Microdosing is a method of consuming small amounts of psychedelic substances, such as LSD or psilocybin, according to a specific schedule and amount. Scientists have been investigating the potential benefits of psilocybin (magic mushrooms), LSD, and other psychedelic drugs for the treatment of mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and addiction. Microdosing psilocybin or other psychedelics can bring unique health benefits. Research on psychedelics is expanding and showing promising results.
What is microdosing?
Microdosing is essentially the practice of taking a drug in very small amounts to benefit from its physiological effects and reduce unwanted side effects. There is no one set amount of a drug or substance that constitutes a "microdose."
According to one definition, a microdose is 5-10% of the usual psychoactive dose of a substance. The average dose of psilocybin is 2 to 3 grams of dried mushrooms. Thus, a microdose of psilocybin is approximately 0.1 to 0.3 grams.
One of the challenges in determining the right microdose of psilocybin is that the effect of mushrooms can vary greatly, depending on the species.
What is psilocybin?
Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic substance found in some types of mushrooms, of which there are more than 180 varieties growing around the world:
- South America;
- United States;
- Europe;
- Mexico.
Psilocybin activates human serotonin receptors, most commonly in the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is a part of the brain that affects cognition, perception, and mood. Hallucinogens also act in other areas of the brain that regulate panic and excitement. It can distort the perception of people or objects in the environment.
In the online store Mushrooms-shop you can buy spores of mushrooms containing psilocybin:
- Albino A+ mushroom spores;
- Lizard King mushroom spores;
- Orissa mushroom spores;
- PF Red Spore;
- Pink Buffalo mushroom spores;
- Tapalpa mushroom spores;
- Thai Mushroom Spores.
The amount of the substance a person uses, their expectations of how they will perceive the drug, and their past experiences can all affect how psilocybin affects a person.
The hallucinogenic effects of psilocybin usually appear half an hour after ingestion and last for four to six hours. In some people, changes in thinking and sensory perception can last for several days.
The strength of the magic mushroom effect depends on the following factors:
- the origin of the species;
- the period of harvesting;
- growing conditions.
Psilocybin microdosing: effects on the body and mind
Microdosing is often practiced to improve cognitive function, mood, and mental concentration. It also helps to improve problem-solving skills and creativity. However, the effects of small doses of psilocybin have not been studied in detail. Extrapolating some of the effects that are commonly seen with high doses may indicate that small doses of psychedelics can also alter:
- oscillatory brain activity (brain waves)
- cognitive functions;
- perception;
- mood.
These effects can vary depending on the ability to assimilate and suggestibility.
Studies also show that full doses of serotonergic psychedelics can produce long-lasting positive changes in mental health, personality, and behavior. There is anecdotal evidence that microdoses of psychedelics can improve problem-solving and creativity, as well as have a positive effect on empathy.
Benefits of microdosing
The Harm Reduction Journal published a study based on anecdotal evidence from people who took microdoses. The study highlighted several potential benefits, such as:
- Increased energy, stimulation and alertness;
- Increased attentiveness, concentration, and focus;
- Creativity;
- Social benefits;
- Cognitive benefits, such as improved problem solving;
- Reduced anxiety;
- Improved body functioning;
- Reduction of symptoms such as stress;
- Self-efficacy, which includes increased productivity, ambition, and motivation;
- Improved appreciation of life, optimism, and mood.
People have also noted other benefits of microdosing, such as the absence of side effects and the ability to control their dosage.
Psychedelic therapy
Psychedelic therapy with psychedelics shows some promise for some mental illnesses. These include depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This therapeutic approach is relatively new and involves the use of psychedelic substances in high doses under medical supervision, usually in combination with psychotherapy.
The exact types of therapies available depend on your location. Several states in the United States have eased restrictions on the use of certain psychedelics, and others are in the process of doing so. Currently, the most common form of psychedelic therapy is ketamine therapy.
Conclusion
Despite the attention paid to microdosing and the popularity of this practice, it is still too early to tell its full impact. Additional research will help to provide more information so that experts can better understand how microdosing can be used to treat certain diseases. But for now, the risks and legal issues are real and may outweigh the potential benefits. Psilocybin and LSD are still illegal under federal law.
Attention! The content of this article is intended exclusively for persons over the age of 18 and is provided for informational purposes only.
