⚖️ Comprehensive Dosing Guide

From Microdosing to Heroic: Complete Science-Based Dosage Information

⚠️ Critical Safety Information

Dosing is the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT safety factor. Too much is the #1 cause of difficult experiences.

  • Always start lower than you think - you can always take more next time
  • Species potency varies 2-5x - adjust accordingly
  • Individual sensitivity varies - what's moderate for one person is strong for another
  • Set and setting matter as much as dose - perfect dose in wrong setting = difficult experience
  • Don't redose during trip - takes 45-90min to peak, adding more rarely helps

📊 The Dosage Spectrum

Psilocybin effects exist on a spectrum from sub-perceptual to overwhelming. Understanding each level helps you choose appropriately.

Micro
0.05-0.3g
Threshold
0.3-1g
Light
1-2g
Moderate
2-3.5g
Strong
3.5-5g
Heroic
5g+

📏 All doses in this guide assume P. cubensis (dried) unless otherwise specified. Adjust for other species as detailed in Species Potency section below.

🌱 Microdose

Dose: 0.05-0.3g (50-300mg)

Effects:

  • Sub-perceptual (shouldn't "feel" it)
  • Improved mood, focus, creativity
  • Energy boost
  • No visual effects
  • Fully functional

Duration: 4-6 hours

Best for: Productivity, creativity, depression/anxiety management, regular wellness

Frequency: Every 3rd day (Fadiman protocol) or 4 days on / 3 off (Stamets protocol)

🌿 Threshold

Dose: 0.3-1g

Effects:

  • Mild euphoria
  • Colors slightly enhanced
  • Altered perception subtle
  • Light body sensations
  • Clear thinking
  • Still functional

Duration: 4-6 hours

Best for: Museum dose (social activities), gentle introduction, creativity sessions, nature walks

🌼 Light

Dose: 1-2g

Effects:

  • Clear psychedelic experience
  • Visual enhancements (colors vivid, patterns)
  • Altered thinking patterns
  • Emotional openness
  • Possible mild visuals (closed eyes)
  • Manageable intensity

Duration: 4-7 hours

Best for: FIRST-TIMERS (especially 1-1.5g), therapeutic exploration, artistic endeavors, spiritual practice

🌸 Moderate

Dose: 2-3.5g

Effects:

  • Full psychedelic experience
  • Strong visuals (open & closed eye)
  • Significant alteration of thinking
  • Emotional waves
  • Profound insights possible
  • Time distortion notable
  • Ego softening begins

Duration: 5-8 hours

Best for: Therapeutic work, spiritual exploration, personal growth (experienced users), 2nd-3rd trip after successful light dose

🔥 Strong

Dose: 3.5-5g

Effects:

  • Very intense experience
  • Overwhelming visuals
  • Profound alterations of reality
  • Ego dissolution possible
  • Mystical experiences common
  • Loss of sense of self
  • Difficult to navigate

Duration: 6-10 hours

Best for: Deep therapeutic work, spiritual breakthroughs, experienced psychonauts only, serious healing intentions

⚡ Heroic

Dose: 5g+ (Terence McKenna's "Heroic Dose")

Effects:

  • Extremely intense, overwhelming
  • Complete ego death likely
  • Dissolution of boundaries
  • Mystical/religious experiences
  • Loss of contact with consensus reality
  • Ineffable, beyond description
  • Potentially life-changing

Duration: 6-12 hours

Best for: Highly experienced users only, profound spiritual quests, ceremonial settings, ultimate therapeutic breakthroughs

⚠️ NOT for beginners. Requires extensive experience, perfect set/setting, trip sitter essential.

🍄 Species-Specific Potency & Dose Adjustments

Potency varies dramatically by species. Using a "cubensis dose" of a potent species like P. azurescens can result in an overwhelming experience.

