In this article we will cover everything you need to know to get started with microdosing in the safest possible way, and to help you to make the most of the experience.
*Please note that nothing mentioned in this article is a medical advice. We are not medical doctors, we cannot prescribe or advise regarding any illness or medication.
By now you have probably already read a lot about the benefits of microdosing. Maybe you have been thinking about it for a while. Maybe you think it is finally the time to give it a go. So lets start from the very beginning, where every microdosing journey should begin.
1. Why do you want to try microdosing?
Besides the hype around it and because someone else told you to try it, what is the reason you would like to try it? You really should be able to answer this question before you go any further. There are so many articles talking about all the hype and benefits, however, as with any medication out there - there is no magic pill that does it all for everyone every time.
Microdosing is quite a subjective experience and varies from person to person based on their personal circumstances, mental and physical health and so on. Some of the most common reasons are:
Enhanced mood, reduced depression symptoms
Enhanced focus, creativity and/or curiosity
Enhanced productivity, motivation or confidence
Enhanced energy and/or alertness
Enhanced empathy, sociability or communication skills
Enhanced sight, smell, hearing, athletic performance or sleep
Reduced stress and anxiety
And more
Whatever that may be, make it your own. This will help you with setting an intention.
2. Microdosing substance
There are a lot of substances you could choose to microdose with, but the most popular are Psilocybin Truffles and Mushrooms, and LSD.
Truffles are the most accessible to most people in the current environment, and a legal option. They also contain sufficiently consistent amounts of active substance (psilocybin) in each dose.
3. Medication and interactions
If you are on prescription medication, you may need to consult with your doctor. This is not a medical advice.
James Fadiman, PhD and Sophia Korb, PhD are the most well known scientists today for their research in psychedelics. They have compiled a list of all medication, supplements and drugs that does not cause adverse effects when microdosing. Here is a link:
Alcohol is probably the most overlooked - if you are about to embark on this journey and dedicate 4-8 weeks to improving your life and health, there is no place for alcohol during this time.
4. When microdosing is not recommended
In case of a mental or physical condition and/or illness you may need consult a medical professional
If you have color blindness
In combination with lithium carbonate
In combination with Tramadol
In combination with lithium carbonate
If you are younger than 18 years old at least, however, we advise no younger than 25-26 year old
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
5. Microdosing Protocol
You will need to decide how often you are going to microdose and we have a article to help you, and you can read it here.
With microdosing less is more and starting with Fadiman Protocol is probably best. You can reduce the interval or increase the dose when you know how the substance makes you feel.
6. Ordering your choice of product
Once you know your microdosing protocol, it is easy to calculate how many truffles you will require (or other substance of your choice). For example, someone deciding to microdose with truffles using Fadiman protocol for 2 months would need a 3 pack of truffles with 6 doses in each:
These truffles are packaged conveniently in 1 gram doses. The recommended intake is 0.5g to 2g (0.5 dose to 2 doses) as a single dose max.
7. On the day of your first micro dose
Ideally, this should be your day off and when you have little to no commitments. Take truffles in the morning on empty stomach and do not eat for at least an hour to make sure the max absorption of the psilocybin in truffles. After you ingest truffles your body will convert psilocybin into psilocyn, the psychoactive substance, within about 30-40 minutes. The effects peak within approx 1.5hr after ingestion.
What you can expect to feel physically in your body after taking your first micro dose:
Increased energy and light buzz in your body
Slightly elevated heart rate in the first hour or two after taking it
More vivid colors and sounds
If, in a very unlikely case, the dose is too strong and you feel tingling, lightheaded, restlessness, flushing and unable to focus the most important thing to remember is that you are not in danger. You cannot 'trip' from such tiny dose and the unpleasant feelings will pass soon. Find a way to distract yourself with a breathwork, meditation, a walk or anything you enjoy doing in your free time. Its important to note the feelings that come up but not judge.
Some people are more sensitive to psilocybin than others. A single dose is anything between 0.5g to 2g of truffles. You can adjust this dose on your next microdosing day, but never top up with more truffles if you think you are not feeling the effect you were expecting.
8. After glow day and a day off
About 95% of psilocybin leaves your body within 15 hours of ingestion and traces of it will be present the following day. We call this day the after glow day and you may still feel some subtle effects.
Some microdosing protocols would suggest to take another dose on the third day, but at least while you are learning we recommend to take your 3rd day off. This will prevent building tolerance to psilocybin and allows your body to clear any residue substance.
9. Finding your sweet spot
On your next microdosing day you can decide, based on your experience the previous dose day, whether you want to adjust the dose. The sweet spot or ideal dose is such dose that you feel a very subtle effects but not so strong that you cannot go on about your day.
The microdose shouldn’t cause any visual changes. However, this doesn’t mean you won’t notice any effects at all! You’ll still feel it, but in a subtle way that won’t distract you from your regular activities.
The goal is to find your ideal dose within the first few times of microdosing. If you want to get a sense of how the substance feels, you can start with the highest recommended microdose on a day off. Then, gradually reduce the dose until you find what works best for you.
10. Journaling This is the part most tend to skip. It does not have to be like writing a diary but just note how you feel physically and mentally, how it affected your mood, energy levels, relationships etc.
There are several good apps out there to help you with keeping the track of it.
SOME THINGS TO BE AWARE OF:
Less is more when microdosing. Take your time with adjusting the dosage and intervals
As microdosing helps you to get in touch with your true feelings, some days the same dose might make you feel, e.g. more or less energized, sad or happy, relaxed or more hyper etc.
You may have some deep emotions coming up - important to find a way to release them in a safe environment