You know, it’s funny how sometimes a simple message can spark a whole train of thought
Today, I received a message from a reader, let’s call her Anouk.
She's diving into the world of microdosing with magic mushrooms and boy, is she curious. Her question, though, really struck a chord with me: "I have these capsules, they're 0.6, but I don't feel anything… what am I supposed to feel? Is it a long-term thing?" Now, that's a great question, and it's worth unpacking. So, if you're like Anouk and you've got questions about dosage or what to expect from a microdosing journey, well, you're in the right place.
So we’ll approach this by talking about dosage and side-effects. I'm pretty stoked about this article. It's not just about sharing what I know but also about exploring what's out there in the vast realm of online information.
Now, here's the deal: when it comes to information on these fantastic fungi, things can get a tad hazy. And it's not just because of the trip. No, one of the challenges has been the lack of a local doctor specializing in "shroomology" who you can just ring up for advice. But hey, times are changing, and the wave of legalization for this magical fungi is starting to roll in. Quick disclaimer, though, just so we're on the same page – this blog? It's all for entertainment purposes. If you're thinking of medical advice, pick up the phone and call your trusted healthcare provider. Safety first, folks.
Let's kick this off with a deep dive into side effects.
I did a quick search and the first result that popped up was from the American Addiction Centre. And let me tell you, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. I mean, sure, I've been dancing with magic mushrooms for almost a decade now, and if I hadn't, seeing this for the first time might have freaked me out a bit. They can get pretty hardcore with their info. But here's the deal: I'm all about positivity and taking a proactive approach to things. So, let's dig deeper and see what we can uncover.
I like this article, because it’s fairly impartial. Consider these bullet points.
Mental Effects:
Heightened emotions, including happiness and creativity.
Distorted sense of reality, leading to hallucinations.
Mixing up of senses, such as seeing music or hearing colors.
Altered perception of time.
Negative mental effects can include mood changes, light-headedness, anxiety, confusion, fear, or paranoia.
Physical Effects:
Numbness, especially in the face.
Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Dry mouth, potentially causing nausea and vomiting.
Muscle weakness, twitching, or convulsions.
Exaggerated reflexes.
Sweating and elevated body temperature, followed by chills and shivering.
Loss of urinary control.
Wow, diving into the world of magic mushrooms is like navigating through a psychedelic maze, isn't it? I mean, you've got these little fungi that can take you on a wild mental journey, but there's also a fair share of bumps and curves along the way. Let's break down what the official info says.
So, short-term effects, we've got the good, the bad, and the weird. On the bright side, magic mushrooms can make you feel like a creative genius. You might laugh uncontrollably and see the world through kaleidoscope-colored glasses. But then there's the not-so-fun part – hallucinations, reality getting all wonky, and even time itself deciding to take a vacation. And yeah, anxiety and paranoia can crash the party too.
Physically, it's like a rollercoaster ride – numbness in your face, your heart going on a joyride, and a desert forming in your mouth, which might lead to an unexpected pit stop in the bathroom, and the general feeling of, "What on earth just happened to me?"
Long-term effects? Well, it seems like science is still trying to figure that one out. It's like the magic mushroom's secret chamber that only a few brave souls have ventured into.
But here's the kicker – the dreaded "bad trip." Picture this: You're at the top of a rollercoaster, but instead of a thrilling drop, you get a horrifying plummet into paranoia and boundary confusion. Not a fun place to be, trust me.
And if you're thinking of mixing magic mushrooms with other substances, hold your horses. It's like adding more spices to an already fiery dish – you might end up with a culinary disaster.
Now, for those of us with a pre-existing mental health condition or a dodgy ticker, the risks seem to be even greater. It's like playing a game of chance with higher stakes. No thanks.
But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. The world of psychedelics is full of mysteries waiting to be unraveled. Maybe, just maybe, in the right setting and with the right guidance, these fungi can be more than just a wild ride. They might hold the key to unlocking the mind's potential and exploring new frontiers of consciousness.
Alright, let's talk about something crucial: dosage.
It's like the compass for your psilocybin journey. Get it right, and it's like cruising on a clear highway. Get it wrong, and, well, it's like taking a detour into the unknown.
You see, those side effects, especially the notorious "bad trip," they're dosage-dependent. Think of it like this: a small wave won't knock you over, but a massive one might send you for a spin.
Here's the deal: when you keep your psilocybin dosage within the standard range, it's like a gentle nudge from a wise friend. You'll likely experience heightened emotions, maybe some laughter, and a bit of mental clarity. It's like a refreshing dip in the lake.
But crank up that dosage, and it's like diving into the deep end without knowing how to swim. Suddenly, reality starts to wobble, and you might feel disoriented, anxious, or even paranoid. That's the infamous "bad trip."
Just remember folks, a “bad trip”, is usually a part of oneself, that there has been a large degree of resistance to feeling and acknowledging, it is difficult but also shows you where the work needs to be done. More importantly, if that is the work that needs to be done, i.e. your current internal “ set and setting”, then those parts will come up.
The takeaway is this: dosage matters. Start low, especially if you're new to this journey. You can always sail deeper waters later if you choose, but it's essential to navigate with caution. Psilocybin is like a beautiful but unpredictable landscape; respect it, and it might just show you some incredible vistas.
For dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms (whole or powdered) equivalent:
Standard dose: 2.5 grams*
High dose: 3.5 grams*
Supra-therapeutic dose: 5–6 grams*
*Please note that these conversions assume an average of 1% psilocybin content per 1 gram of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushroom. However, the actual psilocybin content can vary significantly between species and strains, ranging from 0.5% to 2% per gram. We’ll do an upcoming article on different strains and their potency.
This is information from the National Institute of Health. I love their peer-reviewed content. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9751063/
Conclusion
To Anouk, your curiosity and conscientious dosage management are commendable. It's important to remember that in the realm of magic mushroom microdosing, your 0.6 grams is actually just above a microdose, microdose is 0.03g – 0.3g. This journey into microdosing with magic mushrooms holds potential beyond the immediate, offering a path to self-discovery and growth. As you navigate this terrain, you may uncover subtle but profound shifts in mindset, creativity, and emotional well-being.
Keep your dosage balanced, and the vistas along this journey might surprise and delight you. It's not just about the destination; it's the transformative path you're on that truly counts. Keep exploring, keep questioning, and keep growing. You're on an exciting journey, and I'm here to cheer you on every step of the way. I hope this article was helpful.
