Microdosing refers to the ingestion of a sub-perceptual dose of certain psychoactive drugs; In this case psilocybin.
Using a low dose of psilocybin regularly for the treatment of depression, anxiety, or to provide an increase in overall energy and emotional well-being.
Microdosing is becoming increasingly researched in the medical field for its serotonin mimicking properties.
The Benefits of Microdosing:
Clinical trials have shown that microdosing can induce an experience that is both safe, and effective.
Research indicates microdosing can induce an experience of profound and lasting psychological and behavioral changes.
Anecdotal evidence suggests microdosing results in the experience of mind expansion accompanied by spiritual overtones.
Prevents neural habituation by increasing the ability of the neurons to communicate and form new connections. These new connections then form new patterns of brain activity.
Neurons that fire together, wire together! Ability for the brain to change itself is called neuroplasticity.
Allows for the breaking down of the rigid self perceptions of normal waking consciousness.
Decreases activity in the Default Mode Network (DMN) of the brain. The DMN is very active under conditions of vigilance and depression.
The DMN is directly responsible for self-referential processing, also known as the sense of self. Microdosing disrupts the inner identity that is unwell.
Psilocybin decreases the activity in the DMN much like mediation does.
The DMN is involved in the autobiographical story of ourselves. When engaged, the DMN consumes approximately 80% of the brain's energy; which has implications for OCD, generalized anxiety, and major depressive disorder.
Microdosing psilocybin shuts down predictive coding responsible for prediction, projections, and rumination, just as meditation does. This allows individuals to reserve judgment & expectations ( AKA being open and present to the moment; and being open to possibilities not normally available to the person with rigid thoughts, beliefs, and behavior) This is called neural habituation.
Psilocybin v. Pharmaceutical Intervention:
Long term improvements in personality have been observed by the individual as well as those in close relation to them.
Improvements in all of the “ Big 5” personality traits have been documented. These 5 traits are Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.
Psychedelic induced changes reported include changes in social functioning, connectedness reduction in neuroticism, and an increase in openness and agreeableness.
Rapid therapeutic benefits that persist over time have been widely reported with microdosing. The same cannot be said about pharmacological intervention which can often take weeks to show efficacy and simply mask the individual's symptoms rather than address the root cause.
Are there any contraindications?
The aim of microdosing is to elicit therapeutic benefits without any disruptive effects to the individuals daily functioning.
If you are intending to wean off prescription medication it is recommended that you consult with your physician prior to making any changes or decisions.
A single dose of psilocybin produces the formation of neural growth that persists over the span of one month.
Spurs the growth of neural connections lost in depression; as depression is rooted in a narrowing of perceptions.
Is microdosing safe?
The effects of microdosing are subtle yet profound,
Microdosing and/or psychedelic assisted psychotherapy is not considered to have negative effects on the individuals.
Research indicates a spectrum of therapeutic effects such as: decreased anxiety, decreased PTSD symptoms, decrease in depression symptoms, addictions and smoking cessation.
Is microdosing addictive?
The short answer is NO.
Research indicates that psilocybin is not a substance that creates addiction or dependency.
Microdosing does not result in the individual feeling “high”, and therefore does not cause the craving or withdrawal symptoms experienced with other drugs or alcohol.
How do I microdose?
We believe in working with an intention while embarking on a course of microdosing. This could be choosing to quit smoking, committing to a healthier lifestyle, or a creative project such as an art piece or writing a book. We recommend the course of taking the microdose for 2 consecutive months on a schedule of 5 days on and 2 days off. Other microdosing schedules are 1 day on and one day off or 4 days on and 3 days off. It is something the individual is encouraged to try out for themselves.
Is It safe to perform my typical responsibilities while microdosing?
We recommend staring at a low dose on a day when you have more time to yourself. This will allow you to feel more relaxed.
Psilocybin increases the ability for neurons to communicate with each other and form new connections. These connections result in the forming of new patterns of brain activity, which can be observed by new patterns of behavior.
The mind changes the brain, which then changes the mind. This process of changing your “mind” is called neuroplasticity.
How long until I feel improvements?
The effects of microdosing vary for each individual.
Some people report an immediate improvement in their overall wellbeing, while others indicate experiencing subtle changes over the course of treatment.
We suggest microdosing for a 2 month period of time, with a 5 days on 2 days off cycle to experience the full benefit of treatment.
It is important to set clear intention(s), and be mindful of what you aspire to in the course of your microdosing schedule.
Improvements in personality, changes in social functioning & connectedness can be observed after 2-3 days of beginning microdosing.
What do I do if the effect is too strong?
When first beginning to microdose, the first dose may be a little overwhelming and cause feelings of mild anxiety and unusual blood flow in the brain. This is completely normal and will subside after a couple of hours. We recommend taking a lower dose for the very first time to avoid this occurring. If these feelings persist, we highly recommend the lowest dose which is 30mg.
My teenager suffers from depression, can they microdose?
Working with a licensed therapist while microdosing could be very beneficial for teenagers, however, due to legality, this is not something that we can recommend at this time.
Will the product upset my stomach?
A small percentage of people experience nausea. This can be mitigated by taking the microdose with food. The chocolate hearts, which are a ceremonial dose, are the most common for nausea. If you experience nausea but want to try the ceremonial dose, we highly recommend the ginger flavor which helps counteract any stomach upset.
