Microdosing is a practice of regularly taking small doses of psychedelic compounds to boost your sense of well-being, improve your cognitive performance, and enhance creativity. Although relatively new to the mainstream, microdosing has become a rapidly growing practice among professionals in highly competitive, high-pressure environments from Silicon Valley to Wall Street.
For those just getting started with microdosing, it’s important to understand the basic principles and practical considerations that will help protect your mental and physical health and make your transition to the practice a smooth one. Below, in this blog post, we’ll cover what you need to know before and while microdosing, including dosage levels, best practices, and self-care.
What is Microdosing?
Microdosing is a phenomenon that has recently taken off in the digital age. By taking a small, sub-hallucinogenic dose of a psychedelic drug, users are experiencing increased creativity and focus, and at times experiencing a period of emotionally-charged clarity afterward.
The theory is that these small doses allow you to harness the pharmacological properties of the drug for improved performance, without the overwhelming effects that come from larger doses.
Getting Started with Microdosing
If you’re interested in exploring the potential benefits of microdosing, it’s important to be well-informed about the basics before you take the plunge.
The first step is to decide what type of psychedelic you’d like to use for your microdosing experiment. The most common psychedelics used for microdosing include:
-LSD
-Psilocybin
-DMT
These psychedelics vary in their molecular structure and mechanism of action, so it’s important to do your research prior to making a decision. Once you’ve selected a compound, you’ll also need to set what doses and timeframe for dosing. Generally, users will take a dose every three to four days, with the smallest possible dose in between.
Understanding Microdosing Doses, Routes, and Timing
For many psychedelics, such as LSD, the standard dose for microdosing is between 10 and 20 micrograms (roughly 0.1 to 0.2 mg). However, the dose you choose will depend on the individual drug and your own body chemistry.
It’s important to note that psychedelics works differently for different people, so it’s best to start with a very small dose and work your way up until you find the amount that works best for you.
As for roads, most psychedelics can either be taken orally or sublingually. For first-time microdosers, it may be wise to start with an oral route as it is the most convenient and usually the least intense. There is also anecdotal evidence to suggest that psychedelics taken orally are incorporated into the system more slowly, reducing the intensity of the experience overall.
Why Start with a Low Microdose?
When you first start with microdosing, it’s important to start with the lowest possible dose. Taking a lower dose allows your brain to gradually adjust to the drug, helping to reduce the chances of experiencing issues like anxiety and paranoia. It also allows you to gradually gain experience and find the right dose for you.
Tips for Microdosing Success
Now that you know a bit about the basics of microdosing, here are some tips that can help ensure your success.
-Set an intention before taking the dose. This can help guide your experience, allowing you to strive for specific goals.
-Be prepared to pause or discontinue if things become overwhelming.
-Avoid mixing other drugs or alcohol with psychedelics, as it could lead to adverse or unexpected effects.
-Be open-minded and pay attention to the subtle shifts in your experience.
-Focus on integration and integration practices, such as journaling or yoga, to help process the experience.
FAQ</h2
What is the difference between microdosing and regular dosing?
Microdosing is the practice of taking small regular doses of psychedelic compounds, usually every three to four days. The doses are small enough to not cause overwhelming psychedelic effects, yet still large enough to tap into the potential benefits. Regular dosing typically involves taking larger psychedelic doses with no regular cycle.
Is microdosing safe?
Yes, microdosing can be safe with the right precautions and considerations. The key is to understand the basics of microdosing and ensure you are taking the right dose of the right substance for you. It’s always best to start with a low dose, and increase slowly until you find the amount that works best for you.
What are some potential benefits of microdosing?
People have reported improvements in creativity, focus, productivity, and a general sense of well-being with regular microdosing. It is important to note, however, that microdosing is not a “miracle cure-all” and the effects will vary from person to person.
Are there any risks involved with microdosing?
Yes, there are certain risks when taking psychedelics, even in microdoses. It is important to be aware of, and take the necessary steps to protect your mental and physical health. As with any drug, it is important to understand the safety risks and potential interactions before using a psychedelic substance.