Microdosing (Magic Mushrooms vs LSD)

Microdosing has exploded in popularity and in research in the past decade. The exploration is rightfully so given the life-changing potential of such small doses. Improving people’s day to day life, challenging how we look at outdated treatments of anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses.

Let’s explore the incredible potential that microdosing has to offer. Specifically with psilocybin mushrooms and LSD. See their benefits, compare the effects of each, and help you decide what would be the best fit for you if you happen to be curious enough to try.

What is Microdosing?

Microdosing is taking small, sub-hallucinogenic, doses of psychedelics. Not enough to experience a full on trip but a small dose that works in the background as you go about your day. Driving the commute, going to work, engaging with people and day to day responsibilities all well the microdose does its work. People don’t notice any change in perception but most report only noticing the amazing benefits. People participating in microdose practices report better focus, creativity, clarity, and overall mood and mental health boost. Microdosing has exploded in popularity and research as of recently presenting new evidence of its legitimacy, low risk nature, and positive benefits.

Magic Mushrooms for Microdosing

In magic mushrooms the main psychoactive compound–the thing that makes you trip–is called Psilocybin. Hence the more formal name for magic mushrooms being Psilocybin Mushrooms. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound which often gives users a more comfortable peace of mind when it comes to consuming it. Its effects are often reported as grounding, natural and organic feelings, increased empathy, and overall mood improvements. It is consumed in a variety of ways from raw dried mushrooms, to tea, to taking it in the form of a capsule which is the most common and convenient way of taking a microdose. If you are interested in microdose capsules for simplicity sake, you can view our selection of psilocybin microdosing products here.

LSD for Microdosing

LSD or lysergic acid diethylamide is a semi synthetic psychedelic compound derived from Ergot. The stigma around LSD is often greater than that of magic mushrooms. Street names like “Acid” certainly don’t make it sound all that loving. But LSD effects are incredibly beautiful and beneficial if used responsibly and correctly. Microdosing LSD is reported from users to increase sharpness, focus, energy, creativity and mood with a more synthetic feeling, which some prefer. LSD’s longer duration of 8-14 hours–compared to magic mushroom’s 4-6 hours–and more stimulating effects make it another great candidate for a microdosing routine.

LSD is another great option when it comes to microdosing, if you want our help in your microdose journey, you can pick some up and start here.

What’s the difference?

These unique compounds have their similarities but also interesting properties individually. Microdosing magic mushrooms (dose range of 50-250mg)–from user reports–tend to induce a more introspective and emotional effect as well as feeling more natural. LSD (dose range of 15-25μg) on the other hand is said to have a more controlled feeling with sharpened focus and increased energy. Some users prefer LSD due to the nausea that magic mushrooms can cause on occasion. The duration of each is also different with magic mushrooms lasting 4-6 hours and LSD 8-14 hours. Both are proven by studies and user reports alike to boost overall mood, mental clarity, awareness, and openness.

Benefits of Microdosing

So why microdose? Well, the benefits might surprise you. As previously mentioned microdosing is reported to have incredible benefits and many peer reviewed studies have come to the same conclusion. For example in a 2019 study done by Vince Polito and Richard J. Stevenson found evidence of the following:

• Decreased levels of anxiety and depression with participants reporting lower levels of self‐rated depression and stress after a period of microdosing.
  
• Overall mood and well‐being improved in many users.
  
• Some enhancements were reported in cognitive flexibility, perhaps also improved emotional regulation.

Well in 2021 a survey of over 1600 adults found that those who microdose psychedelics reported lower levels of depression, anxiety and stress compared to non-microdosing participants with similar mental health concerns (Rootman et al., 2021).

Mushrooms or LSD?

So what is best for you? It depends on your goals. If you are looking to boost your introspection and empathy, psilocybin might be the way to go. If you are looking for a focus edge to sharpen discipline, give a microdose of LSD a try. It is important to note that these compounds interact with everyone differently. So it’s crucial to pick a dose that works best for you and pick whatever compound fits your goals. At the end of the day it’s all up to what your preferences, comfort level, and what works best for you when it comes to what to choose to microdose. Just remember to follow a schedule and stick within the microdose dosage recommendations. (The last thing you need is turning your morning commute into the next bicycle day.)

Conclusion

So there you have it, the basics of microdosing with the 2 most used candidates. Microdosing is a powerful practice to liven up your routine and enhance your day to day life. The medicinal properties of psychedelics as medicines and tools is effective even at small doses. Always remember to approach it with caution and respect. These are tools and allies, not something to provide a quick fix. Hallucinogenics offers a good variety of tools and guidance to begin your microdose journey, so if you just so happen to be curious to give it a try, you can take a look at our selection here.

Sources

Polito, V., & Stevenson, R. J. (2019). A systematic study of microdosing psychedelics. PLOS ONE, 14(2), e0211023. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0211023

Rootman, J.M., Kryskow, P., Harvey, K. et al. Adults who microdose psychedelics report health related motivations and lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to non-microdosers. Sci Rep 11, 22479 (2021). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-01811-4

As well as the dozens of users who trust Hallucinogenics for their microdosing journey have also reported the benefits of intentionial use of psychedelics here.