What is microdosing? An honest introduction
Photo: Alan Rockefeller, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Microdosing has surged in popularity over the past few years. But what exactly is it, does it work, and is it something for you? Here is an honest, level-headed introduction.

What is microdosing?

With microdosing you take a very small amount of a psychedelic substance. A microdose sits around 0.5 to 1 gram of fresh truffles, far too little for a trip, but enough to feel subtle effects on mood, focus and creativity. Because such a small amount is hard to weigh out precisely, pre-packaged portions of 1 gram are a practical and reliable unit to work with.

What do people report?

Many people who microdose describe more focus, a better mood, more creativity and less overthinking. There are also people who notice no effect at all. Everyone is different. Keep in mind that the science is still in an early stage.

How do you work with a schedule?

The most widely used schedule is the Fadiman Protocol: one day of dosing, two days off. This way you avoid building up tolerance and give your body time to integrate. Keep a journal to track your experiences.

Is it safe?

Magic truffles are legal in the Netherlands. With microdosing you use such small amounts that the chance of unwanted effects is smaller than with a full dose, but not zero, and it depends strongly on medication use and personal sensitivity. Do you use SSRIs, lithium or other psychiatric medication? Then the effects can be amplified or suppressed in unpredictable ways, so talk to your doctor first. Microdosing is also not suitable with a personal or family history of psychosis or bipolar disorder, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or under the age of 18.

Where to begin?

Start low: around 0.5 gram of fresh truffles on a workday. Because such a small amount is hard to weigh out precisely, pre-packaged portions of 1 gram are a practical unit, you can then save the other half for next time. Observe what you notice without expectations. After two to three weeks you will have a good sense of whether it is something for you. Also read our dosing guide for a step-by-step build-up plan. Questions? Email us at info@buddhibloom.nl.