Microdosing with psilocybin, LSD and other psychedelics: what you need to know

Microdosing with psychedelics is becoming increasingly popular. A common microdose for trip drugs such as magic mushrooms, truffles and LSD is 5-10% of a trip dose. Drugs such as magic mushrooms, truffles and LSD are often mentioned, but other psychedelics also qualify for microdosing. In this article, we explain what microdosing entails, what substances people use and the things to consider when thinking about it.

Microdosing means taking a very small dose of a drug, often a tenth of the normal amount that would produce a psychoactive effect. When microdosing psychedelics, the goal is not to trip, but to experience subtle benefits, such as improved focus, mood and creativity. Some people report improvements in sleep quality, energy and even relief from pain symptoms.

While many anecdotal stories praise microdosing, scientific research is still limited. It is important to know that microdosing with psychedelics is not without risks and may be illegal in many countries. Always consult a medical professional before starting.

Microdosing with psilocybin: magic mushrooms and truffles

magic mushrooms or magic mushrooms and truffles are popular because they are psilocybin , a substance that turns into psilocin in the body. Psilocybin has been associated with improved mood and focus in some studies.

Effects of psilocybin (at microdoses):

• Improvement in mood and reduction of depressive feelings. (Source: Nature)
• Possible improvement in cognitive flexibility and attention. (Source: PubMed)

Truffles are legally available in some countries, making it easier to buy microdosing kits. Shrooms often are not, making legality an important consideration.

Microdosing with LSD

A study from 2024 compiled the results of 14 studies on microdoses of the drug LSD. They concluded that microdoses of this psychedelic showed mild effects in several areas: mood, sleep, social cognition, response to reward and positive feedback and pain perception. The latter we already knew, as you can read in a previous article on psychedelics in pain.

Good to keep in mind, though: most of the subjects in these studies were quite young; 22 to 38 years old on average. Moreover, most had previous experiences with psychedelics. Thus, it is possible that people who do not fit this profile may react differently to a microdosing protocol with LSD. In any case, for young people familiar with tripping, this outcome is already promising!

Key points about LSD:

• A microdose of LSD ranges between 10-20 μg.
• There are potential risks, such as incorrect dosing or unpredictable reactions.

It is crucial to dose accurately with LSD. Don’t cut seals, but dissolve the substance in a precise amount of liquid for better control.

Although microdosing is anecdotally often presented as safe, there are risks:

• Legal status: In most countries, psychedelics such as LSD are illegal, and possession can have legal consequences.
• Health: Microdoses may cause psychological side effects in some individuals, including anxiety or nervousness. People with a history of mental health problems should exercise extra caution.
• Addiction: Some drugs, such as ketamine and MDMA, can be addictive when used frequently.

Consult a doctor or specialist before you begin, especially if you are on medication or have a medical condition.

• Know the source of your resources. Use only resources from reliable sources and test them for purity.
• Start with a low dose. This minimizes risk and helps monitor effects.
• Keep a journal. Note how much you take, how you feel and any side effects.
• Do not use psychedelics if you are pregnant or have mental health problems.

In conclusion

Microdosing with psychedelics is a controversial topic with promising but not yet fully proven effects. Always remain critical, use reliable sources and be aware of the risks and legal restrictions in your country. If you are interested, discuss your plans with an expert and continue reading scientific publications to stay well informed.

Sources for further reading:

• Nature: Psilocybin and mental health
• PubMed:Effects of microdosing psychedelics
• MAPS: Research on psychedelics

Disclaimer: This article is intended to be informative and not medical advice. Never use psychedelics without first consulting an expert.