3 Common Doses of Psilocybin: Their Durations and Side-Effects

Psilocybin, known to most as “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms,” has been around for ages. Indigenous people from Europe, Asia, and the Americas have been consuming these psychotropic fungi for medicinal and religious purposes for thousands of years.

As a naturally occurring fungus categorized as a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the drug has garnered mixed feelings and sentiments over decades. These range from positive to negative.

Lately, however, psychedelics are making a comeback, often referred to as the second psychedelic renaissance and part of a new health and wellness trend called microdosing. Despite that, there are still a large number of people who prefer to take psilocybin in more significant doses for medicinal and recreational purposes.

In this article, we will breeze through three typical psilocybin doses, their duration, and side effects as a guide for curious first-timers and experienced users planning their next trip.

How is psilocybin ingested?

Users usually take magic mushrooms dried and measure the doses in grams. More significant amounts are generally mixed in jam or other food items to eliminate the bitter, undesirable taste. Like most supplements, the dried mushrooms are also crushed and placed in small capsules for smaller doses.

Now, let’s jump into the different doses, according to a detailed report by Reality Sandwich, a subsidiary of Delic Corp, a provider of psychedelic-based medical treatments.

The heroic dose (5.0 grams and above)

Also known as a macrodosing, ingesting psilocybin in this dose can result in altered senses. Other effects include hallucinations, disconnection from reality, and possible ego dissolution for two to six hours. Others can still experience milder effects up to the 12th hour.

As horrifying as that may sound, it is considered safe and not lethal. However, this does not discount the possibility of having an unpleasant experience often referred to as a bad trip. With that, many don’t recommend this dose for first-timers.

The proper preparation of the self and setting and having a trusted guide by your side should help the trip become more conducive to relaxation and recreation.

The moderate dose (2.0 – 3.5 grams)

The moderate ones are well-suited for curious first-timers and beginners. It brings about milder mind-altering effects such as colours becoming more vivid with eyes open and 3D, kaleidoscopic visuals with eyes closed. Some users also experience minor synesthesia and a distorted sense of time. This psychedelic trip lasts between two and four hours.

The microdose (0.05 – 0.25 grams)

Microdosing is the practice of taking psychoactive substances in minimal amounts, hence the prefix “micro.” The point of microdosing is to reap the drug’s benefits without the mind-altering high.

In recent years, more and more research has been coming out about the positive effects of microdosing on psilocybin. These promising results include increased mental stamina, productivity, empathy, creativity, and overall mood enhancement. There is no known duration for microdosing, as taking it in this amount will not make you feel any mind-altering effects.

Finding microdosing capsules which you can buy online is a great way to start your psychedelic journey. Properly microdosing psilocybin for extended periods can improve quality of life. It can even potentially treat certain mental illnesses and increase creativity.