Shrooms Canada has entered the mainstream: investors are pouring billions into potential medical treatments, scientific research is booming, and public acceptance is growing.
Two recent reports highlight psilocybin mushrooms as the most popular psychoactive substance.
Eric Leas, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Diego, tracked internet searches and found a 1,250% increase in microdosing since 2015, with psilocybin searches surpassing LSD in 2019. Moreover, a RAND Corporation report estimates that about 3% of Americans – around 8 million adults – used psilocybin in the past year, making it the most popular hallucinogen in 2023.
Let’s explore the global phenomenon on shrooms.
Table of Contents
What is Microdosing?
Psychedelic microdosing involves taking a small amount of a hallucinogenic substance to achieve a positive mental effect without experiencing a full psychedelic trip. This means taking 10-20% of a dose that would cause a psychoactive response. The idea is to consume a fraction of a psychedelic substance that does not significantly alter consciousness.
Historically, people have used microdoses of a magic mushroom and peyote to relieve physical ailments and enhance well-being. In the 1960s, microdosing expanded to include LSD as people sought to boost cognitive functions and creativity.
Today, microdosing also includes substances like MDMA, Ritalin, cannabis, and ketamine, which are hallucinogenic at higher doses but do not cause a psychedelic response in microdoses.
Differences Between Microdosing and Full Dose Trips
| Aspect | Microdosing | Psychedelic (Full Dose) |
| Dosage | 0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried mushrooms | 1 to 3 grams or more of dried mushrooms |
| Frequency | Regular (e.g., every few days) | Occasional |
| Duration of Effects | Minimal interference with daily tasks | 4-6 hours of altered state |
| Sensory Effects | Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, touching, or smelling things in a distorted way or perceiving things that are not real)Intensified feelings and sensory experiences (brighter colours, sharper sounds)Mixed senses (e.g., “seeing” sounds or “hearing” colours) | No significant sensory changesSubtle enhancements in mood and perceptionEnhanced focus and creativity |
| Physical Effects | Minimal to no physical effects | Increased energy and heart rate Nausea |
The Rise of Psilocybin Microdosing
Nearly half of those who tried psilocybin in the past year chose to microdose, a trend popular among tech workers and suburban moms. Microdosing involves taking 1/10 to 1/20th of a full dose. Most microdosers used psilocybin once or twice a year, with just 11% using it more than six times. Over half consumed whole or dried mushrooms; others used processed forms like chocolate bars or teas.
Interest in microdosing correlates with changing laws around cannabis and psychedelics. States like Oregon and Colorado, which have decriminalized plant-derived psychedelics, show the highest interest in microdosing.
Research suggests increased psilocybin use, particularly in nightlife scenes, where it competes with drugs like ecstasy and ketamine. A study estimated 5.5 million adults used hallucinogens in 2019, with rising LSD use.
Factors Beyond the Booming Microdosing Trend
The RAND survey highlighted the top three reasons for psilocybin use among Canadians:
Fun and Social Enjoyment
Many Canadians use these hallucinogenic mushrooms for recreational purposes, seeking a unique experience with friends. The social aspect of consuming psilocybin in group settings or social gatherings adds to its appeal.
Mental Health
A significant number of users turn to psilocybin for its potential mental health benefits. In fact, an observational study in Nature-Scientific Reports Trusted Source suggests that microdosing psilocybin mushrooms can improve mental health disorders. Researchers found that individuals who micro-dosed experienced improvements in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms compared to those who did not.
Personal Development and Existential Exploration
Psilocybin is also used for personal growth and self-exploration. Many users seek deeper insights into their lives, spirituality, and consciousness. This aspect of psilocybin use often involves introspection and can lead to profound personal revelations.
Potential Benefits of Microdosing
Health Canada recognizes the use of controlled substances, including psilocybin. Here are some of the benefits reported:
- Initial clinical trials have shown promising results, particularly in treating a mental illness like treatment-resistant depression in advanced-stage cancer patients.
- Psilocybin has shown potential in treating substance use disorders such as alcohol use disorder and panic attacks. The therapeutic effects of psilocybin-assisted therapy with controlled drugs are also reported to treat multi-system organ failure symptoms.
One key development is Health Canada’s Special Access Program, which allows patients with serious or life-threatening conditions to access psilocybin for therapeutic use. This program is a significant step towards recognizing the potential of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy.
Forms of Microdosing Psilocybin
Dried Mushrooms
Dried mushrooms are the most common and traditional form of microdosing psilocybin. The mushrooms are harvested, dried, and consumed directly or ground into a powder.
