Benefits of Microdosing Mushrooms

More and more research is finding that using psychedelic mushrooms may help patients who need to manage mental health issues. Microdosing involves taking only a small amount of the shroom. The goal of this is to experience the benefits of the mushroom. But it is not enough that it will send the user on a psychedelic trip.

What Are Magic Mushrooms?

Shrooms have the psychoactive substance psilocybin in them. This can bind to the serotonin receptors in your brain. This chemical is responsible for when you feel happy. The receptors are found in your central nervous system. There are more of them in areas of your brain that control higher functions, such as reason and the senses. 

Your body’s reward system is also involved. When you take a full dose of psilocybin, it will alter your state of consciousness and can last for up to eight hours. Even though full doses do bind to your receptors, it is not yet known how a smaller dose will affect that area. It is thought that a smaller dose will result in a milder reaction, but more research is still needed.

What Is a Microdose Like?

When you want a full dose of psilocybin, you will take about 0.2 milligrams of shrooms for every 0.9 kilograms of body weight. That would give a 68-kilogram person a dose of about 14 milligrams. 

There is no standard for what is considered a microdose. However, many people will take about a 10th of a normal dose. This can work out to about 1.4 milligrams for a 68-kilogram person. 

You might take this dose every three days for a month or so. Other people might choose to take microdoses only when they feel that they need them.

It is often easier to measure out dried shrooms that you have ground to a powder. However, for an average person, it’s nearly impossible to come up with a precise microdose. The reason is that different species have very different concentrations of psilocybin in them. Even batches of the same type can have a wide variety of concentrations. Different parts of the same shroom can have varying levels of psilocybin in them. 

So, if you take a 1.4-milligram microdose of shrooms every few days, you might be getting a different amount of psilocybin each day. The only way that you can get a perfect dose is by having a lab analysis on each one. 

Full vs. Microdoses

Of course, that isn’t to say you won’t be able to tell the difference between taking a microdose or a full dose. The experience can vary depending on the user. However, when you take a full dose, you might have better problem-solving skills, have an altered sense of time, and feel more introspective. You will likely have a strong psychoactive experience with this amount of shrooms.

On the other hand, if you take a microdose, you will not have such strong or noticeable effects. For example, your senses may be enhanced. You will likely experience a stronger appreciation of nature and see brighter colours. You might be able to work through more interpersonal issues. However, the main difference between the two is that you can still function when you take a microdose. With a full dose, you would need to be in a safe environment. 

Research on Microdosing Benefits

Currently, there isn’t much research on microdosing magic mushrooms. Some of the studies that have been done focus on people who already do microdosing. In one of these studies, nearly 27 percent of the participants said that their mood had improved. Almost 15 percent of the respondents reported that they could focus better.

A 2018 study did look at participants who took a certain number of psychedelic truffles. These had psilocybin in them. The researchers performed some tests that looked at two different forms of thinking. Both play a role in creativity. 

Unfortunately, this study did not have a control group. It isn’t possible to determine if the shrooms had the effect or if it was based on other factors. There might have been a placebo effect. The expectations of the participants could also have affected the way they did.

The effects of magic mushrooms are generally very subtle. For example, it can include being more focused, creative, or friendly. That means that it is very possible that users are experiencing a placebo effect. There needs to be a trial that has a control group. One group would need to have a placebo, and the other group would need to have the real thing.

Why People Microdose

However, many people decide on microdosing because of personal development reasons. Some reports have suggested that this may help improve energy levels, productivity, and creativity. The reason for this is that microdosing may help to enhance the flow states. 

You can think of a flow state as being fluidity between both mind and body. In this state, you’re focused on something more deeply, completely absorbed by it. You can more easily enter a flow state with a full or microdose of magic mushrooms, allowing you to explore a new type of consciousness. Some people describe this as being in their zone.

Many people want to solve problems at work, so they decide to take microdoses. Or they want to come up with new concepts. Others find that shrooms help them stop procrastinating and get things done faster. Many people find that their spiritual awareness increases or that they’re better able to interact socially.

Closing Thoughts

Since there’s limited research on the benefits of microdosing, you might be wondering if it’s something you ought to try. Many people find that there are benefits because shrooms help them get into more of a “flow state.” If you like the idea of having a deeper self-awareness, then microdosing might be for you. Remember to start out small, so you reduce your chances of ending up with a full trip. It can be helpful to have a trusted friend guide you through the ins and outs of microdosing magic mushrooms.