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MICRODOSING GUIDE

Microdosing Psilocybin: Why People Are Doing It

People microdose for all kinds of reasons… to lift mood, spark creativity, sharpen focus, deepen empathy, or just feel more alive and connected. Science is beginning to catch up with what many have known anecdotally for years… that microdosing supports your heart, mind, body, soul, strength and vibe.

Microdosing psilocybin is the practice of taking very small, sub-hallucinogenic amounts of magic mushrooms… just enough to spark subtle shifts without sending you on a full psychedelic journey. Over the past several years, this practice has gone from underground curiosity to mainstream fascination. Several U.S. cities have even decriminalized psilocybin, and the FDA has granted it “breakthrough therapy” status, clearing the path for more rigorous research.

The Historical and Scientific Basis for Microdosing

How Psilocybin Works

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound in the tryptamine family, found in over 180 species of magic mushrooms. The most common species are Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe semilanceata, Psilocybe cyanescens, and Panaeolus. TruBlu Micromycos uses Psilocybe cubensis, the most widely studied and accessible variety.

When ingested, psilocybin is converted to psilocin in the body. Psilocin binds to serotonin receptors, especially the 5-HT2A receptor, and sparks a cascade of neurological changes. So psilocin acts like serotonin, one of our primary “feel-good” neurotransmitters, which affects virtually everything we do, from how we feel to the way we process information. When psilocybin binds to the 5-HT2A  receptor, it increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which stimulates growth, connections, and activity in the brain. Psilocybin also enhances glutamate, a neurotransmitter that supports important brain functions such as cognition, learning, and memory. Clearly, psilocybin’s serotonin-related effects can impact a wide range of our life experiences.

It’s All in the Scans

Using fluorescence microscopy and electrophysiology, a study at University of California, Davis revealed that psilocybin stimulates new growth of brain cells and synapse formation, a process called neurogenesis. Along with psilocybin’s unique power of neurogenesis, psilocybin also helps the brain create new connections by reducing the activity of our Default Mode Network (DMN). The DMN is where we tend to hang out in our brain. It’s responsible for mental activities such as day-dreaming, analyzing ourselves and others, and thinking about the past or the future. But a highly active DMN causes us to ruminate, over-analyze, and  to question the past and the future, all of which can make us unhappy. In fact, some studies suggest that depression is linked to an overactive DMN. 

Johns Hopkins compared brain scans of participants after psilocybin use, and confirmed that psilocybin dampens DMN activity, creating feelings of unity, presence, and ego dissolution. The University of Maryland, Baltimore, used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and similarly found that psilocybin quiets the DMN, and arouses emotional and mystical experiences. Last but not least, work from the Beckley/Imperial Research Programme shows that psilocybin lights up previously underused parts of the brain, forming new neural connections and boosting cognitive flexibility. Simply put, your brain starts working in ways it rarely does.

A Brief History of Magic Mushrooms

Not surprisingly, history shows that humans have likely been experimenting with psychedelic mushrooms for ages. Ancient murals in Northern Australia, dated to around 10,000 BCE, depict mushrooms in ways that suggest ritual use. Evidence can be found around the world indicating that nearly all ancient cultures used entheogenic mushrooms of one kind or another, and recognized these fungi as sacred tools for healing, insight, and connection.

Psilocybin was introduced to the West in 1799 after a British family unknowingly picked and ate a bunch of psilocybin mushrooms from the banks of the Thames, which changed the taxonomy of the mushroom, classifying it as psychedelic. But psilocybin mushrooms finally gained notoriety thanks to Gordon and Valeria Wasson who, in 1957, traveled to Central America to try them under the guidance of two local shamans. Highly impressed by their experiences, the couple published an article in LIFE magazine, which introduced the world to “magic mushrooms.” This inspired Timothy Leary and colleagues at Harvard to study psilocybin scientifically, until its prohibition in the late 1960s froze research for decades.

30 years later however, the University of Zurich revived psilocybin research, and this catalyzed research at other institutions. For the past 25 years, numerous studies have delved into the science of magic mushrooms, and the evidence of psilocybin’s powerful properties in mounting.

The Microdosing Movement

Albert Hofmann, the father of LSD, was one of the first to explore microdosing. He microdosed for decades and was a proponent of microdosing, saying it should be researched scientifically. This was eventually brought to the attention of Dr. James Fadiman, who in 2011, published the book, “The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys,” collected hundreds of personal reports, mapping out the effects of psilocybin microdosing in daily life.

Popular interest in microdosing was officially initiated in 2011 with the publication of Fadiman’s which not only coined the term “microdosing,” it provided practical information for anyone interested in experimenting with microdosing. Another boost for the popularity of microdosing came when Ayelet Waldman published her 2016 book, A Really Good Day: How Microdosing Made a Mega Difference in my Mood, My Marriage, and My Life, which tracked her 30-day process of microdosing psilocybin, which significantly supported her through menopause. And through his lectures and interviews, renowned mycologist and psilocybin-enthusiast Paul Stamets also helped bring microdosing into the forefront of the mainstream. As of 2023, some 8 million people have reported using psilocybin, with half of those people stating their last use was a microdose. 

The Science of Microdosing

The thing is, there’s actually very little science behind the actual practice of microdosing psilocybin. Rationale for this growing trend is based on what we understand about psilocybin itself, on studies that have been done with larger quantities of psilocybin, and on the few studies we have on microdosing. Based on this cumulative information, the idea is that taking smaller amounts of psilocybin on a daily basis will have similar effects over a longer period of time, without going through full-on psychedelic experiences.  

