Posted by Get their permission first. Ha! *Slaps knee*
Microdosing psychedelics, whether the common “shroom”, LSD, or a developed tablet or capsule as sold through trusted vendors, is really a matter of reading the instructions to a T, then re-reading them, then following them. To give an example, the listed vendor above has a microdose mushroom tablet product in their listings. On the listing itself, the product is described as having two servings per tablet, with half a tablet equating to 2.5mg of their proprietary blend. This is sufficient to get a microdose for this specific product.
For LSD, the microdose recommendations sit between 5 to 20 micrograms. This is because, for most products, a microdose is informally defined as a dosage of about 5% of a normal active dosage. This range can be reduced to 1%, and whether or not someone will quote one definition over the other depends entirely on their own personal experiences, the substance being used, and from where they get their information. Neither is more correct than the other when trying to find an absolute definition as microdosing is a relatively new practice and has just about zero scientific evidence supporting or denying its efficacy. That is to say, it’s a practice not found in any textbook.
Safely Consuming a Microdose
Once you know what and how much of a substance you’ll be ingesting, you’ll need to understand two very important things; why you’re ingesting the substance and how to prepare for it.
The why is going to be equal parts pragmatic as they are philosophical. Most people microdose for the anecdotal benefits associated with the practice: clear-headedness, an elevated mood, a greater sense of artistic creativity, and the list goes on.
Philosophically, things will vary greatly. Some people try microdosing for the sake of experimentation, some people do it to replicate a very consistent outcome that they enjoy. Whether to improve your time socializing, writing, painting, or doing some other hobby, understanding your goals will be paramount to managing your expectations properly.
Speaking of expectations, the last part of the why should include a knowledge of what things microdosing doesn’t do. Microdosing doesn’t solve social problems magically. Microdosing isn’t a lasting solution to bouts of depression or anxiety. Microdosing won’t turn a poor writer into a good one, and microdosing cannot even begin to help you get past Consort Radahn. It isn’t a miracle practice, it’s an experimental one with minor, inconsistent benefits. Knowing what to expect will keep you from pushing things past their recommended dosages and prevent you from being underwhelmed.
Secondly, you’ll need to know how to prepare and, honestly, there’s a pretty easy guideline to follow with this: if you have a trusted and close friend or loved one who would like to participate, have them around. Company can be doubly enjoyable when microdosing. If you have any greenery around that you’d like to relax in, setup some chairs and make them comfy in case you want to spend some time outside.
Additionally, and this is mightily important, stock up on water, whole meals, and some of your favorite snacks. Obviously if you’re able to read this article, then you’re probably aware that these things are required to live in general, but microdosing introduces foreign substances to your body that can cause dehydration or bring about the feeling of peckishness. Drink water. Eat food. (That you enjoy.)
In Summary
Safely microdosing goes in equal measure with preparing to make a microdose experience maximally enjoyable. Always double check the recommended dosages, make sure you get your substance from a trusted vendor, and then triple check that everything is in order before beginning.
After that, do the simple work of stocking your fridge with water, juice, snacks, and, if you really feel like keeping things prepared proper-like, pre-cooked whole meals with a bit of carbs, proteins, and fibers. Bonus points if you can microdose with a friend around and doubly bonus points for those who wait for some sunshine and greenery to make themselves present before delving into the world that is minorly changing the ways your brain functions for small amount of time.
See “Psychedelic Mushrooms: Different Kinds for Different Minds.”