Microdosing 101: Micro-Days
Microdosing is a safe, effective way to experience the cognitive, emotional, physical and relational benefits of psilocybin (the active ingredient in mushrooms, AKA “shrooms” or “magic mushrooms”) without leaving planet Earth.
Microdosing can help elevate your mood, enhance your creativity, sharpen your focus, deepen your sense of connectedness to others, and even tap you into your oneness with all that is. More and more people are turning to this natural alternative for easing anxiety and depression, healing past trauma, overcoming unhealthy patterns and breaking unconscious habits.
Taking small amounts of mushrooms daily or weekly allows you to integrate plant medicine into your everyday life in a safe and non-recreational way, instead of putting it all on pause to trip out on trees dancing in rivers of glittery sunshine.
There are all sorts of ways to incorporate psilocybin into your life and routine. It’s super personal, and part of the fun is finding out what works for you. Thinking of kicking off your journey of psilocybin discovery? Read our Microdosing 101 tips below and get all the info you need to start safely and find the psilo cycle that feels just right.
What is Microdosing and why should I do it?
Microdosing, which means taking teensy, crumb sized amounts of psychedelics (about one-20th to one-tenth of a recreational dose), has been growing in popularity and is being used by all types of beautiful humans to enhance their everyday life.
What makes a dose “micro” is that its effects remain sub-perceptual or sub-hallucinogenic (i.e., you don’t see all sorts of wild visuals or dissolve into giggles at the drop of a hat). Folks who practice in microdosing have reported boosts in creativity, improved mood and focus, better eating and sleeping habits, reduced anxiety and stress, and less desire for caffeine.
How do you Microdose?
The key to microdosing is finding the right dose and protocol for you. The most common dosage is 100mg , like in our Morts Melody capsules, but we recommend starting low and going slow. Fifty milligrams (like our Lil Bud) is an ideal amount for our more sensitive friends so it’s best to start there. After a cycle or two, if you feel like you want to, you can increase it to 100mg over time.
If you’re not experiencing any benefits at 100mg, it’s completely safe to experiment with going up to 150 or 200mg magic mushroom capsules. Take time to explore until you find that sweet spot.
Before taking your microdose, take a moment to set your intention. Why are you choosing to microdose? It can be a simple phrase or even just a word. Reflecting on what you’d like to get out of it is a great way to bring a gentle focus to your experience.
Microdose Protocols
Two of the most well-known microdosing protocols were created by leading psychedelics researcher, Dr. James Fadiman and world-renowned mycologist, author, and advocate for medicinal mushrooms, Paul Stamets.
Dr. James Fadiman’s protocol recommends you microdose for one day, followed by two days off, then microdose again. Another option, the popular protocol by Paul Stamets, recommends four days consecutively microdosing, followed by three days off, or five days on and two days off.
We recommend microdosing two days per week to start, ideally on a day off from work or responsibilities so you can explore the effects in a stress-free environment. Taking your dose early in the day will ensure it won’t interfere with your sleep, and give you the whole day to work with the plant medicine and your intention. From there you can begin slowly increasing the frequency, taking at least two days off per week.
The microdose effects can last up to two days, and psychedelics, while non addictive, can cause a tolerance to build. This is why days off and reset periods are important—they keep your experience fresh and effective.
Another way of microdosing is to do it entirely intuitively, with one rule: to always leave at least one day between your microdoses. Once you’ve tried one or two and you feel familiar with microdosing protocols, you may want to trust your gut and try a more instinctive approach to microdosing. Go for it!
Popular dosing schedules include:
- 1 dose every 2 to 3 days
- 1 dose per day for 4 days followed by a 3 day break
- 1 dose per day for 2 days followed by a 2 day break
How Does it Feel?
An hour or two after consuming their first microdose people often report feeling uplifted with an increase in focus and energy. Folks also frequently report an improvement in mood and an increase in feelings of empathy and connection. Many microdosers find that it helps with weaning off—and staying off—antidepressants, and some find that it can even mitigate depression.
How do I know if it’s working?
It’s a subtle and personal process. It’s a great idea to keep a journal of observations and feelings that you record during your microdose days. Reading back over your notes will allow you to see if you’re getting the effects you’re looking for. After your first cycle, or if you experience adverse effects, you can decide to switch to another microdosing protocol or switch up the dose.
There. Those are the Microdosing 101 basics. Now you’re ready to get started!
Common microdosing mistakes to avoid:
The most common microdosing mistake to avoid is rushing the process. Some people give up too soon when they don’t see immediate results, but this isn’t McDose-ald’s! Patience is needed when working on deep changes within yourself and building a relationship with plant medicine.
Microdosing is not simply eating a small piece of mushroom and hoping for the best. To gain the true benefits of this practice, ensure you’re as prepared and informed as possible. Put in the effort to gather trusted information, understand dosing guidelines and connect with a good support network to set you up for the best experience possible.
What to expect:
- Clarity
- Increased energy and focus
- Creativity and inspiration
- Positive mood and feeling uplifted
- Heightened experience of connection with nature
- Improved enjoyment of sex
- Improved overall health and wellbeing
Each person who microdoses goes on their own journey of learning and discovery. You’ve got all the info you need to get down with the sounds from the ground and we’re so excited for you to begin a journey of your very own.