Complete Species Potency Comparison

Species Psilocybin % Potency vs Cubensis Dose Adjustment Example: Moderate Dose
P. cubensis 0.5-0.9% 1.0x (BASELINE) Use standard doses 2.5-3g
P. azurescens 1.0-1.8% 2-3x STRONGER Reduce by 60-70% 0.8-1.2g
P. cyanescens 0.85-1.1% 2x STRONGER Reduce by 50% 1.2-1.8g
P. semilanceata
(Liberty Caps)		 0.8-1.2% 1.5-2x STRONGER Reduce by 30-50% 1.5-2g
Panaeolus cambodginiensis
(Sandose)		 1.0-2.0% 2-3x STRONGER Reduce by 60-70% 0.8-1.5g
Panaeolus cyanescens 1.0-2.0% 2-3x STRONGER Reduce by 60-70% 0.8-1.5g
P. caerulescens
(Landslide)		 0.4-0.7% 0.8x (slightly weaker) Increase by 20% 3-3.5g
P. tampanensis
(Philosopher's Stone truffles)		 0.3-0.6% 0.6x (weaker) Increase by 50% 4-5g
P. mexicana 0.2-0.5% 0.5x (weaker) Increase by 50-100% 5-6g
P. stuntzii 0.36-0.61% ~1.0x (similar) Use standard doses 2.5-3g
P. weilii 0.5-0.8% ~1.0x (similar) Use standard doses 2.5-3g
P. subcubensis 0.4-0.7% 0.8x (slightly weaker) Increase by 10-20% 2.8-3.2g

⚠️ Critical Dosing Rules for Different Species

  1. If switching species: START AT 50% of your usual cubensis dose
  2. Unknown species/source: START AT 0.5g MAX to test potency
  3. Wood-lovers (azurescens, cyanescens): Expect 2-3x stronger
  4. Panaeolus species: Among MOST POTENT - dose very carefully
  5. When in doubt: GO LOWER. You can always try more next time.

Strain vs. Species: Does It Matter?

Within P. cubensis strains (Golden Teacher, B+, Penis Envy, etc.):

  • Most strains: Similar potency (0.5-0.9% psilocybin)
  • Penis Envy & Albino Penis Envy: 1.5-2x MORE POTENT (0.9-1.3%) - reduce dose by 30-50%
  • Enigma: VERY POTENT (mutation) - reduce dose significantly
  • Other differences (growth, appearance) don't significantly affect potency

Between species: HUGE differences. Always research species before dosing.

⚖️ Individual Factors Affecting Dose

Two people taking the same dose can have vastly different experiences. Understanding personal factors is crucial.

🏋️ Body Weight

Impact: Moderate

Heavier individuals generally need slightly more, but effect is less pronounced than with many drugs.

  • 45-60kg (100-130lb): Reduce by 10-15%
  • 60-90kg (130-200lb): Standard doses
  • 90-110kg+ (200-240lb+): Increase by 10-20%

Note: Brain chemistry matters more than weight.

🧬 Individual Sensitivity

Impact: VERY HIGH

Some people are naturally more sensitive to psilocybin (5-10x range possible).

  • First time: Assume average sensitivity
  • If previous dose was too strong: You may be highly sensitive
  • If previous dose was underwhelming: May need more

Only way to know: Start low and find YOUR dose.

🍽️ Stomach Contents

Impact: HIGH

Empty stomach (3-4hr fast):

  • Faster onset (20-40min)
  • Stronger peak
  • Shorter duration
  • Less nausea
  • RECOMMENDED

Full stomach:

  • Slower onset (60-90min)
  • Weaker, extended peak
  • More nausea
  • Unpredictable

🧘 Psychological State

Impact: VERY HIGH

Same dose feels different depending on mindset.

  • Anxious/stressed: Feels more intense, potentially challenging
  • Calm/grounded: Manageable, pleasant
  • Depressed: May need therapeutic setting
  • Excited/positive: Often very pleasant

Bad set = reduce dose or wait for better day.

🏡 Environment (Setting)

Impact: VERY HIGH

Comfortable, safe setting: Can handle higher doses

Uncomfortable, unpredictable: Same dose feels overwhelming

  • Safe home: Standard doses OK
  • Nature (familiar): Standard doses OK
  • Social/public: Reduce dose 30-50% ("museum dose")
  • Unfamiliar location: Reduce dose

💊 Medications

Impact: VERY HIGH

SSRIs/SNRIs:

  • Significantly reduce effects (50-80%)
  • May need 2-3x normal dose (risky)
  • Not recommended while on antidepressants

Lithium: AVOID ENTIRELY (seizure risk)

MAOIs: DANGEROUS (serotonin syndrome)

Benzodiazepines: Reduce/abort trip

See full medication interaction guide →

⏱️ Tolerance

Impact: VERY HIGH (if recent use)

Psilocybin tolerance develops instantly and fades quickly:

  • Next day: ~80% tolerance (need 2-3x dose)
  • 3 days: ~50% tolerance
  • 7 days: ~15% tolerance
  • 14 days: Back to baseline

Recommendation: Wait 2-4 weeks between trips for full reset and integration.

