What is microdosing and how does it work?

Microdosing involves taking small, sub-psychedelic doses of psychedelic substances such as LSD or psilocybin, typically 1/20-1/10 of a typical recreational dose. The amounts are small enough to produce small shifts in well-being without causing classical psychedelic effects such as distorted time perception or visual hallucinations.

The effects of microdosing have sparked debates, with proponents believing it enhances mood and empathy, while skeptics attribute the perceived benefits to placebo effects.

The method of microdosing with psilocybin can vary, but it often includes preparing the substance in a way that allows for consistent and accurate dosing. This can involve using a scale to measure the desired dosage, which is typically a very small amount of the psychedelic.

Some individuals also choose to consume psilocybin mushrooms in the form of pre-dosed capsules, which can make accurate dosing stress free.

Benefits of microdosing psychedelics

Microdosing enthusiasts report that the benefits of microdosing psychedelics can support mental, physical and spiritual well-being. In 2018, Toby Lea et al. conducted a research survey to understand the motivations of microdosers. The results from the survey showed that 40% sought improved mental health, 31% sought personal development, and 18% were microdosing to improve cognitive enhancement. 

Here, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently self-reported mental, physical, and spiritual benefits of microdosing.

Mental Benefits of Microdosing

The mental benefits of microdosing may include improved mood, enhanced creativity and focus and reduced stress:

• Improved mood and well-being: Studies suggest microdosing might be associated with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, leading to an overall improvement in mood and well-being.
• Enhanced creativity and focus: Some individuals report increased creativity, problem-solving abilities, and focus while microdosing.
• Reduced stress and improved cognitive flexibility: Microdosing may improve resilience to stress, leading to better cognitive flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing situations.

Check out: Microdosify Focus and Microdosify Create for enhanced creativity and cognitive functioning

Physical Benefits of Microdosing

Physical benefits of microdosing may include headache relief and pain management:

• Headache relief: Anecdotal reports and limited scale studies report potential benefits for managing cluster headaches and other migraine types, although further research is needed to confirm this effect. 
• Pain management: A recent case study by Matthew Lyes et al. and published in 2023 analyzed three separate reports of successful use of microdosing psilocybin to manage chronic pain. Clinical research is needed, but this promise validates the potential of microdosing to support chronic pain management.

Spiritual Benefits of Microdosing

Microdosing enthusiasts often report that microdosing provides spiritual benefits such as increased connection and mindfulness:

• Increased sense of connection: Some individuals report experiencing a deeper connection with themselves, nature, and others after microdosing.
• Enhanced mindfulness: Microdosing might potentially support a more mindful and introspective state, leading to increased self-awareness and understanding.

Microdosing and the placebo effect

Microdosers often report improved mood and focus, but scientific inquiries have provided mixed outcomes. In a systematic review of 44 studies published by Vince Polito in 2022, Polito concluded that although some studies suggest that the results of microdosing may be due to placebo effect, these studies are glaring issues including faults with creating a true double blind environment. 

Ultimately, Vince concluded that over the 44 studies analyzed, several indicate that microdosing does produce measurable physiological changes and there is clear validation that microdosing psychedelics impacts pain tolerance, time perception and changes in conscious state.

Further research is needed, however, to validate anecdotal reports that suggest microdosing can improve mental well-being, enhance mood, increase creativity, or facilitate the many other reported benefits from the practice.

Risks and Side Effects of Microdosing

Risks and side effects of microdosing psychedelics may include physical discomfort, mental discomfort, cardiac concerns, challenges with dosing, should be carefully considered before engaging in this practice. Here are some of the potential risks and side effects to be aware of:

• Physical Discomfort: Some individuals may experience physiological discomfort on microdose days, including stomachaches, headaches, or fatigue, or interrupted sleeping patterns.
• Mental Discomfort: Some microdosers may experience increased anxiety, reduced energy levels, heightened emotional state, or impaired focus during microdosing. Feelings of depression, dissociation, and cognitive impairment have also been reported, although they are relatively rare.
• Cardiac Concerns: Long-term use of psilocybin may pose a risk of cardiac valvopathy or valve damage. Further research is needed to understand the potential effects of psilocybin on the heart.
• Challenges with Dosing: Psilocybin dosage can vary significantly among different mushrooms and even within the same strain. Inconsistency in dosage may lead to unpredictable effects and challenges in determining the appropriate dose for microdosing. Synthetic versions of psilocybin aim to standardize dosage, but their availability is limited and purity concerns exist.
• Legal and Safety Considerations: Due to legal status in many countries, sourcing and purchasing psychedelics can be challenging, involving unreliable suppliers and potential exposure to impure or harmful substances. Learn more about sourcing microdosing capsules here.
• Lack of Research and Long-Term Data: Limited clinical research on microdosing hinders a comprehensive understanding of its long-term effects and potential risks. More studies are needed to assess the safety and potential consequences of extended microdosing practices.

By considering these factors, individuals can more appropriately determine whether a microdosing practice is right for them.

Final Thoughts

The practice of microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms has many potential benefits but also carries with it the potential for risk and side effects. Currently, many of the benefits and risks are understood from anecdotal stories. Science on the practice is limited, but research is slowly growing our understanding.

Microdosing psychedelic mushrooms is a personal decision that requires informing oneself about the potential benefits and risks. It is important to do a personal analysis to determine whether the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks for each individual.

Remaining informed, following legal guidelines, and approaching microdosing responsibly are crucial. Microdosing holds promise for mental health, creativity, focus, and productivity. By making informed decisions and seeking proper guidance, microdosing may offer new possibilities for personal growth.

If you’re unsure as to whether a microdosing practice may be right for you, our expert microdosing coaches are available to help you make the most informed decision possible. Schedule your private coaching call here.

Sources:

• Dosing Psychedelics and MDMA by (2022) Matthias E Liechti , Friederike Holze
• Psychedelic medicines for mood disorders: current evidence and clinical 
• Microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms: a double-blind placebo-controlled study by (2022)
  Federico Cavanna, Stephanie Muller, Laura Alethia de la Fuente, Federico Zamberlan, Matías Palmucci, Lucie Janeckova, Martin Kuchar, Carla Pallavicini & Enzo Tagliazucchi
• Psilocybin microdosers demonstrate greater observed improvements in mood and mental health at one month relative to non-microdosing controls by (2022) Joseph M. Rootman, Maggie Kiraga, Pamela Kryskow, Kalin Harvey, Paul Stamets, Eesmyal Santos-Brault, Kim P. C. Kuypers & Zach Walsh
• The emerging science of microdosing: A systematic review of research on low dose psychedelics (1955–2021) and recommendations for the field, Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, Volume 139, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104706.