What is Microdosing? Everything You Need To Know.
Updated: Feb 1
Microdosing is not new to the psychedelic community, but microdosing is gaining mainstream popularity.
Microdosing is taking a small amount of a psychedelic drug like LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), mescaline, iboga, ayahuasca, or other psychoactive compounds.
Evidence suggests microdosing protocols were active throughout the development of the modern-day Tech Industry.
Even Albert Hofmann, the Swiss scientist credited for discovering LSD, microdosed throughout much of his adult life and lived 102 years of age.
While it is not for everyone, microdosing has its place in the wellness and alternative medicine world.
What Actually Is Microdosing?
Microdosing is taking little amounts of hallucinogenics such as psilocybin, LSD, mescaline, ecstasy, PCP, ketamine, salvia, cannabis, and other hallucinogenics.
The user will take these in small microdoses, typically 1/10th of a full amount, on a set schedule or use a specific protocol to boost creativity, productivity, and overall satisfaction with life. The effects of psychedelics are usually considered to be sub-perceptual, referring to the fact that there are no perceptible effects.
A network of psychologists and psychiatrists utilized these dosing methods in the early 1960s. Dr. James Fadiman and others conducted scientific experiments with microdosing LSD in Menlo Park and Silicone Valley, CA.
What Are The Benefits Of Microdosing Psychedelics?
Most people report having a positive experience, enhanced moods, more creativity, increased energy levels, enhanced immunity, increased proper digestive flow, a better quality of life, and divergent thinking, after taking psychedelics in small microdoses, especially improved mood.
So far, the evidence for the benefits of microdosing psychedelics has been obtained from scientists.
Some scientific studies suggest that these substances can indeed enhance mood and cognitive function.
For example, one study found that psilocybin-containing mushrooms improved the moods of cancer patients. In addition to enhancing mood, microdosing psychedelics may also enhance cognitive function.
Another study found that LSD enhanced “divergent thinking” in healthy individuals. Divergent thinking is a type of thinking that allows for the generation of new ideas and solutions.
Some even report that microdosing provides a reduction of rapid emotions, fears, worries, and unwanted thoughts.
Microdosing with LSD and Psilocybin also increases creativity according to a recent report showing that taking a small amount of LSD before completing a creative task resulted in more creative outputs.
There were many studies about several psychedelics in the 1960s that hold a candle in today’s world. It’s fair to suggest the compounds have distinct benefits for the mind and body.
New research shows potential physical benefits such as improved sleep quality, increased energy levels, enhanced immunity, reduced redness from wounds, increased flow of digestion, and a reduction in unwanted mental confusion.
Yes, the research is new and has not been fully validated or peer-reviewed because psychedelics are Schedule 1 narcotics by the DEA. Also, the approved research has been focused on negative mental outcomes and not the quality of life applications.
If some psychedelics could get rescheduled in the future, then the applications for microdosing can continue to grow based on the reports coming from the experience of microdosers.
While additional research is being conducted for verification and validation, all indications show that routinely using small amounts of LSD or psilocybin can be an effective amount to enhance one's overall quality of life.
Potential Mood-Related Benefits:
Improved and balanced mood
Fosters a more positive mindset
Increases emotional self-awareness
Strengthens empathy and emotional connection
Fosters a present state of mind
More openness with others
Increases a sense of belonging in the community
Encourages a feeling of oneness
Increases connection with a life purpose
Increases gratitude for others and their contributions to your life
Potential Cognitive Benefits:
Strengthens brain neuroplasticity
Enhances concentration and focus
Gives access and maintains the flow state
Increases creativity and productivity
Enhances analysis and problem-solving ability
Provides better decision-making
Limits the inclination for procrastination
Increases mental resilience
Brings balance to stressful periods
Potential Physiological Benefits
Enhances better sleep
Allows for more physical energy
Enhances sensory perception and awareness
Increases the likelihood of making conscious choices about health and well-being
Softens premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms
Can lessen or alleviate stuttering
Enhances the desire to quit smoking, alcohol, and the use of other substances
How To Begin Microdosing?
First, you must figure out what substance you want to use for microdosing. LSD and psilocybin mushrooms are the most popular choices, but there are also other options like DMT and iboga root. Once you've decided on a substance, it's time to research and determine the appropriate amount.
Start by taking a very small quantity of your chosen substance, about 1/10th of a standard therapeutic or ceremonial amount.
See how you feel after taking this small amount before increasing it. If everything goes well and you don't experience any adverse effects, you can gradually increase until you find the perfect level for your bio-individuality.
Many people are interested in microdosing but don't know where to start. By starting these basic steps, you can reap the benefits of psychedelics without having a full-blown trip.
Psychedelics are scientifically shown to offer therapeutic benefits for those struggling with mental issues, but these drugs can be daunting for first-time users.
DIYECS Health and Coach Michael specialize in helping individuals choose the appropriate psychedelic substance for microdosing and have a practical methodology to ensure proper dosage. To learn more, please schedule a confidential consultation.
How To Incorporate Microdosing Into Your Life?