The most information we have about microdosing psilocybin is from Dr. James Farridan’s 2018 collection of self-reported benefits. For this study, over 18 months more than a thousand individuals from 59 countries evaluated negative and positive emotional states while microdosing, and submitted weekly and monthly reports, which revealed major improvements in mood, energy, focus, work effectiveness, and lifestyle habits. Participants also reported relief from migraines, PMS, traumatic brain injury, and other benefits not previously associated with psychedelic use.

A number of observational studies showed lower scores on measures of dysfunctional attitudes and negative emotionality, and higher on wisdom, openmindedness, and creativity, when compared to non-microdosing controls, as well as enhanced creativity, problem-solving, focus, and a greater appreciation of art, music, and nature.

Yet another self-reporting study in 2020 collected data from 1100 international psilocybin microdosers, and found that a full 80% of participants felt that their mental health had improved because of microdosing. 

But here’s something important to note… current science also says microdosing psilocybin works by placebo effect. In 2021 The Imperial College London conducted a huge “citizen-blind” study, and their data showed the magic worked for everyone! The general interpretation of this is that microdosing may not be what we assume it to be. Time will tell. There is still far more research to do, and so far, all the research has had its limitations. (We think the “placebo effect” in this case has something to do with alpha brain waves and electron entrainment, but that’s a whole different paper!)

How Microdosing Psilocybin Can Help

Depression and Mood Disorders

Even at higher doses, psilocybin is consistently effective at alleviating depression and anxiety. Microdosing studies and reports across the board indicate similar benefits… improved mood, emotional resilience, and reduced anxiety symptoms.

Cognitive Function and Creativity

Psilocybin promotes neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, and microdosers say they experience sharper focus, deeper engagement, enhanced problem-solving abilities and bursts of creativity. Studies report reductions in mind-wandering, increased productivity, and more flow moments… that blissful state of being completely absorbed in what you’re doing. 

Mental Health, Addiction, and Anxiety

Microdosing may support quitting or reducing alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine use. Evidence also points to benefits for OCD, PTSD, and ADHD. While some studies show mixed results for anxiety, most suggest an overall positive effect.

Personality and Confidence 

Some microdosers perceive themselves to be more organized, responsible and determined after microdosing. Studies show that using psilocybin can lead to lasting positive changes in the personality… from concerns, goals, and identity, to imagination, appreciation of art and nature, and a greater tolerance of others. 

Meditation and Spirituality

Psilocybin cultivates mindfulness, empathy, and spiritual insight. Brain imaging suggests that microdosing is nearly identical to meditative states, and participants describe increased feelings of peace, altruism, gratitude, and interconnectedness.

Energy, Exercise, and Yoga

Many athletes microdosing psilocybin report heightened sensory awareness, coordination, and concentration, elevated energy levels, increased motivation, more enjoyment of the experience, extended time spent in the activity, and enhanced flow states.

Inflammation, Pain, and Cluster Headaches

Psilocybin’s serotonergic properties also confer anti-inflammatory effects. Self-reports relate relief from migraines, cluster headaches, and pain-related mood disturbances as well as pain relief from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, fibromyalgia and nerve pain. 

Best Practices for Microdosing

The Power of Intention

We begin with intention… intention is key. Psilocybin primes your brain for change, but the way we create new patterns and behaviors, shift our attitudes and perceptions, and literally change our minds, is through the power of choice, with or without the support of psilocybin. Conscious choice drives lasting transformation. Setting intentions signals your subconscious that positive shifts are coming, inviting your ego to participate rather than resist. The ego, like a child, is more likely to participate in the process of growing when it feels safe.

The plant medicine extracts that each TruBlu formula is stacked with is another way to work with setting your intention, so pair your microdosing with specific goals to amplify results. For example, deepen your meditation practice with SOUL capsules. Last but not least, gratitude is a very important part of intention setting. Blessing your medicine, and giving thanks for the ways that it will help and heal you, lends even more potency to the process.

Dosage: Microdosing is highly individual: 50–200 mg is typical, with TruBlu products providing 100 mg per dose. Feel free to play around with what works for you, keeping in mind the other plant medicines have also been carefully dosed out for you.

Timing: Morning for energizing formulas, evening for relaxation (like SOUL). One or two doses per day, timed as you like. Keep in mind, the more you use, the longer your intervals should be to prevent building a tolerance.

Frequency: Feel into this and follow your intuition. To help prevent desensitization, many suggest microdosing for five days and then take two days off (this is our preference here at TruBlu). Paul Stamets recommends four days on, three off, while Fadiman suggests every-third-day dosing.

Final Microdosing Tips

  • When you try microdosing for the first time, it’s a good idea to take a day off from work, school or social engagements. This will give you the opportunity to notice any unusual effects before microdosing in a more public setting.
  • Some people don’t notice the effects for several days after, or on their “days off.” 
  • It’s important to follow your usual routine when you are microdosing psilocybin. The aim is to improve your daily existence by integrating microdosing, so don’t change what you normally do.   
  • Some people report that microdosing long-term can start to have negative effects, or the opposite of the positive effects they had experienced. It may be wise to follow a microdose regimen of 30-60 days, and then take a longer break, allowing the mind and body to adapt to the changes that have been created. 
  • Some people have found it helpful to observe the process and take notes in a journal. This can support you to set your intentions, perfect your personal protocols, and note the positive changes happening for you. While it may seem like you will only feel the effects of microdoses on the days you take them, also try to observe the effects on the days off between doses as well.  
  • Remember, these mushrooms are called “entheogens,” meaning, “god within.” They are, in their own way, alive and want to work with you! Trust. Trust yourself, trust the mushrooms, trust the process. We hope you enjoy your experience!