Microdosing psilocybin is a sacred way to uplift mood, spark creativity, and support a more mindful, heart-aligned approach to daily life.

My first experience with microdosing felt quite subtle, almost as if nothing was really happening. For many years, I didn’t feel called to try it again. In hindsight, I can see that the timing simply wasn’t aligned. I was moving through a deep unravelling, surfacing from what felt like every long unconscious slumber. In that season of my life, it was the deep, immersive journeys (the bigger doses) that held me, cracked me open, and helped me remember who I truly am.

Now, in a more integrated space, I’ve returned to microdosing with a new level of reverence. It’s become a powerful ally in my daily rhythm, softening anxiety, sparking creativity, and gently anchoring me into a more open-hearted, compassionate way of being.

So, what exactly is microdosing psilocybin?

Microdosing psilocybin is a natural way to improve mood, creativity, and productivity by consuming very low, sub-hallucinogenic doses of psychoactive mushrooms. The practice involves taking small, sub-perceptual amounts of the psychedelic compound over an extended period. Advocates claim that microdosing can enhance focus, boost energy, and reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Some research suggests that psilocybin can promote neuroplasticity and stimulate the growth of new brain cells, leading to improved cognitive function.

How does microdosing work?

The exact mechanisms by which microdosing psilocybin works are not yet fully understood, as research in this area is still in its early stages. However, some studies and anecdotal reports suggest that microdosing psilocybin may work by modulating the activity of serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, cognition, and behaviour. Psilocybin is a structural analogue of serotonin and can bind to serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered activity in certain regions and neural pathways.

Microdosing psilocybin is thought to work by enhancing the availability of serotonin in the brain, which may lead to changes in mood, perception, and cognition. Additionally, psilocybin has been shown to increase neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections and adapt to changing environments. This could lead to improved cognitive function and mental flexibility, which may explain some of the reported benefits of microdosing, such as increased creativity and productivity. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which microdosing psilocybin works and its potential therapeutic applications.

I believe that microdosing psilocybin can be a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation. It can help us to break out of old patterns of thought and behaviour, and to see ourselves and the world in a new light. ~ Paul Stamets

What is a typical microdose?

In general, a microdose of psilocybin is usually around 5 to 10 percent of a regular dose. To illustrate, a standard dose of mushrooms ranges from one to one and a half grams, while a microdose would be between 50 to 150 milligrams.

How often should I microdose psilocybin?

When beginning a microdosing journey, it’s important to feel into a rhythm that honours your unique body and energetic flow. There’s no ‘universal formula’, only what aligns with where you are and what your soul is calling in. Some find that dosing every third day allows space for integration and prevents building a tolerance. Others resonate with a daily protocol for a set period, such as 30 days on followed by 30 days of rest.

This is deeply personal work, and the path you choose should reflect your own intuitive knowing. For me, a month on and a month off feels most supportive. It’s simple and spacious. I know that for 30 days I rise and meet the medicine, and for the next 30 I allow the experience to settle, deepen and weave into my being. I’ve noticed that my system needs a bit of time to adjust when I begin, so stopping and starting in shorter bursts doesn’t serve me well.

We are each so beautifully different. Listen inward, trust yourself, and let your journey unfold in the way that feels right for you. You may find it helpful to keep a journal – tracking your flow, your feelings, and the subtle shifts that emerge along the way.

What are the benefits of microdosing psilocybin?

Early research by organizations such as the John Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) suggests that psilocybin may offer a promising option for patients with treatment-resistant depression, as well as veterans and others with post-traumatic stress disorder. However, there are also other benefits of microdosing psilocybin that can improve daily life. Many people report experiencing relief from stress and anxiety, better sleep, and improved problem-solving skills due to enhanced creativity and divergent thinking. Read more about the various doses’ benefits and risks here »

Overall, anecdotal evidence suggests that microdosing psilocybin can significantly improve mood and outlook, with continued use leading to improvements in various areas of life. While psilocybin cultivation is currently illegal, the future of microdosing with this substance seems promising, with the potential for it to become more widely available and the stigma surrounding it gradually fading away.

Are there risks to micordosing?

Psychedelics are potent substances, and it is advisable not to combine them with alcohol or any other drugs, including prescription medications while microdosing. Some experts even suggest avoiding stimulants such as coffee. If you are currently taking prescription medication, it is recommended that you wait for three to four hours before microdosing. For individuals who are new to microdosing, it is crucial to do so in a comfortable and safe environment while maintaining a positive mindset. Your intentions and state of mind can significantly influence your experience.

In essence, microdosing psilocybin has shown great potential to support those moving through depression, anxiety, or emotional heaviness, and can also gently awaken creative flow. Perhaps most beautifully, it offers a tender path back to the heart…softening the edges, deepening presence, and reconnecting us to a more loving, compassionate way of being.

NOTE: As always, speak to your healthcare provider and do the research before making any decisions about consuming any medicine, may it be psychedelics or prescription drugs.