People of different backgrounds are now taking micro doses of psychedelic substances, not just LSD or psilocybin, mainly for mental health purposes. You can microdose a variety of substances and enjoy very positive effects.
The more vastly microdosed choices are LSD and psilocybin, but there are many other substances, including some less common ones like DMT or mescaline, that are also good options for microdosing.
We will list five of the most microdosable substances.
What is microdosing?
A micro dose has yet to be scientifically defined. In general, it refers to taking a minute dose of the substance, a dose that does not cause a noticeable mental effect. This is called a sub-perceptual effect. The amount is usually 1/20 to 1/10 of the usual dose.
A micro dose is usually taken once daily, several times a week over a certain period. There are several different microdosing protocols, with different number of days “on” and days “off”, which insures no building up of tolerance.
Benefits and risks of microdosing
There is not much scientific evidence about the benefits of microdosing. Most studies to date are actually only surveys and questionnaires distributed to users, that is, they are mere personal reports that should be taken critically.
There are also people who claim that all the positive effects of microdosing are merely a placebo effect.
Still, it's hard to ignore the reports of benefits, which include, among others:
- Relief from anxiety
- Emotional regulation
- Improved interpersonal communication
- Enhanced optimism
- Improved mood
- Better focus
- Higher self-confidence
- Resisting addictions
Although little scientific evidence has been gathered for the benefits of microdosing, there is a growing body of studies on psychedelic substances taken in large doses, and their consequential positive effects.
The positive side effects of LSD and psilocybin that have been discovered to date include a significant ability to alleviate depression and overcome fear.
Psilocybin seems to be particularly valuable in the regeneration of brain cells, which makes it a good option for the relief of depression, PTSD and similar conditions.
There are also some reports of negative effects of microdosing. Such reports are quite rare and include:
- Headaches
- Trouble sleeping
- Increased emotionality
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Fatigue
The best substances for microdosing
- Psilocybin
Prevalent micro dose: 0.01-0.3 g dried mushrooms, 0.5-2 g fresh mushrooms
Microdoses of psilocybin come in the form of dried or fresh mushrooms containing psilocybin. These may be consumed raw, in the form of chocolate containing mushroom powder, or by taking capsules containing mushroom powder.
With such a small dose, there is usually no hallucinations or other psychedelic experience, but only a feeling of lightness and positive flow.
- LSD
Prevalent micro dose: 10-20 micrograms
LSD is very similar to psilocybin in some ways, but has its own and unique qualities as well. When following a microdosing protocol, LSD will increase focus and energy as opposed to the light, flowing and creative state induced by psilocybin.
Preparing a micro dose of LSD can be complicated. You can try cutting small pieces out of tabs, but measuring your dose by volume is a better option. In this method, LSD is dissolved in purified water or alcohol and measured using a syringe or dropper.
- THC
Prevalent micro dose: 0.1-3 mg
THC is perhaps a less common choice in the context of microdosing, but in minute doses, it has very beneficial effects such as improving focus, creativity and verbal skills.
Although research is limited, there is evidence that small doses of THC reduce pain and addiction.
A single puff of a joint or vape, or a small bite of a low-dose cannabis edible, will serve as a micro-dose of THC that won't cause red eyes or impair short-term memory. Make sure you take only one puff or bite so that you don't get high.
- DMT
Prevalent micro dose: 0.5-1.0 mg
DMT, also known as the "spirit molecule", is a powerful hallucinogenic substance that can cause an out-of-this-world trip. At the same time, when taken in microdoses, DMT is known to induce a sense of self-confidence, calmness and optimism.
You may snort DMT, vaporize it, or smoke in a pipe.
- Mescaline
Prevalent micro dose: 1 gram of dried peyote cactus or 3-5 grams of dried San Pedro cactus
Mescaline is naturally occurring in the Peyote and San Pedro cacti. In high doses, it is a powerful hallucinogenic. In microdosing, it helps improve mood, focus and a general sense of wellbeing.
Summary
Microdosing is a relatively new trend with multiple protocols proposed by non-professional researchers and psychonauts who experiment with microdosing in everyday life and share their results online.
Microdosing of psychedelic substances may offer a better, healthier way to reduce suffering and heal people in the current global mental health crisis. Psilocybin and LSD are the top of the microdosing list with other important substances following suit.
Microdosing Smart Psychedelics