🕐 Time of Day

Impact: Moderate

  • Morning (9am-12pm): Best for full experience, fresh energy, integration afterward
  • Afternoon (12-4pm): Good, but less time to integrate before sleep
  • Evening (after 6pm): Avoid - will be up all night, sleep disrupted

Circadian rhythm affects experience. Morning trips often more positive.

🌙 Sleep Quality

Impact: Moderate-High

Poor sleep increases anxiety and reduces emotional regulation during trips.

  • Well-rested: Standard doses OK
  • Sleep-deprived: More likely difficult experience, reduce dose or postpone

Get good sleep night before.

🧓 Age

Impact: Moderate

  • Under 21: Brain still developing - wait until mid-20s recommended
  • 21-65: Standard doses
  • Over 65: Start lower (cardiovascular considerations, medication interactions more common)

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Experience Level

Impact: HIGH

  • First time: 1-1.5g MAX (P. cubensis)
  • 2-3 experiences: 1.5-2.5g
  • 5+ experiences: 2-4g
  • 10+ experiences: 3-5g if desired
  • Highly experienced: 5g+ heroic doses (with preparation)

Experience teaches you how to navigate. Never rush to high doses.

🍋 Preparation Method

Impact: Moderate-High

Lemon tek:

  • Faster onset (15-30min)
  • More intense peak
  • Shorter duration (4-6hr vs 6-8hr)
  • Reduce dose by 10-20%

Tea: Similar to lemon tek but milder

Eating whole: Standard, predictable

See preparation methods guide →

🧮 Dosage Calculator

Use this mental framework to calculate your appropriate dose:

Step-by-Step Dose Calculation

Step 1: Choose Your Desired Intensity

What kind of experience do you want?

  • Sub-perceptual wellness: START: 0.1-0.2g
  • Mild enhanced perception: START: 0.5-1g
  • Clear psychedelic (FIRST-TIMER): START: 1-1.5g
  • Full experience (experienced): START: 2-3g
  • Deep dive (very experienced): START: 3.5-5g
  • Heroic (expert only): START: 5g+

Step 2: Adjust for Species/Strain

If NOT P. cubensis standard strain:

  • P. azurescens or Panaeolus spp.: MULTIPLY by 0.3-0.4 (reduce 60-70%)
  • P. cyanescens: MULTIPLY by 0.5 (reduce 50%)
  • P. semilanceata: MULTIPLY by 0.6-0.7 (reduce 30-40%)
  • Penis Envy strain: MULTIPLY by 0.6-0.7 (reduce 30-40%)
  • P. mexicana, truffles: MULTIPLY by 1.5-2 (increase 50-100%)
  • Unknown species: START at 0.5g MAX to test

Step 3: Adjust for Personal Factors

Consider adjustments for:

  • Small body weight (<60kg): Reduce by 10-15%
  • Large body weight (>90kg): Increase by 10-20%
  • High anxiety/stress: Reduce by 20-30%
  • Suboptimal setting: Reduce by 30-50%
  • On SSRIs: May need 1.5-2x (not recommended)
  • Recent trip (within 2 weeks): Increase by tolerance % OR WAIT
  • Lemon tek method: Reduce by 10-20%

Step 4: Apply "Start Low" Safety Margin

CRITICAL RULE: When in doubt, reduce your calculated dose by 20-30%.

Why? You can always take more next time. Can't un-take too much.

Example Calculation:

Scenario: First-timer, 70kg, P. cyanescens, optimal setting

  1. Desired: Clear psychedelic first experience → 1.5g (cubensis baseline)
  2. Species: P. cyanescens (2x stronger) → 1.5g × 0.5 = 0.75g
  3. Personal: Average weight, good setting → No adjustment = 0.75g
  4. Safety margin: First-timer, err low → 0.75g × 0.8 = 0.6g

FINAL DOSE: 0.6g P. cyanescens (equivalent to ~1.2g cubensis, conservative first experience)

⏰ Dosing Timeline & Redosing

Typical Experience Timeline

Time Phase What's Happening
T+0:00 Ingestion Take dose. Effects begin 20-60min depending on stomach contents, method.
T+20-60min Onset First effects appear. Slight body sensations, colors brighter, possible nausea.
T+45-90min Come-up Effects intensify rapidly. This is often most uncomfortable phase. Don't redose here!
T+2-4hr Peak Maximum effects. Full psychedelic experience. Visuals strongest, thoughts most altered.
T+4-6hr Plateau/Offset Effects gradually decrease. Still altered but more manageable. Good for reflection.
T+6-8hr Return Mostly back to baseline. Afterglow, tired, emotionally open.
T+1-7 days Integration Process insights. Possibly increased emotional sensitivity first few days.

