What Is Microdosing Mushrooms?

Microdosing is the practice of consuming small, sub-perpetual (relatively unnoticeable) amounts of a psychedelic substance (e.g., psilocybin magic mushrooms) a few times per week. Because the dosage is sub-perpetual, it doesn’t cause any significant changes in consciousness or ‘psychedelic effects’, but it does provide a host of amazing benefits.

What Are the Benefits of Microdosing Shrooms?

Microdosing can increase focus, creativity, productivity, empathy and sociability. Microdosing enables changes in perspective (which aids in problem solving and critical thinking) and creates a positive shift in overall mood and outlook on life. Many people who microdose also report more energy and an improvement in social and relationship skills.  In clinical situations, microdosing can help with the following conditions:

• Addiction
• Depression
• Anxiety
• ADHD
• Mood disorders
• Dementia
• Severe headaches

Microdosing Protocols

Your body develops a tolerance to psychedelics such as magic mushrooms very quickly, even after just one dose, which is why it’s always recommended to follow either the “Fadiman” or “Stamets” protocol (or something similar) when microdosing. The Fadiman protocol is named after Dr. James Fadiman, one of the world’s leading researchers on psychedelics. The Fadiman protocol has users taking a microdose every 3 to 4 days—so one day on, 2 to 3 days off, then repeat.  The Stamets protocol is named after Paul Stamets, the world’s top mycologist and number one authority on everything related to mushrooms and fungi. The Stamets protocol has users taking a microdose for 4 to 5 consecutive days, followed by 2 to 3 days off (4-5 on, 2-3 off, then repeat). If you take a psychedelic like magic mushrooms every day, the effects and benefits will diminish.  

FADIMAN Protocol	DAY 1	DAY 2	DAY 3	Back to Day 1 Repeat
	Microdose Day 75-125 mg Capsule of Psilocybin Magic Mushroom	No dose	No dose

 

STAMETS Protocol	DAY 1	DAY 2	DAY 3	DAY 4	DAY 5	DAY 6	DAY 7
	Microdose Day 75-125 mg Capsule of Psilocybin Magic Mushroom	Microdose Day 75-125 mg Capsule of Psilocybin Magic Mushroom	Microdose Day 75-125 mg Capsule of Psilocybin Magic Mushroom	Microdose Day 75-125 mg Capsule of Psilocybin Magic Mushroom	Microdose Day 75-125 mg Capsule of Psilocybin Magic Mushroom	No dose	No dose

 

Mechanisms of Action: How Does Microdosing Work?

The mechanisms of action aren’t completely clear, but it’s known that psychedelics (such as psilocybin magic mushrooms) are agonists for the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor and glutamate and dopamine receptors. These compounds also activate the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), which is also known as tyrosine receptor kinase B.

Resets the Default Mode Network in the Brain

Psilocybin magic mushrooms have the ability to reset the typical control systems of cognition in the brain. Research shows that these compounds have an effect on the default mode network (DMN) in the brain, which is a large-scale brain network of interacting brain regions. The DMN is known to be overactive in people with depression. Microdosing can reset this system and help regulate it in a positive way, which allows for a clearer thought process and better creativity and mood.

Anti-Aging for the Brain

Microdosing of psychedelic compounds and magic mushrooms promotes both structural and functional neural plasticity by activating the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Neural plasticity is the ability of neurons to change in form and function in response to alterations in their environment. And psychedelics (e.g., magic mushrooms) that bind to the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor are capable of robustly increasing neuritogenesis and spinogenesis. Neuritogenesis is the process by which nervous system cells form new neurites (which develop into axons and dendrites) which extend from the cell body. Spinogenesis is the development of dendritic spines in neurons. These changes in neuronal structure are accompanied by increased synapse number and function. Microdosing also promotes neurogenesis, which is the process by which new neurons are formed in the brain.    In other words, microdosing lights up your brain, in a very good way. It rebuilds and regenerates brain cells and improves the connections between brain cells. Microdosing can counteract the negative effects that normal aging has on the brain and its function. Research even shows that microdosing can help reduce neuroinflammation (inflammation of brain cells) associated with neurodegenerative disease such as dementia.

Addresses the Root Problem for a Long-Term Solution

Breakdown of neurons in the prefrontal cortex of the brain is believed to be a major factor in the pathophysiology of depression and related mood and anxiety disorders and is amplified by stress. Structural changes, such as the retraction of neurites, loss of dendritic spines and elimination of synapses, can be counteracted by microdosing psilocybin magic mushrooms because they promote structural and functional neural plasticity in the prefrontal cortex of the brain.

