More than 180 species of “magic” mushrooms produce the psychoactive compound psilocybin. When you ingest psilocybin, your gut converts it into another chemical called psilocin, which triggers changes in the brain. It increases activity in the visual cortex, leading to changes in perception; it decreases network activity in the “Default Mode Network,” driving the experience of ego loss; and it increases connectivity among different regions of the brain. Researchers believe it’s the combination of these effects that makes psilocybin an effective tool for combating depression and addiction, for which research shows support.

Psychedelics work more directly, by mimicking serotonin. This means that one of their main effects is to stimulate a serotonin receptor called “5-HT2A” located in the prefrontal cortex.

Stimulating the 5-HT2A receptor leads to two important results:

The production of “Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF) which is “like Miracle-Gro for your brain. It stimulates growth, connections, and activity.” [1]
The increased transmission of “Glutamate,” the neurotransmitter most responsible for brain functions like cognition, learning, and memory. [2]
Glutamate and BDNF work together in ways we’re still understanding, but it’s become clear that having more of each leads to many of the benefits that microdosers are seeking. [3]

Psychedelics also cause parts of the brain that don’t usually communicate with one another… to communicate with one another! These unique connections are formed by dampening the activity of an often over-used part of our brain called the “Default Mode Network” (DMN). [4]

The DMN is responsible for an array of different mental activities, including day-dreaming, self-reflection, and thinking about the past or the future. Some studies suggest that depression is linked to an overactive DMN. [5] It’s possible that a highly active DMN causes us to ruminate, over-analyze ourselves, and constantly step out of the present moment to question the past and the future.

This helps explain why these substances could be used to combat depression and anxiety, and also lead to insights and creative perspectives that otherwise remain inaccessible to us.

Microdosing is the act of consuming sub-perceptual amounts of psychedelics such as Psilocybin, the active ingredient in Mushrooms. Sub-perceptual means the effects are subtle but can have a noticeable influence on your life. A microdose is usually 1/10-1/20 of an active dose, ranging from 50mg to 250mg.

Typically, individuals integrate sub-perceptual doses into their weekly routine. In contrast to the recreational use of psychedelics, individuals who microdose consume on a schedule, often dosing every 2-3 days, and do not observe any impairment to their normal functioning.

Psilocybin is often referred to as a nootropic agent, meaning it has numerous functions in the brain that can improve the health of the hippocampus, or the part of the brain that is responsible for learning and converting short-term memory to long-term memory.

Psilocybin can help the hippocampus form new cells, which can, in turn, lead to what scientists call “the extinction of trace fear conditioning”. Conditioned fear response is common in individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Effects of microdosing 50mg-250mg of psilocybin can include:

Mood enhancement
Decreased stress
Emotional stability
Mindfulness, presence, and peace
Openness and self-forgiveness
Increased empathy and sociability
Conversational fluidity
Alleviation of persistent conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, PTSD
Increased motivation (e.g. to make positive lifestyle changes)
Increased focus/productivity
Increased flow states
Clearer, more connected thinking
Improved memory
Enhanced senses
Enhanced appreciation for music, art, etc.
Increased creativity
Spontaneity
Easier meditation
Increased enjoyment of physical activity and everyday tasks
Relaxation and increased awareness of body
Enhanced athletic endurance
Increased energy overall (without anxiety or a subsequent crash)

The average psilocybin microdose can range from 25mg to 250mg.

To start microdosing, take 1 capsules a day for 4 days with a 3 day break in between OR start slow with 1 capsule every 3 to 4 days. Some individuals find success with 2 days on 2 days off. You may need to experiment to find the dosing regiment best for you, as it can be dependent on schedule.

Once you’ve decided that you’re ready to begin, plan to start your microdosing protocol on a day when you have little to do, where you can be in a place that doesn’t trigger your anxiety. While the amount of psilocybin you’ll be taking will be sub-perceptual – meaning it is unlikely to affect you in a way that prevents you from going about your day-to-day – it may cause certain emotions or feelings to arise, and so it is best to be in a comfortable, safe place, where you can process these emotions in peace. Your environment and intention can have a profound impact on your experience. Some prefer to microdose at home, while others might find solace in nature.

We advise to take capsules on an empty stomach, preferably away from any caffeine. (Some microdosers find that, depending on the blend, the energy provided by the other supplements are enough to reduce their reliance on coffee or tea.) Eating around the time of your dose won’t completely nullify the effects, however, dosing with fattier foods will increase the length of time it takes for you to feel them.

