Macrodosing can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery. Learn how to prepare for your first mushroom trip with our guide.
What is macrodosing?
Macrodosing involves consuming a full dose of psilocybin—the primary active compound in psychedelic or “magic” mushrooms—to induce a potentially transformative experience. The effects may range from mild euphoria to intense visual and auditory hallucinations, and can last for about 4 to 6 hours. For most beginners, a macrodose typically starts at 2 to 3 grams of dried mushrooms, enough for effects that are perceptible yet not excessively intrusive.
The practice of macrodosing magic mushrooms has been around for centuries in various cultures for recreational, medicinal, and spiritual purposes. In recent years, it has gained more interest for its potential to treat mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, and to promote personal growth and self-discovery. While our individual goals and experiences may vary, we can enhance the benefits of macrodosing with intentionality and responsible use.
How to prepare for a macrodose journey
Physical, mental, and emotional preparation
A psychedelic journey can bring up physical, mental, and emotional challenges, making thorough preparation essential. Adopting a healthier diet, prioritizing sleep, and starting these changes at least a week in advance can create a stronger foundation for your experience. Many also find that incorporating mindfulness practices, such as journaling or breathwork, helps in navigating the journey more smoothly.
Mental and emotional preparation involves setting intentions, expectations, and boundaries. It also means acknowledging and addressing any underlying issues or concerns. As the day approaches, tune into your emotions—are you feeling excited or anxious? Noting these feelings can bring greater mental clarity, helping you approach the journey with a balanced mindset.
Setting intentions and expectations
Many psychedelic users clearly define why they choose mushrooms in a practice called intention setting. Setting clear intentions and expectations can help guide the experience and promote a positive outcome. Intentions can include personal growth, self-discovery, healing, or simply curiosity. Expectations can include the intensity and duration of the experience.
🍄 Find your intention by asking these questions:
“Why am I choosing to use psychedelics?”
Are you looking to learn something about yourself, find some form of healing, or simply experience what magic mushrooms feel like? Whatever your reasons may be, putting some thought and self-reflection into them is an important step in the process.
“What do I hope to get out of the experience?”
This question is more specific and allows you to establish a more concrete intention. It’s recommended to write it down, so you can refer to it during the journey.
Safety precautions
While many people report positive experiences with macrodosing mushrooms, there are potential risks to consider. These include the possibility of experiencing intense emotions, challenging psychological experiences, some physical discomfort, and temporary confusion or disorientation. It is important to approach psychedelics with caution and respect, and to source high-quality products from reputable suppliers. It’s also useful to be aware of potential interactions with medication and to have a plan for emergency situations.
Two key factors that shape the journey are set and setting:
- Set refers to your mindset going into the experience—your emotions, intentions, and expectations. A positive, open mindset can pave the way for insightful, transformative experiences, while entering the journey with fear or unresolved emotions can lead to challenging moments. Preparing mentally beforehand can help ensure a constructive mindset, increasing the likelihood of a meaningful experience.
- Setting, or the environment in which the journey takes place, is equally important. This includes scheduling a full day for the journey and, if possible, dedicating the next day for rest and for integration. Your chosen space should feel safe, comfortable, and undisturbed, whether indoors or in nature. Elements like soft lighting, comfortable seating, and calming music can enhance the experience. For newcomers, having a trusted “sitter” nearby offers additional comfort and reassurance.
LISTEN TO OUR OWN CURATED PLAYLIST FOR MACRODOSE JOURNEYS. CHECK OUT OUR COMMUNITY PAGE FOR MORE RECOMMENDATIONS.
How to take magic mushrooms
Dosage and intake guidelines
The recommended dose of psilocybin varies depending on individual situations and goals. What’s a gentle nudge for some might be a significant push for others. Factors like body weight, metabolism, tolerance, and sensitivity can affect dosage and experience. Other substances, such as medication and other psychedelics, can also interact with psilocybin and affect the experience.
To know how much magic mushrooms you need, you can use a dosage calculator. Make sure to correctly input the values for your weight, the type of mushroom you're ingesting (e.g. “magic mushrooms, dry”), and desired intensity of the trip (e.g. “normal dose”). First timers are encouraged to start with a low or normal dose to better gauge the experience.
Prior to taking magic mushrooms, it is a good practice to abstain from consuming meat and animal products, and to fast from heavy meals for 4 to 8 hours. Fresh fruits, water, electrolyte drinks, and other beverages that don’t contain animal products may be taken instead.
Methods of consumption
Magic mushrooms can be prepared and ingested in various forms, including dried, fresh, or as a tea. The method of consumption can affect the onset and duration of the experience. Here are three beginner-friendly ways to macrodose:
-
Dried mushrooms: Dried mushrooms can be eaten as is, though this method may not work for everyone as mushrooms may have a strong, musky odor and taste. Others mask the taste by pinching their nose, drinking water or juice, mixing it with food, or swallowing it whole.
-
Lemon tek: This method is known to increase the effects of magic mushrooms. It involves grinding dried mushrooms into a fine powder and steeping it in fresh lemon juice for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can drink the mixture as a shot, or strain it and only drink the lemon juice. It may help to have a beverage ready to wash down the sour flavor.
