Today, researchers and clinicians differentiate clearly between high-dose psychedelic experiences and low-dose, non-intoxicating practices such as microdosing. These are not the same experiences, and they carry different considerations. 

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What We Know and What We’re Still Learning

 

Research into psychedelics at higher doses has been studied more extensively than microdosing, and modern science continues to explore both with increasing rigor. While psilocybin is not considered physically addictive, this does not mean it is risk-free for everyone.

 

At Mothers of the Mycelium, we are careful not to oversimplify safety. Risk depends on many factors, including:

 

• Individual mental health history

• Dosage and frequency

• Life stressors and nervous system state

• Preparation, intention, and integration

• Whether professional support is involved

 

This is especially important for mothers navigating postpartum transitions, hormonal changes, or ongoing mental health care.

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Our Grounded Approach to Safety

 

We do not frame microdosing as inherently safe or unsafe. Instead, we approach it as a practice that requires education, discernment, and responsibility.

 

Our work emphasizes:

 

• Education over assumption

• Caution over comparison

• Personal sovereignty over pressure

• Professional support when appropriate

 

Microdosing is not for everyone, and choosing not to engage is a valid and empowered decision.

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A Mother Centered Reminder

 

Safety is not just about substances it’s about context. The most important factors are how supported, informed, and resourced a mother feels in her life.

 

At Mothers of the Mycelium, we believe true safety comes from:

 

• Honest education

• Slow, intentional pacing

• Respect for individual readiness

• The ability to pause, ask questions, or step away

 

Your well-being always comes first.

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What Do Experts Say About the Risks of Microdosing?

 

Experts across neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology generally agree on one thing: microdosing is an area of growing interest, but long-term research is still emerging.

 

David Presti, a professor of neurobiology at University of California, Berkeley, has spoken publicly about the relative safety profile of psychedelics when compared to many commonly prescribed substances. His work emphasizes that dosage, context, and individual neurobiology matter greatly when assessing risk.

 

Similarly, James Rucker, a psychiatrist affiliated with King’s College London, has advocated for the reclassification of psychedelics to allow for more rigorous scientific study. At the same time, he has been clear about the current limitations of research, noting that we do not yet have sufficient data to fully understand the long-term effects of microdosing.

 

This cautious optimism reflects the broader scientific consensus: microdosing appears promising, but it should be approached with care, not certainty.

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What the Research Landscape Tells Us

 

Much of what we currently understand about microdosing comes from:

 

• Observational studies

• Self-reported experiences

• Early-stage research

• Harm-reduction frameworks

 

Researchers such as James Fadiman have collected thousands of microdosing reports over many years, helping to identify patterns, common practices, and potential areas of benefit or concern. While these insights are valuable, they do not replace controlled clinical trials.

 

Dr. Fadiman has noted that if ongoing research continues to suggest a favorable balance between benefit and risk, the medical community may increasingly call for expanded study particularly for populations who have not been well served by existing mental health approaches. However, this remains a future possibility, not a current medical standard.

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Why Caution Is a Form of Care

 

Public voices, authors, and cultural commentators have also contributed to the conversation. Some have expressed optimism about the potential of microdosing, while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of rigorous study before broad adoption especially among young people or vulnerable populations.

 

At Mothers of the Mycelium, we align with this balanced perspective. Curiosity must walk alongside responsibility.