How to Dose Magic Mushrooms

Psilocybin-containing mushrooms have been used for centuries for spiritual, emotional, and mental healing. Today, many Filipinos are rediscovering their power for healing, creativity, and emotional release through microdosing or full psychedelic journeys.

These profound experiences can lead to shifts in consciousness and even therapeutic breakthroughs, but they’re also deeply personal and highly dose-dependent. Your mindset, environment, and method of ingestion all play a vital role. 

This guide is for those curious about how to approach psilocybin safely and intentionally, especially in the Philippines. We’ll walk you through dosage, methods, preparation, and safety considerations to help you navigate your experience with confidence and care.

Understanding Psilocybin Dosages

Before consuming magic mushrooms, it’s important to understand how dosage shapes the journey.

Psilocybin—the naturally occurring compound found in these fungi—transforms into psilocin in the body, which is what produces the psychedelic effects. Not all mushrooms are created equal. Potency can vary by species, how the mushrooms are dried, and even how they’re stored. That’s why thoughtful preparation begins with education and is always approached with curiosity, care, and respect for the medicine.

Because mushrooms can vary in potency based on species, storage, and preparation, dose ranges are typically presented in grams of dried mushrooms. Let’s break down the most common dose categories:

Microdose (0.05 to 0.3 grams)

This is a sub-perceptual dose, so you may feel enhanced focus, uplifted mood, and emotional clarity.

Often taken on a structured protocol, microdosing works best with consistency and intention. It’s ideal for boosting productivity, creativity, or emotional regulation without altering your everyday function.

Low Dose (0.3 to 1 gram)

This is a gentle introduction to the psychedelic experience. You might notice subtle perceptual changes, heightened emotional awareness, or introspective thoughts.

This dose is great for therapeutic journaling, breathwork, or meditation, and can help you ease into deeper self-inquiry without overwhelming sensations.

Average Dose (1.1 to 3.5 grams)

The classic psychedelic experience begins here, so you can expect visual distortions, emotional release, and possibly moments of ego softening.

It’s best taken in a quiet, supportive environment, ideally with a sitter or guide nearby, especially if it's your first deeper journey.

High Dose (3.6 grams and above)

This is a powerful, immersive experience, which can include intense visuals, deep psychological exploration, and potentially profound spiritual or mystical insights.

This dose is not for beginners. You’ll want thorough preparation, a trusted sitter, and time for rest and integration afterward. These doses can be life-changing and challenging.

Need help calculating your dose?

Try our Dosage Calculator to find the right amount based on your weight and desired intensity.

Always start low and increase slowly.

Choosing Your Method of Consumption

How you take magic mushrooms is just as important as how much you take. Your chosen method can affect how quickly the effects kick in to how intense they feel and how your body processes them. Each method has its own advantages, so you can choose one that aligns with your comfort, goals, and desired experience.

Raw Dried Mushrooms

This is the most traditional and straightforward approach. Chewing thoroughly allows psilocybin to be absorbed effectively, but the earthy taste can be a challenge for some. If needed, chase it with juice or a light snack to ease the flavor.

Mushroom Tea

Chop or grind the mushrooms and steep them in hot (not boiling) water for 10 to 20 minutes. This method reduces nausea for many users and speeds up the onset of effects. You can strain the solids or drink them along with the tea, depending on your preference.

Lemon Tek

For a more intense and fast-acting experience, try soaking finely ground mushrooms in fresh lemon juice for 15 to 20 minutes before consuming. The acid from lemon juice starts converting psilocybin into psilocin before digestion, potentially shortening and intensifying the trip.

Capsules or Chocolates

Prefer something discreet or palatable? Pre-measured capsules or infused chocolates are great for microdosing or for those sensitive to taste. These are easy to store, travel with, and offer consistent dosing, though onset may be slower due to the digestive process.

VIDEO: DOUBLEBLIND MAGAZINE/YOUTUBE

How to Prepare for Dosing

Even the most appropriate dose won’t feel aligned without thoughtful preparation. Psychedelics tend to reflect and magnify what’s already present in your mind, body, and environment. That’s why preparation is foundational. Your mindset, your surroundings, and the presence of trusted support all shape how the experience unfolds.

