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

One of the first and most important questions when deciding how to start microdosing is which substance to use.

For the sake of safety, efficacy, and availability, we only cover the use of LSD and psilocybin in this guide. These are the most well-understood and commonly used in microdosing research. While other psychedelics can be effective for microdosing, they can come with various risks and more nuanced applications.

In this chapter of The Microdosing Guide, we'll guide you through choosing your ideal microdosing using the intention you set in the previous chapter.

Let's get started!

LSD and Psilocybin

Microdosing can be defined as taking a "sub-perceptual" dose of a given psychedelic, but that doesn't mean that LSD and psilocybin don't have noticeably different experiences. And because those experiences can vary, there's some amount of art in picking the substance that will be most supportive of your intention for microdosing.

One is certainly not better than another, and there's no right or wrong in the decision here. We encourage picking what resonates with you now and journaling on your experience. That way, you can reflect on whether it's working for you and try something else if not. Experimentation plus reflection is the name of the game!

Let's jump into some of the subjective characteristics of each.

LSD

LSD is known for its ability to enhance clarity, energize creativity, and aid in accessing powerful flow states. At the ideal dose, it can be common to experience outgoing energy where you feel connected to the flow of all things. It's also said that LSD has an "after-glow" effect which leaves someone feeling positive and light even the day after dosing.

Complimentary intentions for LSD

• Achieving creative flow states
• Enhancing problem-solving capability
• Energizing and enhancing your experience of the world

Practices to pair with LSD

• Ecstatic dance
• Yoga
• Rewrite the story of a challenging experience you once had, with yourself as the heroic protagonist

Psilocybin

Psilocybin microdosing is often a deep dive into the inner world of emotions and energy. This makes it an excellent tool for introspection, processing emotions, and reflecting on how the wounds of our past may be reflecting in our current world, then loving and releasing those. Paired with meditation, relaxing time in nature, and reflective practice, psilocybin can be a potent tool for well-being.

Complimentary intentions for psilocybin

• Finding and feeling through the root of depression
• Processing grief and difficult experiences
• Enhancing artistic expression

Practices to pair with psilocybin

• Walks in nature
• Meditation
• Stream of consciousness journaling

Mixing and Alternating Substances

It can be common for experienced microdosers to combine more than one substance to achieve a synergy of effects. This can be a powerful way of accessing the best of both worlds.

Don't be afraid to change and try new things, including combinations! For new microdosers, we recommend sticking to one substance for a few weeks to develop a relationship with it and understand where it fits best into your routine. Then, after some reflection, try switching substances to discover another.

The eventual goal of intentional microdosing with regular reflection will bring you to the point of knowing precisely what you need each day you choose to microdose—then being able to pick just the suitable substance for that day! We call this an "intuitive protocol" and will discuss it in future chapters.

Obtaining Psychedelics

The legality of psychedelics varies from location to location, and it's essential to know the laws in your region. We don't support or encourage taking any illicit substances, but we support the decriminalization of these substances!

We'll provide a future guide to safely obtaining and testing substances, but in the meantime, please make sure you're taking appropriate caution and testing anything you plan to consume.

Conclusion

Choosing your substance is one of the most important decisions you can make on your microdosing journey. Whether you choose to use LSD, psilocybin, or another substance, picking the right one based on your intentions is important.

It's also important to remember that each day will be different! Taking a few minutes to jot down what you microdosed, how much of it, and how you felt through the experience is a potent tool for figuring out how to craft your perfect protocol.

We'll see you in the next chapter on choosing your dose!