The Difference Between MIcrodosing and MAcrodosing

Those who have heard me speak during our twice-monthly group coaching calls have often heard me say: 

“You can surf a wave or just drink a cup of water.  Same substance, different experience”

Fungi have been on the planet since the dawn of time and long before any of us showed up.

Despite their seniority on the planet, we are constantly learning about them.

More often than not, we learn how little we know and how much more there is to learn. 

Mushrooms, fungi, and psilocybin are genuine horizons of knowledge. 

No matter how far or fast we run, the horizon is always far ahead.

And so from this place of knowing a little, not quite enough, but also plenty, I will try and highlight the differences between a microdose and the infamous, hero dose, aka macrodose.

Microdoses

I just wrote an article explaining why the current definition of microdosing is incomplete. 

In my opinion, microdosing is a disruptive ritual that turns health care, and self-care on its head.

Here below is how I feel that microdosing should be defined:

Microdosing is the practice of consuming a microdose of a psychoactive substance intermittently and for a short term, for the benefit of overall well-being.

Macrodoses

A macrodose is also known as a hero’s dose and usually takes place in a ceremony and with the support of a healer/shaman/sitter.

When in a ceremony, the dosage is intentionally high to induce a deeply mystical experience.

Such high-dose ceremonies must be hosted by an experienced sitter/healer or shaman, regardless of the individual’s previous experience.

It can, (and should), take many months to prepare for such ceremonies and to find the correct sitter, healer, or shaman.

A macrodose, by definition, is a very intense experience.

Words fail us when trying to explain a mystical experience but suffice it to say that ego dissolution, strong emotions, hallucinations, and unlocking memories are triggered for hours on end.

Pros of Microdosing

Affordable

No need to spend over 5,000 euros to experience the benefits of psilocybin. 

Some of these ceremonies or official treatment centers can cost that much if not more.

Microdosing means that you can buy truffles or grow your magic mushrooms both of which are a fraction of the cost of a macrodosing ceremony.

Microdosing the costs is always welcome, right?!

No shaman/sitter/healer is needed

Microdosing also means that you don’t have to go through your entire contact list of friends and acquaintances to see if anyone knows a ‘good’ shaman.

It can be tricky to find a trained and experienced shaman or sitter that we feel comfortable with.

Microdosing does not require that we travel to another location, and consequently, there is no need to schedule time off work to attend a ceremony.

Integration Is Baked Into Practice

When we microdose, we do not dose on a daily basis.

We microdose a minimum of once a week, and a maximum of 4 times per week.

The frequency is up to you, and there is no ‘rule’.

The guideline does however include a few days’ break between doses. 

These are called ‘afterglow’ days and are a vital part of the integration process.

This is when we are ‘drinking a cup of water,’ and staying nicely hydrated, gently, softly, and consistently.

Slowly but surely, the intermittent doses allow us to grow into ourselves and our new habits.

The integration process is baked into the rest days aka afterglow days.

Pro’s of Macrodosing

Opportunity to pierce the veil 

This is when we are surfing the wave of life.

This is when we see the whole world and consciousness anew.

Beliefs are reconstructed and perspectives are shifted.

An opportunity. to take stock of our lives, habits, and choices.

Access deep emotions/memories

When in a ceremony, we tend to finally understand the cosmic joke.

The humour in our lives and the perfection of all things.

We may also see memories that have been long buried and forgotten.

Our bodies may release deep-rooted emotions.

This is when the expertise of the healer/sitter/shaman comes into play.

No macrodose experience is the same, regardless of how often we’ve gone through it.

A sitter/healer/shaman is there to support us during this emotional rollercoaster.

A Crossroads Moment

Integration is not baked in and is potentially the work of a lifetime.

The larger the dose, the more significant and loud the downloaded message often will be.

We will undoubtedly be shown something during a macrodose and this can take years to process.

Case in point, Jack Kornfield’s book title explains it perfectly: “After the Ecstasy, the Laundry”

Finding a good integration coach can be a whole other experience to be added to everything else.

There is so much value in macrodoses, but we must always proceed with patience, humility, and reverence.

A fire can cook a meal, or burn the house down. I elaborated on this in my article The Case Against Peak Experiences

Each of us has a responsibility to teach each other how to use these substances safely and respectfully.

Each one, teach one.

Whichever protocol you feel you are ready for at the moment, always proceed with due diligence and a curious mindset.

I am happy to confirm that no matter the dosage or protocol you decide upon, the Afterglow Effect is real.

Remember to do your research, follow your gut, and journal every step of the way.

Is there anything you would add/remove from the points I’ve made above?

Let me know in the comments below, via email, in our socials here:

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• Follow us on Instagram @microdosepro.amsterdam and @humanpro.amsterdam
• Follow me on Instagram @asha_md_coach

As always, 

Shine bright. Do good. Flow strong.

Asha ✨