GUIDE TO DOSING MUSHROOMS
Against the backdrop of a North American medical system facing challenges and the alarming surge in depression and anxiety rates (a trend that's been escalating, reaching 29.0%, nearly 10 percentage points higher than in 2015), a curious shift is emerging among young adults. As the modern pillars of healthcare often fall short, many are seeking relief in the ancient wisdom of our ancestors. For millennia, certain natural aids like cannabis and psychedelic mushrooms have been cherished for their therapeutic potential, providing both physical and mental relief to societies of old.
Today, young adults, in their quest for genuine healing, are revisiting these age-old remedies. Their hope? That the same fungi which sustained and healed our predecessors can offer a beacon of hope and relief in our contemporary, often tumultuous, world. This guide to dosing serves as an exploration into the realm of these potent fungi, aiming to demystify their use and potential in the modern era.
WHAT ARE PSILOCYBIN MUSHROOMS?
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms", are a group of fungi that contain the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. When ingested, psilocybin is broken down in the body to produce psilocin, which affects the brain and leads to hallucinogenic effects and altered perceptions of reality.
This guide will focus on how to use psilocybin mushrooms, how to dose them for different effects and how to take advantage of the intention, set and setting to create a healing experience for yourself. The doses mentioned below refer to dried mushrooms.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM DIFFERENT DOSAGES:
Generally, a microdose is considered anything between 50-200mg. Doses at this level are typically sub-perceptual, to very subtle.
The practice of microdosing consists of the regular consumption of a minuscule, sub-hallucinogenic amount of a psychedelic substance, intended to enhance your daily activities and improve your quality of life without inducing any noticeable psychedelic effects. This means individuals won’t undergo altered states of consciousness or any changes in sensory perception. The primary aim is to foster neurogenesis, elevate mood, and heighten emotional awareness. As per James Fadiman’s book, “The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide”, the suggested microdose is typically 1/10 of a gram. However, many users have found that even this can be too intense, with the ideal dose gravitating around 50mg. It’s important to note that individual sensitivities to these dosages can vary, making it crucial to adjust and find the right balance that suits one personally.
When microdosing according to a schedule/protocol, you might achieve some of the following benefits:
- Increased creativity
- Improved mood and sense of well-being
- Better focus and attention to detail
- Mild euphoria
- Neurogenesis and improved neurological functioning
Since the effects of microdosing are very subtle, people usually choose to microdose to enhance their daily life. Some people feel a slight effect during the first hour, so, it’s a great idea to set aside some time to do yoga, meditate, or journal between taking your microdose and heading off to work.
If you decide to microdose, there are several protocols you can use. These protocols have been tested by thousands of people and please note that they account for tolerance breaks:
- Following the Stamets Stack: Microdose for four consecutive days, then take a three-day break.
- Adopt an alternate-day approach: Dose every other day.
- Adhere to the Fadiman protocol: Dose once, then pause for two days.
- Maintain a steady routine: Microdose three specific days a week.
- Opt for a flexible approach: Dose as and when required, without adhering to specific days.
The easiest way to make a microdose capsule is to grind up whole dried mushrooms (as stems and caps can have different potency levels), weigh the powder, and put them in capsules. Some people choose to combine other types of non-hallucinogenic mushrooms or nootropics/supplements in the capsules for added benefits. Popular choices are Lion’s Mane mushrooms and niacin (the Stamets Stack uses both).
Alternatively, if you prefer a ready-made solution, we offer a wide range of lab-tested microdose blends in various dosages, such as our popular Clarity, Energy, Tranquil, and Pure capsules in 50, 75, and 100mg psilocybin extract dosages.
We also offer Scooby Snacks, which contain 250mg of psilocybin mushrooms, a blend between the classic Golden Teacher the more potent strain Penis Envy.
Venturing into a low dose signifies a new chapter in your psychedelic exploration. Ideal for shared experiences with friends, this dose typically manifests as gentle body tingles or a comforting warmth. The world may seem more vibrant, with colors appearing more vivid. While intense visuals might be elusive, you’ll likely find yourself more susceptible to spontaneous laughter and bouts of giggles. For a tailored experience of this kind, our 350mg Pure capsules have just what you need.
The effects of psilocybin are more apparent with a museum dose than with a mini-dose, but a museum dose still won’t give you a full psychedelic experience. The name “museum dose,” coined by the biochemist and pharmacologist Dr. Alexander Shulgin, refers to the fact that on this dose, you can still participate in public activities (such as viewing paintings in a museum) without attracting attention
With this dosage, you’ll have the body high and may begin to see visual anomalies (think objects swaying and fractal patterns) along with other sensory amplifications. People refer to this when they say they are “tripping.”
A full dose will take you on what is called a “psychedelic journey.” You would preferably use a “trip sitter” or at least prepare in advance (read more on “set and setting further down). Taking a full dose can be an intimidating experience, particularly the first few times, so make sure you do it in a safe place.
Anything above three grams can be considered a serious dose. You will likely experience insights or a unique train of thought. It’s common to feel a sense of unity or oneness with nature, the universe, and the people around you. Visual and auditory hallucinations are also common.
Anything beyond 5 grams could be considered a “heroic” dose.
