Main content

Home

Menu

Loading wiki pages...

View
Wiki Version:
This work investigates the core supposition that while microdosing psilocybin may be valuable, not all microdoses of "magic" mushrooms are equal in effects or potency, and explores whether or not some of this variance could be attributable to the user's selection of strain. Testing a range of *Psilocybe cubensis* strains, this study's objective is to identify whether or not the sensory effects of some strains will be felt more intensely than others even at a so-called "microdose" level, compared to other strains that present perceptual sensations only at higher dosing thresholds. Current assumptions of experiential variance are largely based on biological factors relating to growing environment and/or the harvesting of material from different parts of the same plant, but this study investigates the hypothesis that there exists an inherent and perceptible strain-based potency variance between the dozen examples of commonly available psilocybe strains tested. It is also proposed that some *Psilocybe cubensis* strains may be more likely to produce sensory effects in the body versus the mind, and vice versa, and if so, that with better understanding, these variations in the presentation of sensations can be leveraged to focus on beneficial presentations in individuals and possibly reduce the potential harmful effects of other, unwanted sensations. Healthy volunteers who were all pre-acquainted with the study's investigator and had been pre-screened for their expressed interest in microdosing psilocybes were then invited to participate in an unspecified period of self-administered, self-monitored microdose testing. Those who consented were asked for their preference to receive one of 3 levels of pre-measured 0.4g samples of dried fungi (from a safe, established, underground provider known to the organiser), whose potencies might range from Mild to Moderate to Strong, each sample identified only by a two letter code. To reduce the potential for harm, prospective participants were offered microdosing resource guides, frequent supportive and encouraging contact to keep them thinking about their reports, but also the freedom and agency to complete their testing on a low-pressure schedule. The loose and relaxed pacing was intended to decrease participant stress about taking days off work for testing and filing their reports, and to offer more time to further self-adjust their bioassay of certain strains, in the hope of empowering their attempts to get a more tailored fit to their personal wellness plan. The study itself was motivated by the organiser's goals of harm reduction, and initiated after extensive personal testing and research into various psilocybe strains over a 5 year period. This work is currently 100% self-funded.
OSF does not support the use of Internet Explorer. For optimal performance, please switch to another browser.
Accept
This website relies on cookies to help provide a better user experience. By clicking Accept or continuing to use the site, you agree. For more information, see our Privacy Policy and information on cookie use.
Accept
×

Start managing your projects on the OSF today.

Free and easy to use, the Open Science Framework supports the entire research lifecycle: planning, execution, reporting, archiving, and discovery.