Do you remember the scene in “Alice in Wonderland” when Alice nibbles on a mushroom so it doesn’t grow too big or shrink too much? That’s pretty much the thought process behind microdosing. You don’t take enough of a psychedelic drug to experience a truly noticeable change, but a small dose can have mental benefits, such as reducing anxiety and depression.
Interest in microdosing and magic mushrooms seems to be at an all-time high right now. A recent report found that 8 million people in the US used psilocybinthe psychedelic component of magic mushrooms, last year. and about half of those people reported microdosing the last time they used it.
Read: Are medicinal mushrooms really magical? >>
The increased curiosity around psilocybin microdosing may be due, in part, to its decriminalization in recent years in several US states and cities. The decriminalization of magic mushrooms, or shrooms, means that there are no criminal penalties for your personal use. However, it is important to note that psilocybin remains illegal at the federal level, even in states where it is decriminalized. And the lack of regulation can mean that any product you buy could be fake or contain harmful ingredients.
we ask Jim Grigsby, Ph.D.director of the University of Colorado Denver Psychedelic Research CenterWhat you need to know about microdosing and magic mushrooms.
What is microdosing?
Microdosing involves taking a very small amount of a psychoactive substance to improve mood without mind-altering side effects.
“Microdosing puts very little substance into the brain to produce a psychedelic experience,” Grigsby said. “Some people report getting a little bit of an effect, and if so, they may have taken a little more than necessary.”
When you microdose mushrooms, you take a much smaller dose (5% to 10%) than you would if you wanted to hallucinate or “trip.” And people who microdose generally take these doses semi-regularly: two or three days a week.
How much does a microdose cost?
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A microdose typically involves eating between 0.1 and 0.3 grams of mushrooms at a time.
How to microdose mushrooms
There are different ways to microdose mushrooms. Mushrooms can be chewed dried or added to hot tea or broth/soup. They can also be crushed or put in a coffee grinder and mixed with chocolate or put in gelatin capsules and taken orally.
What happens in the brain when mushrooms are microdosed?
A microdose works the same way as a regular dose, just with different effects. Psilocybin is first converted into psilocinthe active ingredient. When it reaches the brain. Psilocin binds to serotonin receptors, especially one called 5-HT2A, which play a role in brain functions such as perception and mood. This triggers, on a small scale, a biochemical cascade that is thought to eventually cause reactions at dopamine receptor sites. (Dopamine receptors affect emotions, movement, and the reward system in the brain.)
What are the benefits of microdosing mushrooms?
While at least one survey found that people who microdosed psilocybin reported an improvement in their mood, feeling more connected to other people, and cognitive improvement, the jury is still out on the issue. Benefits and safety of mushroom microdoses..
“There is no good research on the topic, just observational studies that are based on personal reports, no clinical trials or experiments,” Grigsby said. Some investigation shows that people reported better mood, more energy, productivity, creativity and clear thinking, but there is no control group to compare. “Statistically it is possible to take into account people’s expectations and that can explain the entire effect. So, it could be a placebo effect.”
Who shouldn’t try mushroom microdosing?
There is little research on the effects of microdosing mushrooms and no guidelines on who should not try them. That said, some investigation suggests that repeated microdoses of psilocybin can cause heart valve disease, so people with heart conditions and heart valve problems should be aware of this possible side effect.
Microdosing may also not be good for people with a history of psychosis or a family history of psychosis. “Again, we don’t know for sure, but if someone with schizophrenia asked me about this, I would probably advise against it,” Grigsby said.
What should women and those assigned female at birth keep in mind about microdosing?
Microdosing psilocybin is not recommended for pregnant people. “Although the dose is very small and psilocybin is safe and basically non-toxic, as with many medications, pregnant and lactating women should not try microdosing,” Grigsby said.
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