From the Guidelines
A typical microdose of psilocybin ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 grams of dried mushrooms, or about one-tenth to one-twentieth of a regular psychedelic dose, which translates to approximately 1-2.5 milligrams of pure psilocybin, as suggested by recent research 1. The goal of microdosing is to experience subtle cognitive and emotional benefits without hallucinations or significant perceptual changes.
- Most microdosing protocols involve taking this small amount every three days or following schedules like one day on, two days off.
- Users should start at the lowest dose and adjust based on personal response.
- It's essential to note that psilocybin remains illegal in many jurisdictions despite ongoing research into its therapeutic potential. The scientific rationale behind microdosing suggests that even at sub-perceptual doses, psilocybin may enhance neuroplasticity and promote new neural connections, potentially improving mood, creativity, and focus, as supported by a systematic review of research on low-dose psychedelics 1. Individual responses vary significantly, and the effects can be influenced by body weight, metabolism, and sensitivity to psychedelics. Some studies have reported positive effects, such as reduction in perceived pain and increased sensory acuity, while others have noted negative physical outcomes, including insomnia, physical discomfort, and unwanted physiological effects 1. However, the most recent and highest-quality study emphasizes the importance of accurately measuring substance and dose to increase the precision of microdosing science 1.
From the Research
Psilocybin Microdosing Dosage
- The dosage of microdose psilocybin is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but it is mentioned that microdosing involves repeated self-administration of mushrooms containing psilocybin at doses small enough to not impact regular functioning 2.
- A study on psilocybin as a treatment for psychiatric illness mentions that microdosing has been shown to result in an overall improvement in patients with anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse, but does not specify a dosage 3.
- Another study on repeated low doses of psilocybin in rats uses a dose derived from occupancy at rat brain 5-HT2A receptors in vivo, but does not provide a specific dosage for humans 4.
- A study on psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression uses oral doses of psilocybin (10 mg and 25 mg, 7 days apart) in a supportive setting, but this is not considered a microdose 5.
- A prospective, longitudinal survey on naturalistic psilocybin use reports that participants primarily used dried psilocybin mushrooms (mean dose = 3.1 grams) for "self-exploration" purposes, but it is unclear if this is a microdose or a typical dose 6.
Key Findings
- Psilocybin microdosing has been associated with improvements in mood and mental health, as well as psychomotor performance in older adults 2.
- Psilocybin has been shown to have potential therapeutic benefits for various psychiatric illnesses, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse 3.
- Repeated low doses of psilocybin have been found to increase resilience to stress, lower compulsive actions, and strengthen cortical connections to the paraventricular thalamic nucleus in rats 4.
- Psilocybin has been found to be well-tolerated and effective in reducing depressive symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression 5.
- Naturalistic psilocybin use has been associated with persisting improvements in mental health and wellbeing, including reductions in anxiety, depression, and alcohol misuse 6.