Microdosing 101: Dosing & Instructions

So, you want to microdose mushrooms? As you embark on this new journey, your mental landscape is probably a blend of excitement, questions—and maybe a healthy dose of concern. We’ll help to answer your questions and quell a few concerns, so that you’re just left with excitement!

When it comes to how to microdose, your experience will be unique, and your approach will be just as customized. However, there have been many microdosers who’ve come before, and we can use their experiences and emerging scientific research to provide general recommendations about dosing, as well as instructions for preparing your microdose.

How to Dose a Microdose?

While there are a few common substances used for psychedelic microdosing, this article will focus on the dosing and instructions for psilocybin mushrooms. Not familiar with psilocybin mushrooms? Enhance your mycological knowledge by checking out this blog.

Magical fungi may come to you by way of fresh mushrooms, dried mushrooms, ground mushroom powder, or pre-filled capsules. You may also find psychedelic mushrooms in gummies, or even chocolate bars.

Regardless of how you consume them, here’s a breakdown of psilocybin mushroom dosages:

• Nano Dose: 0-100 milligrams

• Micro Dose: 200-500 milligrams (contains roughly 2-5 mg psilocybin)

• Macro Dose: 1 gram (contains roughly 10 mg psilocybin)

• Full Dose: 2 grams

• Therapeutic Dose: 3.5 grams (contains roughly 35 mg psilocybin)

• Heroic Dose: 6 grams

It’s important to note that different types of psychedelic mushrooms have different concentrations of the psychoactive compounds, psilocybin and psilocin. That said, the above recommendations typically apply to the most common type of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, Psilocybe cubensis. Even then, certain strains like Penis Envy tend to be stronger than others, like B+ or Golden Teacher.

In fact, even from the same harvest and species, different mushrooms can have different psilocybin levels. While differences may be imperceptible with microdose amounts, it could explain why a therapeutic dose one weekend may produce totally different effects the following weekend.

What about fresh mushrooms?

While it’s far more likely that you’d be able to access dried mushrooms, it’s important to note that fresh mushrooms are roughly ten times less potent than their dried counterparts. Taking this into consideration, you’d need to consume up to 5 grams of fresh mushrooms (in a nice breakfast frittata, perhaps) to access the same level of microdose as you would with a much, much smaller amount of dried mushrooms.

Do age and weight impact microdose amounts?

Unlike with alcohol and some other substances, it’s generally accepted that demographic variables like sex, age, or body weight don’t influence the subjective effects of psilocybin. While factors unknown to science may influence each person’s experience with psilocybin, body weight isn’t one of them! That said, if you and a much larger friend are experimenting with microdosing, they can save some money and take the same amount as you!

How to know how much to consume?

So, what’s the microdosing dosage for you?

As with all psychedelics, it's best to “start low and go slow.” Even with microdosing, erring on the side of caution is always recommended. You can always work your way up to higher doses, but it may be far more difficult to go in the reverse direction. While nothing “bad” will happen after consuming a too-high microdose amount, it may negatively impact concentration or productivity.

That said, even with microdoses that are pre-measured into capsules, you may want to start out with a smaller amount. If you’re new to microdosing, we’d suggest that you open up the capsule and split its contents into two servings. Starting out with a nano dose (100 milligrams) will help you get your footing as you move up to higher doses.

Remember, if you feel any hallucinogenic effects of the microdose, you’re consuming too much. A microdose is one-tenth—or even one-twentieth—of the amount typically used to “trip,” so if you notice any visual or auditory distortions, synesthesia (blending of the senses), or a significant change in mood or sense of self, consider taking a smaller dose next time. Most notably, you might experience drowsiness, which is typical during the psilocybin “come up.” This is a good indicator that you should decrease your next dosage.

Microdosing Instructions

Once you’ve decided on an appropriate amount, now you can actually consume a microdose!

Here are some instructions for microdosing, broken down into 6 easy-to-follow steps.

1. Set in intention and create a supportive space

Before that very first bite of a dried mushroom or ingestion of a pre-weighed capsule, start with an intention. Take the time to really consider what you hope to get out of the experience.

Do you want support for a specific work project? Are you hoping to boost your creativity or focus? Is there a habit—like smoking or excessive drinking—that you hope to curb? Would you benefit from a fresh perspective on your personal relationships?

