Microdosing psilocybin has gained popularity in the last 5 to 10 years. Many people report increased creativity, more energy, and increased focus. Some enthusiasts even report increased spiritual awareness and enhanced senses. It can also aid in treating addiction. In a study, 80% of smokers were able to completely quit smoking using psilocybin as part of their cognitive behavioral therapy. There’s research that suggests it can even be effective in treating migraines & cluster headaches. It was also found to be helpful in treatment-resistant patients who suffer from depression. Microdosing is the act of taking unnoticeable amounts of psychedelics (in this case, psilocybin) for therapeutic effects.
Psilocybin has a similar molecular structure to serotonin and mimic its effects. Psilocybin shares a similar structure to serotonin and mimicks it, stimulating the 5-HT2A serotonin receptors in the prefrontal cortex of the brain.Serotonin is a very important neurotransmitter. It aids in almost all of our brains processes. Serotonin is very important to mood stabilization. This is why psilocybin is so helpful in treating depression and anxiety. Serotonin also helps with sleep, eating, digestion, bowel movements and blood clotting.
Benefits of Microdosing Psilocybin Mushrooms
Most people usually start microdosing for one of two reasons:
- To increase the frequency & intensity of desired states
- To decrease the frequency & intensity of undesired states
Desired States of Being
- Development of a new perspective
- Heightened creativity
- Increased energy
- Getting into flow states more frequently
- Increased focus & productivity
- Heightened Spiritual awareness
- Ideal athletic performance
- Improved social interaction skills
- Increased empathy for others
Undesired States of Being
- Depression
- Anxiety
- A.D.D/A.D.H.D symptoms
- P.T.S.D. symptoms
- Addiction
- Mood disorders (Bipolar disorder, Seasonal affective disorder, Major depressive disorder, etc.)
Microdosing with psilocybin connects parts of the brain that don’t usually communicate with one another and this dampens a part of our brain that is often running in overdrive: the Default Mode Network (DMN).
The DMN is the part of our brain where day-dreams, self-reflection, conceptualizing the future and reminiscing about the past happen.
While this may seem like a harmless mental space to occupy, over-analyzing ourselves can be detrimental to our ability to be fully present, leading to feelings of fear, regret, sadness, frustration, apathy, and so forth, blocking our ability to open ourselves to self-serving thoughts and ideas.
If you are contemplating getting started with microdosing, consider why you want to do it and what you hope to achieve in trying it.
Microdosing is more purposeful and fulfilling when you set your intention for the practice.
Scheduling Your Microdoses
Do you feel ready to start your microdosing journey yet?
Well, the best way to start is by understanding the two most popular schedules created by Fadiman and mycologist Paul Stamets:
Fadiman Protocol
The Fadiman protocol is based on taking a microdose once every three days.
Why every three days? Because our body develops resistance and tolerance that could affect the microdoses’ effect. The schedule is as follows:
Day 1: Microdose
Day 2: Reflect
Day 3: Pause
*REPEAT
Stamets Protocol
The Stamets protocol works a little differently. While the Fadiman Protocol is geared toward offering you psychological benefits, the goal of the Stamets protocol is to re-shape your brain and improve neuroplasticity so your brain can better form new neural connections. In this protocol, you microdose four days per week in the following manner:
Day 1: Microdose
Day 2: Microdose
Day 3: Pause
Day 4: Microdose
Day 5: Microdose
Day 6: Pause
Day 7: Rest
*REPEAT
Getting Started
So, you’re all set and ready to begin your microdosing journey. Awesome! Here are just a few more pointers for you.
- Set an intention
Why do you want to microdose? Do you want to improve your mental health? Increase flow states? Develop your spiritual connection?
- Source your mushrooms
Make sure you use a trusted source like HEMPEARTH.CA
- Choose a protocol
With an idea of intentions, now you can decide on which protocol works best for you.
- Start slow
It’s best to start slow and take a one week break each month. Remember to enjoy the process and journey.
It is important to observe and record the effects of microdosing daily, including the days between doses:
- Are you experiencing more creative energy?
- Are you experiencing more flow?
- Do you feel more relaxed?
- Has your mental clarity increased?
- Have you noticed any changes in your coordination or athletic performance?
- Is there a change in how you feel during social interactions?
Microdosing is not recommended as a daily practice as it increases psilocybin tolerance. Do not lose sight of the fact that psilocybin is very potent. As tolerance increases, the effects of microdosing will feel less noticeable.
