Microdosing is an ideal way to enjoy the benefits of mushrooms without unwanted side effects. You may be wondering if this means there are no side effects at all, and there is no one definitive answer.
Side effects of microdosing mushrooms vary from person to person, and any number of factors will play into this, from the dosage to the individual's weight and whether or not they consumed the gummies on an empty stomach.
For most people, the minimal side effects associated with microdosing mushrooms do not outweigh the many benefits. Read on to learn more about microdosing as well as what side effects you can expect and how to manage them.
What Is Microdosing?
Microdosing is one of the most popular ways to consume gummies, whether they contain mushrooms, CBD, THC, or a combination of substances. The process is as simple and straightforward as it sounds: a microdose is a small fraction of a regular or full dose, giving the user the benefits of mushrooms (or THC, for example) without some of the unwanted and more intense effects associated with larger doses.
Microdosing gives the individual more control as well: by taking smaller amounts of mushrooms at specific intervals, the effects are more carefully managed and tailored to specific needs.
Rather than a full-blown trip that would interfere with normal daily activities, a microdosing schedule can be useful for taking the edge off, offering a slight euphoric buzz, and even calming anxiety.
What Are the Side Effects of Microdosing Mushroom Gummies?
Microdosing mushrooms is a preferred method for those who want to minimize side effects, so the good news is that these effects are generally mild and tolerable for most users.
If side effects occur from consumption of magic mushrooms, they will generally include these possibilities:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Bloating and gas
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Increased blood pressure
Experiencing severe side effects from a microdose would be extremely rare; if you do have severe side effects, it may be down to a misunderstanding of dosages or a product that the manufacturer did not accurately describe.
This is a good place to point out that you should only purchase gummies from reputable manufacturers who use quality ingredients and safety test their products. Do your homework to be sure you know exactly what is in your gummy before you eat a microdose (or the whole thing).
How Do Microdosing Side Effects Compare to Full Doses of Magic Mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms have long been associated with out-of-body, euphoric experiences. When we think about the effects of magic mushrooms, we might imagine psychedelic imagery, time standing still, or full-on hallucinations.
A full-dosage magic mushroom trip can be an incredible and mind-opening experience; however, it does not easily blend into our everyday activities. Full doses and their desired effects—as well as potentially unwanted side effects—interfere with our ability to manage our normal daily routines and responsibilities.
In many cases, individuals taking a full dose of magic mushrooms would have someone else agree to act as a trip sitter: a person who was not under the influence of any substance who could assist the shroomer if things went south during the trip.
With full doses of recreational mushrooms, the risks of unwanted side effects may include:
- The onset of debilitating paranoia
- Negative changes in mood
- Increase anxiety and feelings of panic
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- High blood pressure and/or a racing heart
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness or numbness
- Excessive sweating followed by chills
While these effects are less than ideal and a far cry from the euphoric uplift most individuals want from mushrooms, they are not always the outcome. And when these effects do occur, they are (thankfully) short-term.
The Benefits of Microdosing
One of the best reasons to consider microdosing instead of consuming full-dosage gummies is to avoid the effects described above. If you are new to mushrooms and also risk averse, you probably want to play it safe and try a smaller dose before diving into the deep end of the fungi pool.
Microdosing generally allows people to experience some of the positive effects of mushrooms without the negative ones. It also allows some shroomers to enjoy the gentle and euphoric uplift of a microdose as part of their regular daily routine.
Microdosing mushroom gummies can yield a number of positive effects and benefits, such as:
- Enhanced creativity
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved mental clarity
- Increased energy
The effects of mushrooms in any dosage will vary among individuals. Your experience with a full gummy or even a microdose could be markedly different from someone else who consumes the same amount. The most important point to bear in mind is you can always "add," but you cannot "subtract."
In other words, start small and increase the dose if you are not achieving the desired effects. But starting big, especially for those who are inexperienced with mushrooms, could lead to a bad trip. It's always best to play it safe until you get a better sense of how your body reacts to magic mushrooms.
Is Microdosing Legal?
Some people might assume microdosing is legal because of the small amounts of mushrooms or THC consumed. However, the answer is a bit more complicated than that.
Psilocybin, the main ingredient in most magic mushrooms, is illegal in most places. While there have been efforts to legalize psilocybin thanks to its promising potential in treating mental health conditions, it is still a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act.
However, a popular alternative that is now available in gummies is the Amanita Muscaria mushroom, which contains muscimol rather than psilocybin. Muscimol creates psychoactive effects when consumed and is not classified as illegal under the Controlled Substances Act. Therefore, gummies made using Amanita Muscaria mushrooms are legal in most places (with Louisiana being one exception).
Similarly, gummies made with THC are not legal across the board. The Farm Bill of 2018 made it legal to sell hemp-derived cannabis products with a THC dry weight of .03% or less, so that is what you need to bear in mind if you are interested in microdosing THC gummies.
Many people enjoy microdosing THC for the same reason they microdose mushroom gummies: to enjoy the positive effects and benefits without the negative side effects sometimes associated with a full dose.
Amanita Muscaria and Microdosing
Road Trip gummies are great for beginners as well as experienced shroomers and anyone interested in microdosing. These flavorful treats are discreet and portable and made using high-quality ingredients.
Check out the tantalizing tastes and euphoric effects, and we are sure you will want to keep these on hand for the gentle uplift of a microdose or the spiritual awakening of a full dose.
