You’ve probably heard the buzz. Silicon Valley CEOs are doing it. Burnt-out professionals are doing it. Even your yoga teacher might be doing it.
Psychedelics – once demonised and dismissed – are quietly making their way into the modern wellness toolkit. But for many, they still feel mysterious. Maybe even a little scary.
As the conversation becomes more mainstream, so does the confusion.
Terms like microdosing, macrodosing, and ceremonial use are thrown around a lot. Yet many people still aren’t quite sure what they actually mean, or how they differ.
That’s what we’re here to clear up.
Quick Myth-Buster
- Psychedelics will make you lose control → Not at microdoses. In fact, most people feel more centred.
- You have to trip to get benefits → Many find healing through subtle, consistent practice.
- It’s illegal = It’s dangerous → While laws vary, many psychedelic practices are surprisingly safe when done intentionally.
Microdosing: subtle support for the everyday mind
If you’re curious but cautious, this might feel like a good entry point.
What it is:
Microdosing involves taking a very small dose of a psychedelic compound (usually one-tenth to one-twentieth of a full dose) to achieve subtle, non-intoxicating effects. You won’t hallucinate. You won’t feel “high.” In fact, the goal is to not notice anything overtly psychedelic.
Why people do it:
For many, microdosing is like giving the brain and nervous system a gentle nudge in the right direction. It’s been reported to enhance mood, boost creativity, reduce anxiety, improve focus, and mental clarity.
Some people use it to support recovery from depression, others to enhance productivity or improve emotional regulation.
At High & Polite, we often hear from readers who say microdosing helped them cut back on antidepressants, re-engage with exercise, or even rediscover a sense of wonder in their daily lives. Learn how to start here.
Common protocols:
Most microdosers follow a structured routine. Popular approaches include:
- Fadiman Protocol: Dose every third day (one day on, two days off).
- Stamets Stack: Combines psilocybin with lion’s mane and niacin, taken 4 days on, 3 days off.
- Intuitive Microdosing: Dose based on feel or need, without a strict schedule.
Typical dose ranges:
- Psilocybin mushrooms: 0.05g – 0.3g
- LSD: 5mcg – 20mcg
The vibe:
Subtle but supportive. You’re still able to work, parent, socialise, and exercise, but with a little more clarity, calm, and presence.
But what if you’re feeling called to go deeper?
That’s where macrodosing comes in.
Macrodosing: the classic psychedelic journey
This isn’t for everyone – but for some, it’s been deeply healing.
What it is:
Macrodosing is what most people picture when they think of psychedelics. It involves taking a full or high dose of a substance, enough to produce strong, conscious-altering effects. Visuals, ego dissolution, deep introspection, and spiritual experiences are all common.
Why people do it:
Macrodoses are often used for therapeutic breakthroughs, spiritual connection, or intensive personal growth. Many people seek out a macrodose when they’re at a crossroads in life, dealing with trauma, chronic mental health issues (psychedelics offer hope with conditions like OCD), or a feeling of being stuck.
These experiences are powerful. They can bring long-buried emotions to the surface, help rewire patterns of thought, and foster a profound sense of connection, to nature, to others, and to one’s own inner wisdom.
But they’re not something to jump into casually.
Setting and preparation matter. A safe, quiet space, a trusted sitter or guide, and a clear intention can make the difference between a transformative experience and a chaotic one.
Typical dose ranges:
- Psilocybin mushrooms: 1g – 3.5g (3.5g = the “heroic dose” coined by Terence McKenna)
- LSD: 100mcg – 200mcg
The vibe:
Deep and immersive. These journeys can last 6–12 hours, and they often require integration work afterwards, things like journaling, rest, nature walks, and emotional processing.
Ceremonial use: sacred space and shared intention
If you’re called to it, psychedelic ceremonies can have profound effects.
What it is:
Ceremonial use involves taking a psychedelic, often psilocybin, ayahuasca, or San Pedro, in a group or ritualistic setting. These ceremonies are typically led by a facilitator, guide, or shaman and involve a structured experience that may include music, breathwork, intention setting, and periods of silence or sharing.
Why people do it:
While macrodosing is often personal and solo, ceremonial use is about community, spirituality, and connection to tradition. Many cultures have used sacred plant medicines for thousands of years to facilitate healing, rites of passage, or spiritual awakening.
In the modern world, ceremonial spaces offer something many of us are missing: a container for deep emotional processing, guided by wisdom, tradition, and care. You’re not just going in, you’re being held.
Who it’s for:
Ceremonies can be powerful for people navigating grief, seeking purpose, or simply wanting to reconnect with themselves on a deeper level. When held responsibly, these settings encourage profound insights and a felt sense of belonging.
The vibe:
Held, guided, intentional. Expect a slow pace, reverence, and often powerful emotional release. You may cry, laugh, or have visions. But you’re not alone, you’re part of something bigger.
Which approach is right for you?
Honestly, there’s no “best” option. Only what’s best for you in this moment.
- If you’re curious but cautious, and want gentle support without disrupting your routine, microdosing is a great place to start.
- If you’re feeling called to do deep emotional or spiritual work, and can create the right set and setting, a macrodose might offer the insight you need.
- If you want to honour the sacred nature of these medicines in a shared, safe space, ceremonial use can be life-changing.
Whatever path you choose, start with respect. Respect for the medicine, for the process, and most importantly, for yourself.
Conclusion
We believe nature has given us powerful tools for healing, and it’s our job to learn how to use them wisely.
Whether you’re microdosing to reduce anxiety, macrodosing to rewire old patterns, or stepping into ceremony to reconnect with spirit, remember:
You are not broken.
You are not alone.
And healing is not only possible, it’s your birthright.
At High & Polite, we believe in education and empowerment over fear and dependency – and that plant medicine is a powerful tool for deep transformation.
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