What Is Microdosing and Does It Live Up to the Hype?

You might have heard of microdosing, the practice of taking sub-perceptual doses of psilocybin to help with mood, focus, and productivity. But how does it work, and more importantly, does it work? Read this blog and find out.

We all have those days when we feel sluggish, distracted, and unmotivated. Maybe you’ve had too many cups of coffee, but it’s just not cutting it anymore. Or your productivity has taken a dip, and no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to shake off that mental fog.

So, what can you do? Microdosing with psilocybin may help. More and more people are turning to this practice, claiming that taking tiny amounts of psilocybin mushrooms can give them the boost they need to push through a tough project or brainstorm new ideas when they’re stuck.

But is it all hype, or does microdosing actually help when your focus and productivity are down? Let’s find out.

What is microdosing?

Microdosing involves taking very small amounts of a psychedelic substance, such as psilocybin mushrooms, that are sub-threshold doses, meaning they don’t cause hallucinations or intense psychedelic experiences. Instead, the goal is to gain the benefits of psychedelics—like increased creativity, enhanced focus, and mood improvement—without the “tripping” part.

Microdosing typically involves consuming doses that range from 0.1 to 0.3 grams. This low dose is usually around 1/10th or 1/20th of what you’d take to experience a full trip but still enough to stimulate subtle positive changes in mood and cognition. Most people microdose with psilocybin in the form of mushroom capsules or by consuming dried mushrooms in very controlled amounts.

Is microdosing safe?

Microdosing is still relatively new, and we don’t fully understand the long-term effects of regularly taking low doses. While we know the risks of larger, recreational doses of psychedelics, microdosing over long periods hasn’t been studied in depth.

However, most people find microdosing to be relatively safe, especially when done responsibly. Since you’re consuming such small amounts of magic mushrooms, the risk of experiencing intense effects is minimal. Compared to other drugs, psilocybin mushrooms are non-addictive and have a low risk of overdose.

Keep in mind that, like any substance, it’s important to be mindful of how your body responds. Everyone’s tolerance and reaction to psilocybin vary, so starting with a low dose and tracking your response is a good approach.

Why do people microdose?

People microdose for a variety of reasons, with many claiming that small doses of psychedelics help improve their energy levels and sharpen focus. On the other hand, some users turn to microdosing for specific health concerns, believing that it may provide relief for both mental and physical conditions, such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Substance use disorders
• Menstrual pain
• Chronic pain

How does microdosing work?

Microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms affects the brain’s serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor, which regulates mood, cognition, and perception. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, but it does a lot more than just influence your mood—it also impacts your sleep, eating habits, and even your body temperature. So when you consume psilocybin, it stimulates neuroplasticity, which means it may help the brain form new connections and pathways. This is why many people report feeling more creative, focused, and emotionally balanced while microdosing.

Though the exact mechanism is still being researched, many believe that the low doses of psilocybin help “reset” brain activity, which can lead to improved mental clarity and reduced symptoms of anxiety or depression.

What are the benefits of microdosing?

Across various studies, including one study with over 950 microdosers and 180 non-micro dosing participants for 30 days, researchers have observed small- to medium-sized improvements in mood and mental health that seem to hold true regardless of gender, age, or existing mental health issues.

Improvements in mood

One of the most frequently cited benefits of microdosing is an overall boost in mood. Many people who microdose report feeling more positive, happy, and emotionally balanced. The small doses of psilocybin seem to create subtle shifts in emotional state.

Enhanced emotional stability

Microdosing is also said to help with emotional regulation. By helping you feel more grounded, microdosing can make it easier to stay calm and emotionally stable throughout the day. This means you’re less likely to get caught up in emotional reactivity or experience mood swings from external stressors.

Improvement in cognitive functioning

Another benefit of microdosing is the improvement in cognitive functioning. Microdosers often report heightened focus, better problem-solving skills, and an overall boost in creativity. In fact, older adults in particular showed enhanced psychomotor performance after microdosing, which means it could help keep your mind sharp as you age.

