Many people who microdose psilocybin report heightened creativity and improved problem-solving skills. It’s believed the altered state of consciousness facilitates divergent thinking and makes novel connections between thoughts.
Microdosing shroom is a very simple frontier in self-exploration and cognitive enhancement. But it is not without its risks. It is important to follow a safe protocol.
Preparation
Microdosing shrooms is an increasingly popular method for enhancing mood, creativity and cognition. The practice involves consuming small amounts of psilocybin on a regular basis, typically one-tenth to one-twentieth the size of a typical trip dose. Proponents claim it unlocks creativity, reduces stress and anxiety, promotes mental wellbeing and enhances focus. However, the effects of mushroom microdosing vary by individual.
In order to achieve consistent and accurate microdoses, psilocybin mushrooms need to be ground up into a powder. This makes it easier to measure exact amounts and ensures a consistently microdose. A psilocybin microdose is typically anywhere from 0.05g to 0.5g of powdered mushrooms. This can be done by grinding up the mushrooms or using a grinder to make “mushroom powder.”
Creating mushroom powder also makes it easier to store and travel with. Mushroom powder is easy to keep dry in an airtight container, pill bottle or film canister. It’s also possible to make mushroom capsules, which are then stored in a sterile environment.
Using a mushroom powder is an excellent alternative to purchasing psilocybin blotter tabs, which can be difficult to find legally and often have inconsistent dosages. Moreover, growing psilocybin mushrooms for microdosing offers more control over the process and can be a hands-on experience for the psychonaut who enjoys a more holistic approach to their mushroom use.
Dosage
Mushroom microdosing involves ingesting small subthreshold doses of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms. Proponents claim that this method improves mood, focus and mental clarity. It also increases creativity and wards off depression and stress. However, there is limited scientific research on the topic and much of what is known is anecdotal.
It’s recommended to start with a low dosage of shrooms and increase the amount slowly until you hit your desired effect. The recommended starting dosage is 1 gram of dried mushrooms. Many people also recommend using a stack, or nootropic stack, with a high-quality mushroom such as Lion’s Mane to maximize the effects.
A common microdosing schedule is four or five days on and one or two days off. This gives the body a chance to build up a tolerance. It’s similar to how we consume caffeine and need a day off from it.
When the mushrooms kick in, they can cause visual and audio hallucinations as well as increased cognition. The experience can last up to six hours. Some people report feeling connected with the universe and a sense of spiritual exploration. Others describe a calming and relaxing feeling that helps them manage stress and anxiety. However, the experience can differ depending on dosage, personal biochemistry, and setting.
Consumption
Using psilocybin to improve mental health, enhance creativity and promote spiritual exploration is gaining in popularity. It’s been shown to be effective at reducing anxiety and depression, and even helping people overcome addiction. It’s also thought to promote neuroplasticity, reorganizing the brain’s neural connections to make them more resilient against stress and illness.
For those who are apprehensive about taking full-dose psychedelics, microdosing shrooms is a safe and accessible way to experience the benefits of this powerful medicine. However, the process isn’t without its risks. It’s important to start with a low dose and carefully observe your individual response. Choosing the right mushroom and the best time to consume it are also key elements of a successful microdose. For example, according to James Fadiman, it’s best to microdose in the morning so that the beneficial effects last throughout the day and don’t interfere with sleep.
It’s also recommended that you use a reputable and regulated source for your mushrooms. Third Wave has a directory of coaches, retreats, therapists and clinics that can help you learn about and practice microdosing in a guided and personalized setting. You can also find kits and courses to grow your own psilocybin mushrooms at home. It’s important to remember that psilocybin and its metabolites are illegal to possess, grow and sell in many countries.
Storage
The psychedelic effects of mushrooms can be profoundly life-changing. Whether you’re using it to boost creativity or for spiritual exploration, microdosing psilocybin mushrooms can enhance your life. But preserving their potency is essential. Improper storage can lead to a loss of potency and even contamination with harmful bacteria that can negate their therapeutic benefits.
Proper storage involves keeping your shrooms dry in a cool, dark place. Light, heat, and moisture can degrade psilocybin and encourage mold growth, so it’s important to avoid these factors as much as possible.
Storing your mushrooms whole or powdered also has a significant impact on their shelf life. Whole mushrooms have less surface area exposed to air, so they can last longer than ground. Nevertheless, both are suitable for microdosing and should be stored in an airtight environment.
Mason jars are the storage kings of the mushroom world, with their steadfast guard against moisture and easy-to-use lids. However, they don’t provide the same level of airtight protection as vacuum-sealed bags. For that reason, it might be a good idea to supplement your mason jars with some silica gel packets.
Another great option is to freeze your mushrooms. This method preserves the shrooms well and requires no special tools or setup beforehand. Just be sure to completely dry the mushrooms before freezing them, or they may shrivel and deteriorate.
