When you’re microdosing mushrooms, it means you take a much smaller amount than you would need to hallucinate or have a “trip.” Those who do it on a regular basis say it improves their mental health and increases productivity. In today’s ever-changing professional landscape, people are always looking for innovative ways to enhance their performance and well-being. This includes using psychoactive substances such as magic mushrooms to help manage anxiety and depression.

Microdosing Magic Mushrooms have exploded in popularity in recent years. But the data isn’t as clear as it might be, with big gaps in research and reporting. That’s why two reports published this week offer some much-needed clarity on the state of mind-altering consumption.

Microdosing Magic Mushrooms: What You Need to Know

Both of the studies focused on psilocybin mushrooms, which contain the psychedelic component known as Psilocybin. A report from the RAND Drug Policy Research Center found that psilocybin mushroom use eclipsed MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, and other popular psychedelics such as LSD and ketamine in 2017.

The researchers speculate that this rise in psilocybin mushroom use is partly a result of states that have decriminalized or legalized mushrooms. The more liberal a state’s drug laws, the more mushroom interest in that state.

However, the RAND study also pointed out that psilocybin is not safe for people with certain conditions, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or severe forms of bipolar or borderline disorders. It’s also not for people with a history of alcohol or substance abuse or those who have certain medical issues, including heart disease or liver and kidney disease. Psilocybin can cause a range of side effects, such as confusion and trouble thinking, irritability, and low energy. And there’s a risk that someone could confuse mushrooms with poisonous mushrooms that look like them, which can lead to death.