The primary hallucinogenic compound in psychedelic mushrooms is psilocybin. Although it differs from person to person, the threshold dose for feeling the effects of dried mushrooms is often in the 0.2-0.5g range. Oral administration of a modest dose between 1 and 2.5g usually results in effects lasting three to six hours. Psilocybin has a potency that is around 100 times lower than LSD and 10 times lower than mescaline.
Psilocybin is metabolized by the body into psilocin, which also has psychedelic effects, when taken. The brain’s serotonin receptors are the primary target of psilocybin and psilocin’s interactions, and their affinity for the 5-HT (serotonin) 2A subtype receptors is particularly high. Psilocybin has demonstrated a potent interaction with receptors in hub brain areas that integrate sensory experiences in rodents. This could explain side effects including synesthesia—the sensation of experiencing different sensory modalities at once, such as tasting or hearing colors—and altered sensory experiences while taking mushrooms.
Effects by Dose
NOTE: The effects described below, especially at the lower dose ranges, are not meant to be exhaustive. As more trustworthy, broadly representative data become available, they can be subject to revision. The Psilocybe Cubensis mushroom dosage ranges are listed here. Other psilocybin-containing species may be affected, but some — like P. Semilanceata — are generally more strong.
Microdose (0.1 – 0.3g)
Many people include microdoses, which are sub-perceptual (unnoticeable) doses, into their weekly routines. Increasing levels of creativity, energy, and attention while lowering stress, anxiety, and emotional instability is the notion behind this. In our microdosing guide, you can learn more. Typical outcomes include mood enhancement, decreased stress, emotional stability, mindfulness and peace, openness and self-forgiveness, and conversational fluidity.
Minidose (0.35 – 0.75g)
A mini-dose of psilocybin elevates you just above the perceptual threshold, but it doesn’t cause a full-blown trip, even though a genuine microdose shouldn’t be felt. A mini-dose, in the words of one of our community members, provides you “that total expansion of being, total freeflow experience” without making you lose awareness of your surroundings. Typical outcomes include:
- Mood enhancement, mild euphoria or excitement
- Mindfulness, presence, and peace
- Openness and self-forgiveness
- Introspective insights
- Alleviation of persistent conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, and PTSD
Museum Dose (08g – 1.5g)
A greater dose of psilocybin makes its effects more noticeable than they would be with a mini-dose, but it still won’t fully immerse you in the psychedelic experience. The biologist and pharmacologist Dr. Alexander Shulgin came up with the term “museum dosage,” which alludes to the idea that while taking it, you can still engage in social activities like seeing artwork in a museum without drawing attention to yourself. Typical outcomes include mood enhancement, euphoria or excitement, mild to moderate visuals (e.g. “breathing” environments), increased empathy, conversational fluidity and introspection.
Moderate Dose (2 – 3.5g)
The complete psychedelic experience starts here. You’ll probably experience visual hallucinations, including patterns and fractals, as well as changes in time and depth perception. You can still understand your surroundings with this dose, but they will be significantly altered. Typical outcomes include:
- Life-changing introspective or philosophical insights
- Increased flow of ideas
- Enhanced appreciation for music, art, etc.
- Finding otherwise mundane things funny or interesting
- Clear come-up, peak, and come-down
Megadose (5g or over)
A megadose results in a complete loss of awareness of reality. You’ll go through vivid hallucinations, ego death, mystical encounters, and profound contemplation here. Typical outcomes include mystical experiences and intense feelings of wonder, life-changing introspective or philosophical insights, ego death, very strong open and closed eye visions (e.g. memories coming to life), and synesthesia.
To Wrap It All Up…
The dosage of magic mushrooms is a personal preference. It’s possible that what works for your friend won’t for you. It may take some trial and error to find your ideal dosing range. Just keep in mind to start low and go slow. Select the appropriate dose for your set and environment. Your dosage is influenced by your attitude and surroundings. Do you plan to attend a party? Your position? Are you happy? experiencing a challenging time? These kinds of questions can help you choose your next dose.
At Shroom Shack, we provide the best quality magic mushrooms in Canada from dried mushrooms and mushroom edibles to microdose mushrooms. Browse our store now and get in touch with our team of professionals if you have any questions.