Microdosing is the act of consuming sub-perceptual amounts of psychedelics such as LSD or Psilocybin, the active ingredient in Mushrooms. Sub-perceptual means the effects are subtle but can have a noticeable influence on your life.
Typically, individuals integrate sub-perceptual doses into their weekly routine. In contrast to the recreational use of psychedelics, individuals who microdose consume on a schedule, often dosing every 2-3 days, and do not observe any impairment to their normal functioning.
The average psilocybin microdose can range from 25mg to 250mg. Osmosis products are dosed at 50mg, 100mg, 200mg and 350mg. We consider 350mg to be above a microdose, however the sensitivity or tolerance to psilocybin is individual. We recommend starting with a 50mg dose.
Before you dose, it can be powerful to set your intention and sit with it. Whenever one chooses to undergo a psychedelic experience, having a clear and laser-like intention is incredibly useful to creating a positive framework for that journey. Whether the intention is to kick a chronic addiction, heal from a traumatic experience, discover one’s purpose in life, or commune with nature, it’s important to know what you are aiming for. Whether or not the experience ends up like you hoped it would, having an intention beforehand helps you to remember your goal and re-ground as waves of the unexpected arise. After the experience is over, it helps you to deconstruct the insights and challenges of your journey within the context of your stated goals, rather than as random occurrences.
James Fadiman has this to say about intention:
“For some people, it is helpful to identify your goals. Your goals may be spiritual: to have direct experience with aspects of your tradition or another tradition, to transcend prior beliefs, even to transcend belief itself. You may hope to have what is called a “unity experience,” in which there is no separation between your identity and all else. Your goals may be social: to improve relationships with your spouse, children, siblings, parents, colleagues, friends, and spiritual and secular institutions. Your goals may be psychological: to find insight into neurotic patterns, phobias, or unresolved anger or grief.”
Meditation, journaling or listening to music that puts you in a calm headspace can have a positive effect on your microdosing experience.
To start microdosing, take 1 capsule a day for 4 days with a 3 day break in between OR start slow with 1 capsule every 3 to 4 days. Some individuals find success with 2 days on 2 days off. You may need to experiment to find the dosing regimen best for you, as it can be dependent on schedule (see our article about dosing protocols here [coming soon]). Your long term dosing schedule will depend on your own schedule – how you spend your day, if you work, what you do for work, etc.
Once you’ve decided that you’re ready to begin, plan to start your microdosing protocol on a day when you have little to do, where you can be in a place that doesn’t trigger any anxiety.
While the amount of psilocybin you’ll be taking will be sub-perceptual – meaning it is unlikely to affect you in a way that prevents you from going about your day-to-day – it may cause certain emotions or feelings to arise, and so it is best to be in a comfortable, safe place, where you can process these emotions in peace.
Your environment and intention can have a profound impact on your experience. Some prefer to microdose at home, while others might find solace in nature. This is called SET + SETTING, and you can learn more about it here. [coming soon]
Osmosis advises to take capsules on an empty stomach, preferably away from any caffeine. Some microdosers find that, depending on the blend, the energy provided by the other supplements are enough to reduce their reliance on coffee or tea. Eating around the time of your dose won’t completely nullify the effects, however, dosing with fattier foods will increase the length of time it takes for you to feel them.
Individuals who are taking SSRIs should leave a buffer of a minimum of three hours between a microdose and their medication. You may require a higher than usual dose if you are on SSRIs. We recommend extra research for those who are taking any medications. If you have any questions about how your medication may interact with psilocybin, never hesitate to contact us. We’re happy help!
Beyond spacing your dose away from food, caffeine, and medication, how you consume is up to you. Some individuals prefer to microdose in the morning, while others find they prefer to take it before bed. Others still consume two or three capsules per day to help keep their mood lifted and mind sharp.
Capsules are generally taken whole, however, if you decide that you would like to take a smaller dose, capsules can easily be opened up and dissolved in water, tea or juice.
Depending on your weight, you may require more than one capsule per day.
After the first few days of microdosing, your body will quickly build a tolerance to the mushrooms, and you’ll have a better idea of when to take them. Some individuals might find that after they build a tolerance to the mushrooms, they might require an increased dose. Others have found that after building a tolerance, they eventually become more sensitive to the mushrooms.
Listen to your body and, if you’re inclined, keep a journal to note the changes in the size of your dose, when you’re taking it, and how it is affecting you.
Once you’ve become comfortable with the protocol, you can safely integrate microdosing into your daily routine and lifestyle.