Dosing Guide
Once taboo and generally misunderstood, there has been a revival on “Magic Mushrooms” research, most notably by the Heffner institute, to conduct advanced studies on how psilocybin can treat addiction and mental disorders while having positive and long lasting effects on the brain. With various ways on how to administer psilocybin, the flexibility and effectiveness of this entheogen cannot go unnoticed.
Psilocybin is used recreationally, therapeutically and also in our day-to-day lives by taking very small amounts of psychedelics at sub-perceptual levels to slightly change your mood, alter thought process and open up your perspectives. It should be subtle and you should be full functioning. We call this Microdosing.
The conversation on microdosing has started and it has enter into our podcasts, everyday literature and mainstream media, creating a movement that seems to be growing to no end. This has led to a surge of interest coming from all types of backgrounds: athletes, therapists, computer programmers, intellectuals and – quite possibly – your unassuming next door neighbour. So why is microdosing psilocybin mushroom powder, encapsulated in gel capsule form, a method of choice for most?
Many individuals don’t want to get high but do want the positive effects of Psilocybin mushrooms.
The precision of each dose per capsule gives the end user a consistent & measurable unit to gauge and experiment with.
Alternatives that are natural, highly effective & free of side-effects is invaluable when choosing a health product in today’s information age.
When it comes to microdosing Psilocybin mushroom capsules, there is no right or wrong method of how much to take and how frequently you should take it. There is an overall guideline that should be safe to implement for most individuals but dose and schedule is going to come down to your own unique needs and tolerance.
There are 2 microdosing protocols outlined by some of the leading figures in microdosing, Dr. James Fadiman & Mycologist and Psychonaut, Paul Stamets.
Both are quite different in their approach and both are considered to be the most popular methods followed. Our belief is that you should try both, most preferably starting with Dr. Fadiman’s protocol for a few weeks before cycling with Mr. Stamets protocol. You will probably find your own schedule and sweet spot as you become more experienced or you may stick to one of the schedules because it works for you.
The thought process on Fadiman’s protocol is that Psilocybin can lose it’s effectiveness with regular use and the body – over time – may become accustomed to it, hence the dosing schedule of 1 day on and 2 days off.
Dr. James Fadiman Protocol:
1 dose (Start at 50-100mg) on day 1 then 2 days off.
So it’s 1 day on, 2 days off.
World Renown Mycologist – Paul Stamets Protocol:
* 1 low dose (50-100mg/ day) everyday for 5 days, then 2 subsequent days off.
It would look something like this:
Doses and tolerance may vary from person to person.
Err of the side of caution and start small if you’re new to psychedelics. One 100 mg capsule is a safe baseline to start at. If it felt too strong, scale back to 50mg or half a 100 mg capsule next time.
It’s best to experiment on your own time instead of the workplace so that you can gauge exactly how it is affecting you.
You might take more hanging out at the beach or watching a movie and less when doing work or taking care of business. Whatever situation you’re in, only you know how it affects you and finding the sweet spot for different scenarios is an art in itself.
According to Dr. Fadiman, who is widely accepted as the Psilocybin microdosing expert, there are 3 distinct phases, each with a different dosage range:
- 150 mg – 200 mg = “Microdose”
- 200 mg – 400 mg = “Slightly higher than a microdose”
- 500 mg = “Creative dose”
What can happen if I consume more than a gram of Psilocybin mushrooms at once?
- 0.8 mg – 1 gram = Mild visual enhancements and/or some sound distortion (subtle)
- 1.0 – 1.5 grams = Visual and auditory hallucinations, creativity, lightness & euphoria
- 1.5 – 3.0 grams = Altered perceptions of space & time
- 3.0 – 4.0 grams = Strong hallucinations and may lose touch of reality
- 4.0 – 5.0 grams = Total loss of contact with reality, intense hallucinations, sensitive, emotional and personal experiences impossible to describe.
At the “Microdose” level, a subtle change in your perception is common and that shouldn’t affect your usual interactions with the world.
Ideally, you will feel sharp, on point and very decisive. Your mood will be enhanced in a positive way and it is common to feel more empathy towards others. Your creativity will flow endlessly and your ability to get in the zone can seem effortless. Time slows down while nature glows vibrantly through your eyes. Ideally.
On the other hand, you may not feel much but you’re overall satisfaction in life is positive and an underlying sense of contentment is present. Maybe that is all you’re looking for; Maybe that’s just all you need. This is how it should feel.
Going through these experiences may help you make the right adjustments the next time microdosing.
You may decide that you are going to take 2 capsules the next time.
Try staggering your doses. Take one initial dose and take another capsule an hour later. Experimenting with dose and how to take them will be unique to you.
Utilizing the “Lemon Tek” method may also enhance your experience in positive and long lasting ways.
Make sure to it on your own time and leisure. Experimenting while executing important and crucial tasks at work should be avoided at all cost.
More than a Microdose
Another dose range is what we call a recreational dose. It is the beginning of the adventure, whether you are looking for relaxation, spiritual enlightment or looking to hit the reset button. A recreational dose can be anywhere from 750 mg to 1.5 grams dry. This amount will get you high but you are still mostly in control.
Depending on the setting, you may gain some new perspectives and encounter some ‘Aha’ moments. Music has layers to it, trees and plants are vibrant and laughing can go on forever. Your walls may come down and it’s common to feel more open, honest & your true authentic self.
This dose can be experienced with people you are close with. Being in the outdoors camping and exploring nature can be a powerful experience.
If you’re looking for the Classic Psychedelic trip, hold on tight. This dose range is between 1.5 & 3.0 grams. At this point, you may feel like you want to do things but laying down might feel the best. You are still in control physically but sound and visual distortion is quite apparent. Things are happening around you that are out of your control and you may start to experience visual hallucinations. Look at your car and it is probably glowing very shiny, vivid & bright at this point. Feelings of empathy and euphoria may take over your senses and time feels like it’s sitting still.
Over time, you may decide you are going to go deeper. 4 – 5 grams of Psilocybe Cubensis should be only for the experienced user. Every 100 mg, at this point, can exponentially make the experience more intense. You may start to feel like you’re losing grasp of reality and sense of time. Geometric shapes and colours appear vividly before you. The Trip may last anywhere from 3-6 hours.
At 5+ grams, this is where you are going into deep territory and is only advised for the experienced psychonauts. It is widely considered the “Heroic Dose”, coined by Psilocybin trailblazer and visionary philosopher, Terence Mckenna. Ego death is a common theme for anyone taking 5 grams or more. It is best and responsible practice to have a sitter, someone you trust, to watch over you when consuming this large amount. Sleep masks and classical music can be instrumental in this experience.
Please have respect for the various doses. The importance of setting cannot be overstated, as well as your overall state of mind before consuming these doses.
It’s prudent that you plan the occasion ahead of time, leaving any negativity behind and entering with a clear head and good intent.
Eating clean, getting good rest, meditating and avoiding hard drugs and alcohol beforehand is good practice. The longer your body and mind is cleansed and prepared, the better it is when undergoing the experience.
Classical Music is highly recommended when dosing on Psilocybin mushrooms.
Again, taking larger quantities (3.5 – 5+ grams) should be respected and not be taken lightly. Having someone with experience to watch over you is highly advisable.