The Math of Microdosing

Grams (g), Milligrams (mg), and Micrograms (μg)

Remember asking in math class, “Will I ever use this?”...

Today, math class finally meets real life in The Microverse.

For many of us, exploring psychedelics renews our need to embrace the metric system, particularly when it comes to measuring small (micro?) doses of psychedelic substances.

Measuring the “micro” in a “microdose” correctly is a common challenge, which sometimes leads to ineffective (too little) or less-than-pleasant (too much) experiences.

This problem comes from:

  1. Guessing instead of measuring precisely

  2. Confusion about the units used for measuring

  3. Unknown substance potency (we’ll address this in the future)

Learning the math of microdosing is a harm-reduction practice that can turn your experience from guesswork into a reliable and effective habit.

Join us on this Trip Into The Microverse as we simplify the math of microdosing, illustrating when to apply grams (g), milligrams (mg), and micrograms (µg) to psychedelics.

It’s time to make your math teacher proud and your microdoses precise!

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Microdosing Math: The Basics

A key to effective microdosing lies in precise measurement, and this is where our need to understand grams, milligrams, and micrograms starts.

We highly recommend that everyone working with psychedelic substances purchase an accurate scale like this one.

1. Grams (g):

When it comes to psychedelics, grams are the largest unit of measurement the average person will need to work with. Macrodoses of psilocybin mushrooms are measured in whole grams, typically in the range of 1 to 5 grams.

  • This is expressed as “1 to 5 grams.”

  • On a scale set to weigh in grams, 1 gram is displayed as 1.000

Think of a gram as the size of a soccer ball —notable and easy to handle. How many do you really need? Is more better?

Soccer Ball : Grams (g)

2. Milligrams (mg):

A milligram is one-thousandth of a gram (1/1000th). The most common dose of psilocybin mushrooms for microdosing is 100 to 300 mg of dried mushroom fruit body; often, this dose is discussed as a part of a whole gram, 0.1 to 0.3 grams.

  • In milligrams, this is expressed as “100 to 300 milligrams” (mg)

  • In grams, this is expressed as “point one to point three grams” (g)

  • On a scale, 100 milligrams is displayed as 0.100 grams, 300 milligrams is displayed as 0.300 grams

Think of a milligram as the size of a marble—still substantial and easy to handle. Once you have a few, you might like a container (capsule) to keep track of them.

Marble : Milligrams (mg)

3. Micrograms (µg):

A microgram is one-thousandth of a milligram (1/1000th) and one-millionth of a gram (1/1,000,000th). LSD microdoses are typically in the range of 5 - 10 micrograms (µg).

  • In micrograms, this is expressed as 5 to 10 micrograms or “mics” (mikes).

  • Micrograms are not easily measured, even with a scientific scale, and should only be dispensed by chemists and others with the correct training and tools.

  • Microgram doses are generally prepared by serial dilution of pure (99%+) substances and dispensed by mouth sprays, liquid droppers, or blotters. All of these carry the risk of inaccuracy.

  • We are optimistic about accurate and precise pre-measured doses that are sure to become available as the landscape evolves.

Think of a microgram as the size of a grain of sand—tiny and easy to lose track of, difficult to count, and hard to split into pieces.

Adding It All Up

Understanding grams, milligrams, and micrograms—while using the right tools—turns microdosing from guesswork into a dependable practice.

This precision not only ensures a safer experience but also helps maximize the potential benefits of microdosing.

Having mastered the math, let’s move on to our next topic! We’ll analyze the difference between the weight of a dried mushroom in a dose and the actual psilocybin content it contains.

Spoiler: The mushroom’s weight is much greater than its psilocybin content (100 mg mushroom fruit body might contain as little as 0.5 mg psilocybin). It’s all about potency—don’t miss it!

Class Dismissed! Happy Microdosing! 🚀✨

Microverse Resources

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🧑‍🏫 Want to explore microdosing with a group, led by an expert? Join the Microdosing Experience here

🍄 Learn to grow your own mushrooms at home with this course and grow kit combo. Click here to learn more.

🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Want to work with a qualified microdosing coach? Click here to learn more.

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Disclaimer: This newsletter is for educational and harm reduction purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.  It is your responsibility to check and comply with all local laws and regulations regarding plant medicines or psychoactive substances. 

In Crisis? If you’re having thoughts of self-harm please call 988 or visit 988Lifeline.org. If you’re experiencing a difficult trip, or need help integrating one, consider contacting Fireside Project by calling or texting 62-FIRESIDE or visit firesideproject.org