Mycology: The Study Of Fungi
Dose
Dose is the measurement of a substance taken, while dosage refers to the planned regimen of continuous usage of a drug. Dose measurement is extremely important when it comes to consumption of psilocybin mushrooms. The right dose makes all of the difference between a positive experience and an otherwise overwhelming one— “you taking mushrooms” versus “mushrooms taking you”. Though everyone reacts to psilocybin differently, below is a general guide for microdosing and perceptual dosing by dry weight.
There are, of course, doses in between these measurements that one can take, the following just seem to be the most generally accepted parameters among casual users. Once comfortable with how they react, individuals can adjust their scale accordingly. There are objective effects felt at these dose levels, but it is important to note that there is subjective overlap regarding users’ susceptibility and sensitivity to the intensity of psychedelic effects.
Microdosing
The term microdosing refers to the act of taking a sub-perceptual amount of a psychedelic substance on a planned regimen, usually with a day or two in between multiple days of dosing. One of the most popular microdosing regimens is the Stamets stack, which includes psilocybin, lion’s mane, and niacin. The user will typically take the stack for five days on and two days off, putting them on a Prep-Dose-Reflect schedule. The Stamets stack caught the attention of the world in 2011 when Dr. James Fadiman wrote about it in his book, The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys.
Since then, it has become a subculture of psychedelic use that is practiced by countless people for a variety of reasons, with psilocybin mushrooms being one of the easiest and most common substances to microdose. Some common reasons people experiment with microdosing are to reduce their stress and anxiety, increase their focus, reach higher levels of creativity, or to give themselves more energy. Some users even report that microdosing has provided them with a heightened spiritual awareness.
Studies have shown that microdosing psilocybin is a safe and non-threatening introduction to the psychedelic substance. However, as with all substances, there are minor risks and side effects, such as emotional turbulence and anxiety, especially if dosage is miscalculated.
Microdose (0.05 – 0.25 g)
Even with this low of a dose, one can expect to notice enhanced levels of creativity, energy and focus. It is also common to feel decreased levels of anxiety, emotional instability, and stress. This dose level will ideally deliver sub-perceptual effects that should be unnoticeable but can still be integrated into everyday life.
It is always best to consult a professional before starting a regimen.
Perceptual Dosing
A perceptual dose refers to a dose that causes a change in perception, such as a shift of time, self, and world, and is strong enough to cause mild to heavy psychedelic effects— pretty much anything over a microdose. Whereas microdosing is usually regimented, perceptual dosing typically leaves people not needing or wanting another large dose for some time.
Small Dose (0.25 – 1.5 g)
This is a threshold perceptible dose, meaning users will not feel the full psychedelic effects, but they will be more apparent than a microdose. The effects of a small dose should last between 4 to 5 hours.
It is common to experience introspection, increased flow states and creativity, enhanced senses, and amplification of mood. Unlike a moderate dose, one should still be able to participate in public activities, as the psychedelic effects should only be very mild.
Moderate Dose (1.5 – 3.5 g)
One should feel the psychedelic effects with a moderate dose, and should persist for 6 to 8 hours.
Some common effects users feel include hallucinations, synesthesia (the blending of senses), and existential insights and quandaries. Though these effects can be felt with a small dose, they are noticeably more enhanced at each stage of the session.
Macrodose aka Heroic Dose (5+ g)
The term ‘heroic dose’ was coined by Terence McKenna, who is also responsible for popularizing the term “Set and Setting”. With this high of a dose, one can more reliably expect to experience some form of ego death, in conjunction with intense hallucinations and mystical experiences. A sitter is recommended, especially when attempting “5 dried grams in silent darkness” (5dgisd)— another term coined by McKenna that references taking preparation a step further from dose, and focusing heavily on “Set and Setting”. One can expect a macrodose to last 6 to 8 hours or more.