You’ve probably heard of magic mushrooms, a naturally occurring, popular psychedelic that has been around for thousands of years.
It contains the compound psilocybin, which produces hallucinations in people that consume it. Magic mushrooms have long been used recreationally and religiously, as its advocates often report experiencing spiritual awakenings and meditative states while on a full-on trip.
These intense trips often require more product intake, usually a few grams, to gain the desired hallucinogenic effect. However, more and more Canadians are microdosing magic mushrooms, using a minuscule amount to achieve different but still positive results.
What Is Microdosing?
Microdosing is a relatively new phenomenon. It has gained initial traction across psychonauts or psychedelic enthusiasts and is also attracting researchers, scientists, and business people.
There is no precise amount yet to what constitutes a microdose with research on the subject still in its infancy. The consensus is that a tiny amount of a psychedelic drug isn’t enough to cause a full trip or hallucination.
Despite having a milder effect than a regular trip, its proponents attest that the practice offers significant benefits to one’s mind and general well-being.
The Health Benefits of Microdosing Shrooms
Despite having been in existence for millennia, research on psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, is still in its infancy due to the prohibition of these substances in countries worldwide.
However, current research has shown promising results. A study in Harm Reduction Journal has elaborated on the many benefits of microdosing psychedelics, including magic mushrooms.
Improved Focus and Concentration
In the study mentioned above, 14.8 percent of participants reported experiencing improved focus and concentration.
Another study also reported an increased psychological functioning on days when the participants microdosed. However, there is not much evidence supporting these effects carried over in days when the participants did not microdose.
Creativity
Creativity is one of the main reasons people use psychedelics. Magic mushrooms could produce vivid hallucinations that inspire creativity or spiritual experiences in regular or larger doses.
Many people report experiencing increased creativity even when microdosing. However, many of these experiences remain anecdotal and need to be backed up by further research.
Improved Mental Health
Many people who microdose report doing so due to its capability to help reduce stress and anxiety in their daily lives.
In a 2018 international survey, 21 percent of respondents reported microdosing to self-medicate for depression, seven percent for anxiety, nine percent for other mental health problems, and two percent to aid in stopping or reducing substance use.
Social Benefits
When putting together all the reported benefits of microdosing psilocybin mushrooms, many people observe being more able to cope with their daily lives, especially when handling or facing other people.
This effect could be due to reduced stress and an improved mood. Handling negative feelings more effectively allows people to become more friendly, open, and less irritable in stressful or high-pressure situations.
Despite being a relatively new concept, microdosing magic mushrooms and other psychedelics looks promising, especially in helping treat mental health problems and improving one’s quality of life.
Still, it’s essential to take note of relevant studies as they arise to ensure a more objective view of the practice and minimize any potential harm that may come.