Set (Your Mindset)

Before you dose, gently check in with yourself. Are you feeling grounded, open, and curious? Or are you moving through anxiety, stress, or urgency to “fix” something?

There’s no need to be perfect, but emotional stability and spaciousness create the most supportive ground for inner work. If your system feels tender, give it time. Mushrooms meet you where you are.

Setting (Your Environment)

Your space becomes part of the medicine. Choose somewhere private, cozy, and chill. Lay out soft blankets, cue up a soothing playlist, or light a candle. 

These small details make a big difference. Let your space feel like a sanctuary, free from distractions and full of intention. Clean up beforehand if you can; it’s a quiet act of care that ripples into the journey.

Having a Sitter

If you’re taking anything beyond a microdose, especially for the first time, consider having someone you trust nearby. They don’t need to guide or analyze. Their role is simple: to hold a steady presence, offer reassurance if needed, and remind you that you’re not alone. A calm, sober sitter can transform uncertainty into a sense of safety, simply by being there.

Tips for the Experience

Once your dose is taken and your space is set, the journey begins. Staying present, hydrated, and open will help you navigate both the beauty and the intensity that may arise. This is your time to let things unfold with care and curiosity.

Onset and Duration

The effects usually begin within 20 to 60 minutes after ingestion and tend to last 4 to 6 hours, with a peak around the 2 to 3-hour mark.

Keep water nearby and sip gently throughout. Avoid mixing with alcohol or other substances, as they can cloud the clarity and safety of the experience.

Navigating Difficult Moments

It’s not uncommon to meet emotional waves along the way. If things start to feel intense, return to your breath. Shift your position, dim the lights, or change the music. Even a small adjustment can bring comfort.

Gently remind yourself: This is temporary. I am safe. I can allow this to move through me.

Enhancing with Intention

Before you begin, consider writing down an intention. This can be in the form of a question, a theme, or simply a feeling you’d like to invite.

Let this be your anchor, not your expectation. Trust that the experience will meet you where you are and offer what you need, even if it unfolds in unexpected ways. Surrender is part of the medicine.

Aftercare and Integration

The experience may last only a few hours, but what you do afterward determines how it lives on. Integration is the bridge between insight and lasting transformation. Be gentle with yourself, and give the process the time and space it deserves.

Rest and Reflect

After your journey, your nervous system needs time to settle. Drink water, eat something nourishing, and prioritize rest. Avoid screens and overstimulation. Your body and mind are still processing. Rest is part of the work.

Journal and Capture Insights

While your memory is fresh, write down anything that stood out: visuals, feelings, insights, or questions. There’s no need to make it pretty; just be honest. Even small notes can unlock deeper layers of meaning as you revisit them later.

Talk with a Friend or Integration Guide

Sharing your experience with someone you trust can offer new perspective. A supportive friend, therapist, or integration guide can help you make sense of what came through—without rushing to explain or fix it. Sometimes, simply being heard is enough.

Important Safety Considerations

Psilocybin can be a powerful tool for healing, insight, and transformation when approached with care, intention, and respect. These fundamental safety practices help ensure your journey remains supportive and aligned.

Avoid Mixing with Medications or Substances

Psilocybin may interact with certain medications, including antidepressants (like SSRIs), antipsychotics, and other substances. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you’re taking prescription meds or managing a mental health condition.

Know Your Source

Only use mushrooms from a trusted, informed source. Misidentified or contaminated mushrooms can lead to serious harm. If you’re not experienced with wild picking, don’t do it—quality matters.

Check Contraindications

If you or someone in your immediate family has a history of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, it’s best to avoid psilocybin outside of clinical settings. These conditions can be exacerbated by psychedelics and require medical supervision.

Conclusion

Psilocybin is a doorway. Whether you’re microdosing to support daily presence or stepping into a deeper journey, how you approach the experience shapes what you receive. With clear intention, grounded preparation, and respectful care, mushrooms can become powerful allies in emotional healing, creative insight, and personal growth.

Start small. Stay rooted. Let the journey unfold with presence and trust.