Disclaimer: Psychedelics are potentially illegal substances, and we do not encourage or condone the use of any compound where it is against the law. However, we accept that illegal drug use occurs and believe that offering responsible harm reduction information is imperative to keeping people safe. For that reason, this guide is designed to ensure the safety of those who decide to use them.

Introduction

The dose of a psychedelic refers to how much to take. A dose varies from person to person and substance to substance.

This article also covers how to take a substance and the value of tracking a microdosing dose.

How Much

Dose sizes vary vastly between people, substances, over time, and even for different situations.

The general rule of thumb is to microdose 1/10th to 1/20th of a standard dose. However, beginner psychedelic users may not know what their ideal dose is. This rule also doesn’t consider tolerance, but it is a starting point. Over time, microdosers will discover their “sweet spot.”

The Individual “Sweet Spot”

Unlike alcohol tolerance, which can depend on body weight, height, etc., psychedelic doses do not depend on physical factors.

Dosing can depend on an individual’s psychedelic use, as tolerance does build with most substances.

It’s recommended to start with the smallest doses for each substance (see below) and up the amount, until it exceeds sub-perceptual effects, then decrease to sub-perceptual if desired.

The “sweet spot” doesn’t refer to a sub-perceptual dose but the dose that feels most comfortable for the microdosers.

LSD

For LSD, the recommended starting dose is 6-20 micrograms. It’s best to microdose LSD in the morning, as it takes 20-90 minutes to onset and lasts about 8-12 hours, depending on the dose.

Although the sweet spot is often sub-perceptual, the energizing effects of LSD can last into the evening if taken too late in the day.

If the intent is to be more social or have energy late in the evening, consider taking it later in the day.

Psilocybin

Psilocybin’s recommended starting dose is 0.05-0.2 grams of dried mushroom. They generally onset in 60-80 minutes and can last 6-8 hours, depending on the dose.

Because psilocybin isn’t typically associated with higher energy levels, some microdosers can get away with taking their dose later in the day.

Common Ways to Dose

Because microdosing doses are so personal, most dealers will sell psychedelics in batches as macrodoses.

If this is the case, there is a simple way to break psychedelic products down into microdosing forms.

LSD

LSD typically comes in liquid or on blotter paper.

For microdosing purposes, both options need to be diluted into a tincture with distilled water and vodka.

A good ratio is:

Store LSD microdosing products in a cool, dark place for optimal shelf life.

Psilocybin

Some dealers offer microdosing capsules or chocolates for psilocybin mushrooms. These can be beneficial as they are convenient, but there may be better doses.

If a beginner microdoser is still figuring out the “sweet spot,” they can consider making capsules from ground, dry mushrooms by simply weighing out 0.05-0.2 grams per capsule.

Tracking

The best way to dial in the sweet spot is to track dosage on each microdose day and report physical and mental effects.

If there are little to no sensations reported, consider upping the dose.

Consider lowering the dose if there are uncomfortable sensations like feeling wobbly, high anxiety, or hallucinations.

Conclusion

Everyone has their sweet spot for microdosing, which can vary between people, substance, and intention.

Starting with the recommended doses for beginners is the best way to begin a microdosing protocol.