Microdosing vs. Macrodosing: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for You?
Written by Joseph Santiago
If you’re curious about psychedelics, particularly magic truffles, you’re likely wondering about the differences between microdosing and macrodosing. Each offers a distinct experience, and the right approach depends on your goals, level of experience, and desired effects.
Let’s dive into the specifics, explore microdosing protocols, and highlight the best strains for both micro and macrodosing to guide you on your journey.
What Is Microdosing?
Microdosing involves taking very small amounts of psychedelics—typically between 0.50 and 2 grams of magic truffles. These doses are sub-perceptual, meaning you won’t experience intense hallucinations or “trips.” Instead, microdosing is designed to offer subtle enhancements to mood, cognition, and overall well-being.
At Microdose Bros, we recommend using our Magic Mushroom & Truffles Dosage Calculator to find your perfect dose aka “sweet spot”.
Benefits of Microdosing:
- Enhanced creativity and focus
- Improved emotional balance, reducing anxiety or stress
- Increased productivity without feeling altered
- Subtle changes in perception and cognition
- Boosted problem-solving abilities, allowing for more innovative thinking
- Heightened mindfulness and presence, helping you stay in the moment
- Improved mental clarity, making complex tasks easier to handle
- Reduced symptoms of depression, providing a more positive outlook
- Better interpersonal relationships, fostering empathy and emotional connection
- Support for overcoming addiction, by breaking unhealthy thought patterns
- Improved physical energy levels, making it easier to stay active
- Greater sense of purpose, with users reporting enhanced motivation and life direction
Microdosing Protocols: Structuring Your Routine
To achieve the best results, microdosing should be done using a consistent protocol.
Here are three popular options:
Fadiman Protocol (1 Day On, 2 Days Off)
How it works: Created by Dr. James Fadiman, this method involves taking a microdose on Day 1, followed by two days off. This cycle repeats every fourth day.
Example:
- Day 1: Microdose
- Day 2: No dose
- Day 3: No dose
- Day 4: Microdose again
Why it works: The two-day break allows the body to reset, preventing tolerance buildup while maintaining long-term benefits. This is a great protocol for beginners or those looking for ongoing, steady improvements.
Paul Stamets Protocol (4 Days On, 3 Days Off)
- How it works: Developed by mycologist Paul Stamets, this protocol involves microdosing for four consecutive days, followed by three days off. Stamets also recommends adding Lion’s Mane and Niacin (Vitamin B3) to the routine for brain health and neurogenesis.
Example:
- Day 1-4: Microdose
- Day 5-7: No dose
Why it works: This method supports cognitive enhancement and neuroplasticity. Lion’s Mane is known for promoting nerve regeneration, while Niacin helps transport the active compounds across the blood-brain barrier, maximizing their potential.
One Day On, One Day Off
How it works: In this approach, you alternate between microdosing and taking a day off. It’s a straightforward method for those who want more regular microdosing but still allow the body time to rest.
Example:
- Day 1: Microdose
- Day 2: No dose
- Day 3: Microdose again
Why it works: It ensures consistent benefits while preventing overuse. This approach works well for those who want a steady stream of subtle cognitive and emotional improvements.
The Importance of Tracking Your Progress
Microdosing is a personal experience, and tracking your journey is essential to understanding how it affects you. Here’s what we recommend:
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- Track Your Mood: Keep a journal or use a tracking app to record how you feel before and after each dose. Look for changes in your emotional state, energy levels, and focus.
- Record Dosages: Document the exact amount of truffles you took to identify your ideal dose.
- Note Patterns: Over time, tracking will help you fine-tune your routine, making sure you’re maximizing the benefits of microdosing.
Niacin and Lion’s Mane: Why Add Them to Your Protocol?
Niacin (Vitamin B3) helps with the absorption of the active compounds in magic truffles, particularly when combined with Lion’s Mane. Niacin assists by opening capillaries and increasing blood flow, allowing more compounds to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Lion’s Mane is a non-psychedelic medicinal mushroom known for promoting nerve regeneration and neuroplasticity. When combined with magic truffles, it helps support brain health, cognition, and memory. Adding Lion’s Mane and Niacin to your microdosing routine is especially beneficial if you’re following the Paul Stamets Protocol and want to enhance brain function while microdosing.