- Preparation: Mushrooms are dried to preserve potency and longevity.
- Dosage: 0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried mushroom is considered a microdose.
- Consumption: Can be eaten directly, mixed into food, or encapsulated.
Psilocybin Capsules
Capsules offer a precise way to microdose, eliminating the need for measuring each time.
- Preparation: Dried mushrooms are ground into a fine powder and encapsulated in pre-measured doses.
- Dosage: Each capsule has a specific amount of psilocybin, usually between 0.1 to 0.3 grams.
- Consumption: Taken like any other supplement, with water.
Psilocybin Extracts
Psilocybin extracts offer a concentrated compound, which can be more consistent and more easily dosed accurately.
- Preparation: Psilocybin is extracted from the mushrooms using solvents like alcohol.
- Dosage: Extracts are measured in milligrams, ranging from 1 to 10 milligrams per microdose.
- Consumption: This can be taken directly, mixed with beverages, or encapsulated.
Psilocybin Edibles
Edibles provide an alternative way to microdose — incorporating psilocybin into food products like chocolates, gummies, or other treats.
- Preparation: Psilocybin is infused into edible products during cooking or manufacturing.
- Dosage: Each edible contains a specific amount of psilocybin, ensuring consistent dosing.
- Consumption: Eaten like any other food product, often with a pleasant taste to mask the mushroom flavour.
Psilocybin Tinctures
Tinctures are liquid extracts that allow for flexible dosing and easy absorption.
- Preparation: Psilocybin is extracted into an alcohol or glycerin base.
- Dosage: Measured in drops or millilitres, with precise control over the amount consumed.
- Consumption: Dropped under the tongue or mixed into a drink.
Psilocybin Teas
Teas are a traditional method of consuming psilocybin, providing a gentle and soothing experience.
- Preparation: Dried mushrooms are steeped in hot water, often with added herbs or flavours to enhance the taste.
- Dosage: The amount of mushrooms used determines the tea’s potency, with typical microdoses around 0.1 to 0.3 grams.
- Consumption: Drunk like any other herbal tea.
Shrooms Canada Product Selection
| Product | Type | Dosage | Onset | Duration | Effects |
| Trans Envy Magic Mushrooms | Psilocybin Mushrooms | Typically, 0.1 to 0.3 grams per microdose. | 30-60 minutes | 2-4 hours | Enhanced mood, visual alterations, introspection |
| Kind Stranger – Microdose Capsules | Psilocybin Capsules | 1 capsule = 250 mg (15 capsules/bottle). | 30-60 minutes | 2-4 hours | Clarity, creativity, focus, reduced stress |
The Key Takeaway
The global phenomenon of microdosing psilocybin mushrooms, with Canada leading the way, highlights a significant shift in the perception and use of psychoactive substances. As research continues and regulatory frameworks evolve, the potential therapeutic uses of psilocybin could revolutionize the treatment of various mental health disorders and improve overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Essential Tips for Microdosing?
- Use an accurate scale if you don’t have a pre-measured dose.
- Take your first dose on a calm, average day when you feel well.
- Ensure your environment is safe and free of demands.
- Stick to your chosen protocol for 4-10 weeks.
- Start with a minimal dose, adjusting as needed to achieve desired results.
- Microdose in the morning to avoid disrupting sleep patterns.
- Avoid alcohol and other mind-altering drugs initially. CBD may help.
- Keep a microdosing journal detailing the dose, time, diet, activities, and results.
- Be patient and allow time for your protocol to work.
What is the Fadiman Protocol?
The Fadiman Protocol, developed by psychologist James Fadiman, involves dosing every third day. This means taking a microdose on the first day, followed by two days without dosing. This schedule is maintained for a duration of 4 to 10 weeks.
This protocol’s primary purpose is to provide a balanced approach to microdosing. It prevents the build-up of tolerance and allows the body to reset between doses. This balance helps users maintain the benefits of microdosing without diminishing returns over time.
What is the Stamets Stack Protocol?
Named after mycologist Paul Stamets, the Stamets Stack Protocol recommends dosing for four consecutive days, followed by three days off. This approach is unique in that it incorporates supplements such as Lion’s Mane mushroom and Niacin.
Lion’s Mane is ideal for its potential to promote neurogenesis, while Niacin is added to enhance absorption. Like the Fadiman Protocol, this schedule is followed for 4 to 10 weeks. The combination of substances in the Stamets Stack is designed to boost cognitive function and support overall brain health.
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