Microdose vs Macrodose: Key Differences Between Psilocybin Dosing Approaches
If you’ve heard about the growing interest in psychedelics, particularly psilocybin mushrooms, you might have come across the terms "microdosing" and "macrodosing." These two approaches to consuming psilocybin are quite different, but both have their own potential benefits. Whether you’re curious about experimenting with psilocybin or just want to understand how these dosages compare, this post will help break down the key differences between microdosing vs macrodosing.
What Is Psilocybin?
Before diving into the specifics of dosing, it’s helpful to understand what psilocybin is. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound found in certain species of mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms. When consumed, psilocybin is converted into psilocin in the body, which affects the brain’s serotonin receptors and leads to altered thoughts, perceptions, and sensory experiences.
What Is Microdosing?
Microdosing refers to taking a very small, sub-threshold dose of psilocybin—usually about 1/10th to 1/20th of a typical recreational dose. This amount is so small that it generally doesn’t produce any intense psychedelic effects, but it may still impact your mood, energy levels, and cognitive abilities.
A typical microdose of psilocybin is around 2mg of psilocybin, depending on the person’s body weight and sensitivity.
Basically it’s a very small dose that results in a subtle (or even sub-perceptual/unnoticeable) psychedelic effect, so it’s not the classic mushroom “trip” you might imagine, though colors might seem more vivid and you might feel a more present state of being.
What Is Macrodosing?
Macrodosing, on the other hand, involves taking a much larger dose of psilocybin—enough to produce noticeable and sometimes intense psychedelic effects. At these doses, you can expect to experience vivid visual and auditory alterations, changes in perception of time, and deep emotional or spiritual experiences.
A macrodose typically ranges from 25mg to 50mg of psilocybin, though some people may take even more for a particularly strong experience.
Microdosing vs Macrodosing: Key Differences
Now that we know what microdosing and macrodosing are, let’s take a closer look at how they compare in different areas:
1. Effect Intensity
Microdosing: The effects of microdosing are nuanced and sometimes not immediately noticeable. People often report feeling more focused, creative, and energetic. Some also experience improved mood or reduced anxiety.
Macrodosing: A macrodose leads to intense psychedelic effects, including visual and auditory alterations, a distorted sense of time, and sometimes a complete change in perception of reality.
2. Purpose and Intent
Microdosing: Most people who microdose are interested in enhancing daily life without losing control or experiencing major disruptions. Microdosing is often used for increased creativity, focus, or emotional well-being. Some users also report that it helps with mood disorders like anxiety or depression, although more research is needed.
Macrodosing: Macrodosing is usually done for therapeutic purposes, spiritual exploration, or other reasons one might seek an intensive psychedelic experience. People may use it to gain personal insights, undergo a deep emotional release, or explore altered states of consciousness. Many people turn to larger doses when it feels like other systems of care have failed them, or they are “stuck”.
3. Duration of Effects
Microdosing: Since the dose is so small, the immediate effects are typically felt for less than a couple hours, if felt at all. Some people report that the effects can be so mild they don’t feel them in a traditional sense, but rather notice an overall shift in their mood or energy levels throughout the day.
Macrodosing: The effects of a macrodose typically last much longer—anywhere from 4 to 6 hours (or more, depending on the dose). You’ll likely experience the full intensity of the trip during this time, and the after-effects can linger for hours afterward. It’s not uncommon for users to feel exhausted or emotionally drained once the experience is over.
4. Frequency of Use
Microdosing: Many people who microdose follow a regular schedule, taking a dose every few days over a specific period of time. This schedule helps them experience the benefits over time without overwhelming their system. There are many protocols, but Fadiman and Stamets are common.
Macrodosing: Macrodosing is generally done with less frequency. Some individuals will only take one macordose in their entire lifetime, though many support the idea of multiple macrodose experiences over many years.
Final Thoughts
Both microdosing and macrodosing offer unique opportunities to explore the effects of psilocybin, but they cater to different needs and preferences. Microdosing is about subtle, incremental shifts in mood and cognition, while macrodosing is a more profound and intense journey that may require more preparation.
No matter which path you choose, it’s important to approach psilocybin responsibly, start with smaller doses, and make sure you’re in the right mental and physical state to have a positive experience. As always, it is important to consult with a medical professional familiar with your history prior to any psilocybin experience.