Microdosing, the practice of taking sub-perceptual doses of psychedelics like psilocybin or LSD, has gained popularity for its potential to enhance mental clarity, creativity, and emotional well-being. Unlike a full psychedelic dose, a microdose won’t lead to an altered state of consciousness, making it a practical option for day-to-day use. On the other hand Micodosing and Macrodosing are different read below to find out more.
After our retreats, one of the most common questions we hear is, “How does microdosing compare to therapeutic macrodoses?” We’ve included a comparison at the end to address this.
What Is Microdosing and Macrodosing?
Microdosing is the practice of taking a small about of a psychoactive substance. It involves consuming about 1/10th to 1/20th of a standard psychedelic dose. For example: for Psilocybin mushrooms taking roughly ~0.1-0.3 grams dried.
The goal is to experience subtle, positive effects without the overwhelming intensity of a full psychedelic experience. Some studies have shown that people who microdose report lower levels of anxiety and depression.
On the other hand marcodosing is taking a large amount of a psychedelic substance generally on a guided retreat in an supportive and intentional way.
Is Microdosing Safe?
The safety of microdosing is an area where our understanding is still evolving. Unfortunately, the halt on research began in the late 1960s, significantly halted research into psychedelics. However, in the past decade, renewed interest has led to numerous studies by leading medical centers exploring the potential of psychedelics.
Psilocybin, the compound found in certain mushrooms, is generally considered safe when used in low doses. Indigenous cultures have used psilocybin mushrooms for centuries in ceremonial contexts, highlighting their historical safety record.
In Ireland Psilocybin mushrooms grow in plenty around the Autumn/fall months and it’s theorised that the for generations people were micro-dosing these mushrooms as part of a herbal native diet or took them in bigger doses for healing and growth. That said, taking a dose that’s too large can lead to overwhelming, unexpected and unsettling experiences so getting the right dosing is essential. Bigger doses should always be taken with an experienced guide or facilitator. To note, long term studies of the continued use of psychedelics and their effects have also not been studied on the body.
It’s also critical to source psilocybin mushrooms responsibly. With nearly many species of fungi containing psilocybin, some mushrooms can resemble toxic varieties. Consuming the wrong type of mushroom can result in severe liver damage, serious illness, or even death.
To ensure safety, always use mushrooms or psychedelic truffles from a trusted and verified source when microdosing and Macrodosing. The key thing to remember is that psychedelics are not for everyone, Microdosing and Macrodosing should only be done once a full screening of your mental health and medication has been done. Especially checking the medications to not cause any unwanted interactions.
How to Microdose – 5 Simple Steps
- Choose Your Psychedelic: Psilocybin mushrooms or truffels are a common choices. Ensure you understand the legality of these substances in your area. It’s important to also have pure and good quality substances. Use a test kit or get your samples lab tested to ensure they are pure and safe to use.
- Measure Accurately: Use a precision scale for psilocybin to ensure consistency across your doses
- Pick a Schedule:
- Fadiman Protocol: Dose every three days (Day 1: Dose, Day 2: Reflect, Day 3: Rest). Repeat.
- Stamets Stack: Dose four days on, three days off, often paired with supplements like lion’s mane and niacin.
- Track Your Progress: Keep a journal to note mood, focus, and energy levels. Do this on a scaling system and review at the end of the month if you need to tailor your protocol.
- Adjust as Needed: If you feel no changes, slightly adjust the dose. If effects feel too strong, reduce it if not enough increase it or increase the frequency.
Benefits of Microdosing
Microdosing offers various benefits for mental, emotional, and creative well-being:
- Enhanced Focus and Productivity: Many people report sharper mental clarity and better task efficiency.
- Improved Emotional Balance: Users often experience reduced anxiety and a more positive mood.
- Increased Creativity: Microdosing can spark innovative thinking and problem-solving ie. ”Thinking outside the box”
- Greater Mindfulness: Subtle shifts in perception can foster a deeper connection to the present moment and nature.
- Personal Growth: Over time, microdosing may support emotional resilience and self-awareness.
Things to Be Aware of When Microdosing
- Start Small: Begin with the lowest effective dose to assess how it affects you.
- Avoid Daily Use: Continuous use may lead to tolerance; stick to a structured schedule with breaks.
- Track Your Experience: Logging your thoughts, mood, and energy levels helps identify patterns and benefits.
- Know the Law: Be aware of the legal status of psychedelics in your country or state.
- Set Clear Intentions: Approach microdosing with a purpose, whether it’s reducing anxiety, improving focus, or fostering creativity.
Microdosing and Macrodosing Comparison
Microdosing and Macrodosing of psychedelics serve distinct purposes, each offering unique benefits. Microdosing involves taking sub-perceptual amounts of a psychedelic, providing subtle yet consistent enhancements in mood, focus, creativity, and emotional balance without inducing hallucinations or altered states. It’s ideal for integrating small, positive shifts into daily life.
In contrast, full doses, or macrodoses, deliver deeply immersive and often transformative therapeutic experiences that can lead to profound insights, emotional breakthroughs, and significant personal growth.
While microdosing can build incremental benefits over time, macrodosing is often a catalyst for deeper healing and self-discovery, requiring careful preparation and integration afterward. Together, these approaches can complement one another, depending on an individual’s goals and needs.
With the Macrodoses people who come on our retreats report life long benefits and huge shifts in their lives making meaningful and lasting change.
Microdosing and Macrodosing Final Thoughts – Is It Right For You?
Microdosing is a powerful tool for personal development and emotional well-being when approached mindfully. While it provides subtle, consistent benefits, it can also complement the profound insights gained from occasional full-dose experiences which we host on our retreats in the Netherlands and Costa Rica.
If you’re curious about how microdosing might fit into your life, start small, stay intentional, and observe how it enhances your mental and emotional state. As with any practice, preparation and reflection are key to reaping its full potential.
Interested in joining one of our Macrodose retreats?
