What is Microdosing?

Microdosing is taking about one-tenth up to one-thirtieth of a recreational dose of a psychedelic. Like any substance, it's important to find the dosage that suits your needs. Normally, a microdose ranges from 100mg to 300mg, but sensitivity and personal preference are significant factors. Certain individuals may need a lower dose to start sensing the effects, while others might prefer a more pronounced experience. Even if two people share the same tolerance level, one might desire a milder impact, whereas the other seeks a more potent effect. On microdosing days, you should expect to feel a little different, usually characterized by an elated mood or an ability to be more present. Other reported effects are increased focus, increased visual acuity, reduced anxiety, and a boost in creativity. You shouldn’t feel any of the classic psychedelic sensory changes like visuals. If you do, then consider lowering your dose.

More importantly, microdosing is a practice. It's a way of showing up for yourself by adding intention, thoughtfulness, and daily ritual to your day. When we practice intentional microdosing it can become deeply supportive in our daily lives and help us to meet the challenges we face or goals we set out to accomplish.

Why should I microdose?

There are several reasons people try microdosing. Microdosing can offer an alternative to pharmaceuticals. A lot of people are trying to get off their antidepressants or SSRIs because they don’t like how it makes them feel or are tired of dealing with the side effects*. Microdosing can give you a better overall sense of wellness and aid in things like creativity and mental clarity. There is an overwhelming number of anecdotal reports about how it has improved people’s lives, even as far as helping with chronic pain and migraine headaches. These reports were gathered from a study conducted by James Fadiman, a researcher known as the “Father of Microdosing.” However, it isn’t just all anecdotal reports on the benefits of microdosing on depression, scientific studies are starting to back up these claims as well.

*(Do not stop taking your medication without consulting your medical professional first.)

How do I know what dose is right for me?

Like any other substance, some people can be more sensitive to it than others, so it’s always a good idea to start small and increase your dose as needed. The majority of people that I have encountered prefer a dose of 130mg. Some people that are more sensitive to the medicine prefer 100mg. Then there are people who enjoy the higher end of the microdosing scale and go with 150-200mg. Although the idea is to barely feel it, it doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy it or prefer to feel it a bit stronger than a traditional microdose.

How often should I microdose?

Just like the dose, this can be a matter of preference. A good starting point is a regiment of 3 days on and 1-2 days off. It all comes down to preference and what works for you. So, I encourage you to play around with it and see what you enjoy. The only thing to take into consideration is that you can develop a tolerance to the medicine so it’s a good idea to take breaks in between.

Are there any negative side effects?

Like with any medicine, microdosing psilocybin isn’t for everyone and some people may have possible adverse reactions. A common one is that if you take too much, you may have trouble sleeping. Although, some have reported that a regular dose actually helped them get a better night’s sleep. There are some reports of loss of appetite but other reports of increased appetite. And some people have reported an increase in anxiety in certain situations.

Is there anyone who should not microdose?

There are no studies on microdosing and people that are pregnant so I would advise that you do not try microdosing if you are pregnant.

People with red-green color blindness has reported experiencing lasting visual distortions so it is not recommended that they try it as well.

Other important information

Psychedelics are very suggestive and rely heavily on set and setting. Although this is more pertinent to larger doses, it can still apply to microdosing in some situations. Microdosing is not a miracle pill that will eliminate your anxiety and depression. If your mindset or mood is in a heavy place, psychedelic substances can (but not always) increase those feelings.

Some tips to ensure you get the most out of your microdosing experience:

Set an intention. As you take the medicine, state out loud what your intentions for the day are and how you’d like to feel, act, or what you’d like to accomplish.
Have a meditative/grounding practice. Practice makes better and training your mind through meditation can help you stay present.
Journal. Track different areas in your life you’d like to improve on. Mood, concentration, creativity, etc. Even before you start, you can write these things down so you can see the tangible differences.