Reductions in stress, depression, and anxiety

Microdosing may decrease symptoms associated with stress, depression, and anxiety. Many people who microdose report that they feel a lot less weighed down by everyday stressors. Some even use microdosing as a way to manage these conditions long-term. While more research is still needed, many people find microdosing helpful for managing mental health challenges.

What are the challenges of microdosing?

One of the most common issues is building a tolerance to psilocybin. If you microdose too often, the effects can become less noticeable over time, which is why a proper microdose schedule is important (more on that later).

Another challenge with microdosing is getting the dosage just right. Since you’re dealing with such tiny amounts, even a small miscalculation can lead to no effects or stronger effects than you anticipated. Accidentally taking more than intended could result in some uncomfortable side effects, such as:

• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Changes to heart rate

What is the best dosage for microdosing?

Finding the right dose for microdosing can take some trial and error, as everyone’s body responds differently to psychedelics. However, here are some general guidelines to get started:

• Beginners: If you’re new to microdosing, 0.1g is a great starting point to see how your body reacts.
• Intermediate: Once you’re comfortable with the effects or they’re no longer benefiting you, you can increase the dose to 0.2g.
• Experienced: If you have experience taking macrodoses, 0.3g may be more beneficial. Anything beyond 0.3g could affect your ability to function normally throughout the day.

How to choose the right microdose schedule

There are different microdose protocols that you can choose from; the only caveat is finding the one that works best for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule, so it’s a good idea to start with a known protocol and listen to your body—if you feel like the effects are too strong or not strong enough, you can adjust your schedule or dosage until it feels right.

The Fadiman Protocol

One of the most widely used microdosing methods is the “Fadiman protocol,” created by Dr. James Fadiman, who’s often dubbed the “Father of Microdosing.” His research focuses on the impact of psychedelics, and his protocol is a solid starting point for beginners.

The Fadiman protocol follows a simple schedule that gives your body time to process and integrate the effects of the psilocybin while reducing the chances of building a tolerance to the substance. Here’s how it works:

• Day 1: Microdose (take 1/10 to 1/20 of a normal dose, around 0.1 to 0.3 grams)
• Day 2: No dose (make a note of how you feel and record any effects)
• Day 3: No dose (continue your normal routine)
• Day 4: Repeat the cycle

The Stamets Stack

Another popular microdosing protocol is the “Stamets Stack,” developed by American mycologist Paul Stamets. Unlike the Fadiman protocol, which focuses on taking a microdose every few days, the Stamets protocol follows a 5-day-on, 2-day-off schedule. It’s thought to maximize the neuroplastic benefits of psilocybin by providing a more consistent dosing routine. The Stamets stack involves:

• A dosing schedule: Microdose for five days straight, followed by two days of rest (ex. microdosing Monday to Friday and reset for the weekend).
• Combining supplements: Stamets’ stack combines psilocybin with lion’s mane mushrooms and niacin (vitamin B3). Lion’s mane is thought to enhance neurogenesis (brain cell growth), and niacin helps “facilitate psilocybin bioavailability” more efficiently. You can choose to add these or just stick with psilocybin alone.

Experiment with Your Schedule

If you’re the type of person who likes flexibility, you might prefer an experimental approach to microdosing. This microdose protocol allows you to adjust your schedule based on how you’re feeling, what you’re aiming to achieve, and your personal tolerance levels. The first step is figuring out your threshold dose—basically, the smallest amount that gives you noticeable effects without overwhelming you. Here are some possible schedules you could try:

• 1 day on, 1 day off: Microdose every other day, adjusting the days off as needed.
• 1 day on, 2 days off: Microdose once, followed by two days off to avoid tolerance.
• 2 days on, 2 days off: Microdose for two days in a row, then take a break for two days.
• 4 days on, 3 days off: Microdose for four days, then give your body a three-day reset.
• 5 days on, 2 days off: Microdose for five days straight, then rest for two.

​Regardless of which schedule you go with, the most important thing is to stay in tune with your body and mind. Regularly check in with how you’re feeling mentally and physically, so you can make adjustments along the way. Is the dose working, or do you need to adjust it? This will also help you spot if you’re building a tolerance and need a break.