A dose this strong brings on a total loss of connection with reality. This is where you’ll experience intense hallucinations, as well as ego death, mystical experiences, and deep introspection, and should be taken under supervision, with preparation, and in pursuing an intentional goal. Quantities this strong are for experienced users or therapeutic purposes.
HOW TO TAKE SHROOMS
While consuming a handful of dried mushrooms is a great choice for some, there are various other alternative methods to consider—especially if you find the taste of shrooms unpalatable. Many opt for mushroom tea, finding solace in its soothing nature. Mushroom-infused edibles such as chocolates and gummies have gained popularity, as they conveniently mask the distinctive mushroom taste.
The "lemon tek" method is another favored preparation. By immersing mushrooms in lemon juice, they begin to break down even before entering your digestive system, potentially reducing the nausea that some individuals associate with shroom consumption.
Psilocybin capsules are of course another excellent way to avoid the taste and texture, and get a precise measured dose with magic mushrooms.
FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT YOUR PSYCHEDELIC EXPERIENCE
Your psychedelic journey is deeply personal and can be influenced by a variety of factors:
1. Mushroom Potency:
Different species of psilocybin mushrooms have distinctly different psilocybin levels. For those seeking milder experiences, our B+ and Golden Teachers are ideal choices due to their lower potency. If you're looking to venture further, consider our Hawaiian (PES Hawaiian) variant for a euphoric body-buzz or the Huautla for introspective reflections. Newcomers should exercise caution with stronger strains from the Penis Envy family, Avery Albino, and PESA.
2. Mushroom Anatomy:
Specific portions of the mushroom exhibit higher potency. A 2003 Japanese study on six cubensis samples revealed the caps to be more potent than the stems. To be precise, the study discovered psilocin/psilocybin content levels in caps ranging between 0.17–0.78%/0.44–1.35%, whereas the stems stood at 0.09–0.30%/0.05–1.27%.
3. Growing Conditions:
The environment where the mushrooms flourish plays a pivotal role in their potency. A comprehensive study demonstrated that psilocybin levels could fluctuate, spanning from a mere 0.1% in some species to a substantial 2% in others.
4. Personal Biology & Mindset:
Each individual's unique physiology and psychological makeup can shape their psychedelic experience. For instance, if you're prone to dissociation, your trip might feel subdued compared to others. However, this doesn't negate the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for you. For a deeper dive into how dissociation might influence your experience, consider an article titled "Why MDMA and Other Psychedelic Therapies May Not Work for You.
THE IMPORTANCE OF INTENTION, SET, & SETTING
Set and setting" is a term often used in the context of psychedelic experiences to emphasize the importance of one's mindset and environment when taking these substances. Both elements play a crucial role in shaping the overall nature of a psychedelic journey. Let's break them down:
SHROOM STIGMA
You might wonder, if their benefits are so profound, why then are they outlawed today? In the context of the war on drugs, spearheaded by President Nixon in the early 1970s, psilocybin mushrooms and other psychedelics were quickly criminalized and stigmatized. This aggressive stance not only led to their prohibition but also resulted in a halt of scientific exploration into their potential benefits. It's during this era, the 70s and 80s, that governments significantly impeded psychedelic research. Fast forward to today, as the tides of understanding begin to shift, researchers are fervently working to bridge the knowledge gaps left by decades of research restrictions.
1. Set (Mindset)
This refers to the psychological state of the individual before and during the psychedelic experience. It encompasses one's current emotions, expectations, general mood, and possibly any intentions or goals they might have for the session. For example, someone who is feeling anxious or harbouring unresolved emotional issues may have a vastly different experience compared to someone who's in a peaceful and contemplative mood. Thus, it's often advised that one approaches psychedelics with a positive and open mindset to optimize the chances of a beneficial experience.
2. Setting (Environment)
This refers to the physical and social environment in which the psychedelic experience occurs. This includes the actual location (like a quiet room, nature spot, or a controlled clinical setting), the people present (be it alone, with close friends, or with a guide), ambient sounds, and even lighting. A comfortable, familiar, and safe environment can enhance positive experiences and minimize chances of negative or challenging trips. The environment you take your dose in has a tremendous effect on your trip. Taking mushrooms in a public place where you are surrounded by “sober” people, for example, can be a recipe for a paranoia-fuelled trip (unless you are taking a microdose).
3. Experiences
The things you experience during the day and week you take the dose are likely to show up in your journey. Therefore, one should avoid taking psilocybin mushrooms immediately after a traumatic or damaging experience. Doing so may result in a trip that can feel downright terrifying. Instead, it’s best to let some time go by so you can process and integrate your experience on a sober level before diving deeper into it with shrooms.
4. Intention
An intention is the purpose or goal you bring to a session, outlining your hopes for healing and the experience itself. Intention might involve: Desiring a specific outcome, Seeking clarity in certain life areas, Aiming to discover or enhance personal traits. Setting an intention marks the beginning of a purposeful dialogue between you and the medicine or experience, demonstrating commitment to your healing journey. It's worth noting that each individual's path and intention will be distinct, reflecting their unique needs and aspirations.
Take some time before taking the mushrooms to journal, meditate, or have a private ceremony of some kind. Some people prefer to focus on a particular issue during the trip, while others prefer to stay open to whatever the mushrooms bring up.
