However, as with any substance, safety and responsibility are key. Psychedelic drugs can have complex effects on the brain and body, and ensuring safe practice is critical. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to microdose safely, including dosing strategies, the potential adverse effects, and the growing body of observational studies and experimental studies on the effects of microdose.
What is Microdosing?
Microdosing involves taking sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic substances, typically between 5-10% of a standard dose. A psychedelic dose of psilocybin mushrooms, for example, might range from 2-3.5 grams, whereas a microdose of psilocybin would range between 0.1-0.3 grams. Similarly, for LSD, a standard dose is around 100-200 micrograms, while a microdose would be as low as 10-20 micrograms.
At these levels, users typically do not experience the intense psychedelic experiences or hallucinations associated with full doses. Instead, they report mild alterations in mood, cognition, and cognitive control. The goal is to achieve subtle shifts in mental clarity, emotional balance, and creativity without becoming intoxicated.
Reported Benefits of Microdosing Psychedelics
Many who microdose claim a wide variety of benefits, including improvements in mood and cognition. Although most evidence remains anecdotal reports, a number of observational studies have supported some of these claims, and clinical trials are starting to explore the potential benefits more rigorously.
Here are some of the most commonly reported benefits:
- Improved Mood: Many users report feeling more positive, calm, and emotionally resilient after microdosing. This may result from positive emotions induced by the psychedelic’s subtle impact on brain chemistry.
- Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving: A number of individuals use microdosing to boost their creative output, whether in artistic fields or more analytical work. Psychedelic microdosing may promote more flexible thinking by reducing cognitive rigidity, which can often lead to more innovative ideas and solutions.
- Reduction of Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: Though still under study, there is increasing interest in the use of microdosing to help with symptoms of depression and levels of anxiety. The way psychedelic compounds interact with the brain’s serotonin system is thought to improve mood and reduce feelings of worry or panic.
- Increased Focus and Productivity: Another reported benefit is improved focus, allowing users to tackle difficult tasks with greater efficiency. This is why microdosing has gained a following in productivity-driven environments like Silicon Valley.
- Heightened Spiritual and Emotional Awareness: Some users, while not experiencing full-blown hallucinations or spiritual experiences, report feeling more connected to themselves and others, which may lead to greater emotional well-being.
How to Microdose Psychedelics Safely
While the potential beneficial effects of microdosing are promising, it’s essential to approach this practice with caution. Here’s how to microdose psychoactive substances safely:
1. Accurate Dosage
The most critical factor in microdosing is taking the right amount. Too much of a psychedelic can lead to a standard dose experience, complete with hallucinations and a loss of cognitive control. Always start with the smallest effective dose:
- Psilocybin Doses: Begin with 0.1 grams of dried mushrooms. You can slowly increase the dose, but avoid exceeding 0.3 grams.
- LSD Doses: Start with 10 micrograms. Adjust according to personal tolerance, but avoid going beyond 20 micrograms.
Using a precise scale is essential for measuring the correct amount, as even small deviations in the dose can lead to significantly different effects.
2. Structured Schedule
Microdosing should not be done every day to avoid building up tolerance. A commonly recommended schedule is the Fadiman protocol, which involves dosing every third day:
- Day 1: Take a microdose.
- Day 2: Do not dose but observe any subjective effects or lingering positive moods.
- Day 3: Rest day with no dose, allowing the brain to reset.
Another approach is the Stamets Stack, which combines psilocybin with other compounds like lion’s mane mushrooms and niacin, often in a four days on, three days off cycle.
3. Set Your Intention
Before beginning any psychedelic microdosing practice, it is essential to set clear intentions. Are you trying to reduce anxiety? Enhance creativity? Having a purpose will help you evaluate whether microdosing is achieving your desired outcomes. Journaling your experiences and tracking your mood, productivity, and emotional state can help you assess whether you’re benefiting from the practice.
4. Safe Environment and Set and Setting
Although microdosing doesn’t induce intense psychedelic experiences, it’s important to start in a familiar, safe environment where you feel comfortable. Take note of your emotional and mental state before dosing—psychedelics can amplify emotions, and even at low doses, an anxious or stressful situation can influence the experience.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Microdosing
Microdosing may seem relatively safe compared to higher psychedelic doses, but there are still risks and adverse effects to be aware of:
- Expectancy Effects: Research suggests that some of the benefits reported from microdosing may be due to expectancy effects, where individuals experience the effects they expect to happen, rather than those induced by the substance itself.
- Physical Effects: Subtle increases in heart rate, changes in blood pressure, and mild alterations in perception are possible. While many people feel more relaxed, some may experience mild anxiety or agitation, especially in the early stages of experimenting with microdosing.
- Psychological Effects: For individuals with a history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other serious psychiatric conditions, even small doses of psychedelics could exacerbate symptoms. It is strongly advised that people with these conditions avoid microdosing, as the risk of triggering a manic episode or psychosis may be heightened.
- Adverse Effects: While uncommon, negative reactions can occur, particularly if the individual is in a challenging emotional state at the time of dosing. Psychedelic drugs amplify mental and emotional experiences, which means existing worries or fears can become more pronounced.
The Science Behind Microdosing: Clinical Trials and Studies
The anecdotal popularity of microdosing has spurred scientists to begin clinical trials and experimental studies aimed at understanding the behavioral effects and therapeutic potential of this practice.
- Observational Studies: Early research into microdosing has relied on observational studies, where participants self-report the effects of microdoses over time. These studies have shown promising results in terms of improved mood, enhanced cognitive function, and reduced symptoms of depression.
- Clinical Trials: Ongoing clinical trials are exploring how microdosing can be used to treat specific mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety disorders. Researchers are particularly interested in the neurochemical changes that occur during microdosing and how psychedelic compounds interact with serotonin receptors to modulate mood and emotional processing.
- Placebo-Controlled Trials: Recent studies have incorporated placebo-controlled trials to determine whether the positive effects of microdosing are due to the actual pharmacological effects or expectancy effects. The results are still inconclusive, and more rigorous studies are needed to understand the full scope of psychoactive drugs like psilocybin at low doses.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
One of the biggest challenges for individuals interested in microdosing is the legal status of psychoactive substances. In most parts of the world, substances like psilocybin and LSD are illegal, and using them—even in small doses—comes with legal risks. However, in certain regions, such as Oregon, where psilocybin-assisted therapy has been legalized, it’s easier to explore this form of treatment. Always be aware of the legal context in your area before embarking on a microdosing regimen.
Conclusion: The Future of Microdosing Psychedelics
While research on the long-term effects of psychedelic microdosing is still in its early stages, the practice has gained popularity for its potential to enhance mood, creativity, and focus. With proper dosing, a structured schedule, and a mindful approachapproach, microdosing has the potential to be a valuable tool for personal growth and mental health. Its popularity is largely driven by anecdotal reports from users who claim improvements in mood, creativity, and focus, but more rigorous clinical trials and experimental studies are needed to confirm these benefits and better understand the long-term effects of psychoactive drugs at sub-perceptual levels.
As research continues to explore the potential of microdosing for improving mental health and emotional well-being, it is important to remember that psychedelics should be used responsibly and with care. Anyone considering microdosing should start with a safe, controlled environment, set clear intentions, and be mindful of both the positive effects and adverse effects that may arise. Additionally, it’s crucial to stay informed of the legal considerations regarding psychedelic substances in your area.
By following these guidelines and integrating psychedelic microdosing with a healthy lifestyle, many individuals may find a new way to unlock positive emotions, enhance cognitive control, and achieve a more balanced state of well-being. However, it is important to approach this practice with caution, respect for the substances, and an awareness of the possible risks involved.