose last?
Microdosing lasts nearly the same duration as a full dose of mushrooms, from four to six hours. Some even claim that it can last even the day following microdosing. This observation aligns with findings in Ayelet Waldman's book “A Really Good Day.“
Is it possible to consume microdose shrooms every day?
For optimal results, microdosing requires adherence to a specific schedule, which allows the body to reset and prevents the development of tolerance to psilocybin.
Similar to other substances, repeated use of microdoses can lead to an increase in tolerance. Spacing out doses tailored to your lifestyle and objectives over a few days can help mitigate this heightened tolerance. It's essential to recognize that overdoing microdosing can diminish its effectiveness.
Incorporating sober days into your weekly routine is essential to allow your body to return to its natural state.
Do I need to prepare my set and setting before microdosing?
Set and setting are cornerstone terms within the psychedelic community. Their origins are traced back to Timothy Leary's contributions during the second wave of psychedelics. “Set” encompasses the mindset one brings into a psychedelic journey, while “setting” denotes the environmental backdrop against which the experience unfolds.
Set and setting are integral components of the human experience. They offer a natural reflection of our internal state and the surrounding environment. Microdosing adheres to a similar principle. An individual's microdosing experience can vary significantly; what may be the “best experience ever” for one person could translate into discomfort for another.
Despite its subtlety compared to a full dosage, microdosing still initiates a process of mental exploration. Some may experience anxious outcomes, so having a positive mindset and a safe setting can help the user manage their experience even in small doses.
Can anyone microdose with shrooms?
No. Like other medications, diets, and substances, not everyone is allowed to consume shrooms.
People who must not take microdose:
- When you are younger than 18 years old
- During pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Encountering situations where you are navigating through periods of extreme stress, like grief
- In combination with alcohol, Tramadol, and lithium carbonate
Author Information:
- Polito V, Stevenson RJ. A systematic study of microdosing psychedelics. PLoS One. 2019 Feb 6;14(2):e0211023. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211023. PMID: 30726251; PMCID: PMC6364961.
- Rootman, J.M., Kiraga, M., Kryskow, P. et al. Psilocybin microdosers demonstrate greater observed improvements in mood and mental health at one month relative to non-microdosing controls. Sci Rep 12, 11091 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14512-3
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