When you are preparing for an experience with magic mushrooms, there are many important things to check, such as your current mindset and the environment or situation in which you will have the experience.
You will also likely have an idea of why you want to take magic mushrooms. Based on the kind of experience you are aiming for, you will need to figure out the right magic mushroom dosage to take.Microdosing refers to the practice of taking a very small dose of a psychedelic. In fact, the dose is so small that no psychedelic effects occur. This is also known as a sub-perceptual dose[*]. This means that when you microdose, you don’t experience changes in perception, such as visual or auditory effects.
But you may experience some alterations in:
A microdose shouldn’t affect your day-to-day activities, such as work and socializing with others.
A microdose is usually a 10th to a 20th of a normal dose that would produce psychedelic effects. So, if a common dose of dried magic mushrooms is 1-2.5g, then a microdose would be 0.1-0.25g.
A low magic mushroom dosage is a dose where you can start to feel some psychedelic effects.
There is no exact ‘point’ at which a microdose becomes a low dose, but there are some signs that distinguish the two. If you take a low mushroom dosage, you may experience:
Doses do vary between mushroom species, based on potency. However, a low dose of magic mushrooms is generally 0.25-1 gram[*].
Moderate Mushroom Dosage
When you take a moderate dose of magic mushrooms, there will be more intense psychedelic effects, such as:
A moderate magic mushroom dosage is around 1 to 3 grams.
When you take a high dose of magic mushrooms, you can expect intense effects, with major changes to your thoughts, cognition, perception, and mood. You may experience the effects of a moderate dose (at a greater intensity), as well as:
A ‘heroic dose’ of magic mushrooms provides a different kind of experience compared to the other mushroom dosages described. It’s at this dose that you can expect to have a mystical experience, which may include:
A heroic magic mushroom dose is 4 or more grams. The famous psychonaut and lecturer Terence McKenna described a heroic dose of mushrooms as 5 grams, but people have been known to take higher amounts than this [*].
As people have varying sensitivities to psychedelics, the dosages outlined here will affect everyone in a different way.
Heroic doses should only be taken with an experienced guide in a controlled environment, such as at a mushroom ceremony or retreat.
As mentioned at the start of this article, the environment in which you take a psychedelic can play an important role in the kind of experience you will have. When it comes to planning your dose, you want to take it in a context best suited to that dose. A low dose may work for you in one environment, whereas a higher dose often calls for a specific type of setting.
You can take a microdose of magic mushrooms in pretty much many contexts since it is not meant to affect your ability to function. Many people microdose and can function normally, with no impairment. You can be on a microdose and feel at ease while at work, with friends and family, going out, exercising, and so on.
Since this is when psychedelic effects start to occur, this mushroom dosage may not be suitable for all environments. For example, a low dose may be distracting at work and school or make you feel a bit out of place in situations like on dates or when spending time with family.
You may, however, enjoy these doses on your own, with some friends, walking around your city, hiking, or at a gig or music festival.
At this dose and any higher dose, make sure you have no important commitments, as your functioning can be impaired.
Since you will noticeably be tripping at a moderate mushroom dosage, you may have to limit the kinds of environments in which you have the experience. Walking around the city or being in a club or festival environment at this dosage might be too intense for you. Tripping solo or with close and trusted friends at this dose is common.
If you take a moderate dose with others, however, don’t expect the conversation to be the same as it would be if you took a microdose or low dose. Conversations can often be deeper than usual.
When you get into high mushroom dosage territory, you want to be more prepared in terms of where you will have the experience.
If you take this dose around others, it is ideal if they are also experienced in taking these kinds of doses.
Some people who take high doses prefer to have a sober ‘trip sitter’ who is present with them during the experience and can provide help, emotional support, and a chat if needed. This is one of the benefits of a mushroom retreat or psilocybin ceremony.
Many people take high doses in the comfort of their home, making sure they have things like music and food already prepared, as functioning at this dose (e.g. using the internet or making food) can be difficult. When taking a high mushroom dosage, especially during the peak, it is probably best to avoid walking around the city, crowds, or busy roads, as these settings can be overwhelming and hard to safely navigate. Keep in mind that disorientation can be common at this dose.
If you have the option of being outside somewhere quiet, like in your garden, this can work well when taking a high dose. It’s at a high mushroom dosage, though, that you may feel more comfortable having the experience in a more controlled setting. High mushroom dosages are common at psychedelic retreats for this very reason.
At a psychedelic retreat, you can safely have a deep inner experience (lying down, with blindfolds on and music playing), while a guide supervises over you. The guide is specially trained and experienced in looking after people taking high mushroom dosages.
Some people will take heroic doses of mushrooms on their own or with someone close to them, such as a trusted friend or romantic partner. Nonetheless, because a heroic dose involves such intense and deep experiences, it is recommended that you take such a dose while being supervised (e.g. by a trained therapist, guide, shaman, or facilitator at a retreat).
This supervision is to protect your physical safety and psychological health. If you have an overwhelming or challenging experience during a heroic dose, you ideally want someone present who can center you and help you overcome whatever difficulty you’re facing.
What Each Mushroom Dosage is Commonly Used For
Each type of mushroom dosage can have its unique common uses, as well as the same kind of uses as other doses (e.g. with low and moderate doses, and with high and heroic doses).
Microdosing is commonly used for:
You can be in an ideal mindset and environment, but if you go into a magic mushroom experience without knowing the dose, then you may be in for a shock (if the experience is more or less intense than you want it to be).
Whether you are taking magic mushrooms with close friends or at a retreat, be sure to know what the mushroom dosage is and that it has been accurately weighed. Also, find out exactly what type of mushroom species you will be taking. If it’s particularly potent, then you know you should take the lower end of any dosage range for the experience you want.
Being knowledgeable about magic mushroom dosages and paying attention to your mindset and environment will give you the best chances of achieving a beneficial psychedelic experience.