Safely Microdosing Psilocybe Subaeruginosa: Potency, Benefits, Homogenizing, and Finding Your Ideal Dose

Psilocybe Subaeruginosa aka “subs,” are a particularly strong, wood-loving mushroom native to Australia and New Zealand. Compared to Psilocybe Cubensis, which is widely known and used for microdosing, subs are typically more potent and require careful dosing. They are also very difficult to cultivate so most subs are wild picked, and differ vastly in potancy. This guide will explore the benefits of microdosing subs, how to ensure safe and consistent doses, the importance of proper storage, and finding your ideal dose for maximum benefit.

Why Compare Subs to Cubensis?

Psilocybe Cubensis is one of the most commonly used mushrooms for microdosing due to its widespread availability and moderate potency. Most articles on mushroom dosing are based on Psilocybe Cubensis. It’s also found in Australia, though Cubensis thrives in tropical climates, while subs prefer cooler, temperate environments. Since Psilocybe Subaeruginosa is generally stronger than Cubensis, those switching to subs should be mindful of this when calculating their doses.

Benefits of Microdosing

Microdosing psilocybin, whether from subs or other species, is shown to offer a range of mental, emotional, and cognitive benefits, all while avoiding the mind altering effects of a full dose. Some common benefits include:

-Enhanced focus and creativity: Many people find that microdosing improves their ability to concentrate, think creatively, and solve problems more fluidly.

-Elevated mood: A key benefit is mood enhancement, as microdosing can lead to a brighter outlook, increased optimism, and reduced feelings of anxiety and depression.

-Emotional resilience: Microdosing has been reported to help people navigate emotional challenges with greater ease, allowing for more balanced responses to stress and frustration.

-Increased energy and motivation: Some users experience heightened energy levels and improved motivation, which can be beneficial for both work and personal projects.

-Mindfulness and introspection: Microdosing encourages a deeper connection to oneself, promoting mindfulness and a greater awareness of thoughts, feelings, and patterns.

Safety Reminder

If you’re consuming foraged Psilocybe Subaeruginosa, ensure they come from a trusted and experienced source. Some poisonous mushrooms such as the Galerina Marginata can look quite similar to subs, so it’s crucial not to take any risks with misidentification. If in doubt- TOSS IT OUT. Also be aware of any potential legal risks in your state if you are found in possession of these mushrooms.

Homogenizing

Because subs are generally stronger and can vary in potency even within the same batch, homogenizing your mushrooms can be argued as beneficial for consistent microdosing. To homogenize, grind your dried subs into a fine powder and mix thoroughly to ensure each dose contains a consistent amount of psilocybin. This step prevents you from unintentionally consuming too much or too little in a single dose.

Proper Storage

After grinding and homogenizing your mushrooms, it’s important to store them correctly to maintain their potency. Increased surface area created through grinding your mushrooms will make them more susceptible to oxidisation and reduction in potency. Exposure to oxygen, moisture, and light can degrade psilocybin over time. To minimize oxygenation and moisture:

Use an airtight container: This keeps out air and helps preserve the potency of the mushrooms.

Keep them “cracker dry”: Ensure your mushrooms are completely dry before storing, as any remaining moisture can lead to mold and potency loss. They should be dry enough to snap, not bend.

Store in a cool, dark place: Heat and light can degrade psilocybin, so choose a storage area that’s cool, dark, and dry to maintain their effectiveness over time.

Finding Your Ideal Dose

The goal of microdosing is to reap the benefits of psilocybin without experiencing perceptual changes or hallucinations. To find your ideal dose, start with a very small amount—typically 0.05-0.1 grams of homogenized subs—and monitor how you feel over the course of the day. It is recommended to use scales which go to 2 decimal places. Gradually increase the dose over a period of days until you notice subtle effects, such as a slight improvement in mood or focus. Once you reach this point, lower the dose slightly to find your “highest non-perceptual dose.”

This process allows you to benefit from microdosing while avoiding any noticeable psychoactive effects. It’s important to remember that everyone’s body responds differently to psilocybin, so be patient and listen to your body. For safety is important that you do not operate heavy machinery while undertaking this process.

Journaling: A Powerful Companion to Microdosing

Journaling is an excellent complement to microdosing. By writing down your thoughts, emotions, and experiences throughout your microdosing journey, you can gain deeper insights into the subtle shifts that occur. Journaling allows you to track how different doses affect your mood, creativity, productivity, and emotional state over time. It also fosters mindfulness, helping you stay aware of the benefits you are receiving and areas where you might need to adjust your approach.

A consistent journaling practice can help you reflect on your personal growth, making microdosing a more intentional and insightful experience.

Taking a Tolerance Break

Like many substances, the body can build a tolerance to psilocybin over time, especially with consistent microdosing. To avoid diminishing returns, it’s helpful to take a tolerance break if you notice the effects are less pronounced. A break of about one to two weeks allows your body to reset and ensures that when you resume microdosing, the benefits return with full potency.

During your break, it’s a great time to reflect on your experience so far—journaling can be particularly helpful during this phase to process any personal growth or shifts that have occurred.

Consistency is Key

Once you’ve determined your ideal dose, maintaining a consistent dosing schedule is crucial. Many microdosers find success with dosing every third day or following a two days on, one day off routine. This pattern helps to prevent tolerance while ensuring that the benefits continue to accumulate over time. Don’t hesitate to take a break when needed to avoid building tolerance.

For support in safely navigating the world of microdosing Psilocybe Subaeruginosa safely please get in touch. Contact Phillipa Vittozzi- Holistic Counsellor and Psychedelic Preparation and Integration Therapist

—