Starting a microdosing regimen can be daunting - especially if you're not sure what to expect. This section provides some tips on how to begin. While this list seems basic, implementing all strategies will take time and self-discipline.
Microdosing Tips
Get your medicine from a trusted source and always test it.
Start low and go slow. Less is usually more.
Set your intention.
Follow a specific protocol to start.
Document and journal.
Add new routines to your lifestyle or remove unhealthy habits.
What Is A Typical Microdosing Schedule?
Depending on your preferences you can use The Fadiman Protocol, The Stamet's Stack, or an Intuitive or Instinctive approach.
Use The Fadiman Protocol Schedule For Microdosing
Named for Dr. James Fadiman, is one of the most well-known microdosing schedules and involves taking a minimal quantity of LSD (or another psychedelic drug) at a specific interval.
His protocol involves microdosing every third day: On Day #1, you microdose, and on Days #2 and #3, you refrain from dosing. This pattern is considered a "cycle" and can be repeated with another microdose starting the following day (day four).
Fadiman recommends this pattern because he has realized that many microdosers feel a two-day "window" of effects, sometimes described as an "afterglow" in which the benefits linger into the next day.
Many people have self-reported that the Fadiman Protocol enables them to feel more creative, energetic, and present in their everyday lives.
If you're interested in trying microdosing, the Fadiman Protocol is a great place to start, but I encourage you to document your journey by tracking your dosage days, amounts, and time of ingestion.
Use The Stamet's Stack For Microdosing
The Stamet's Stack combines magic mushrooms (psilocybin), lion's mane, and niacin (vitamin B3), taken in microdoses, that are thought to increase their effectiveness. While niacin can cause an uncomfortable warm feeling called the "flush," it’s proven to provide a way for molecules to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
Paul Stamets, the scientist accredited for this microdosing routine, suggests taking the stack in a weekly cycle of fours day on and three days off. Advocates of Stamet's Stack say that it can provide a solution to various mental conditions. Some people also claim that it can increase creativity and boost cognitive performance.
Incorporate The Intuitive or Instinctive Approach For Microdosing
This form of microdosing is known for its nonscheduled approach. As the name suggests, you microdose intuitively, with only one primary rule: you always take at least one day between the days you microdose.
Once individuals follow the Fadiman or Stament's Stack microdosing protocol for one or two cycles, they often switch to a more instinctive method of microdosing.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
On rare occasions, people report drawbacks to microdosing; usually, these effects occur when the quantity is too high, or their routine lasts too long. The drawbacks of "over" microdosing can include:
Potential “high” or hallucinogenic effect if the microdose is too high
Fatigue (partially due to increased neural activity or more life activity)
Tolerance (needing more of the substance each time to get the same effect)
Mild nausea
Body temperature fluctuations and increased sweating
The process of learning new insights, perspectives, boundaries, and levels of consciousness can be challenging without proper support
Overall, most people have positive experiences when microdosing. But knowing how to microdose correctly is key to ensuring you ingest the proper dosage.
What Are The Risks Of Microdosing Psychedelics?
The main risk to "normal-healthy" individuals is the raising or lowering of blood pressure. We strongly suggest you monitor your blood pressure when starting the practice of microdosing to be aware of any changes.
If you have a known blood pressure issue, we highly recommend not beginning the practice of microdosing until your physical wellness has been evaluated by a healthcare professional.
One segment of the population, those with red/green colorblindness, may want to avoid microdosing. While there is no scientific-backed data, anecdotal information suggests that those with colorblindness have "tracers" or "trails" in their vision when microdosing.
For this reason, microdosing may not be suitable for individuals with Deuteranomaly.
People prescribed anti-depressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs need to speak with their healthcare professional before beginning a microdosing protocol. These classes of pharmaceuticals change the way our bodies utilize and produce serotonin.
It’s unclear whether microdosing will affect the way these pharmaceuticals work. Because of this uncertainty, it’s recommended you speak with your prescriber beforehand.
Lastly, if you suffer from bipolar, schizophrenia, or another psychosis disorder, microdosing at this time is not recommended.
While some anecdotal evidence suggests specific kinds of macrodosing in very specific situations can be beneficial, the science suggests microdosing can lead to mania and trigger unfavorable outcomes.
Potential Risk Groups:
Individuals with abnormal or sensitive blood-pressure
Individuals with red/green colorblindness
Individuals on SSRI or SNRI (antidepressant medication)
Individuals with certain psychiatric disorders
Final Thoughts On Microdosing
After researching the effects of microdosing psychedelics, it's clear that there are many benefits and a few risks associated with this type of self-experimentation. Microdosing can improve mood, creativity, and focus but can also negatively impact specific individuals.
If you are not in a risk group, microdosing is generally considered safe, and the impacts on your life can be drastic and impactful. While it is true that you may experience a few mild adverse side effects, these generally subside after the first few days of dosing.
Therefore, microdosing psychedelics is a great way to explore the benefits of psychedelics and get a feel for their effects without having to take massive quantities and have mind-altering journeys.
If you'd like to learn more about microdosing and how to set up an effective routine based on your lifestyle, please schedule a complimentary call with Coach Michael or a member of the DIYECS Health team.