Should I Redose?

⚠️ Redosing is Generally NOT Recommended

Why redosing usually doesn't work well:

  • Tolerance builds instantly: After initial dose, receptors downregulate. Second dose has diminished effects.
  • Extends duration more than intensity: Often just makes trip longer and exhausting, not stronger.
  • Unpredictable: Hard to gauge additional dose effects.
  • Delayed peak: People redose at 60min thinking nothing's happening, then both doses hit simultaneously = overwhelming.

If you MUST redose:

  • Only within first 60 minutes (before tolerance)
  • Max 50% of original dose
  • Accept it will be unpredictable

Better approach: Next time, adjust your initial dose. Learn from this experience.

🤝 Combining with Other Substances

🚫 Dangerous Combinations (AVOID)

  • Lithium: SEIZURE RISK - never combine
  • MAOIs: Serotonin syndrome, hypertensive crisis
  • Tramadol: Seizure risk, serotonin syndrome
  • High-dose stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines): Cardiovascular strain
  • DXM: Serotonin syndrome risk

Common Combinations & Dose Adjustments

Substance Effect on Experience Dose Adjustment Safety Notes
Cannabis Intensifies significantly, longer duration, more confusion Reduce psilocybin by 20-30% if combining. Avoid for first-timers. ⚠️ Can trigger anxiety/paranoia. Use sparingly if experienced.
MDMA
("Hippie Flip")		 Enhanced empathy, euphoria, reduced anxiety from psilocybin Reduce both: 1.5-2g psilocybin + 75-100mg MDMA ⚠️ Increased neurotoxicity risk, cardiovascular strain. Experienced only.
LSD
("Soul Bomb")		 Extremely intense, very long (10-14hr), synergistic Reduce both: 1-1.5g psilocybin + 50-75μg LSD ⚠️ Very intense. Experts only. Overwhelming for most.
Alcohol Dulls effects, increases nausea, impairs judgment AVOID. If consumed, effects unpredictable. ❌ Not recommended. Wastes psilocybin, ruins experience.
SSRIs/SNRIs Significantly reduces/blocks effects May "need" 2-3x dose (risky, not recommended) ⚠️ Better to taper off antidepressants (with doctor) before psilocybin.
Benzodiazepines
(Xanax, Valium)		 Reduces/aborts trip, anti-anxiety Have available as "emergency brake," don't pre-dose ✅ Useful as trip-killer if experience overwhelming. 0.5-1mg Xanax.
Ketamine Enhanced dissociation, very strange Reduce both significantly ⚠️ Advanced combinations. Confusing, disorienting.
Caffeine Mild stimulation, slight anxiety increase No adjustment needed. Avoid excessive. ✅ Generally safe. Small amounts OK (morning coffee).

💡 General Combination Principles

  • First-timers: NEVER combine. Psilocybin alone first.
  • Experienced users: Start with reduced doses of both substances
  • Synergy is unpredictable: 1+1 can equal 3 or 4
  • When in doubt, don't: Pure psilocybin is powerful enough
  • Research thoroughly: Understand pharmacology before combining

🎯 Dosing for Specific Purposes

Microdosing Protocols

Protocol Dose Schedule Best For
Fadiman Protocol 0.1-0.3g Day 1: Dose
Day 2: Off
Day 3: Off
Repeat		 Depression, anxiety, general wellness. Most popular.
Stamets Stack 0.05-0.15g psilocybin
+ 5-20g Lion's Mane
+ 100-200mg Niacin		 4 days on
3 days off
Repeat		 Neurogenesis, cognitive enhancement, creativity.
Intuitive/As-Needed 0.05-0.2g When desired, minimum 1-2 days between Flexible approach for occasional mood/creativity boost.
Every Other Day 0.05-0.15g Dose every other day Higher frequency for therapeutic applications (depression).

Microdose Duration: Most protocols: 4-8 weeks on, then 2-4 weeks off to assess baseline. Repeat as needed.

Finding your microdose: Start at 0.05g. Increase by 0.05g every 3rd dose until you barely feel something, then back down one step. That's your sweet spot.

