Microdosing 101

Microdosing Golden Teachers

Golden Teachers are sought after for their therapeutic and spiritual qualities, making them ideal for those cautiously exploring the Psychedelic Renaissance.

4
Min read
Cori Sue Morris
August 31, 2023

What is Microdosing?

Microdosing has gained significant attention in the media, with documentaries like "Moms on Mushrooms" and the release of "How to Change Your Mind" on Netflix, based on Michael Pollan's book of the same name. It seems that microdosing is a topic on everyone's lips.

Microdosing refers to the act of taking sub-perceptible dosages of a medicine or a psychedelic substance, commonly psilocybin mushrooms or LSD. At Retreat, we specialize in microdosing mushrooms, so for this article, we will focus on the benefits of psilocybin.

It’s important to note a few things; You should never feel the psychedelic effects of the substance you’re microdosing (such as visuals).  This is what is meant by the term “sub-perceptual”. In that sense, microdosing is considered safe to engage in throughout your daily life. If you are microdosing correctly, you can drive a car, work normally, and engage with society as normal. The idea behind this way of using psychedelics is that you can experience the benefits over time without having to do a heavy dose, or “trip” to see those benefits in your day-to-day life. Please consult with a medical professional before starting a microdosing protocol.

Microdosing Benefits

There are many benefits to microdosing psychedelics reported by people who have decided to start their microdosing journey.  You’ll find a list of just a few of the benefits, and research, to back it up.  If you’ve been curious about microdosing but unsure where to start, we’ve developed tried and tested resources like our Free Microdosing Guide, our Microdosing Course, and our 1:1 Microdosing Coaching Membership, where you can dive deeper into developing the tools to integrate this medicine into your daily life. 

You can explore these benefits in greater depth in our Microdosing Course, and get a sneak peek in our Free Microdosing Guide.

Improved mood: For those looking for an immediate impact, Microdosing has been associated with enhanced overall mood, increased positive emotions, and a reduction in symptoms of depression. Studies have shown promising results in this regard, such as the research conducted by Johns Hopkins University. 

Reduced anxiety and stress: Microdosing has shown the potential to alleviate anxiety and stress, leading to a greater sense of calmness and emotional well-being. Individuals who struggle with anxiety or high levels of stress may find relief through microdosing.

Enhanced creativity: Those who microdose often report heightened creativity and improved problem-solving abilities. Many individuals in creative fields have embraced microdosing as a way to tap into their creative potential. It allows for new perspectives, fresh ideas, and increased artistic inspiration.

Increased focus and productivity: Adding a microdosing protocol or routine may also help you improve cognitive functions, such as focus, concentration, and productivity. Microdosing has grown in popularity for its reported ability to allow individuals to perform better in their daily tasks. By enhancing mental clarity and reducing distractions, microdosing can help individuals achieve a state of heightened focus.

Heightened introspection and self-reflection: Microdosing can facilitate a deeper sense of self-awareness, introspection, and reflection, leading to personal growth and a better understanding of oneself. It can provide an opportunity for individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and beliefs with greater clarity and insight.

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Golden Teachers and Microdosing

When it comes to microdosing mushrooms, one of the popular varieties often mentioned is the Golden Teacher. The Golden Teacher is a strain of psilocybin mushrooms known for its unique appearance and potential therapeutic properties. As with other psilocybin mushrooms, the Golden Teacher contains the active compound psilocybin, which is responsible for its psychoactive effects.

Microdosing Golden Teachers offers a way to harness the potential benefits of psilocybin in a controlled and sub-perceptible manner. By consuming small doses of Golden Teacher mushrooms, individuals can experience the reported advantages of microdosing while minimizing the risk of experiencing overwhelming psychedelic effects.

Golden Teachers are known for their ability to induce a sense of introspection, inner wisdom, and spiritual growth. They are often described as providing a gentle and insightful journey. However, it's crucial to note that each person's experience can vary, Microdosing Magic Mushrooms: Understanding Strains and Cultivation

Among the popular options for microdosing is the Golden Teacher, a type of magic mushroom. This article aims to provide clarity and debunk marketing claims surrounding strain variations. By understanding the distinctions between species, strains, and cultivars, growers can make informed decisions when selecting spores. Additionally, we explore the differences between Golden Teacher and other popular varieties such as Penis Envy and B+. 

Understanding the Terminology and Microdosing Basics

To navigate the world of mushrooms and microdosing, it's essential to grasp the difference between species, strains, and cultivars. Species refers to distinct genetic lineages that cannot typically interbreed. The most commonly known magic mushroom species is Psilocybe Cubensis. Strains, on the other hand, originate from the same species and can interbreed freely. Cultivars, short for "cultivated variety," are usually grown from spores and exhibit distinct genetic characteristics.

