Microdosing

Question 1

What are some issues with micro-dosing?

Answer 1

Limited research, more reserch needs to be done to confirm its effect on creativity, cognition, pain and headaches.

They also not without psychological effect, reports on forums state that they feel or worry about overstimulated, anxious, skeptical, emotionally difficult, physical discomfort, and illegal stigma.

Limited research has been done on microdosing protocols and the prolonged effect on the the body and mind. Adverse cardiac events such as cardiac valve dysfunction are hypothetically possible due to the repeated activation of the 5HT2B receptors on the heart.

Question 2

What is micro dosing

Answer 2

Microdosing refers to the practice of taking very small, sub-hallucinogenic doses of psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms) or LSD.

Typically, a microdose is about 1/10th to 1/20th of a recreational dose, small enough to avoid producing full-blown psychedelic effects and instead aim at subtle physiological and psychological changes.

Question 3

Objectives and Benefits of Microdosing

Answer 3

1. Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving:
   Many individuals report an increase in creativity, enhanced ability to solve problems, and improved cognitive flexibility. This makes microdosing popular among professionals in the creative and technology sectors.
2. Improved Mood and Emotional Regulation:
   Microdosing is often used as a self-managed therapy for depression or anxiety, with users reporting improvements in mood, increased awareness of emotions, and better emotional resilience.
3. Increased Energy and Focus:
   Users often experience a boost in physical energy and mental focus, which can be likened to the effects of stimulants but typically without the associated jitteriness or subsequent crash.
4. Physical Health Benefits:
   Some report physical effects, such as reduced migraine frequency, improved stamina, or a greater overall sense of wellbeing.

Question 4

Potential Risks and Downsides

Answer 4

1. Legal Issues:
   In many countries, substances used for microdosing remain illegal, which poses significant legal risks and barriers to controlled, standardized research.
2. Health Risks:
   Long-term effects are not well-studied, and there are potential risks, especially for individuals with a predisposition to psychosis or other psychiatric conditions. Additionally, frequent use can potentially lead to cardiovascular issues due to the vasoconstrictive properties of some psychedelics.
3. Inconsistency in Effects:
   Given the illegal status and the lack of regulation, doses can be inconsistent, and effects can vary widely among users. This variability makes it difficult to predict outcomes and ensure safety.

Question 5

Does microdosing generate psychological benefits?

Answer 5

Mood Improvement:
Some small-scale studies and numerous anecdotal reports suggest that microdosing can lead to improvements in mood. Users often report feeling happier, more optimistic, and less prone to depression.

Enhanced Creativity and Cognitive Function:
Individuals claim increased creativity, improved problem-solving skills, and enhanced cognitive flexibility. However, these effects are challenging to quantify in controlled settings, and empirical data remains sparse.

Increased Energy and Focus:
Similar to the effects reported from stimulant medications, some users of microdoses report heightened energy levels and improved focus, which can contribute to better work performance and productivity.

Question 6

Paul Stamets’ Views on Microdosing

Answer 6

He suggests that microdosing could contribute to neurogenesis (the growth of new neurons) and help with treating various mental health disorders such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Stamets often speaks about the interconnectedness of life and how mushrooms, including psilocybin, can enhance one’s understanding and appreciation of nature.

Question 7

Stamets’ Recommended Protocol for Microdosing

Answer 7

Stamets has proposed a specific microdosing regimen known as the “Stamets Stack.” This protocol not only involves psilocybin mushrooms but also includes two other key components:

Psilocybin Mushrooms:
The main psychoactive component. Stamets suggests microdoses that do not produce hallucinogenic effects but are sufficient to induce subtle physiological changes.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus):
A non-psychoactive mushroom that is believed to support neurogenesis and overall brain health. Lion’s Mane has been studied for its potential to improve cognitive functions and provide neuroprotective benefits.

Niacin (Vitamin B3):
Stamets includes niacin as part of his stack due to its ability to support cardiovascular health and facilitate the delivery of the active compounds to the nervous system by causing a “flush,” expanding capillaries and potentially increasing the distribution of the other components.

Question 8

Dosage and Schedule

Answer 8

Dosage: While Stamets has not specified exact dosages in public forums, typical microdoses of psilocybin are generally around 0.1 to 0.5 grams of dried mushrooms. The dosages of Lion’s Mane and niacin would align with dietary supplement standards, but as always, personal research and possibly consulting with a health professional are recommended.

Schedule: Stamets has suggested a regimen of dosing continuously for a few days followed by a couple of days off to avoid building tolerance. This cycle can be repeated over several weeks.