WHY MICRODOSING
WHY MICRODOSING
To better understand why people microdose with psilocybin truffles and mushrooms, we surveyed our community of over 25,000 members. With responses from more than 450 individuals from more than 39 countries, we discovered that motivations for microdosing vary widely.
But before we answer the why, what is microdosing?
Microdosing involves consuming minimal amounts of psychedelics like psilocybin truffles to enhance cognitive or emotional wellness. Typically, a microdose ranges from 1/10 to 1/20 of a ceremonial dose. It serves various purposes including improving mental, emotional, and physical well-being, aiding personal growth, enhancing focus, and boosting creativity. Additionally, it can foster better relationships, heightened self-awareness, increased mindfulness, and stress reduction. By promoting a closer connection with one’s inner self and a positive outlook, microdosing, with the right guidance, can potentially foster a sustainable future and nurture a mutually beneficial relationship between individuals and nature.
Cognitive benefits
- Improving your focus and concentration
- Enhance your productivity
- Increase your creativity
Healing
While cognitive enhancement remains a primary motive for microdosing, a growing number of individuals are discovering that minimal quantities of truffles also serve as a valuable tool in their healing process. Think of:
- Healing from trauma
- Letting go of deconstructive beliefs
- Alleviate depressive & anxious thoughts
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Boosting emotional well-being
A third category that includes several reasons to microdose relates to improving mood and emotional stability. People who microdose say they experience:
- More calm and clarity
- Improved sleep quality
- Being more aware & grounded
Historical background
The practice of microdosing, despite gaining traction in recent times, roots back to ancient cultures and early human history. The intriguing “stoned ape” theory posited by Terence McKenna suggests that psychedelics like psilocybin could have played a pivotal role in the evolution of Homo erectus to Homo sapiens, aiding in enhanced vision and cognitive ability vital for survival. The indigenous cultures across the globe have long revered psychoactive substances found in nature, integrating them into their traditional practices. Shamans or spiritual leaders often utilized these substances to commune with higher realms, fostering a spiritual and medicinal legacy that has persisted through ages. The visual evidence from the Sahara’s Tassili plateau and the mystic “Mushroom stones” from Mexico are testaments to a longstanding human connection with psychoactive mushrooms, hinting at a possibly rich history of microdosing in ancient times.
Seeking the Magic Mushroom – R. Gordon Wasson 1956
Source
The narrative of microdosing saw a dramatic turn with the accidental discovery of LSD by Swiss researcher Albert Hofmann in 1938, marking the inception of the second wave of psychedelics in the Western world. This era witnessed the exploration of psychedelics within psychotherapy and scientific circles, despite the controversial and ethically questionable pursuits like the CIA’s MK ULTRA program. The advent of Dr. James Fadiman’s pioneering work in the 1960s unveiled the potential of psychedelics in enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills, although the subsequent prohibition hindered further exploration. However, the embers of curiosity reignited with Albert Hofmann’s personal endorsement of microdosing, a practice he found cognitively enriching. His narrative, later propelled by Dr. James Fadiman and Robert Forte, paved the way for a growing community interested in microdosing. The third wave of microdosing, bolstered by significant media exposure and emerging research from institutions like Imperial College and Maastricht University, now explores the potential therapeutic applications of microdosing in addressing a myriad of health conditions. This burgeoning interest, despite legal barriers, showcases a profound shift towards understanding and leveraging the nuanced benefits of microdosing, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary science.
Science & microdosing
The exploration of microdosing is picking up steam in the scientific community, with much of the fresh insight rolling out after 2018. Yet, there’s a treasure trove of lesser-known studies dating back to before the 1970 ban on psychedelic substances. The chatter around microdosing often circles back to its potential to lift mood, spark creativity, and sharpen the mind. And now, some of the whisperings are finding echoes in the scientific realm, with recent uncontrolled studies shining a light on these potential benefits.
When researchers took a closer look at the daily experiences of 98 microdosers over a span of six weeks, they stumbled upon fleeting but notable uplifts in psychological well-being. Yet, the journey to unravel the full story of microdosing hits a snag with a shortage of placebo-controlled studies, leaving some blanks in the narrative.
Although multiple studies show promising results, it’s premature to make (medical) claims regarding the benefits of microdosing with psilocybin, as much of this research is still in its early phases. For this reason, we encourage you to engage in your own empirical studies with truffles to discover how you can benefit from microdosing. We make this recommendation with the confidence that microdosing with truffles is completely safe, provided you adhere to protocols and guidelines from authorities like Spinoza.