New to magic mushrooms? Uncertain about preparing a microdose? Prepare your own magic mushrooms into small, daily doses is a simple yet powerful task.
Not only is it an affordable way to approach microdosing, but it allows you to set a clear intention. You retain complete control on dose size, ingredients, and process.
As we launch into our Microdosing Challenging
Let's Talk About Threshold
Before we begin the preparation of our psilocybin mushrooms, we first need to discuss your threshold. Remember, microdosing isn't about tripping. It's about a gentle, sub-perceptual experience.
While a microdose may create subtle shifts in our mind, body, and spirit, it should not create visual distortions, discomfort, or a 'high.'
Finding your threshold is an intensely personal practice. The doses recommended by Fadiman (1/10th or 1/20th a standard recreational dose) or Stamets (1-10mg) are only suggestions. Start with one of these, but adjust as needed.
How to Assess Your Threshold
Based on your starting dose, how do you know if it's delivering sub-perceptual benefits without tipping into more perceptual psychedelics territory? The key is careful observation of experiential effects.
Using Odin: Microdosing Journal or another tracking system, monitor how you feel on a daily basis. This goes for both dosing days and non-dosing days.
If you experience any of the following, you may want to lower your dose by a few milligrams (for example, from 0.10 mg to 0.08 mg):
Headache
Dry, red eyes
Changes in appetite
Fatigue or exhaustion
Lightheadedness
Anxiety
Shifts in sensory perceptions (visual, or otherwise)
By the same token, what if you need to increase your microdose? If you haven't experienced any of the above adverse effects, you may want to test a slight increase.
Within your journal, keep notes on any positive changes in emotional awareness, mood, energy, creativity, or other sensations associated with microdosing. After a cycle of microdosing (Stamets is a seven-day cycle, and Fadiman's is a three-day cycle), did you note any positive shifts? If not, increase your dose by 0.01 to 0.03 mg and start again.
Let's Begin! Preparing Your Microdose
In the initial stages of your microdosing journey, it's best to prepare one cycle of doses at a time. This allows you the space to adjust as you determine your threshold.
If you've never handled psilocybin mushrooms before, they are safe to handle with clean, dry hands. It is also safe to use kitchen equipment (scales, grinders), provided you wipe clean after use. Always keep prepared microdoses out of reach of children, pets. Label clearly to prevent accidents.
What You'll Need:
3+ Grams Psilocybin Mushrooms
Coffee or Spice Grinder
Scale Accurate to 0.01 Grams
Glass Jar with Airtight Lid
Odin: Microdosing Journal (or Other Journal)
Empty Capsules (optional)
Small Spoon or Nail (optional)
How to Prepare a Microdose:
Add mushrooms into a clean coffee grinder, and pulse until powdered. Work in batches if needed. Don't forget to wipe clean with a damp paper towel after use.
Add powdered mushrooms into a clean glass jar. Seal when not in use.
Using a scale accurate to 0.01 grams, measure out your desired dose (for example. 0.10 grams).
Make a note of the dose within your journal for future reflection and adjustment if needed.
If using capsules, open and fill the larger end with the measured microdose. Place the end on once filled, and press to seal. A small spoon, nail, or another tool may help make filing easier.
If not using capsules, you may wish to fold your prepared microdose into a small square of paper for safekeeping until ready to dose. Plastic baggies are not recommended.
Are You Ready for the Challenge?
With your first cycle of microdoses prepared, it's time to begin the February Microdosing Challenge. The challenge will guide you through finding your threshold, setting intentions, taking time to reflect, and discovering your potential. Grab your journal and a microdosing kit, and let's get started.