Microdosing is not a new phenomenon but it’s something that has started to reach the mainstream in the last several years. Microdosing has become a tool that a number of people are using to take control of their productivity and their state of mind.
What is microdosing
Microdosing is the act of consuming small amounts of psychedelics substances semi-regularly with the goal of achieving some of the benefits of the substances, such as more focus, energy, and emotional balance without the hallucinogenic effects.
Why microdose?
Microdosing is reported to have both short term and long term benefits for individuals. Those who incorporate microdosing into their regular wellness routine report higher levels of creativity, more energy, increased focus, and improved relational skills.
People seem to use microdosing for one of two reasons:
- To reduce symptoms and frequency of symptoms related to mental illness. Such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD and addictions.
- To increase the frequency and intensity of desirable states, such as; creativity, energy, productivity/focus, and improved relationships/increased empathy.
What substances are microdosed?
Microdosing can be done with a number of different substances. Some of the common substances that are microdosed include;
- Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
- Psilocybin (“magic” mushrooms)
- Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
- Ayahuasca
- Cannabis
How to Microdose
Here are the simple steps to follow when microdosing for the first time:
- Determine the most appropriate first-time microdose for you. See below for more information about a good starting place for a microdose taking into account your size and previous experience with psychedelics. If you’re new to microdosing it’s likely better to err on the side of caution and start with a smaller dose, particularly if you’re concerned about the potential hallucinogenic effects.
- Take your first dose. Take your first dose in the morning on a day where you don’t have any major obligations and there are not any children present.
- Pay close attention to its effects. Sit back, relax and observe the effects. We recommend taking a log throughout the day to track how you’re feeling. Note: the length of the impacts of each microdose experience will vary depending on the substance.
- Adjust if necessary. Note whether or not the first time you achieved your desire results if you did you found the ideal dose. If not, adjust accordingly.
- Proceed with a regular microdosing regimen. A recommended regimen, according to Dr. James Fadiman, PhD. is one day on two days of for approximately 10 weeks. This will help avoid building up a tolerance which results in diminishing returns.
What dose to start at with microdosing?
Typically a microdose is 1/20 to 1/10 of a recreational dose of whatever substance they are trying and adjust based on their experience. If you are experiencing visual effects, you have taken too much. This is 5-10 micrograms of LSD, slightly more (7-12 mcg) of 1p-LSD. This is 0.1-0.4 grams of psilocybin mushrooms.
What to do if you’re worried about taking too much?
If you’re concerned about the hallucinogenic effects of psychedelics and this leads to worry about taking too much there are a few things you can do to plan ahead.
- Start with a microdose lower than you think is necessary the first time. This will help you to familiarize yourself with the experience and the impacts of the substance. Then you can increase slowly over a week to determine the best dose for you.
- Have a babysitter. This is a term regularly used to describe a person who is present during the microdose experience but is not participating themselves. They can help record your experience and be there for reassurance if you do have too much.
- Plan ahead. Have a plan in case you do take too much or have a bad experience. Make sure you’re in a safe comfortable place, have things to distract you and let your babysitter know how they can support you through a bad experience.
Though it’s important to note that it’s generally very unlikely for someone to experience a ‘bad trip’ as a result of a microdose due to the small dose they’re taking. Taking ‘too much’ is more likely
Once you’ve determined the best microdose for you, you can go about your day as you normally would while microdosing. Many people who regularly engage in a microdosing regimen go to work, play sports, and hang out with friends etc.
