Psilocybin mushrooms are hallucinogenic fungi that contain the naturally occurring psychoactive compound psilocybin. As research on psilocybin continues to show promise, psilocybin therapy is growing, as is coverage and decriminalization of these entheogenic fungi. You’ve likely heard of the potential benefits after just a single dose of this psychoactive molecule. Studies have shown decreases in depressed mood and anxiety, as well as an increase in overall quality of life.
Some researchers have theorized psilocybin has the potential to “reset” or “rewire” the brain, while anecdotal reports suggest long-lasting enhancements in personal growth, increased creativity and self-awareness, and a deeper appreciation of nature and relationships. With all the merited buzz around psilocybin, many have begun to wonder how it could make a positive impact in their lives. Understanding how to incorporate psilocybin can be a great place to start when unraveling the therapeutic benefits psychedelics have to offer.
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Implementing a microdosing routine
Microdosing can be an effective way to introduce psilocybin use on a weekly basis. The term microdosing means to consume unnoticeable amounts of a psychedelic substance. Many who have implemented this practice report higher levels of creativity, more energy, increased focus, and improved relational skills, as well as reduced anxiety, stress, and even depression. In fact, research on psilocybin use has shown subsequent long-term effects for treatment-resistant depression patients. Although most psychedelic research is based upon the use of high doses, there has been research on microdosing psychedelics linking microdosing to better mood and focus.
Generally, those interested in microdosing are seeking to reduce the frequency and intensity of undesirable states caused by mental illness, such as PTSD, mood disorders, ADHD, addiction, anxiety, or depression. Conversely, they may be interested in increasing the frequency and intensity of desired outcomes, such as creativity, energy, flow states, focus, and productivity. Either way, it seems that many people use microdosing for its potential to drive personal growth. If you’d like to learn more about how to microdose, our Microdosing Course will provide you with a personalized, hands-on microdosing protocol that’s backed by science.
Mind expansion through macrodosing
A macrodose, or therapeutic dose of psilocybin, can have a wide range of effects based on specific dosage. Unlike microdosing, a macrodose is intended to be consumed less frequently and requires proper preparation and possible psychedelic integration post-journey. Potential benefits of a macrodose can include, but are not limited to: lasting beneficial changes in personality, behaviors, values, and overall attitudes; decreased depressive mood and anxiety; and increases in creativity and feelings of unity and interconnectedness. All of these outcomes could lead to personal development. To see a full list of potential benefits, check out our Ultimate Guide to Psilocybin Mushrooms.
Personalizing psilocybin use
Whether it be through microdosing or a higher therapeutic dose, incorporating psilocybin can be personalized to fit your lifestyle. Reaping the benefits of microdosing not only offers a routine way to use psilocybin, but it allows you to access its healing potential without the enhanced psychoactive experience. For its part, macrodosing offers a psychedelic experience tailored to your needs through a specific dosage. Implementing a psilocybin regime can guide you towards increased self-awareness, creativity, and overall quality of life—and may even spur long-lasting self-improvement.
Looking to further improve focus and cognitive abilities? Take a look at the microdosing protocol of The Stamets Stack, which is a nootropic complex of the functional mushrooms lion’s mane, niacin, and psilocybin.
If you want to find out more about the topic check out our podcast interview with Greg Ferenstein where we talk about Ethnography, Truffle Retreats, And Tracking Transformation or Click here to read the transcript
I was diagnosed with MS when I was 34, back in 2007. I have had two terrible exacerbations that left me unable to walk for a few months each time and lingering numbness to my hands and legs. back in 2019 I stopped all of my pharmaceutical medications for MS and incorporated a whole food plant based diet with the exception of fish a couple of times a week. My fiancé had been reading about macrodosing with mushrooms and we grew our own psilocybin mushrooms, B+, and I had great results with treating my MS. We started with 0.2mg, twice a day when I had a flare up this last June. I was walking with a limp and had severe muscle spasms and numbness. After 2 months of macrodosing with this strain, I am in remission and walking without a limp and no difficulty. I still have some numbness in my hands which is permanent nerve damage. I can’t say enough about the power of these psilocybin mushrooms. They have helped me get my life back. THEY ARE MEDICINE!!!! I know they don’t have enough studies to back the medical science behind psilocybin mushrooms but one day they will and I hope people will be able to treat this horrible disease with them and not all the harmful and expensive pharmaceuticals they try to prescribe.