Microdosing

The following information is provided for educational purposes.

CTS recommends you discuss your personal health decisions with a trusted and trained clinician.

What is microdosing?

Microdosing is utilizing a small amount of a substance to gain the benefits of the substance without impairing daily functioning.  Microdosing psychedelics, particularly psilocybin mushrooms, is gaining popularity as research continues to be released regarding the potential benefits associated with mental health. The microdosed amount of supplement and the regimen are dependent on each individual.

Why psilocybin?

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in various species of fungi. This has contributed to the common name of magic mushrooms. When consumed, psilocybin is converted to the compound psilocin which activates the serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the site 5HT2A receptors. These receptor sites mediate many different functions, some of which include mood, learning, creativity, and perception. The majority of these receptor sites are located in cells in the cortex, which moderates reasoning and rational thought. Research has also shown psilocin may impact the Default Mode Network (DMN) which is like the brain’s information highway, compiling and categorizing  information as we go through daily life. It is most active when an individual is awake but not focused on a specific task, such as during daydreaming, meditation, thinking about the future, recalling memories, or focusing on others or the world around them. Current research has shown the DMN to be active in social situations when individuals are monitoring themselves and interactions with others, feeling empathy, and assessing moral and ethical behaviors, including beliefs and intentions of others. When an individual has an over-active DMN, they often complain of racing thoughts or difficulty focusing. MRI imaging shows that when psilocin is introduced to the body, the DMN quiets down, in essence contributing to a more calm and focused state of being.

Using psilocybin does not require any chemical modification from its original state, making it fully natural. It is cultivated, harvested, dried, crushed and then consumed. It is also the most broadly researched naturally occurring psychedelic in regards to its mental health benefits.

Benefits of Microdosing Psilocybin

Just as each individual is physiologically unique, they are also psychologically unique, particularly due to their life experiences. With this individuality in emotions and physiology, there will be differences in the potential benefits of using psilocybin.

Risks or Side Effects

Extensive research has concluded that there is a relatively low risk for adults using psilocybin, particularly at a microdosing level. However, anyone considering the use of psilocybin should consult a knowledgeable clinician who can provide insight on personal medical history or medications to give further consideration to. Some individuals may initially feel tired as the psilocybin promotes mental relaxation, no longer requiring the brain to process all of the thoughts or stimuli typically activated. It is recommended that someone trying a microdose of psilocybin for the first time, take their first dose on a day they can be in a more relaxed mindset and pay attention to what they are noticing.

It is very important for anyone considering the use of psilocybin to do their due diligence to learn more about specific strains of psilocybin containing mushrooms and how they are cultivated. There are over 200 strains of psilocybin containing mushrooms and each one has their own unique properties. Find a trusted cultivator and a clinician with psilocybin expertise prior to using any psilocybin mushrooms.

Can someone become addicted?

Continuous research has come to the same conclusion that the body does not become addicted to psilocybin, or other classic psychedelic substances. Additionally, it is generally accepted as safe to stop and start the use of psilocybin in microdoses, or even use it on an as-needed basis. There are no related withdrawal symptoms, in part because of its short half life, and that it does not impact the body’s natural serotonin production.

Benefits of Combining Microdosing With Therapy

Based on extensive research, it has become widely accepted that individuals who are taking a pharmaceutical medication such as an SSRI, anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication, who also participate in therapy, have much higher positive outcomes. Similarly, researchers are seeing the same benefit with participation in therapy while also utilizing psilocybin in microdoses. Giving the brain an opportunity to change its chemical structure and neural pathways through the use of psilocybin, without the addition of therapy will have limited benefit. It is important to have meaningful conversation and trusted psychotherapeutic assistance when an individual starts this process. Due to the brain’s neuroplasticity, therapy is no longer just ‘talk therapy’ and utilizing all the will power that can be mustered to try and change thinking, or respond differently, or try to see something from another person’s perspective. Therapy is now learning the tools to work in conjunction with the structural changes in the brain.

Looking for more information?

Colorado Teletherapy Services does not prescribe, recommend, or provide psilocybin. CTS provides education and therapeutic resources for all individuals seeking cognitive changes and outcomes. If you are looking for referrals for legal psilocybin services, please contact the CTS office.

This page is intended for educational purposes and summarizes an evolving area of research. It is not a recommendation to use psilocybin or any other substance, nor is it a substitute for individualized medical or mental-health care. Research on psychedelic microdosing is ongoing, and some proposed benefits remain preliminary or uncertain. People taking prescription medications or managing a medical or psychiatric condition should consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.