In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the transformative potential of psychedelics, with psilocybin mushrooms taking centre stage. As people explore the realms of consciousness and self-discovery, it becomes crucial to approach the use of psilocybin with respect, caution, and a well-informed understanding of dosage. This blog aims to shed light on the importance of finding the right dosage when using psilocybin mushrooms for various purposes, mainly for spiritual exploration and personal growth, because there lies our field of work. In the Nature Temple, where various psilocybin mushroom ceremonies and retreats are held for many years, we’ve learned that the dosage is very personal. Therefor the way to go is to take things step by step. If you are a first-timer, you always begin with a light or mild dosage, to get to know the substance. When getting more experienced, you can step by step increase your dosage. We organize several types of psilocybin mushroom retreats, with different maximum dosages. The more extended our guidance and service, the higher your maximum dosage gets.
At this moment we offer our psilocybin mushroom retreats as follows (please always check our FAQ for the latest updates, this info can change in time):
Maximum dosage per psilocybin mushroom ceremony in the Nature Temple:
- 2 or 3 day retreat: 15 grams for first timers and 25 grams for experienced people
- 5 day retreat: 25 grams for first timers and 30 grams for experienced people
- private psilocybin mushroom ceremony: 25/30 grams
- private psilocybin mushroom ceremony, heroic dosage: 35/40 grams
What is psilocybin?
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, most notably those belonging to the genus psilocybe. When ingested, psilocybin is converted into psilocin in the body, which interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered perceptions, heightened sensory experiences, and a range of psychological effects. Here you can read more about the effects of having a psilocybin mushroom trip.
Why is the right dosage of psilocybin mushrooms so important?
Dosage plays a pivotal role in determining the nature and intensity of the psychedelic experience. Too little may result in subtle effects, while too much can lead to overwhelming and potentially distressing experiences. Finding the right balance is key to reaping the benefits of psilocybin without jeopardizing mental well-being. In the Nature Temple we have been organizing these psilocybin mushroom ceremonies for 15+ years. Several thousands of people have been to our ceremonies over the years, therefor we’ve developed a feeling for finding the so called ‘sweet spot’. Body weight, experience level, personal intention, metabolism, state of mind and body at that moment, ..all of these aspects are of influence. That’s why it will always be complicated to know exactly how much to take. It takes trust, that however it turns out, you are capable to cope with it. Being with a guide can be of great value when the dosage you took has taken you further and deeper than you were expecting. In these moments a person you trust by your side can make the difference between having ‘a bad trip’ and having a challenging experience where you came out stronger (we wrote a blog about this topic too)…
Which factors are influencing the effects of the psilocybin mushroom trip?
Like mentioned above, there are several things that are of influence in how strong feel for you. Let’s take a closer look. But, be careful, it is impossible to pinpoint the effects the psilocybin mushrooms can have on you. What we write here may be true in 60% of the cases, but that still leaves a rough 40% open for guessing.
Body Weight
Individuals with higher body weights may require a slightly higher dosage to experience the desired effects. However, caution is advised, as sensitivity to psilocybin can vary widely among individuals.
Tolerance
Regular use of psilocybin mushrooms can lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. It is advisable to space out usage to prevent tolerance buildup. In our psilocybin mushroom ceremonies in the Nature Temple we always give you the possibility to split your dosage in two. This way you can see how sensitive you are today, before taking the full amount. As we all have personal metabolite systems, it can happen that it takes eighter longer or shorter for a person before the effects start to begin. There can be a difference from 5 minutes after ingesting to 1 or 1.5 hours, before the effects of the psilocybin mushrooms can be felt.
Mental State
One's mental state plays a crucial role in determining the impact of psilocybin. Those dealing with mental health issues should approach psychedelics with caution and preferably under the guidance of a trained professional. In the Nature Temple we do not provide psilocybin mushroom retreats for people who have mental health issues in the first place. But also mentally healthy people have their ups and downs, think about relationship breakup’s, becoming a parent, the death of a dear one, trouble at work, worries about children, and so on. If you signed up for a psilocybin mushroom retreat and unexpectedly you enter harsh weather, you should always contact your guides to check if it still is in your best interest to do this retreat at that moment. Sometimes postponing is better.
Psilocybin mushroom dosage guidelines:
1. Microdosing
- Microdosing involves taking a very small, sub-perceptual dose of psilocybin on a regular schedule. This practice is associated with enhanced creativity, improved mood, and increased focus without the intense psychedelic experience. Microdosing means something between 0.2 and 0.6 grams fresh psilocybin truffles.
2. Threshold Dose
- A threshold dose is the minimum amount of psilocybin required to produce mild perceptual changes. It is a good starting point for those new to psychedelics. The threshold dosage lies somewhere between 3 and 7 grams of fresh psilocybin truffles.
3. Moderate Dose
- A moderate dose can induce more profound effects, including altered perception of time, enhanced introspection, and increased creativity. It is suitable for those seeking a balance between exploration and control. For most people the moderate dosage is somewhere between 7 and 15 grams of fresh psilocybin truffles. Click here for more information on this type of ceremony.
4. High dosage
- A high dose is the same as the moderate dosage, but then more intense, far less controllable and it takes a bit more time to come down from the effects. A high dosage, lies for most people somewhere between 15 and 30 grams. Click here for more information on this type of ceremony.
4. Heroic Dose
- Reserved for experienced users, a heroic dose can lead to intense and potentially transformative experiences. Caution is paramount, and having a trusted guide or sitter is advisable. In our heroic dose private ceremony we serve a maximum of 40 grams. Click here for more information on this type of ceremony.
Make sure you are well informed before starting
Navigating the psychedelic realm with psilocybin mushrooms requires a nuanced understanding of dosage. Whether pursuing personal growth, therapeutic benefits, or spiritual exploration, individuals should approach these substances with respect, mindfulness, and a commitment to safety. Always be aware of your own mental state, consult professionals when necessary, and remember that the psychedelic journey is deeply personal—finding the right dosage is an essential step toward a meaningful and transformative experience. When you are interested in joining one of our psilocybin mushroom retreats in the Nature Temple, but you are unsure which what to choose, you can always contact us by email to ask for our advice (free of charge).