Psychedelics have been used for centuries by many cultures for their medicinal and spiritual properties. But how often should you take psilocybin mushrooms?
The active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms, psilocybin, is a Schedule I drug in the United States, which means it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
In Canada, however, there is a growing body of research indicating that psilocybin mushrooms could have significant medical benefits. Psilocybin is currently being studied as a treatment for depression, anxiety, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
While it remains illegal for the average Joe, Health Canada has recently approved the use of psilocybin mushrooms in some cases; hopefully, this is a sign that full legalization isn't far behind.
Despite the legalities, magic mushroom dispensaries have popped up all over the net, and many Canadians are interested in trying them. But how much is too much? Can you take psilocybin mushrooms every day?
How Often Should You Take Psilocybin Mushrooms?
Studies have shown that a single dose of psilocybin can produce long-lasting changes in attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours. The after-effects of psilocybin can last for weeks or even months after taking the drug.
Psilocybin has been shown to increase openness to new experiences, creativity, divergent thinking, empathy, and self-transcendence. These effects are thought to be mediated by changes in brain function and structure that occur after taking psychedelics.
However, further research is needed to understand how psychedelics produce these long-lasting changes.
Does this mean you only need to take it once and be done with it? Not necessarily.
How you experience a psychedelic trip largely depends on your goals for the journey and your medical history.
Data suggests that a psilocybin overdose is almost never fatal, but may cause what some people would deem a 'bad trip.' The most common and immediate effects are heightened confusion or paranoia, reduced coordination, and overwhelming sensory stimulation.
Psychedelic mushrooms can be taken safely by a healthy person on a daily basis, but it is not recommended to take large doses for prolonged periods.
While there is no hard evidence that taking psilocybin mushrooms regularly is harmful, prolonged use of any psychedelic drug can lead to negative psychological effects.
Psychedelics are powerful drugs that can permanently change your brain chemistry, and while this change can be for the better, there is always the potential for negative consequences.
If you're planning on taking psychedelics on a regular basis, it's important to be aware of the risks involved and to make sure you're working with a qualified therapist or guide who can help you navigate any difficult experiences.
Your body also builds up a high tolerance to psilocybin very quickly, which means you must consume more of the drug to keep feeling its effects. If you want the most out of your mushroom experience, it's best to space out your doses.
Microdosing vs Macrodosing
The two most common terms you'll come across when it comes to how frequently you should take magic mushrooms are microdosing and macrodosing.
A macrodose is exactly what it sounds like; a large dose of psilocybin mushrooms that tends to result in drastic perceptual, cognitive, and emotional changes, while a microdose is sub-perceptual and should not cause other classic psychedelic effects.
A microdose is defined as a tenth to a twentieth of a normal recreational dose of a drug.
Some people report feeling more energetic, focused, and productive after taking a microdose of psilocybin mushrooms. Others say that they experience improved mood and decreased anxiety.
There is also some evidence to suggest that microdoses of psilocybin can improve creativity and help with problem-solving tasks. If you're interested in trying a microdose of psilocybin mushrooms, it's important to start with a very small dose and increase gradually over time until you find the dose that works best for you.
When macrodosing psilocybin mushrooms, you will experience drastic changes in your perceptions, thoughts, and emotions. This can be unsettling for some people because it forces them to confront themselves directly. You may have intense visual and auditory hallucinations, realizations, or changes in your perception of yourself and/or your environment.
It's also important to be aware that the effects of psilocybin can vary depending on your mindset, set, and setting (i.e., your state of mind, your environment, and who you're with).
How often should you microdose?
When microdosing, following a regular schedule is recommended; an example of a highly popular regimen is microdosing every three days - so take it one day, then skip the next two days.
How often should you macrodose?
Macrodosing is a different story, and there is no one size fits all answer to how often it should be done.
3-4 week intervals between trips is appropriate, according to clinical studies. However, it's worth mentioning that these trials don't test subjects over long periods. Some users recommend macrodosing only a few times a year.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that there is no right or wrong answer regarding how often you should take psilocybin mushrooms. It ultimately depends on your goals, tolerance, and personal preferences.
If you're interested in trying magic mushrooms, be sure to do your research and start with a small dose. Remember to listen to your body and mind, and always exercise caution when working with psychedelics.