Mushrooms containing psilocybin are widespread throughout the world, and the use of psilocybin mushrooms has become quite popular among people. Currently, psilocybin, as a substance from the group of classic psychedelics, is used most abundantly in field research. This is also because it can be administered relatively easily and at the same time has a short duration of action.
Studies On Psychedelic Mushrooms
Psilocybes (genus Psilocybe) have a significant and interesting history of research in modern society. Among the most famous experiments of the last century is the "Good Friday Experiment," in which doctor Walter Pahnke gave theology students half a placebo and half psilocybin. As part of the Harvard psilocybin project, he investigated whether this substance can mediate a religious experience. The methodology of this research has been subject to criticism. Nevertheless, they left the students together for the service, and within half an hour, it was clear from their expressions who took the placebo and which "lucky ones" got the psilocybin. Those who received the placebo sat quietly and stared at the altar. The other half was variously rolling on the benches or on the ground, some singing, some crying, laughing.
As for now, psilocybin is emerging as a promising tool for the treatment of mental illnesses with depressive and anxiety symptoms. However, the exception is, for example, diseases from the psychotic spectrum. Almost 10% of the US population has experience with psychedelic mushrooms. Mushrooms are thus the third most used illegal psychoactive substance after cannabis and ecstasy. In an online survey of psychedelic users as part of the National Psychedelic Research, mushrooms ranked second, with roughly 68% of respondents having experience with them. The following data is based on a file of 928 users. The respondents came from a good socio-economic background. There were more female users (64%) than male users (35%) of mushrooms in the study population, which is quite surprising compared to representative surveys of the National Center on Drugs and Addiction or other psychedelic surveys. The representation of women usually prevails only in the use of psychotropic drugs. The mentioned survey is not representative. Therefore this data cannot be generalized.
In the survey, respondents reported a mostly positive effect on various areas of life, from improvement in mental problems (40%), especially depressive and anxiety symptoms, to a positive effect on their relationship with themselves, nature and others. However, a non-negligible part (22%) also observed deterioration. After the substance wore off, they developed symptoms of depersonalization and derealization, psychotic symptoms, and anxiety. The results of the survey lack information on whether the respondents felt improvement or deterioration in the short or long term.
Indeed, psilocybin is promising as a tool for treating mental illness with depressive and anxiety symptoms, which characterize a substantial portion of mental illness. However, the exception is precisely diseases from the psychotic spectrum. Some severe personality disorders and acute severe psychological problems are sometimes added to the exclusion criteria. Hence, to avoid these kinds of adverse effects, microdosing mushrooms can be helpful.
What Is Microdosing?
Microdosing is the planned consumption of low doses of psychedelics such as mushrooms. The purpose is not to have a whole psychedelic experience or to experience psychedelic effects at all. The doses are rather sub-perceptual: meaning that the effects are very subtle but can have a noticeable effect on your daily life. Microdosing users often report an elevated high, creativity boost, energy, focus, and relationship skills. In addition, many microdosers say that microdosing psilocybin improves their daily activities.
Microdosing psilocybin has received much-deserved attention recently. Since 2010, Silicon Valley has become mainstream, which is supported by scientific knowledge. Over the past years, microdosing has made huge strides to enter the world of popular knowledge and medical status. But what exactly is mushroom microdosing? Simply put, it involves ingesting a small amount of a psychedelic substance (10-20% of a normal dose), such as psilocybin (mushrooms). However, microdosing is not consumed every day. Microdosing can be a new "morning coffee" for many people. It may sound a little bizarre when you think about taking the substance to "not to trip," but just grasp the valuable benefits of it. So why would anyone take microdoses? Well, microdosing with psilocybin has yielded many benefits: increased creativity, alertness, concentration, more energy and enthusiasm, greater sensitivity and connection with the environment, more openness and gratitude to the social environment, and establishing relationships.
These benefits may seem too miraculous and cutting-edge, but testimonials and clinical evidence point in that direction. Later, small clinical trials began to be conducted in both the US and Europe, increasing in number around 2010. Microdosing as practice began to build a rationale based on real, reputable data. In November 2018, microdosing was a big hit!
How To Microdose?
Option 1: You can microdose every 3 days. On day 1 - before noon, consume a 1g serving. The effects of microdoses of psilocybin will last throughout the day. On day 2 - do not micro-dose because you will still feel the small, subtle effects. On day 3 you can rest and repeat this sequence of psilocybin microdoses as needed.
Option 2: You can microdose every other day. On day 1 - you can take 1g of serving (before noon). And on day 2 - you do not microdose. On the next day, you can repeat.
The Benefits Of Microdosing Mushrooms
Microdosing psilocybin is reported to have many benefits. These come from both scientific research and many anecdotal testimonies. The advantages tend to be the following:
- Improving mental health (for example, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression)
- Increased performance
- Improving and facilitating social interactions
- Enhanced creativity
- Energy boost
- Increased focus
- Relief from physical symptoms (such as tension, headaches, and muscle aches). Soothes menstrual cramps and mood.
Many more studies are currently underway, and 2023 can be a year of great success for microdosing mushrooms as a cutting-edge medical practice. Although microdosing as a field of science is not much older than a teenager, the findings so far are generally encouraging. One should not be ashamed to expect it to become common practice in the coming decade. Thanks to the hard work of researchers and influencers conducting trials and awareness campaigns, the world of psychedelic microdosing is growing every day. Its history is becoming more and more established as a possible major step in the world of medicine.