Macrodosing is Medicine
Tripping on LSD, Psilocybin, and DMT for Mind, Body, Spirit
What is Macrodosing?
While Microdosing (read: Intro to Microdosing) and medicinal applications of psychedelics are increasingly discussed in the media… larger “macro” doses are necessary for psychotherapy.
I am optimistic about a coming “Psychedelic Renaissance” where a dramatic improvement in mental health and personality transformations will be derived from “normalization” of therapeutic psychedelic use. Macrodosing reveals the dynamics of the human mind unlike any other chemical or physical therapy. A buddhist training for many years in meditation and breathwork, for example, may achieve an awareness on par with a psychedelic experience.
Consuming a dose of Psychedelics large enough to “hallucinate”
Macrodose → Temporary expansion of Awareness and Consciousness.
“Tripping” in Layman’s Terms.
LSD, Psilocybin, DMT, Peyote, Ketamine, MDMA, etc.
What are the Benefits of “Tripping”?
Psychological Therapy → Resolve Childhood Trauma
Address: Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Addiction
Expanded Intelligence, Awareness, and Empathy
What are the common “Symptoms” of Psychedelics?
LSD
Physical symptoms are similar Effects to Stimulants such as caffeine, adderall, and cocaine.
Psilocybin
Similar effects as LSD. Nausea is common in 30-45 minutes following ingestion of mushrooms.
How to Macrodose? Substance, Dosage, Schedule
Reminder: All psychedelic “trips” are temporary. You will return to your normal, yet slightly healthier self.
LSD
Duration: 6-12 hours at most doses
*General Experiences, your individual “mileage” may vary
25-75 ug → Mild Visual Hallucinations, Expanded Energy, Elevated Mood,
100ug → “Tripping” threshold, Anxiety reduced, Visual Distortions, Sense of Self intact
200ug → Strong Visual Hallucinations, Spiritual Experiences, possible anxiety during “come up”
300 ug → Intense “Peak”, irrational thoughts/patterns, thought loops, Strong closed-eye visuals
400 ug → Difficulty walking, normal conversation, loss of sense of self, Ego Dissolution begins
500 ug → Time distortion, Physical disorientation, Intense hallucinations, No Sense of Self
700 ug → Religious/Spiritual imagery, Elaborate hallucinations, loss of reality, ego dissolution
1000 ug → Out-of-Body Experiences, inability to walk, Synthesia, spiritual experiences
1500 ug → Reality stops, full hallucinations, Strong Fractals, Sense of Death (Ego/Self)
Mushrooms (Psilocybin)
Duration: 2-6 hours for most doses
*Terrance McKenna suggests 5g as a “Hero Dose” for expansion of Consciousness/ Spirit
0.5 - 1.5g → mild euphoria, introspection, flow states, mindfulness/ presence, energy
2g → Spiritual insight, synesthesia, disorientation, closed and open-eyed Visuals, nausea
5g → Ego Dissolution begins, time distortion, mystical experiences, bad motor skills
*Consuming an MAOI (facilitates Serotonin uptake) 30 minutes prior → Increase Potency
*Mixing Psilocybin into lemon juice or a tea → Increase Potency
What is the science behind “Tripping”?
LSD and Psilocybin mimic Serotonin and affect the 5-HT2A receptor leading to
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor → growth, connection, activity
Production of Glutamate → cognition, learning, memory
Serotonin affects many aspects of the body/brain: feelings, processing, energy
Relaxes Default Mode Network (DMN)
DMN responsible for analysis, day-dreaming, self-reflection, abstraction
Active DMN → over-analyze, ponder future and past, “not be present”
Normal Brain v “LSD” Brain
Risks of Macrodosing
Macrodosing (Tripping)→ Consuming too much of the substance
“Waking Nightmares”
Nausea → Psilocybin
Negative synergy with pharmaceuticals (ex: SSRIs)
Legality: LSD/Psilocybin/DMT → Controlled Substances in USA/EU/UK/CA/AUS
How to stay safe during a “Trip”
Remember the 6 “S”
Set → Mindset: Preparation, Expectations, and Intention
Setting → Comfortable Room or Familiar Outdoor setting with familiar people
Substance → Properly dose for productivity, psychotherapy, or spiritual work
Sitter → Use a trusted friend to supervise if you are not comfortable alone
Session → Timeline: Ingestion, Onset, Opening, Plateau, Glide, Ending
Situation → Patience: Reflect on your insights, avoid drastic changes immediately
Phases of a “Trip”
LSD
Ingestion→ Deep Breaths necessary, nervous energy,
Onset → Scattering thoughts, rush of images and feelings
Opening → Weakening Ego, warped experiences, feelings, strong visuals, confusion
Plateau → Relaxation, Comfort with the “trip”, 2-3 hours
Gentle Glide → Rational thoughts reappear, Awareness, Connection to Nature, Euphoria
Ending → Sense of gratitude and love, reflection/integration of thoughts
Psilocybin
Ingestion→ Chewy, Earthy taste in raw form; clammy hands; Queasiness after 20 mins
Onset → Nausea subsidies, Energy, Vibrant Colors, “Giggles”, Subtle effects
Trip → Control varies, time and perception warped, potential distress, introspection
Comedown → Dissolve social constructs, return to “normal” thought, gentle comfort
Afterward → Reflect, feel, think, experience with a new perspective
Drug Testing
Detection Times in Common Drug Tests→LSD
Urine: Must specifically test for LSD metabolites (3-4 day window)
Blood: 6-12 hour window
Hair: Notoriously complex and unreliable
Spinal Tap → Most effective method
Psilocybin → Appears as “food poisoning”
Sourcing
Psilocybin: Legally purchase sports and grow kits widely available online.
LSD: Dark Web or local source (use test kits to verify purity)
Legality →
Oregon, USA → decriminalized
Portugal → decriminalized
Denver, CO / Oakland, CA → decriminalized
Psilocybin Spores are LEGAL (purchase online)
USA, Canada, U.K., Australia, EU → Controlled Substance (No Medical Use)
Netherlands → “Magic Truffles” legal at coffee shops
Medical Research →
Johns Hopkins University: Cleared to administer Psilocybin for Medical Research by US Govt.
Further Reading
LSD: My Problem Child by Albert Hoffman
Food of the Gods by Terrance McKenna
DMT: The Spirit Molecule by Rick Straussman
How Mushrooms Can Save You And Perhaps the World by Paul Stamets (Tim Ferriss, #340)
How to Master Your Mind by Sam Harris
How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan
Anecdotes
LSD is the most convenient and predictable method of Macrodosing a psychedelic. Strength of doses continues up until 1500ug yet there are few reports of dosing more than 1500ug.
Psilocybin → jumping on a rocket without controlling the rocket. Deep fasts and ingestion of an MAOI are helpful yet have negative synergy with pharmaceuticals.
DMT / Ayahuasca → powerful spiritual experiences will force you to question mortality, “God”, and humanity itself. Religious beliefs are little match for DMT. MAOI ingestion required prior to consumption of DMT.
Sources
https://www.trippingly.net/lsd/the-lsd-dosage-guide
https://thethirdwave.co/psychedelics/shrooms/
https://psychedelictimes.com/macrodosing-javier-charme/
Memento Mori,
@BowTiedBarbary