August 30, 2024
Maarten Lindenbergh
Psychedelics are in fashion and microdosing magic mushrooms is an integral part of the psychedelic renaissance. Microdosing is a method of consuming sub-threshold amounts of substances like magic mushrooms to enhance creativity, productivity, and emotional balance, without experiencing the full-blown psychedelic visual and bodily effects. This practice has gained popularity thanks to pioneers like Paul Stamets, James Fadiman, and even Albert Hofmann, the inventor of LSD, who lived to be 103 years old. But what exactly is microdosing, and why are people drawn to it?
Microdosing involves taking a small dose of a psychedelic substance—typically 1/20 to 1/10 of a recreational dose - so little that you don't experience an intense trip and/or alterations in consciousness, but enough to make you feel sharper, more empathetic, more creative, or just happier. This has become a trend in places like Silicon Valley because people believe it helps them perform better at work and in their private lives. Although scientists are still conducting extensive research on it, many people swear by the benefits of microdosing magic mushrooms in their daily lives.
The immediate effects of microdosing vary per individual and depend on dosage and substance. LSD and Psilocybin - as found in magic mushrooms, are two of the most popular choices. Not a lot of research is available on microdosing yet, but going with our own experience, which correlates with what most other users report, the effects usually last about two days. On the first day, the immediate effects such as increased focus, creativity, tranquillity, and mindfulness are most tangible. On the second day, however, one usually still feels what we call an ‘afterglow’. During this period it is common to feel more grounded, and a general sense of tranquillity and mindfulness can still be felt. This afterglow is the reason why most people use the following rhythm, commonly known as the Fadiman Protocol;
Day 1: 1st microdosing day
Day 2: Transition day
Day 3: Normal day / Rest day
Day 4: 2nd microdosing day
Day 5: Transition day
Day 6: Normal day / Rest day
Please note that LSD is illegal in most countries, while Magic Truffles are legal in countries like The Netherlands and hence can offer a more accessible option.
Research and anecdotal evidence, including insights from neuroscientist Andrew Huberman, suggest that the benefits of microdosing magic mushrooms may sometimes overlap with placebo effects. We see an increase in empathy, focus, energy, creativity, emotional well-being and problem-solving So despite the debate over the placebo effect, the personal and anecdotal benefits cited by many underscore a valuable impact on their lives.
We do believe, and see in our environment, that the effects of microdosing are usually stronger felt by users who have experienced a high dose of psychedelics once. Microdosing, for example with magic mushrooms, creates a subtle change in our conditioned consciousness, which allows us to be more focused, emphatic, mindfull, etc. A high dose of psychedelics does the same but to a much stronger effect. We believe that people who have experienced the effects of a high dose of psychedelics can better recognize, and lean into, the effects of a smaller dose.
Ok, this is going to be a bit technical, as we are going to explain how psychedelics works from a neurologic perspective. But hey, we like to understand how things work ourselves, so this is for the like-minded geeks :-).
Microdosing psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin primarily influence the brain's serotonergic system by targeting the serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, which are crucial for modulating neuroplasticity - the brain's capacity to reorganize and form new neural connections.
The interaction with 5-HT2A receptors triggers a cascade of neurochemical activities, including the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein integral to the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons. BDNF's role in neuroplasticity is well-documented, with increases in BDNF correlated with improved learning and memory capabilities. Additionally, psychedelics initiate a surge in glutamate release, an excitatory neurotransmitter that facilitates synaptic plasticity, the foundation of learning and memory. This glutamate release is thought to contribute to the cognitive enhancements reported by individuals who microdose, enabling a state of heightened learning and problem-solving ability. All of the aforementioned has been proven for higher doses of psychedelics. Research has shown that Many animal studies investigating chronic dosing have not differentiated between microdoses and hallucinogenic doses, which may be an important distinction. However, more research is required to better understand the dynamics.
Moreover, the psychological effects of microdosing magic mushrooms, such as increased emotional balance and enhanced creativity, can also be attributed to these neurobiological changes. The adaptive neural environment fostered by microdosing may help dismantle rigid thought patterns and behaviours, offering a novel perspective for ‘healthy individuals’ as well as for those suffering from conditions such as depression and anxiety.
By bolstering the brain's plasticity and promoting the health of neural networks, microdosing with psychedelics presents a compelling avenue for research into non-traditional psychiatric treatments. The potential for lasting changes in brain function and structure through such minimal interventions is a specific area of research interest.
Both personal anecdotes and scientific research contribute to our understanding of microdosing's benefits. Whether it's enhancing creative output, improving mental health, or simply adding a subtle uplift to one’s day-to-day life, the practice continues to attract interest and debate.
As microdosing magic mushrooms continues to gain popularity, it's clear that this practice offers a unique pathway for individuals seeking to enhance their mental and emotional well-being. Whether through the subtle shifts in perception, it provides or the more profound personal insights users report, microdosing stands at the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science, offering a nuanced tool for personal development and well-being.
Having experienced this ourselves we created our own microdosis best practices based on the Fadiman findings, and are happy to share the protocol with you. If you would like to put this into practice, don’t hesitate to get in touch! While we don’t sell microdoses, we would love to explain the practicalities and pros and cons in more details before you embark on this journey.
Interested in a psychedelic retreat? See our program here.
Much of this post is based on scientific research. If you would enjoy to read in more depth about microdosing magic mushrooms we invite you to start here:
