For millennia, magic mushrooms have been used as a conduit of transformation and connection. This fungus holds impressive therapeutic and life-altering potential, hence the growing demand. Finding the proper dosage can be tricky if it’s your first time trying magic mushrooms or if you are considering upping your dosage. This is because several factors come into play when picking the ideal dosage. These include;
- Individual physiology
- Metabolic rate
- Brain chemistry
- Body size
- Previous experience with magic mushrooms
- Set and setting
- Strain potency – not two strains bear the same potency
- Consumption method
The onset ranges between 10 and 40 minutes, depending on the consumption method. The effects last between 4 and 7 hours. Magic mushrooms cause euphoria, elevated moods, energy boost, visuals, hallucinations, introspection, and warping on different levels, depending on the dose taken.
As highlighted above, multiple factors come into play when selecting the correct dosage for an individual. It is not possible to take a one-size-fits-all approach on shroom dosage. However, it is possible to provide a recommended dosage for different levels of consumers, depending on the effects one wants to achieve.
0.1 to 0.5 grams: Microdose
This is usually a tenth to twentieth of a full psychedelic dose. It provides multiple benefits to consumers without causing any mild alteration. The practice of microdosing has, in recent years, become popular, especially for professionals in demanding jobs, artists, and mothers. Small doses of magic mushrooms help with anxiety, depression, improved moods, creativity, focus, productivity, and elevated cognitive function. According to renowned author and magic mushroom advocator, microdoses of shrooms can be taken in either of three ways for optimum results:
- 5 days on, 2 days off
- 4 days on, 3 days off
- Alternative days
0.5 to 1 gram: Threshold dose
At this dosage, consumers begin to experience some mild effects. This is the window between microdosing and psychedelic effects. One can expect mild euphoria, visual enhancement, and sound alterations. You will develop a deeper appreciation for music and the people around you. This is an ideal dose for consumers who want to test the effects of magic mushrooms but on the surface.
1 to 1.5 grams: Mild psychedelic experience
You will experience a subtle but noticeable body high at this stage, heightened senses, bright colors, mild hallucinations, and visuals (open and shut-eye). The creative juices start to flow, the euphoria intensifies, and colors appear brighter. This is an excellent dose for beginners experimenting with magic mushrooms for a non-overwhelming psychedelic experience.
1.5 to 2.5 grams: Moderate psychedelic experience – the sweet spot for novice shroom consumers
This dosage provides novice consumers with an authentic psychedelic experience. You will experience strong visuals, fractals, patterns you hadn’t noticed before, time dilations, and things around you may begin to move/breathe. With the right set and setting, this may be one of the most meaningful experiences of your life. You may feel more connected to your friends, family, and the world around you. As the body becomes warm and the heart rate increases, you may find yourself in deep introspection or go through a creative breakthrough.
2.5 to 3.5 grams: Strong psychedelic experience – standard tripping dose for experienced shroom consumers
For most shroom consumers, this is the ideal dosage. This is the dosage that provides an authentic psychedelic experience. It allows one to experience a whole new world without losing touch with themselves or reality. Expect full-blown visuals and hallucinations, time dilation whereby an hour may feel like an entire day, intense euphoria, heavy body high, deep introspection, deeper connection with friends and nature, impaired motor skills, and amplified emotions.
3.5 to 5 grams: Intense psychedelic experience
This dosage is best suited for experienced shroom consumers. A sitter and a safe, comfortable environment will help enhance the experience. Be ready to disconnect from what you refer to as ‘normal reality’ as this dose will have you venturing into new dimensions. Some effects include strong visuals and hallucinations, losing touch with reality, seeing new shapes and colors, expansion of the mind, a growing sense of oneness, deep introspection, and important emotional revelations.
5+ grams: Heroic dose
Also known as committed dose, the heroic dose is guaranteed to flatten the most resistant ego. The term ‘heroic dose’ was first coined by famous mycologist and researcher Terrence McKenna while referring to a 5+ gram dose of magic mushrooms. This dose is meant for shroom consumers with years of experience. One must be in a safe and comfortable setting. The mindset should be positive and welcoming of the experience. The best way to go through this indescribable experience is by lying down and letting it take over.
At this point, consumers experience intense euphoria, deep introspection, visuals that take over reality, spiritual awakening, mystical experience, and ego death. Time will start to feel like an illusion, and one may partially or entirely lose motor skills or speech. During this time, it is best not to panic. Let the experience take over, and trust that your normal state of consciousness will be back after the intense trip.
Tips and things to note for a smooth psychedelic experience.
- If you want to experience an accelerated onset, try lemon tekking, shroom tea, or taking the shrooms on an empty stomach.
- Include ginger in your preparation to combat nausea and vomiting caused by shrooms
- Get a sitter to guide and assure you throughout the trip if it is your first time taking shrooms or if you are increasing the dosage.
- Prepare snacks and drinks beforehand to keep you satiated and hydrated throughout the experience.
- Do not take shrooms if you have an underlying mental condition or are on medication for any mental disorder.
- Do not mix magic mushrooms with alcohol or other drugs.
- Do not take shrooms while pregnant.
Microdose (0.1 to 0.5 grams) | Threshold dose (0.5 to 1 gram) | Mild dose (1 to 1.5 grams) |
Elevated energy levels | Improved moods | Mild physical effects |
Improved productivity/focus | Mild euphoria | Open and shut eye visuals |
Positive moods | Appreciation for music, art, nature, and people around | Heightened senses – colors appear brighter and patterns become clear |
Mental acuity | Enhanced senses – visual and auditory alterations | Mild hallucinations |
Alleviation of mental conditions like anxiety, stress, & depression | Increased appreciation for music, art, nature, and people | Increased creativity |
Enhanced memory capacity | Slight body high | Potent euphoria |
Enhanced senses | Openness and willingness to interact with others | Openness and increased empathy |
Magic mushroom dosage guide summary
Moderate dose (1.5 to 2.5 grams) | Strong dose (2.5 to 3.5 grams) | Intense dose (3.5 to 5 grams) |
Strong visuals | Full-blown visuals and hallucinations | Intense visuals and visuals |
Fractals and subtle time dilation | Time dilation | Losing touch with reality |
New patterns | Intense euphoria | New shapes and colors |
Creative breakthrough | Intense body high | Openness and oneness |
Increased connection with friends and nature | Amplified emotions | Mind expansion |
Introspection | Deep introspection and feelings of wonder | Life-changing emotional revelations |
Philosophical insights | Impaired motor skills | Deep introspection |
Heroic dose (5+ grams) |
Visuals take over reality |
Mystical experience |
Ego dissolution |
Spiritual awakening |
Time becomes an illusion |
Intense euphoria |
Deep introspection |
RESEARCH