New Mushroom Study Published in the journal Psychopharmacology

New research from Leiden University in the Netherlands shows that microdosing psilocybin magic mushrooms can improve both convergent and divergent thinking in ways that promote cognitive flexibility, creativity and single-solution problem solving. Convergent thinking is the process of figuring out a concrete solution to any problem. Divergent thinking is the process of thinking that explores multiple possible solutions in order to generate creative ideas. It’s a straightforward process that focuses on figuring out the most effective answer to a problem. Now, couldn’t this be useful to just about everyone on the planet?   The lead researcher concluded that the results of the open-label natural setting study suggest that microdosing psychedelic compounds allowed study participants to create more out-of-the-box alternative solutions to a problem, and this provides preliminary support for the assumption that microdosing improves divergent thinking.

The Difference between Microdosing Mushrooms and Prescription Antidepressants

Researchers believe that psilocybin magic mushrooms help to revive emotional responsiveness in the brain. This mechanism is the opposite effect of antidepressant drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Psilocybin mushroom assisted therapy can mitigate depression by increasing emotional connection. SSRI drugs, on the other hand, are known for creating a general emotional blunting in people (also known as the antidepressant zombie effect). New research published in the journal Neuropharmacology examined patients diagnosed with moderate-to-severe treatment-resistant depression to investigate what kinds of effects psilocybin would have on their brain activity and depressive symptoms. Previous research shows that psilocybin mushrooms can reset brain circuits in depressed people, with benefits lasting up to five weeks after treatment. This new research shows that psilocybin heightens the activity in the right amygdala. The amygdala is an almond-shaped structure located within the anterior portion of the temporal lobes (brain) that is part of the limbic system and is known to play a part in controlling emotion, motivation, and memory. Research shows that the alleviation of depression occurs from emotional receptivity being enhanced, which is the opposite effect of SSRI antidepressants. It has been proposed that decreased amygdala responsiveness to negative emotional stimuli under SSRIs is a key component of their therapeutic action, but new research shows that psilocybin mushrooms have the opposite effect.   Patients in the study published in Neuropharmacology reported the following after using psilocybin mushrooms:   “a greater willingness to accept all emotions post-treatment (including negative ones)” (original emphasis), whereas they felt their previous depression treatments worked to “reinforce emotional avoidance and disconnection.”   “I felt so much lighter, like something had been released, it was an emotional purging, the weight and anxiety and depression had been lifted.”   “I have felt a sense of acceptance; more acceptance of agony, boredom, loneliness.”   “willingness to try to accept the negative times – but also an appreciation of the wonderful times."   Researchers, believe that psychedelics have the potential to cure deep psychological wounds, depression and addiction.

Is Microdosing Addictive?

Since microdosing provides such amazing benefits, it makes you wonder—can it be addictive? It has been scientifically proven that psilocybin magic mushrooms aren’t physiologically addictive—this is a proven fact. However, one could argue that psychological dependence on the confidence/benefits that microdosing provides might be a possibility, and this might be an issue for some people. However, your body develops a tolerance to psychedelics such as magic mushrooms very quickly, even after just one dose, which is why it’s always recommended to follow either the “Fadiman” or “Stamets” protocol (or something similar) when microdosing. The Fadiman protocol is named after Dr. James Fadiman, one of the world’s leading researchers on psychedelics. The Fadiman protocol has users taking a microdose every three to four days—so one day on, 2 to 3 days off, then repeat.  The Stamets protocol is named after Paul Stamets, the world’s top mycologist and number one authority on everything related to mushrooms and fungi. The Stamets protocol has users taking a microdose for four to five consecutive days, followed by 2 to 3 days off (4-5 on, 2-3 off, then repeat). If you take a psychedelic like magic mushrooms every day, the effects and benefits will diminish, making most people want to stop taking it. Some like to think of it as a nature’s built-in “anti-addiction” mechanism. If you try to repeatedly dose magic mushrooms, you will soon realize they have little to no effects, so there’s no point and no desire to continue.   When mushrooms and LSD are used in macro (larger) dosages for full-on trips to overcome mental obstacles and for spiritual purposes, one usually experiences mental and spiritual exhaustion following a session. People usually get a feeling that it has been enough for a while. Most people who use macro amounts of psychedelics usually only do so only once a month, or even just a few times a year, and some people only do it once or twice in a lifetime and gain all the benefits they’re looking for from that one journey. Again, if you try to repeatedly dose psychedelics, you will soon realize they have little to no effects, so there’s no point. Most people realize how sacred these psychedelic substances are and begin to understand that less is better. The majority of people realize that they shouldn’t be abused and don’t have a desire to push the limits past reason.   That being said, some people need a little more guidance. This is where discipline, a structured regimen and ongoing support are very helpful so that microdosers can create a long-lasting healthy lifestyle. It’s also a good idea to cycle off microdosing shroom capsules and take break periods. 

