How to Microdose
Table of Contents
Microdosing is the practice of taking a small amount of a psychedelic.
Microdosing will require proper measurements to ensure correct dosing of your chosen psychedelic substance. Microdosing protocols can be useful to anyone seeking particular effects from microdosing. Many people find microdosing is a helpful way to prepare for and integrate larger dose journeys, while others find a variety of benefits, including alleviation of mental health symptoms, enhanced creativity, increased self-awareness, and more.
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Microdosing Introduction
Microdosing involves taking a small amount of a psychedelic substance on a regular or irregular basis for various benefits, such as enhanced mood, creativity, energy, awareness and connection.
Microdoses are usually between 5 and 10 percent of a standard psychedelic dose, amounts that don’t impede everyday function. While advocates argue that the practice delivers some of the cognitive and medicinal benefits of a full-dose of a psychedelic, scientific studies on microdosing are inconclusive.
Popularized in the West by Dr. James Fadiman, microdosing has become increasingly common. Although the science of microdosing is unclear, thousands of anecdotal reports and the growing popularity of microdosing indicates that microdosing works for some people. Microdosing does not come without risk however, as studies indicate that habitual microdosing may carry heart health risks. Although with slightly differing effects, any classic psychedelic substance, such as LSD and psilocybin containing mushrooms are used for microdosing. Most people use LSD or psilocybin to microdose. Microdosing MDMA is strongly discouraged.
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Microdosing Effects
Primary reported effects of microdosing include improved mood, creativity and general cognition. However, effects may vary by individual.
People often believe that microdosing must be sub-perceptual, meaning the effects are not perceptible. However, this is not true. It is okay to feel, notice and perceive changes as a result of a microdose.
Reported microdosing effects:
Increased energy
Mental clarity
Improved problem solving ability
Increased creative thinking
Improved focus
Positive mood
Facilitated emotional connection
Improved self-awareness
Improved presence
Anecdotal reports suggest that microdosing enhances wellbeing and cognition; however, such accounts are potentially inaccurate. If you choose to proceed with microdosing, keep in mind that these effects are not guaranteed.
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Measuring Microdoses
Microdosing is not as simple as taking a low dose of a psychedelic substance. Proper measurement is necessary to ensure an accurate microdose.
For LSD, a microdose is anywhere between 5μg and 20μg. For mushrooms, a microdose is anywhere between 0.1g and 0.5g of powdered mushrooms. Since the amount of psilocybin varies per mushroom and even per part of a single mushroom, blending the mushrooms into a powder ensures a more balanced distribution of psilocybin among each microdose you will take.
How to Microdose Mushrooms
You will need:
Psilocybin mushrooms
A dry container
A blender (optional)
A digital scale or measuring spoons
Step by step process:
Blend or break up your mushrooms into fine powder or small bits.
Store your powder in a dry container, keep the container in the dark.
Use measurement spoons or a digital scale to measure your mushroom microdose. Anywhere from 0.05g to 0.5g is a proper microdose.
Experiment with different doses to find what works for you. Start small.
How to Microdose LSD
You will need:
LSD
Bottle or container
Distilled water
A 10ml pipette
Step by step process:
Ensure the amount of LSD per tab. Depending on how much LSD you have on your tab, the maths will vary. For this walkthrough, we will assume you have a tab containing approximately 100μg of LSD.
Pour 100ml of distilled water in an airtight container or bottle.
Drop your tab of 100μg in your airtight container.
Close the container tightly and shake it around for a minute.
Put the container in the fridge for 48 to 72 hours.
After 48 to 72 hours, the LSD water is ready. Use your pipette to measure how much LSD you want to take. A 100μg tab of LSD in 100ml of water will provide about 10μg of LSD for every 10ml of water.
Experiment with different doses to find what works for you. Start small.
Microdosing Protocols
Microdosing is often practiced in a routinely fashion. Various routine protocols exist, such as the Fadiman or the Stamets protocols. However you are free to design your own. Experiment.
Many people also take microdoses without following a routine, and simply take their microdose on a day that they feel like microdosing. Such practices may impede the potential long-term effects of microdosing regularly.
The Fadiman Protocol
The Fadiman protocol is the most popular and common microdosing protocol.
Psychologist and writer Dr. James Fadiman has been researching psychedelics since the 1960s. His protocol recommends a microdose every three days. This is the most common protocol.
It is recommended you continue this cycle for 30 to 60 days and then reset by stopping the microdose protocol for 2 to 4 weeks (4 weeks is recommended).
Have you been following the Fadiman protocol for at least 2 weeks and want to share about your experience? You can join our community to discuss your experience with others.
Every Other Day Protocol
The every other day protocol is developed by James Fadiman and has been proven to be more beneficial for people who microdose for medical purposes to help them ease the effects of conditions such as depression, ADHD, ADD, (social) anxiety, migraines or cluster headaches.
It is recommended you continue this cycle for 30 to 60 days and then reset by stopping the microdose protocol for 2 to 4 weeks (4 weeks is recommended).
Have you been following this protocol for at least 2 weeks and want to share about your experience? You can contact us to talk about your experience.
Two Fixed Days Protocol
A challenge of the Fadiman protocol is having continuously changing days of the week as microdosing days. Some people might benefit from a fixed day schedule, where you can choose two fixed weekdays (that are best for your own schedule) to microdose—for example Monday and Friday.
It is recommended you continue this cycle for 30 to 60 days and then reset by stopping the microdose protocol for 2 to 4 weeks (4 weeks is recommended).
Have you been following this protocol for at least a month and want to share about your experience? You can contact us to talk about your experience.
Microdosing offers a unique approach to enhancing wellbeing and mental clarity through subtle doses of psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD. By carefully measuring and following established protocols, you may experience benefits such as improved mood, focus, and emotional balance without the intensity of a full journey. Whether you're new to microdosing or looking to deepen your practice, understanding the effects, proper measurements, and protocols will help you maximize the potential benefits while ensuring a safe and intentional experience.
Consider booking a call with a guide for further microdosing guidance.
