Introduction
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a powerful psychedelic substance with a long history of both recreational use and scientific investigation. While higher doses are renowned for inducing profound psychological and perceptual effects, there has been a surge of interest in "microdosing"—or taking sub-perceptual doses—for potential cognitive, emotional, and therapeutic benefits.
How to Adjust the Dose: A Step-by-Step Guide
Finding the right microdose for you requires a careful and methodical approach. The process involves several steps, from measuring your initial dose to making adjustments based on your experiences.
Step 1: Measure Your Initial Dose—Your Baseline
James Fadiman, one of the pioneers of psychedelic research, suggests starting with a dose that is approximately 1/10 of a full psychedelic dose. For LSD, this is usually around 10 micrograms (ug). However, sensitivity to LSD varies among individuals, so it's recommended to start even lower at around 5ug.
Step 2: Dose Increment or Decrement
After taking your initial 5ug dose, wait a few days and then consider adjusting the dose up or down by increments of approximately 5ug, based on your experience. In my experience, my sweet spot was at 15ug, so it took me approximately 3 trials to find out.
Step 3: Dosage Schedule
Microdosing is not usually a daily regimen. A commonly recommended schedule is to microdose once every fourth day. This pattern allows for a day of the dose, a day to observe any after-effects, and then a couple of days off to return to baseline before dosing again.
Step 4: Observe and Adjust
After each microdose, carefully observe how you feel throughout the day. You might also want to keep a journal of your mood, focus, creativity, and overall well-being. If you find that 10ug - 15ug is too intense, causing jitteriness or perceptual changes, consider lowering the dose. Conversely, if you don't notice any effect, you may want to increase the dose incrementally, always being cautious not to surpass the "sub-perceptual" limit, where the dose becomes a mini-trip.
Will LSD Interfere with My Sleep?
The question of sleep is important, given that poor sleep can counteract many of the benefits you might be seeking from microdosing. LSD stimulates the serotonin receptors, and it also increases dopamine, both of which have the potential to disrupt sleep patterns. The duration of action for LSD is typically around 8-12 hours, and the elimination half-life is approximately 3.6 hours. Given these pharmacokinetics, taking LSD later in the day is more likely to interfere with sleep.
Recommendation: Take your microdose in the morning to minimize the potential for sleep disturbances.
Conclusion
Microdosing LSD is a practice that many claim can bring about subtle but meaningful improvements in well-being, focus, and creativity. However, it's crucial to approach it with caution, awareness, and education. Monitoring the effects and adjusting the dose carefully can help you find your "sweet spot," but always consult with a healthcare professional if you are taking other medications or have existing health conditions.
If you are looking for a microdosing journal that helps you find your sweet spot and track your progress, look no further that ODIN. The first and only microdosing journal for beginners.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before attempting any form of drug use.