LSD vs Psilocybin Microdosing: Understanding the Differences

Even though microdosing and psychedelics are no longer taboo subjects, you might have even had a conversation with someone from work about it, there is still much to learn.

The best place to start is always at the beginning, in this case, I will compare two well-known psychoactive compounds and break down everything you need to know about each.

The first compound is LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) and the other is psilocybin made by Mother Nature herself.

What is Microdosing? 

For this article, we will not be discussing larger doses aka hero doses or recreational doses but will focus only on microdosing.

Microdosing is the practice of taking sub-perceptual amounts of psychedelics – not enough to make us feel buzzed or intoxicated in any way. If you feel a bit buzzed, chances are you took more than a microdose.

Microdosing is not something that we do every day of the week, nor do we microdose indefinitely into the future. 

Microdoses are taken no more than four times per week and for a maximum of 6 to 8 weeks at a time. 

The purpose of this practice is for optimized well-being rather than recreational activity. 

Microdosing serves us best when we have figured out our ideal Sweet Spot dose. It’s different for everyone and even our own dosage can change over time. 

So if the doses are sub-perceptual and we are not likely to ‘feel’ anything, how does LSD differ from psilocybin?

Duration and Onset 

The effects of microdosing are best described as subtle but potent. It’s hard to describe in words what the sub-perceptual sensations are like, but there are some landmarks we can look out for.

Over several days, or in some cases, over a few weeks, this is what we can expect from each substance while microdosing.

LSD Microdose:

• Focus and productivity
• Energy boost
• Enhanced creativity
• Increased sociability

Psilocybin Microdose:

• Improved emotional wellbeing
• Enhanced introspection
• Intuitive creativity
• Heightened sensory perception

Choosing Your Microdosing Substance?

So, which one should you choose? 

Well, it depends on what you want to work on. For work and analytical thinking: LSD might be your vibe. But if you are looking for more healing and personal growth, psilocybin could be the way to go.

If you are looking to unlock creativity, either LSD or psilocybin can do the trick, but in their own unique ways 

Safety First and Foremost

Now, let’s talk safety. While microdosing is generally considered low-risk, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects.

LSD potential side effects:

• Feeling jittery or anxious
• Sleep disturbances
• Mild vasoconstriction

Psilocybin potential side effects:

• Mild nausea
• Increased emotional sensitivity
• Slight drowsiness 

Remember, start low and go slow. Don’t mix with alcohol, other drugs, or certain medications.

Also, do not combine LSD and psilocybin at the same time, this is not recommended.

However, it is a common practice to add functional mushrooms to a psilocybin microdosing protocol and this is called stacking.

Microdosing Protocols

I’ve written about various microdosing protocols available and with time, you might figure out that you have designed your very own highly curated system. 

As a beginner, I strongly urge you to start with the Fadiman Protocol and once you’ve found your feet, then you are encouraged to experiment and design your own from there.

Set and Setting

Even if the microdoses are sub-perceptual, the set and setting definitely impact our experience with these compounds. 

LSD: Set up a productive environment. Play some flow state music, activate aeroplane mode on your phone, Pomodoro technique activated, and enjoy the ride 🏄

Psilocybin: Art and nature is where psilocybin thrives. Notice your surroundings. Find the magical moments. Journal your thoughts, or do some Yoga Nidra aka Non-Sleep Deep Rest. Or simply just lay on the grass and ground yourself for a minute. 🌳

It’s important to note that these descriptions are interchangeable and not set in stone. 

Once you’ve found your ideal microdosing sweet spot dose and you are using psilocybin, you may set a productive environment as is suggested for LSD. 

Basically, cautious experimentation is key because individual results always apply when it comes to psychedelics. 

The Bottom Line

Both LSD and psilocybin have their unique characteristics in the world of microdosing. Most importantly, remember that we don’t need hero doses to notice some important changes in our well-being. 

The choice ultimately depends on your goals, your body, and your circumstances. 

Always approach microdosing with respect and caution. Start low, go slow, and listen to your body and mind.

Continue to learn about psychedelics and microdosing by reading my blogs on how to activate the microdose, what is the afterglow effect, and how to integrate the psychedelic experience.

Remember, while many people report positive experiences, scientific research is still catching up. What works for one person might not work for another. 

As always, do your research, be responsible, and consider consulting with a healthcare professional, especially if you’re currently taking other medications.

Are you curious about microdosing with psilocybin? If so then get your Microdosing Starter Pack and be sure to read all the links I’ve included in this article.

Or maybe you’ve already been microdosing for a while? 

Either way, I want to know how it’s going for you and what brought you to the world of microdosing. 

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As always,

Shine bright. Do good. Flow strong.

Asha ✨