Microdosing does little more than a placebo.
The microdosing of psychedelic substances such as LSD and psilocybin has been promoted a lot in recent years by providers who claim that it can have a significant effect. However, most scientific studies show that the mentioned dosages that fall under microdosing do not work significantly better than a placebo. See also the video below about the minor effect of microdosing.
Microdosing as a placebo explained
Everyone has MAO (monoamine oxidase) in the body. MAO is an enzyme that is mainly found in the mitochondria of cells, particularly in the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and the central nervous system, such as the brain. There are two types of MAO enzymes, called MAO-A and MAO-B, and they are involved in the breakdown of various neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline. The first step in the breakdown is to inactivate these neurotransmitters, as well as psychedelics, by making them react faster than normal with oxygen.
After taking, for example, 1mg of psilocybin, which is considered a microdose, it is possible that the capacity of your MAO enzymes is large enough to absorb this 1mg within a few minutes and allow it to react with oxygen, thus no longer having any effect. From that microdose, nothing psychoactive may actually end up in the brain. If you do receive psilocybin during the first 1mg microdose, it is possible that your body will produce more MAO and that you will not be able to take the subsequent microdose.
The MAO enzyme therefore throws a spanner in the works when it comes to effectively microdosing.
Why is macro dosing better?
If you view the MAO enzymes as the first reservoir or bucket of 1-2mg psilocybin, and you only throw in 1mg of psilocybin into it, then the bucket will not overflow. Only if you exceed the capacity of your MAO enzymes at once will that bucket overflow and spill into the brain. The minimum amount you need to experience the effects of psychedelic substances is called the threshold level. When you go macrodosing, you will always exceed that threshold level and will therefore use the effects of, for example, psilocybin. With a high dose of psilocybin, you will need more time between sessions.
High microdosing or low macrodosing?
If you take more to be able to microdose, you’re heading towards a low macro dose. This can help you still notice something from the psychedelic substance. After a few of these slightly higher microdoses, you’ll start to notice that that effect will also disappear. The body will actually produce more MAO, which will increase your threshold level. One of the things you can do is set a period of one to two weeks without using psychedelics. After this period, the MAO level will return to normal.
Does the old-fashioned microdosing still work?
We know that the absorption of tryptophan, the building block of serotonin, is difficult and barely reaches the brain. Psilocybin, however, enters the brain very easily when taking into account the threshold level. Now, tryptophan and psilocybin are closely related since tryptophan is the precursor of psilocybin. It could be that you even convert oxidized psilocybin into a building block for serotonin in the brain, which could then be beneficial for the mood in the long term. This could then explain the long-term positive effects without microdosing having much influence on the short-term effects.
Do you want our help?
We can help you to microdose successfully. We have more ideas on how to do it better. You can also take advantage of our expertise when it comes to higher-dose trips. Want to know what we think is best for your situation? Fill out the free consultation form and also read our page on microdosing.