How to microdose mushrooms

Microdosing mushrooms can be done in a variety of ways, but the most popular method is using pre-measured mushroom capsules. These capsules are easy to take, convenient, and you don’t have to worry about accidentally taking too much.

If you’re in Canada, buying microdose mushroom capsules through an online dispensary is a convenient option. Many online dispensaries now offer mushroom capsules that contain the perfect dose for microdosing, so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of weighing out dried mushrooms yourself.

How long does microdosing last

When microdosing mushrooms, the effects typically last around 4 to 6 hours. However, since you’re taking such a small amount, the effects are subtle and may not be as noticeable as a full psychedelic experience.

Many users find that the benefits of microdosing—improved focus, productivity, and mood—last throughout the day without interfering with their ability to work or interact with others.

Are there any side effects to microdosing?

Microdosing with psilocybin is not for everyone. While many people report positive experiences, others may find that microdosing doesn’t suit them. Sensitivity to psilocybin and psilocin can vary greatly from person to person. Additionally, people with certain mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, may want to avoid microdosing, since it could potentially worsen their symptoms. Here are some side effects and risks to consider:

• Reduced focus or difficulty concentrating
• Decreased energy levels
• Increased anxiety or nervousness
• Worsened mood or emotional instability
• Uncomfortable physical sensations or feelings of unease

Most people don’t experience significant side effects from microdosing. However, it’s not uncommon to feel slight nausea or restlessness, especially if you’re new to the practice or if you’ve taken too much.

Microdosing tips

When it comes to microdosing mushrooms, take a thoughtful and mindful approach. Since everyone reacts differently to psychedelics, it’s important to be patient, track your experience, and make changes as you see fit. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your microdosing practice:

Start low and go slow

If you’re new to microdosing mushrooms, it’s important to start with the lowest dose possible—typically around 0.1 grams of dried mushrooms. The goal is to feel subtle effects, not overwhelming ones. You can always adjust your dosage as you become more comfortable and aware of how your body responds, but starting small lets you ease into the experience safely.

Microdose for at least one month

To really start noticing changes, give it some time—most people find that after a month of consistent use, they begin to feel the benefits of microdosing. It’s like any other long-term wellness practice; the more you stick with it consistently, the better the results.

Track your experience

Keeping a journal is one of the best ways to monitor how microdosing shrooms affect you. On dosing days, write down how much you took, and note any shifts in mood, focus, energy, or creativity throughout the day. Compare these notes to your non-dosing days to get a clearer sense of how microdosing is affecting you. Tracking your experience also helps you adjust your dosage or schedule as needed.

Choose the right environment

Microdosing mushrooms is best done in a familiar, comfortable setting. If you’re at home or in a place where you feel safe and relaxed, you’re more likely to have a positive experience. Avoid trying microdosing for the first time in a high-stress or unfamiliar environment.

Be patient

This one’s important: microdosing isn’t something that works overnight. While some people report feeling more energy, focused, or creative right away, the deeper benefits—like emotional balance or reduced anxiety—may take some time to show up. Be consistent with your schedule and patient with the process.

Take breaks

It’s essential to have regular breaks in your microdosing routine. Over time, your body can build a tolerance to psilocybin, making the doses less effective. Taking a few days off or a full week after a few weeks of dosing can help reset your system and maintain the benefits of microdosing.

So, is microdosing a good idea?

Well, it really comes down to personal choice. Everyone’s situation and goals are different, and if you’re thinking about giving microdosing a try, it’s definitely worth exploring. Microdosing advocates swear by it, saying it helps them feel more focused, creative, and balanced, while others might not feel the same benefits.

In the end, microdosing may live up to the hype for some, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re considering it, do your research, take it slow, and listen to your body and mind. And of course, make sure you’re buying magic mushrooms in Canada from a trusted source, like Terra Astra, to ensure quality and safety. Browse our wide selection of dried mushrooms and capsule products, perfect for microdosing!