Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, is having a moment. Psilocybin was recently decriminalized in Seattle, and experts from across the country have been studying it to see if it can help with depression and anxiety.
Microdosing psilocybin, or taking small doses of psychedelics to experience their potentially beneficial side effects, has grown in popularity among those seeking to reduce anxiety or boost creativity.
Is, however, microdosing safe? Is psilocybin useful for treating mental illnesses? You can find out everything you need to know about it right here.
History of Microdose
Microdosing can refer to the administration of a small dose of a psychedelic substance or to the administration of specialized supplements. Psychoactive substances such as magic mushrooms, LSD, and mescaline are classified as psychedelics. They alter how your brain functions by disrupting communication between brain cells.
Indigenous communities have utilized psychedelics in holy ceremonies for ages. They were also intensively examined in the 1950s and 1960s by scientists and psychiatrists interested in learning more about how the drugs affected the brain.
When delivered in a controlled setting, such as a laboratory or a therapist’s office, they can occasionally provoke psychotic symptoms. However, in little doses, they typically result in an increase in creativity, happiness, and decreased anxiety.
Microdosing has also been used to refer to the practice of taking extremely small amounts of specific supplements, such as the nootropic L-theanine contained in coffee beans. Today, microdosing in Canada and other parts of the world is recognized for its ability to relieve stress and anxiety over time, but too much intake can be dangerous.
How Does Microdosing Work?
Microdosing is the practice of taking a little dose of a psychedelic substance, typically LSD or psilocybin, daily. Microdosing mushroom users claim that it makes them happier, more energized, and more focused. Specific individuals are drawn to microdosing because they believe it will assist them in cleaning up their act or increasing their productivity.
When you hear the phrase “microdosing,” you may presume it refers to a specific dose of the hallucinogenic chemicals, such as ten micrograms of LSD. This is not the case, however, with microdosing. It is a term that refers to the practice of taking a very low amount of a psychedelic drug on a daily basis.
How Do Psychedelics Help Relieve Anxiety and Depression?
According to Matthew W. Johnson, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, psychedelics have been used to improve spiritual ceremonies for thousands of years. They are increasingly being used to assist those who are struggling with mental health difficulties. Drugs like psilocybin or LSD can help support psychotherapy, Johnson added.
When combined with talk therapy, psilocybin and LSD have been found to help reduce symptoms of severe despair and anxiety associated with life-threatening cancer diagnoses. According to some research, psychedelics’ therapeutic effects can continue for years.
How to Use Psychedelics Safely?
While magic mushrooms microdose are generally considered to be safe, they have the potential to develop habits and become mentally addictive. If you intend to use magic mushrooms to treat anxiety or depression, or if you intend to microdose with LSD or psilocybin, you must exercise caution. What you should keep in mind is the following:
- Always purchase drugs from a reliable supplier. Purchase psychedelics only from a trusted source, such as a friend or a reputable dealer. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan if the item is too weak or too firm so that you can adjust the dose accordingly.
- While microdosing is gaining popularity, it is critical to remember that psychedelics are not a panacea. There is no evidence that microdosing can be used alone to treat a mental health disorder, and psychedelics should be used in conjunction with rather than in place of traditional therapy. Pregnancy is not the time for psychedelic experimentation. Psychedelics should be avoided while trying to conceive or while pregnant. There is a shortage of research on the prenatal development consequences of psychedelic substances.
- It is vital to be aware of the dosage of medication you are taking. A lethal overdose of psychedelics is possible, and some persons are more sensitive to them than others. If this is your first time with micro dosing, begin with a single little dose and wait at least one day to see how it affects you.
To Conclude
For years, mental diseases have been a burden on our society. We will develop more effective medications and therapies for these conditions in the future, and microdosing may play a role.
Psychedelics are highly addictive mood-altering drugs that can be lethal when misused. Consult your physician before attempting to treat anxiety or depression with LSD, magic mushrooms, or any other psychedelic medicine. We hope this essay clarified microdosing for you and wish you the best of success on your mental health journey!