Therapeutic Dosing

Depression/Anxiety

Microdosing approach:

  • 0.1-0.3g every 3 days
  • Gradual improvement over weeks
  • Sustainable long-term

Macro-dosing approach:

  • 2-3.5g every 2-4 weeks
  • With integration therapy
  • Rapid breakthrough possible

PTSD/Trauma Work

Recommended:

  • 2-3g moderate dose
  • Therapeutic setting essential
  • With trained guide/therapist
  • Extensive preparation & integration

Avoid: High doses without support can retraumatize

Addiction Recovery

Research-supported:

  • 2.5-4g moderate-high dose
  • Mystical experience often key
  • In addiction treatment program
  • Multiple sessions (2-3) over months

End-of-Life Anxiety

Research protocol:

  • 3.5-5g high dose
  • Aim for mystical experience
  • Reduces death anxiety dramatically
  • Must have therapeutic support

Spiritual/Mystical Experiences

For breakthrough mystical experiences (ego dissolution, unity, transcendence):

  • Dose: 3.5-5g+ (P. cubensis) - "Heroic Dose" territory
  • Setting: Silent darkness (McKenna's recommendation) OR ceremonial setting
  • Preparation: Fasting, meditation, intention-setting
  • Support: Experienced trip-sitter or guide essential
  • Frequency: Rare (2-4 times per year maximum) - these are profound, life-changing events

⚠️ Heroic doses are not for recreation. These are serious spiritual/therapeutic tools requiring respect, preparation, and integration. Potential for overwhelming experiences is very high.

📏 Measurement & Preparation

Accurate Dosing is Critical

Visual estimation is unreliable. Mushrooms vary in size, density, and potency. Always weigh.

Equipment You Need:

  • Digital scale: 0.01g precision minimum (for microdosing, 0.001g better)
  • Cost: $15-40
  • Calibration: Check with calibration weight periodically
  • Tare function: Essential for weighing in containers

Dosing Dried vs. Fresh

Standard doses assume DRIED mushrooms.

Conversion: Fresh mushrooms are ~90% water

Formula: Fresh weight × 0.1 = Dried weight equivalent

Example: 30g fresh ≈ 3g dried

OR: Dried dose × 10 = Fresh dose

Example: 2g dried dose = 20g fresh

Grinding vs. Whole

Method Advantages Disadvantages Best For
Whole mushrooms • No preparation
• Can see what you're taking
• Better long-term storage		 • Uneven potency
• Harder to consume
• Slower digestion		 Larger doses, occasional use
Roughly chopped • Easier to consume
• Faster digestion
• Some homogenization		 • Still somewhat uneven
• More oxidation than whole		 Tea, general use
Powdered • Homogenous (precise dosing)
• Easy to encapsulate
• Fast absorption		 • Faster oxidation
• Loses potency faster
• Can't identify species		 Microdosing, precise dosing, capsules

Capsule Dosing for Microdosing

Why capsules? No taste, precise dosing, convenient, portable.

  • Capsule size "00": Holds ~0.4-0.5g powder (good for moderate doses)
  • Capsule size "0": Holds ~0.3-0.4g (good for microdoses)
  • Capsule size "1": Holds ~0.2-0.3g (ideal for microdoses)

Process: Grind mushrooms to fine powder → fill capsules with capsule machine → store in dark airtight container → label with date and dose

⚠️ Safety Guidelines: The DO's and DON'Ts

✅ DO:

  • Start low - especially first time or new species
  • Weigh accurately - use 0.01g scale
  • Fast 3-4 hours before dosing
  • Research species potency before consuming
  • Have trip sitter for doses >2g or first experiences
  • Optimize set & setting - comfortable, safe environment
  • Clear your schedule - full day + next day
  • Stay hydrated during experience
  • Wait 2-4 weeks between trips for tolerance reset & integration
  • Integrate afterward - journal, reflect, implement insights

❌ DON'T:

  • Don't eyeball doses - always weigh
  • Don't take too much - #1 cause of bad trips
  • Don't trip alone first time - have experienced sitter
  • Don't mix with dangerous drugs (lithium, MAOIs, tramadol)
  • Don't redose during trip (tolerance builds instantly)
  • Don't trip on full stomach - nausea + delayed unpredictable onset
  • Don't trip if mentally unstable - wait for better time
  • Don't trip in unsafe setting - can't handle dose you normally could
  • Don't drive or operate machinery - extremely dangerous
  • Don't ignore contraindications - schizophrenia, bipolar, heart conditions
  • Don't trip too frequently - diminishing returns, lose the magic

🎯 Final Dosing Wisdom

"Start low, go slow."

"You can always take more next time, but you can never take less."

"Respect the molecule, and it will respect you."

"The perfect dose is the one that achieves your intention safely."

Dosing is both science and art. This guide provides the science. Your experience, intention, and wisdom provide the art. May your journeys be safe, profound, and transformative. 🍄💚

📚 Related Resources