A psychedelic renaissance is well underway across the U.S., with everyone from Oprah to The Wall Street Journal and even Saturday Night Live chiming in on the trend of microdosing mushrooms, or more specifically, psilocybin, the naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by more than 200 species of mushrooms.
Microdosing psilocybin is becoming a popular way to boost mental wellness and creativity without going on a full psychedelic trip. Could shrooms be your new self-care sidekick? Maybe! Let’s see.
What Is Microdosing?
Microdosing involves taking roughly 1/10th to 1/20th of a recreational dose of a psychedelic substance, such as psilocybin, the psychoactive component found in magic mushrooms. This amount consumed is too small to produce a full psychedelic “trip,” often characterized by visual and sensory distortions. Instead, a microdose is intended to be a “sub-perceptual” dose—meaning you likely won’t consciously perceive significant alterations in mood, sensation, or thought processes.
Enthusiasts of microdosing psilocybin report improved mood, increased energy levels, and enhanced perception, among other benefits. It’s also touted as a potential aid in managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and even chronic pain. However, it’s crucial to note that research into microdosing is still in its early stages, and much of the evidence supporting these claims is anecdotal or derived from preliminary studies.
How Much Is a Microdose?
Micro Dose
Ranging from 0.15g to 0.25g of dried mushrooms, this dosage is intended for an energy boost, joyful creativity, and increased focus.
Social Dose
From 0.25g to 0.8g, described as giving a lightly buzzed feeling, akin to replacing a drink.
Sunny Day Dose
Between 0.5g and 1.5g, for childlike playfulness and mild psychoactive effects with enhanced awareness of the environment.
Meow Wolf Dose
A dose from 1.5g to 3.0g, leading to mid-strong hallucinations and a mild to intense psychoactive trip.
Ceremonial Dose
5.0g and above, noted for both open and closed eyes visuals, a disconnection from reality, and it’s recommended to have guided facilitation.
Protocols for Microdosing Mushrooms
There are two popular protocols for microdosing that are widely recommended, especially when first starting out.
The Stamets Protocol
Paul Stamets, a mycologist and advocate for the medicinal use of mushrooms, proposes a protocol that emphasizes neurogenesis—the growth and development of nervous tissue. The Stamets Protocol suggests taking a microdose of psilocybin mushrooms for four consecutive days followed by three days off. Additionally, Stamets advocates combining the psilocybin with other supplements such as lion’s mane mushroom and niacin (Vitamin B3), which are believed to enhance cognitive functions and the overall effectiveness of the regimen.
The Fadiman Protocol
James Fadiman, a psychologist and researcher with a long-standing interest in psychedelics, suggests a more conservative approach. In his protocol, a microdose is taken every three days: one day on, two days off. This regimen is designed to prevent the body from building up a tolerance to psilocybin and to reduce the risk of potential side effects.
Fadiman’s protocol has been widely adopted by the microdosing community and is particularly favored for beginners for its simplicity and effectiveness in integrating microdosing into a regular schedule.
Who Should Avoid Microdosing Mushrooms?
1. Individuals with a history of psychosis. Psilocybin can induce or exacerbate symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia or a history of psychotic episodes. It can trigger hallucinations, delusions, or confusion, which might worsen these conditions.
2. People with a family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Those with close family members who have these disorders may also be at increased risk for similar issues, and psilocybin could potentially trigger these latent conditions.
3. Individuals with severe heart conditions. Psilocybin causes changes in heart rate and blood pressure. This can be risky for those with heart disease or severe cardiovascular conditions.
4. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. The effects of psilocybin on fetal development are not well understood. As a precaution, pregnant women are advised to avoid use.
5. Those on medication. Individuals taking certain medications, especially those impacting serotonin levels such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), should avoid psilocybin. Psilocybin interacts with these medications and can lead to serious side effects, including serotonin syndrome.
6. People with severe anxiety or severe depression. While some studies suggest potential benefits of psilocybin for these conditions under controlled conditions, the unpredictable nature of psychedelic experiences means that they can also exacerbate symptoms unpredictably.
Is It Legal? It Depends Where You Live.
As of 2024, the legal status of psilocybin continues to evolve across the United States, with significant developments in several states. Here’s a brief overview of the current situation.
Oregon
Oregon has progressed beyond decriminalization, allowing the regulated therapeutic use of psilocybin. The state is actively setting up a framework to govern psilocybin services, following the approval of Measure 109 which legalized its supervised use.
Colorado
Colorado has also moved forward with its psychedelic reforms. Following the passing of Proposition 122 in 2022, the state decriminalized personal use and possession of psilocybin and is establishing state-regulated “healing centers” where adults can consume psilocybin under supervision. These centers are expected to start operating in late 2024.
Other States
California and New York are exploring measures to decriminalize psilocybin at the state level, with bills proposed to remove penalties associated with the substance and to promote its use under specific guidelines.
Arizona has seen legislative support for medical psilocybin, with recent bills proposing the use of psilocybin in clinical settings and funding for related research.
Missouri and Illinois are among the states considering or advancing legislation to allow medical use of psilocybin, particularly focusing on conditions like PTSD and depression.
Cities
Several cities across the U.S., including Denver, Oakland, Santa Cruz, Ann Arbor, and Washington D.C., have decriminalized the possession and use of psilocybin to varying extents. These local movements are part of a broader trend toward reevaluating the legal status of psychedelic substances.
The shifting landscape indicates a growing recognition of the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, mirroring earlier trends seen with cannabis legalization. However, despite these state and local changes, psilocybin remains illegal under federal law, classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. This creates a complex legal environment where state laws may conflict with federal regulations.
Federal Considerations
Despite these local and state-level changes, it’s important to remember that psilocybin remains illegal under federal law. The Controlled Substances Act classifies psilocybin as a Schedule I drug, indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. As a result, individuals in states or cities where psilocybin is decriminalized or legalized could still face legal consequences from federal law enforcement.
The legal landscape for psilocybin and other psychedelics is rapidly changing. For those interested in staying up to date on the latest developments, it’s recommended to keep an eye on state and local legislation and subscribe to reliable sources for updates.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your trusted care team before starting any new treatment.