Individuals who are taking SSRIs should leave a buffer of a minimum of three hours between a microdose and their medication.

Beyond spacing your dose away from food, caffeine, and medication, how you consume is up to you. Some individuals prefer to microdose in the morning, while others find they prefer to take it before bed. Others still consume two or three capsules per day to help keep their mood lifted and mind sharp.

Capsules are generally taken whole, however, if you decide that you would like to take a smaller dose, capsules can easily be opened up and dissolved in water, tea, juice, or over food.

Depending on your weight, you may require more than one capsule per day.

After the first few days of microdosing, your body will quickly build a tolerance to the mushrooms, and you’ll have a better idea of when to take them. Some individuals might find that after they build a tolerance to the mushrooms, they might require an increased dose. Others have found that after building a tolerance, they eventually become more sensitive to the mushrooms.

Listen to your body and, if you’re inclined, keep a journal to note the changes in the size of your dose, when you’re taking it, and how it is affecting you.

Once you’ve become comfortable with the protocol, you can safely integrate microdosing into your daily routine and lifestyle.

Since psilocybin is a potent serotonin agonist, it’s best to avoid using it while on any medications that alter the serotonin system, such as SSRI antidepressants like Prozac.

Psilocybin should not be mixed with Tramadol, as it can lead to Serotonin Syndrome. Be cautious if mixing psilocybin with amphetamines or recreational drugs.

There are no known harmful interactions between cannabis and psilocybin, however cannabis may increase the effects of psilocybin.

A note from James Fadiman on microdosing precautions:

“We specifically do not recommend that people with colorblindness, who live with diagnoses of psychotic disorders or along the autism spectrum try microdosing. People with colorblindness report lasting visual distortions from microdosing. Literature suggests people with psychotic disorders may be harmed by psychedelics. In our experience, people with diagnoses along the autism spectrum seem to require dosages that far exceed what is traditionally considered microdosing.”

Whenever one chooses to undergo a psychedelic experience, having a clear and laser-like intention is incredibly useful to creating a positive framework for that journey. Whether the intention is to kick a chronic addiction, heal from a traumatic experience, discover one’s purpose in life, or commune with nature, it’s important to know what you are aiming for. Whether or not the experience ends up like you hoped it would, having an intention beforehand helps you to remember your goal and re-ground as waves of the unexpected arise. After the experience is over, it helps you to deconstruct the insights and challenges of your journey within the context of your stated goals, rather than as random occurrences.

James Fadiman has this to say about intention:

“For some people, it is helpful to identify your goals. Your goals may be spiritual: to have direct experience with aspects of your tradition or another tradition, to transcend prior beliefs, even to transcend belief itself. You may hope to have what is called a “unity experience,” in which there is no separation between your identity and all else. Your goals may be social: to improve relationships with your spouse, children, siblings, parents, colleagues, friends, and spiritual and secular institutions. Your goals may be psychological: to find insight into neurotic patterns, phobias, or unresolved anger or grief.”

Standard, 5-panel drug tests don’t often test for psilocybin and its metabolites, but extended, 10-panel drug tests do. The human body typically metabolizes psilocybin and removes its metabolites from the body within 24 hours, but if you take magic mushrooms regularly, psilocybin and its metabolites can be detected up to three days after you last ingested magic mushrooms.

If you have a bad trip, it’s not the end of the world. Your brain chemistry won’t change, and you won’t go crazy: you simply weren’t in the right mental or physical state to maintain a good mood throughout your magic mushrooms trip. If you’re tripping and you feel yourself start to become anxious or nervous, kindly ask yourself why you’re nervous, practice mentally talking to yourself with the same kindness as you would talk to a close friend, and talk to your sitter or fellow trippers about ways you could change your mindset. It’s very common to feel anxious during a magic mushrooms trip if you’re unfamiliar with the sensations you’re feeling, and the difference between a good trip and a bad trip is just a mindset shift.

The best way to stay safe during a magic mushrooms trip is to have a designated sitter: a sober companion to look after you while you’re tripping. It’s also important to know your limits: if you haven’t taken magic mushrooms before, or are planning on taking a higher dosage than you’ve previously experienced, we highly recommend either planning to take your trip at home, or another safe, private space.

Yes, it is possible to build up a tolerance to magic mushrooms, even if you take a moderate dose once. We recommend waiting at least three days before taking magic mushrooms again after consuming them once, to avoid building a tolerance.

Recommended dosages differ depending on what results you’re looking to get from a magic mushrooms trip, as well as how experienced you are using magic mushrooms. We’ve laid out the different types of magic mushrooms trips here.