Precautions to Be Aware of Before You Start Microdosing

Some people under specific circumstances shouldn’t ingest a psychedelic substance without consulting a qualified health-care practitioner beforehand. You should buy shrooms from a reliable online dispensary in Canada like Weedsmart to avoid adverse effects. This includes the following:

• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• People who are using lithium
• People who are using tramadol
• People who have been diagnosed as schizophrenic or bipolar I or II
• People who are red/green colour blind (some preliminary research indicates microdosing can lead to visual trails)
• People who are taking antidepressants have special considerations to be aware of. Please read the information below.

Here is some more information about precautions and potential side effects that you should be aware of.

Lithium

Lithium affects the flow of sodium through nerve and muscle cells. Sodium affects excitation and mania, and lithium is prescribed to treat the manic episodes of bipolar disorder/manic depression. Combining lithium and psychedelics (in high doses) has been known to cause a “comatose state” and can cause seizures.

Tramadol

Tramadol, sold under the brand name Ultram, is an opioid pain medication used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. The use of tramadol with serotonergic medicines can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Tramadol is a centrally acting analgesic indicated for moderate to severe pain. It stimulates opioid receptors and inhibits noradrenaline and serotonin reuptake.

Driving and Operating Machinery

If you’re microdosing at an appropriate dosage level, then you shouldn’t be impaired in any way. If anything, you should be more focused. However, when you begin your new microdosing regimen and are still figuring out the right dosage, make sure you use caution and do not drive or operate machinery for three hours after taking a dose. Do not drive or operate any machinery if you feel impaired in any way, at any time.

Antidepressants and Serotonin-Related Medications and Supplements

Anyone who is using an antidepressant and/or serotonin-related medication or supplements (5-HTP, tryptophan, Garcinia cambogia, St. John’s wort, etc.) should use caution when microdosing. The main concern is really when using macro (large) doses of psychedelics. But it’s important to understand the possible interactions that could occur. At the microdose level, the main thing is to take the microdose earlier in the day and avoid taking other medications until at least six to eight hours after microdosing. If you’re currently taking an antidepressant, including SSRI, SNRI, MAOI, TCA/TeCA, NRI/NDRI, SMS/SARI, please read the information down below (Serotonin Syndrome) so you’re aware of the potential risks. That being said, psilocybin mushrooms have a much different effect than antidepressant drugs such as SSRIs, which is why they’re so much more effective.

Serotonin Syndrome

There’s one main concern of combining antidepressant drugs (SSRI, SNRI, MAOI, TCA/TeCA, NRI/NDRI, SMS/SARI) and psychedelics: serotonin syndrome. This condition is very rare but serious. Serotonin syndrome occurs when you take medications that cause high levels of the chemical serotonin to accumulate in your body. Serotonin is a chemical your body produces that's needed for your nerve cells and brain to function. Too much serotonin causes signs and symptoms that can range from mild (shivering and diarrhea) to severe (muscle rigidity, fever and seizures). Serotonin syndrome can occur when you increase the dose of certain medications or add a new drug to your regimen. Milder forms of serotonin syndrome may go away within a day of stopping the medications that cause symptoms and, sometimes, after taking drugs that block serotonin.   Anxiety Some microdosers report that their anxiety levels can be increased on microdosing days. This is often due to using a slightly-too-high dosage or microdosing on days with too much background stress. Psychedelics have been known to induce mania, which could manifest during long microdosing regimens. People with anxiety disorders should be especially cautious of this risk and consider starting on very low doses or only microdosing in ideal circumstances. Again, this is where support and guidance from a qualified health-care practitioner can be very helpful.

Sleep and Digestion

Some microdosers report that regular microdosing can negatively affect sleep patterns and digestion. In all cases where negative effects such as these are experienced, we recommend lowering the dose and perhaps taking a break from your microdosing regimen if the effects persist.

Mood Swings and Destabilization

Some microdosers find their microdosing protocol to be temporarily destabilizing, especially when a considerable amount of unprocessed psychological issues or life stressors are present. It’s up to each person to find their own sense of balance, but if you find yourself in a particularly turbulent or stressful time in your life, it might not be the best time to initiate a microdosing protocol.

Benefits of Micro dosing magic mushrooms:

We are in an era of constant development and every field is experiencing exponential growth if everything is done right. Searching for a natural alternative of prescribed medicines, Psilocybin mushrooms are making a name for themselves. Every person is trying to make his or her life better by gaining the extra edge provided by the mushroom. No matter if you are an artist, athlete, or a 9 to 5 employee you want to clear your creative blocks or increase the stamina to perform better in the field or absorb all the office tension without disturbing your health, the magic mushroom is there to help you out. Psilocybin or magic mushrooms are naturally occurring mushrooms with psychoactive properties. According to the current laws, as psilocybin mushrooms contain psychoactive molecules, they are illegal and considered as a drug. The case of the magic mushroom is similar to marijuana. Researchers also found out that the intoxicating properties only kicks in when you consume a large number of mushrooms and they also found the medicinal benefitting side of magic mushrooms. Due to the medicinal advantages, researchers are looking for a way to utilize the therapeutic properties and leaving the psychoactive one. 

Microdosing Psilocybin mushrooms instead of full dose:

Due to psychoactive properties, large doses of magic mushrooms might make you trippy all day long and the majority of people don’t have time to dedicate a whole day and enjoy the soul illuminating effects of magic mushrooms. People suffering from stress or anxiety aren’t those people who can relax for a day or two but they are regular people doing routine jobs daily. So, inducing a large number of magic mushrooms seems to be a very silly idea. Now, microdosing offers a perfect solution for the people who want to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of magic mushrooms and don’t want to spend a complete day in the ambiance of tipsiness. Microdosing offers a standing chance to magic mushrooms and presents an option to the people that want to enjoy its therapeutic benefits. According to recent studies, magic mushrooms can help in relieving the person from anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, relaxing the neurons, and repairing brain cells. When the dosage is cut short, you can enjoy all the advantages along with operating the routine tasks. The lingering effect is so subtle that you won’t even notice that you are under the spell of magic mushrooms. Microdosing cuts the psychedelic effects and provides benefits as well. 

Benefits of magic mushrooms:

Not knowing what magic mushrooms are and you search them on the internet, you will notice that psilocybin mushrooms are classified as Schedule I drug which means that it is illegal to buy or use magic mushrooms. In the headlines, no one is claiming that magic rooms have too many health benefits. However, researchers of New York University carried out a lengthy trial on patients suffering from cancer. Patients were showing severe symptoms of anxiety, depression, loss of appetite, and losing the will to live. They were treated with microdosing Get Kush magic mushrooms and the remarkable results were shown by all the patients. Doctors witnessed that patients were showing fewer signs of anxiety, depression, and relief from chronic pain. Their condition got improved and no side effects were shown during the whole treatment. Until that research, magic mushrooms were only considered as a party drug and nothing more than that. The research opened new doors for researchers to invest more time and effort in magic mushrooms and explore more therapeutic properties that include growth and repair of brain cells to overcome fearful stimuli. Depression is one of the major issues that our society faces these days and psilocybin mushroom can elevate the depression. A minor study shows that all the patients suffering from depression have shown improvement in their health and mental state after using magic mushrooms. The key point that we must understand that all the benefits are possible due to microdosing of magic mushrooms. Regular consumers also claim that they no longer feel migraines after they started consuming microdoses of psilocybin mushrooms. All the claims supporting magic mushrooms having therapeutic properties are convincing more researchers to invest their time and explore more aspects that magic mushrooms have to offer.

Microdosing and Magic mushrooms:

Microdosing is the process of getting the right amount of mushroom that won’t induce psychoactive effects and allow the consumer to feel relaxed and stress-free. Regular users know the art of microdosing through experience but newbies cannot get the quantity right straightway. According to experts, if you are new to psilocybin mushrooms, you should take small doses and take a minimum of two days off before the next dose. Microdosing can only be beneficial to you if you are not getting addicted to the doses. The gap provides ample time to enjoy the medicinal effects of magic mushrooms and your body won’t get addicted to the small doses as well. Microdosing and the exact quantity depend on the person. You can always adjust the dose according to your body preference as you don’t want to take less or more. During those two days, you will feel extra happy, relaxed, open to new things, less fearful, and anxiety-free. You need to make up your mind before microdosing as you don’t want to mess around and take the magic mushrooms for fun. At the start, try to note down the changes that you feel after microdosing for the first time. This can help you get the idea of whether you want to increase the dose or decrease it. If you start feeling insomniac and disturbed sleeping patterns, it is a sign that your doses are high for your body. Cut down the magic mushroom for a few days and decrease the dose for future use. One person trash can be someone’s gold so never rely on other person perspectives especially for microdosing. Microdosing is a new thing for your body so enjoy the therapeutic properties of magic mushrooms on your terms and change your life around for good.