-
Tea: Brewing tea is popular as it removes the earthy taste and smell of magic mushrooms. To prepare, roughly chop the mushrooms and heat water until boiling. In a cup, add the chopped mushrooms and hot water, and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink the tea as is or strain to remove mushroom bits.
VIDEO: DOUBLEBLIND MAGAZINE/YOUTUBE
What happens on a macrodose journey
The heart of any psychedelic experience lies in the journey itself, where perceptual, cognitive, and emotional changes unfold. Known as a “trip,” this phase can be a profound exploration of the mind, emotions, and even the nature of reality. Every mushroom trip is personal, unique, and unpredictable, influenced by factors from dosage and metabolism to set and setting.
While every psychedelic journey is distinct, there are six common landmarks and phases that people report. Embracing each aspect of the journey allows for healing, understanding, and a deeper sense of interconnectedness.
Onset
The onset of the experience typically begins within 30 to 60 minutes after consumption. In this initial phase, subtle effects begin to emerge, with slight shifts in perception and mood, and a heightened sense of anticipation.
Come up
As the effects of magic mushrooms increase, thoughts may race and sensory experiences may deepen, with colors becoming more vivid, sounds more resonant, and emotions more profound. Beginners might find the new sensations in this come up phase to be intense, accompanied with feelings of anxiety or excitement. Mindfulness practices can help manage this exhilarating or overwhelming experience.
Peak
The peak of the journey typically occurs within 1 to 2 hours after consumption and may endure for about 2 to 3 hours. Effects are most intense in this phase, where one might experience reality warping and come across valuable insights. Some may go through ego dissolution, feeling deeply connected to the universe. While some moments may be challenging or uncomfortable, approaching them with openness and surrender can lead to a transformative or healing experience.
Plateau
After the peak, a sense of balance returns, with the experience mellowing into a calm and introspective phase. The plateau can last for several hours, with feelings of euphoria and altered perception.
Come down
The come down typically begins within 4 to 6 hours after consumption. As the effects wane, there’s a gentle return to normal, marked by reflection and lingering insights from the experience. It is recommended to practice aftercare to help replenish yourself, which may include eating lightly, drinking enough liquids, and getting rest.
Afterglow
In the days after the trip, many experience an afterglow characterized by residual positive mood, mental clarity, and a renewed appreciation for daily life. This period presents a crucial opportunity to practice integration and aftercare.
🍄 Our experience with mushroom strains:
Each magic mushroom strain offers unique qualities that are suited for different journeys—whether you’re seeking visuals, emotional clarity, or spiritual connection. If you’re unsure about which strain to choose, consider reflecting on your goals and consulting with a knowledgeable guide or community.
Here are some insights based on our experiences with the strains we carry:
Stargazer and Golden Mammoth
Both from the Psilocybe cubensis family, these strains are excellent for heart-opening ceremonies, deeply introspective journeys, and those seeking personal growth or healing. Users often report feelings of connection, emotional release, and a sense of universal love. Both strains are great for beginners.
Jack Frost
Known for its striking white caps, Jack Frost offers a blend of visual intensity and emotional depth. Many describe it as ideal for exploring both the outer world of vivid visuals and the inner world of heart-centered insights. This strain is great for intermediate to advanced users.
What’s next after a macrodose journey?
Integration is the essential phase that follows a psychedelic journey, which involves processing the experience, reflecting on the insights and emotions that arose during the trip, and, ultimately, bringing the lessons of the journey into daily life. After a powerful mushroom trip, a new perspective or even sense of self may arise, yet without proper integration, these insights can quickly fade or feel overwhelming.
In his book “The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide,” Dr. James Fadiman, a pioneer in psychedelic research, highlights the importance of this post-trip phase. He invites the “voyager” to not rush through this process and to “take time to distill out what matters the most to you from your experience” in the first few weeks after the journey. While such a transformative experience may prompt you to reevaluate habits and relationships, giving yourself time to integrate your experience first can lead to more meaningful changes.
Journaling is an effective integration tool, allowing you to record experiences and reflect on the lessons learned. This written record can serve as a guide for processing the journey and its implications. Meditation also aids in revisiting and contemplating the experience in a calm, focused way, helping to deepen insights. Additionally, sharing the journey with a trusted friend, guide, or therapist provides valuable external perspectives and support.
Ultimately, by adopting new habits, adjusting perspectives, or making meaningful life changes, integration ensures that the benefits of the experience lead to lasting personal transformation.
Looking for books and resources on psychedelics?
Embracing the transformative power of macrodosing
Macrodosing mushrooms can be a profound journey through consciousness, self-discovery, and healing. Through preparation, embracing the journey itself, and integration, you can create a safe, meaningful, and transformative experience. Each stage of the psychedelic journey plays a vital role in ensuring that the insights gained during your trip have a lasting impact on your personal growth and understanding of the world.
Remember, macrodosing is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Factors such as mindset, setting, and dosage are deeply personal and significantly influence your journey. Whether you’re looking for spiritual enlightenment, emotional healing, or an expanded perspective on life, approaching macrodosing with intentionality and respect enhances its potential benefits.
As you embark on your psychedelic exploration, treat the journey with care and reverence. Let each experience deepen your connection to yourself, others, and the world around you. Through responsible use and thoughtful integration, macrodosing mushrooms can open doors to profound transformation and an enriched sense of purpose.