Get clear on what you hope to gain from microdosing. Then, try to control other factors (to the best of your capability) to help meet your goals. If you’re kicking off a microdosing routine to tackle a tough work project, make sure that you’re in a good mental place and feel well rested. Work in a space of your home or office that’s quiet and peaceful.

On your first day especially, it’s recommended that you block out 6-8 hours where you won’t have any social interactions, nor a need to drive. If there’s anything about your day or mental state that could negatively influence your experience, don’t hesitate to put your microdosing adventure on pause and start another day, when you feel more prepared.

2. Journal

While a pen and paper may seem like the last thing you’d need to have a beneficial microdosing experience, they’re more crucial than you think. In fact, you’ll actually want to begin your journaling journey before you begin your microdosing journey!

First, write your intention(s) out. It’s good to have a visual reminder of what your goals for the experience are. Consider even taping them to your bathroom mirror or a place on your bedroom wall!

Then, about a week before you begin microdosing, take a few minutes in the morning or evening to jot down the following:

• Your mood

• Your energy levels, concentration, and focus

• Any notable healthy/unhealthy practices

Continue this practice even after you begin microdosing. While you may have set an intention to be more productive with work, you may surprise yourself by reporting that you’re eating healthier, drinking less coffee, or experiencing more feelings of self-love and compassion. Without journaling, it may be difficult to see all of the benefits of microdosing, so continue putting that pen to paper!

3. Properly measure the amount

While it may be tempting to eyeball the amount that you microdose, DON’T. It’s critical that you properly measure the amount so that you don’t take too much, or end up taking inconsistent amounts that make it difficult to ascertain the long-term benefits of your microdosing practice.

If you get dried mushrooms, use a coffee grinder to grind them into a fine powder. Then, use a digital scale to weigh out an appropriate amount. You can do this daily, adding the powder to tea, honey, or juice to have with your breakfast. Just avoid citrus juices, as they may intensify the effects. Alternatively, you may want to spend some time filling empty pill capsules for the month.

Regardless, be sure to keep your mushrooms in a dry, cool space of your house. They shouldn’t be in direct sunlight either.

4. Follow a protocol

There are three popular “protocols” when it comes to microdosing mushrooms. Developed by professionals and practiced safely by other microdosers, the three most-recognized microdosing schedules include:

1. The Fadiman Protocol: Developed by James Fadiman, “the Father of Microdosing,” this protocol entails microdosing every three days.

2. The Stamets’ Protocol: World-renowned mycologist Paul Stamets developed a protocol that entails “stacked” microdosing four days in a row, then taking two days off. “Stamets Stacking” means combining psilocybin with Lion’s Mane mushrooms and niacin (vitamin B3). Some people stack with other substances, like ashwagandha, cacao, or other nootropics.

3. The Intuitive Protocol: With this schedule, microdosing is totally up to you! Once you’ve tried one—or both—of the other protocols, you may find that your own schedule works best.

5. Keep it up and listen to your body

The key to microdosing is consistency. Regardless of which schedule is most suitable for you, it’s recommended that you repeat your chosen protocol cycle for one or two months, followed by a two to four week rest (to avoid tolerance).

By one to two weeks, you should begin to notice the benefits of microdosing. However, for some people, it might take longer. That’s why it’s a good idea to give the mushrooms at least a month to enhance your life and support your mind and body.

Everyone is different, so it’s good to really tune into how you’re feeling. Your journal will be important here, as it’s the best way to see any long-term changes—or report any negative changes. You can use these records to reassess your microdosing amount or schedule.

6. Use the momentum of microdosing to improve other aspects of your life

Combined with journaling, microdosing can be a very life-changing experience, indeed! You’ll likely notice increased awareness of your emotions, or people or practices that aren’t serving your best interests. Many people also report a more meditation practice, eating better, exercising more, or following a better sleep schedule.

Microdosing for a Better You

While magic mushrooms should not be considered a magic bullet to improve all areas of your life, don’t be afraid to allow them to influence positive changes! Most importantly, use your microdosing journey as a way to connect with yourself. These instructions and dosage recommendations are exactly that—recommendations. Microdosing is a very subjective experience, so while Azza is always here to help, you’re ultimately your own best guide.