Understanding Micro-Dose Mushrooms

Micro dosing psilocybin mushrooms has gained popularity in recent years as a way to experience the benefits of the mushroom without the full psychedelic trip.

In this post, we will discuss: dosing, types of mushrooms, benefits, side effects, forms of ingestion, contraindications and things to look for when sourcing micro-dose mushrooms. 

Dosing and Types of Mushrooms

Micro dosing is the practice of taking sub-perceptual doses of a psychedelic substance. For psilocybin mushrooms, this typically means a dose of 0.1 to 0.5 grams (100mg -500mg) of dried mushrooms. The dose is usually taken every three to four days for a period of several weeks. The most common types of mushrooms used for micro dosing are Psilocybe cubensis and Psilocybe semilanceata.  Other types of mushrooms can be used but Psilocybe are the most common.

Benefits

Many people report a variety of benefits from micro dosing psilocybin mushrooms, including increased creativity, productivity, focus, and empathy.

Others report a reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as an increased sense of well-being and connection to nature. Micro dosing has also been studied for its potential to treat cluster headaches, migraines, and other conditions.

Side Effects

While micro dosing psilocybin mushrooms is generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. These can include headaches, nausea, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. Some people may also experience mild hallucinations or heightened sensory experiences.  When consuming magic mushrooms, its best to allot 6-8 hours that you may not feel like sleeping.  It’s also important to know that combining psilocybe mushrooms with citric acid or MAOI’s will potentiate the absorption and metabolization of the medicinal compounds.  This means that consuming psilocybe with lemon, orange, strawberry, vinegar or even wine will likely intensify your experience.  When it comes to MAOI’s, there are many.  In my blog about Kanna you can find a definition of what MAOI’s are and some common herbs that contain them.  When combining plant medicines with anything… Use caution.

Forms of Ingestion and Time of Onset

Micro dosing psilocybin mushrooms can be ingested in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, gummies, candies, teas or simply eating the dried mushrooms which is least recommended.

Capsules and tablets are a popular choice because they allow for more precise dosing and are easier to ingest. The time of onset varies depending on the method of ingestion, with capsules and tablets taking a little longer to take effect than simply eating the mushrooms.

Standardizing ones dose means to homogenize the constituents.  Mushrooms are not created equal.  In actual fact, even if you take spores from one mushroom and germinate them, they will each be completely different from each other and from the parent.  There is a way to clone mushrooms but not many have the patience and skill required.  So before consuming mushrooms they must be ground up and or dissolved into a carrier.  The active ingredients are water soluble so hot water is best.  You can also use alcohol so long as the alcohol content is below 60%.  Above 40% will help to preserve the active compounds.

Teas are the safest way to immediately consume dried bag mushrooms.  They don’t keep longer than a day in the fridge at full potency so they are best to use right away.  A thermos of mushroom tea on a hike is amazing.  Be sure and weigh your mushrooms and use a measuring cup for the hot water.  This way you can use a shot glass and still titration how much you get in each serving.  In example: 2 grams of dried mushroom into 8oz of water equals .25g per 1 oz shot.  Each shot would be a giggly 250mg of dried psilocybe.  This is the top end of a micro dose with stronger mushrooms like Penis Envy.  WIth a milder mushroom like Golden Teachers you might have the same effect with 500mg.  

Some mushrooms characteristically contain more active compounds.  But even within the same variety, active compounds are not always evenly dispersed throughout the fruiting body of the mushroom.  

This means that one small piece of the mushroom may contain all the active compounds in the whole mushroom!  While this is not very common, it isn’t entirely uncommon so eating raw dried mushrooms is actually quite risky.  

Luckily most mushroom varieties contain less than 3% psychoactive compounds so the risk is fairly low.  

However!!!!!

I personally have experienced the displeasure of getting a hot dose and spent 5 hours slapping my own face to try to stay conscious!! It was very unpleasant and cost me 5 years of not being able to enjoy psilocybe.  I only ate 1 gram of dried mushroom which should have been a giggling, deep intrinsic time.  Instead it was a ride I desperately wanted to get off.  

Now I know better!  As well I have also discovered a “buzz kill” for psilocybe mushrooms.  If you ever are beyond your comfort level, there is an easy herbal path back to reality.  This instant sober up is worthy of a whole other blog post, so that will be covered in my next post!  If you need to know sooner just reach out.

Contraindications

Micro dosing psilocybin mushrooms is not recommended for people with a history of mental illness or those who are currently taking medication for a mental health condition. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.  Mixing with alcohol or other drugs can cause unwanted side effects and is not recommended without supervision and guidance.  Always stay hydrated and avoid going above a macro dose by yourself.  Know your limit and never try new things alone.  Stay tuned for my next blog where I will share the herb I discovered can stop a mushroom overdose.

Things to Look for When Sourcing Micro-Dose Mushrooms

When sourcing micro-dose mushrooms, it is important to look for a reputable supplier who can provide high-quality, lab-tested mushrooms. The supplier should be able to provide information on the type of mushroom, dosage, and any potential side effects. It is also important to ensure that the mushrooms are legal in your area.

Tablets vs. Capsules

We decided to be different and produce  tablets.  We chose tablets for quite a few reasons.  Here are a few of them:

Tablets contain no air, which can degrade the active compounds. Tablets are more consistent in weight and composition than capsules, making them a more reliable choice.  Additionally, tablets require less energy to manufacture, making them a greener choice.

Testimonials

Many people have reported positive outcomes from micro dosing psilocybin mushrooms. Paul Stamets, a very popular leading mycologist and author, has spoken about his experience with micro dosing, saying "I felt more creative, more focused, more productive, and more empathetic." Other testimonials include reports of reduced anxiety and depression symptoms, increased sense of well-being, and heightened spiritual experiences. 

How Often to Micro Dose

The ideal frequency for micro dosing psilocybin mushrooms varies depending on the individual and the application. Some people micro dose every three to four days for several weeks, while others micro dose every day for extended periods of time. It is important to note that tolerance can build up over time, so it may be necessary to take a break from micro dosing, use an acidic catalyst or increase the dosage.

In Closing…

Micro dosing psilocybin mushrooms is a growing trend that has shown promise for a variety of applications. While it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and contraindications, many people have reported positive outcomes from micro dosing. By following best practices for sourcing and dosing, micro dosing psilocybin mushrooms can be a safe and effective way to experience the benefits of this powerful mushroom.  One last fun fact to leave your mind wondering…

Stoned Ape Theory

This is a theory posited by Paul Mckenna.“McKenna posited that psilocybin caused the primitive brain’s information-processing capabilities to rapidly reorganize, which in turn kick-started the rapid evolution of cognition that led to the early art, language, and technology written in Homo sapiens’ archeological record. As early humans, he said we ‘ate our way to higher consciousness’ by consuming these mushrooms, which, he hypothesized, grew out of animal manure. Psilocybin, he said, brought us ‘out of the animal mind and into the world of articulated speech and imagination.’

“As human cultural evolution led to the domestication of wild cattle, humans began to spend a lot more time around cattle dung, McKenna explained. And, because psilocybin mushrooms commonly grow in cow droppings, ‘the human-mushroom interspecies codependency was enhanced and deepened. It was at this time that religious ritual, calendar making, and natural magic came into their own.’”  

I personally find this idea fascinating and consider it to be a plausible fit…  Especially considering that our own brains and neural pathways are almost identical to mycelium networks… which also closely resemble nebulas.  We are actually genetically more closely related to fungi than we think!

Thanks for reading! Use discount code: 3POWER for 18% off of purchases above $120

~Keem Author and creator of Mental Hygiene