Microdosing Harm Reduction

FAQ

🚨 Disclaimer: This FAQ is for educational and harm reduction purposes only. It does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Psychedelic substances, including those commonly used for microdosing, are illegal in many jurisdictions and may carry legal risks. Additionally, individual reactions to microdosing can vary, and certain medical conditions or medications may increase the risk of adverse effects. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding microdosing, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication. If you choose to microdose, do so responsibly, prioritize safety, and stay informed about the laws in your region.

Use at your own risk. Stay safe. Stay informed. 🚀🍄

🌿 Microdosing Basics

  • Microdosing is the practice of taking a sub-perceptual dose of a psychedelic substance (like LSD or psilocybin mushrooms) to enhance mood, cognition, and overall well-being—without causing hallucinations or a full trip.

  • Psychedelics interact with the serotonin (5-HT2A) receptors, promoting neuroplasticity, creativity, emotional balance, and focus. Unlike full doses, microdoses don’t induce ego dissolution or intense visual effects.

  • Psilocybin mushrooms 🍄 – natural, introspective, emotional depth.

    LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) ⚡ – clarity, energy, focus.

    1P-LSD / ALD-52 – legal alternatives with similar effects to LSD.

    Mescaline (San Pedro, Peyote) 🌵 – emotional connection, heart-opening.

    MDMA? – Not ideal for microdosing due to neurotoxicity concerns.

    Ketamine? – Microdosing ketamine has therapeutic potential, but requires medical guidance.

  • No. You shouldn’t A microdose should be sub-perceptual, meaning you won’t experience hallucinations, intense visuals, or loss of control. If you do, your dose is too high—adjust accordingly.

⚖️ Safety & Legality

  • Microdosing exists in a legal gray area.

    • In some places (e.g., Oregon, Colorado, and parts of Canada), psilocybin has been decriminalized.

    • LSD is classified as an illegal Schedule I substance in the United States and many other countries and possession, distribution, or manufacturing can carry significant legal consequences.

    • Research the laws in your area before obtaining or using substances.

  • Always test your substances. Use a reagent test kit (Ehrlich for LSD, Psilocybin Test for shrooms) or send samples to a lab like Energy Control or DrugsData to verify purity.

  • Classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin are not physically addictive. However, some people may develop a psychological dependency—using microdosing as a crutch instead of addressing underlying issues.

  • **Always clearly label psychedelic substances and store them securely, out of reach of children, pets, and anyone who has not knowingly consented to their use.**

    LSD → Store in a dark, airtight container in the fridge or freezer (avoid exposure to heat, moisture, and light).

    Psilocybin mushrooms → Keep in an airtight jar with silica packets to prevent moisture.

    Tinctures & liquid solutions → Use amber glass bottles, refrigerate for longevity.

💊 Dosing & Protocols

    • Psilocybin: 50–300 mg dried mushrooms (avg: 100 mg)

    • LSD: 5–20 µg (avg: 10 µg)

    • Mescaline: 10–30 mg

    *Harm Reduction Tip: Dosage strength can vary between substances, batches, and individuals. Everyone has a different sensitivity, so always start with a low dose and adjust gradually based on your personal response.

  • 1️⃣ Fadiman Protocol (1 day on, 2 days off) → Most popular, prevents tolerance.
    2️⃣ Stamets Stack (4 days on, 3 days off + Lion’s Mane & Niacin) → Enhances neuroplasticity.
    3️⃣ Intuitive Dosing → Listen to your body and adjust as needed.

    • Psilocybin: Best absorbed on an empty stomach, but may cause nausea.

    • LSD: Not food-dependent.

    • Mescaline: Can cause stomach discomfort, so eat something light beforehand.

✨ Effects & Benefits

    • Improved mood, creativity, focus, & emotional resilience

    • Reduced anxiety & depression

    • Increased neuroplasticity & problem-solving skills

    • Enhanced spirituality & connection

    • Psilocybin: ~30-60 minutes

    • LSD: ~60-90 minutes

    • Effects last 4-6 hours but remain subtle.

      **Harm Reduction Tip: Some users report difficulty sleeping after dosing late in the day. Try earlier in the day to avoid sleep difficulty.

  • Studies suggest potential benefits for depression, anxiety, and PTSD, but microdosing is not a replacement for therapy or medication. It works best alongside lifestyle improvements, therapy, and integration practices.

⚠️ Risks & Side Effects

    • Mild headaches (can be prevented with hydration & magnesium)

    • GI discomfort (common with mushrooms)

    • Increased anxiety (if the dose is too high)

    • Fatigue or overstimulation, depending on substance & personal sensitivity

    • Yes, especially at doses that are too high or if taken in stressful environments. Start low and microdose in a calm, familiar setting. Seek peer support with services like The Fireside Project.

  • If you have bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or a history of psychosis, microdosing may not be safe and could worsen symptoms. Consult a mental health professional.

  • 🚨 Microdosing + SSRIs (antidepressants) → Reduced effects.
    🚨 Microdosing + MAOIs (some antidepressants) → Dangerous serotonin interactions.
    🚨 Microdosing + lithium → Severe risks (DO NOT COMBINE).

    If you're on medication, consult a psychedelic-informed doctor before microdosing.

🧠 Myths & Misconceptions

  • Research shows microdosing affects serotonin receptors & neuroplasticity, but expectation effects can enhance results. Whether placebo or not, many people report consistent, noticeable benefits.

  • No. Microdosing is a tool, not a cure. It works best alongside self-reflection, therapy, and healthy lifestyle changes.

💡 Best Practices for Microdosing Success

✅ Set clear intentions.

Why are you microdosing? Clarity helps direct the experience.

✅ Keep a microdosing journal.

Track your mood, focus, energy, and side effects.

✅ Start low & go slow.

Less is more—don’t rush to increase doses.

✅ Take breaks.

Microdosing works best when tolerance is avoided.

✅ Listen to your body.

If something feels off, adjust your dose or take a break.

🚀 Next Steps

Need help finding your dose? Try our interactive quiz 📲 (Coming Soon)

Want to track your microdosing journey? Download our free tracker (Coming Soon)

Curious about microdosing & mental health? Read our latest research roundup (Coming Soon)