Microdosing 101

The Science

Microdosing refers to taking a sub-perceptual dose of a psychedelic substance. When talking about psychedelic mushrooms, this dosage can range anywhere from 50mg-300mg of dried mushrooms, depending on the tolerance/sensitivity of the consumer.

The principal psychoactive component in the Psilocybe genus of mushrooms, aka magic mushrooms, is called Psilocybin. When we consume psilocybin, it is transformed or dephosphorylated to psilocin through the action of enzymes called alkaline phosphates. This process takes place in the liver after psilocybin has been absorbed into our blood stream.

Psilocin finds its way to the brain about 30 minutes after consumption. Here it binds to the same receptors and in many ways mimics the function of seratonin in the brain. Seratonin plays an important role in our everyday lives in regards to mood regulation, sense of pleasure, motivation, as they work in concert with neuromodulators in the brain.

According to brain scans before and after consumption, psilocybin has the ability to disrupt neural-connections, fostering greater connections between parts of the brain that are not usually as well integrated. One speculation is that this process allows for reformation of neural pathways in new, perhaps more effective ways.

 

The Spirit

Fungi have been around since the dawn of time. They are some of the true pioneers, the first to set the stage for all of life on earth. We are all descendants of these organisms, genetically more related to them than any other kingdom. Many cultures relied on mushrooms for transcendental experiences and connections to the spiritual world during pre-religion era. Indigenous Mazatec curandera María Sabina referred to Psilocybe mushrooms as “Los Niños Santos” or “The Holy Children” after laughing and crying when sitting with the medicines.

A mindful approach to microdosing invites us to acknowledge that often we are working with substances held sacred by indigenous communities. It is important that we are aware to not repeat colonial patterns of extraction and disrespect for the ancient use of these sacred plants. The most simple way to bring awareness to this is by crafting a ritual that invites a state of presence and reverence.

That being said, we’d like to clarify that microdosing is not a magic pill that will solve complex chronic emotional, mental, and cognitive challenges overnight. Rather it is an invitation to create a practice to deliver us insights, and a potential boost to our brain's capacity to recognize and disrupt behavioral and thought patterns that may perpetuate our struggles. Lasting change takes commitment, courage, perspective, and patience.

 

Intention setting & integration

Intention setting refers to the process of clarifying our goals and intentions before beginning a microdosing regimen. An example could be, “my intention is to cultivate patience and emotional resilience today.”

Psychedelic Integration is when we take gained insights from an experience and incorporate them as a part of our lives. This can look like: walking away from relationships that no longer serve us, taking ownership of mistakes, or speaking our truth.

By setting clear intentions and integrating the insights gained during microdosing, individuals are more likely to experience a transformative experience. These are important aspects of responsible microdosing and honoring the medicine.

Protocols