Microdose Synergy – 60 Capsules
Best for: Those looking to enhance cognitive function and support brain health with a powerful blend of Lion’s Mane, niacin, and psilocybin.
Effects: This synergy formula promotes neurogenesis and enhances memory, focus, mood, and energy. The combination of Lion’s Mane and psilocybin works to create new neural pathways and repair neurological damage, while niacin helps distribute these benefits deeper into the brain.
Key Benefits:
- Supports memory and focus
- Reduces anxiety and enhances overall well-being
- Boosts creativity and cognition
- Promotes neurogenesis and brain repair
- Increases energy levels and mood stabilization
Lion’s Mane stimulates the brain’s production of NGF (Nerve Growth Factors), and niacin enhances the distribution of these compounds for a more effective experience. Ideal for long-term cognitive support and a greater sense of well-being.
Macrodosing: The Full Psychedelic Experience
While microdosing offers subtle benefits, macrodosing provides a full psychedelic experience. At Microdose Bros, we consider a full macrodose to be a full bag of magic truffles, which is typically 15 grams for most strains.
For a more potent and intense journey, we offer two magic truffle strains in 25 grams: High Hawaiians and SugaShrooms. These are intended for experienced users and are not recommended for beginners.
Recommended Strains For Experienced Psychonauts For Macrodosing aka Tripping::
High Hawaiians Magic Truffles (25 grams)
Best for: Experienced users seeking a powerful psychedelic journey.
Effects: High Hawaiians offer one of the most potent trips, characterized by euphoria, deep empathy, and heightened creativity. Users often describe a surge of energy and a warm, tingling sensation, leading to a memorable, life-changing experience.
SugaShrooms Magic Truffles (25 grams)
Best for: Adventurous psychonauts ready for a visually stunning, immersive experience.
Effects: SugaShrooms transport you into a vibrant, kaleidoscopic world. Perfect for seasoned users or daring explorers, these truffles promise an unforgettable adventure filled with joy and vivid visual displays.
Valhalla Magic Truffles (15 grams)
Best for: Experienced psychonauts looking for a potent and immersive experience.
Effects: As one of the strongest truffle available, Valhalla delivers intense visuals and deep introspection, taking you on a journey through new dimensions of the universe and yourself. This truffle promises a powerful, unforgettable trip, making it a favorite among seasoned explorers seeking a truly transformative experience.
Old Dutch Magic Truffles (15 grams)
Best for: Seasoned psychonauts looking to push their psychedelic boundaries.
Effects: Old Dutch Magic Truffles deliver powerful waves of euphoria, making them ideal for those seeking a strong, immersive trip. Perfect for experienced users who enjoy exploring the deeper realms of consciousness and want to test the limits with higher doses.
Recommended Strains for Beginners:
Tampanensis Magic Truffles (15 grams)
Best for: Those looking for a reflective, meditative experience.
Effects: Known as Philosopher’s Stones, these truffles focus on introspective thinking rather than heavy visuals, making them ideal for users seeking a spiritual journey.
Mexicana Magic Truffles (15 grams)
Best for: First-time users looking for a light, euphoric trip.
Effects: Mexicana truffles, also called Flesh of the Gods, offer a feel-good, euphoric experience with mild visual effects, making them perfect for beginners.
Atlantis Magic Truffles (15 grams)
Best for: Those who want a balance between creativity and visuals.
Effects: Atlantis truffles are stronger than Mexicana and provide a warm, euphoric experience with creative thinking and light visuals, perfect for beginner to intermediate users.
When Is the Best Time to Microdose?
Microdosing is best done when you want to boost your daily performance. Many users prefer microdosing in the morning to enhance creativity, focus, and mood throughout the day. Be sure to keep track of how you feel over time to adjust your routine.
For macrodosing, it’s important to set aside a day when you can relax and fully embrace the experience, free from external distractions.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose microdosing for its subtle benefits or macrodosing for a deep, immersive journey, the key is to understand your goals and experience level.
At Microdose Bros, we recommend using our Magic Mushroom & Truffles Dosage Calculator for personalized dosing guidance and exploring our wide range of magic truffles to find the right strain for you. From the mild Mexicana to the powerful High Hawaiians, we have something for everyone.
Ready to start your journey? Explore our McMicrodose Starter Kit or dive into the full psychedelic experience with High Hawaiians today.