Microdosing: Golden Teacher vs. Penis Envy

When considering microdosing options, it’s important to note differences in strain, such as between  Golden Teacher and Penis Envy. While some consider Penis Envy to be generally stronger, the potency of both mushroom strains can vary due to individual mushrooms—they’re natural, after all!— growing conditions and handling. It's advisable to start with a lower dose and adjust accordingly. 

Microdosing: Golden Teacher vs. B+

Golden Teacher and B+ are popular for those interested in microdosing due to their widespread cultivation and similar growth requirements. While rumors of B+ being a cross-breed of Psilocybe Cubensis and Psilocybe Azurescens are unfounded, both varieties can thrive on various substrates. Although their appearances may overlap, recent mutations in B+ can result in fuzzy outgrowths on the cap, which are harmless.

Potency Considerations and Microdosing Guidelines

Understanding the potency of mushrooms is a significant consideration for many growers and microdosers. Research indicates that Psilocybe azurescens is one of the most potent naturally occurring species. However, data on potency between strains is still limited. In 2021, the Psilocybin Cup provided preliminary potency findings, but further research is necessary. The general understanding is that genetic characteristics do not always correlate with potency.

When it comes to microdosing, dosages must account for the water content of mushrooms. Dried Golden Teachers typically contain around 0.6-0.7% Psilocybin by dry weight. A noticeable dose begins around 1 gram dried, but preferences may vary. Microdosing typically involves taking around 10% of an active dose. Fresh mushrooms require a tenfold increase in dosage compared to dried mushrooms.

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Growing Your Golden Teachers and Ensuring Authenticity

For those interested in growing Golden Teachers, starting with any Psilocybe cubensis strain is recommended for beginners. It's important to select reputable vendors with good reviews to ensure the authenticity of the strains or cultivars. Mushroom strains can sometimes be misrepresented, so it's essential to support trusted sources in the community.

Microdosing magic mushrooms, such as Golden Teacher, can offer unique insights and potential benefits for personal well-being. As always, it is important to approach microdosing with caution, respect the substances involved, and consult with a medical professional before starting any microdosing protocol.

Microdosing: Golden Teacher vs. Penis Envy vs. B+

When comparing Golden Teacher and Penis Envy for microdosing purposes, it's important to consider the physiological effects of these strains. While some individuals perceive Penis Envy to be generally stronger, the potency of both varieties can vary due to each mushroom.

As the name implies, Golden Teachers provides a calmer experience and glow during a trip. With their plump golden caps and paler, girthy stems, they are visually distinct. Golden Teachers are well-known for being easy to grow and are often considered an excellent psychedelic option for beginners. Microdosing Golden Teachers can facilitate a therapeutic experience and act as a conduit for spiritual connection.

Penis Envy

There’s a maxim among mycologists “a cube is a cube… except for Penis Envy.” In the fungi community, penis envy mushrooms are notorious. As you can imagine, penis envy ‘shrooms are famous for their phallic appearance and above-average potency–50 to 100 percent stronger than the average Psilocybe Cubensis variety, according to the work of Oakland Hyphae and the Psilocybin Cup. For those looking for a powerful psychedelic experience, Penis Envy doesn’t require as high a dose to break through into a mind-bending odyssey. 

B+:

B+ is another strain of Psilocybe Cubensis and is often recommended for beginners and microdosers. It offers a robust yet gentle psychedelic experience. While B+ mushrooms are strong, enthusiasts report that their effects are more mellow and level-headed compared to intense strains like Penis Envy. The consensus among shroom sommeliers is that a B+ trip tends to be more body and visually-focused, with less introspection than strains like Golden Teachers.

Along with Penis Envy and Golden Teachers, B+ is yet another strain of psilocybe cubensis. Robust but gentle, B+ is an un-intimidating magic mushroom strain perfect for beginners, microdosers, and those who prefer a (relatively) relaxing experience. Though they’re strong, enthusiasts report that their delivery is more mellow and level-headed than hard-hitters like penis envy. We all experience psilocybin’s effects differently depending on the day, setting, and sometimes even ineffable factors—but the consensus among shroom sommeliers is that a B+ trip tends to be body and visual-heavy with less introspection than other strains like golden teachers. Microdosing: Golden Teacher vs. Penis Envy vs. B+

In summary, Golden Teachers are sought after for their therapeutic and spiritual qualities, making them ideal for those cautiously exploring the Psychedelic Renaissance. Penis Envy stands out for its potent effects and the potential for a mind-altering journey with a lower dosage. B+ mushrooms, while strong, provide a relatively relaxed and visually immersive experience, making them suitable for beginners and microdosers.

One of the important things to remember is that individual experiences will vary depending on a variety of factors including the day, setting, and personal sensitivities.

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About the Author

Cori Sue Morris

Cori Sue is the founder & CEO of Retreat. She’s a recovering journalist and serial entrepreneur, having started, scaled and sold a media company, Bitches Who Brunch, and a marketing agency. She loves mushrooms, microdosing, empowered women, and helping others.

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