Microdose capsules and mushroom extracts are frequently used interchangeably. However, they can have two entirely different meanings. Knowing what each phrase means is crucial. Particularly if you come across internet claims regarding effects or other advantages.

So what is a mushroom extract?

It is a formulation of compounds extracted from mushrooms. The term itself does not necessarily specify:

1. What mushroom was used

2. What compounds are present 

3. The concentration of the final product.

Some functional mushroom extracts may contain mushrooms like:

1.Lion’s mane

2. Reishi

3. Cordyceps.

On the other hand, products containing psychedelic mushrooms may have:

1. Psilocybin 

2. Psilocin. 

These are controlled substances in Canada. It is illegal to produce or sell them unless authorized.

What are microdose capsules?

Usually, this involves taking a small dose of a psychedelic substance. The aim is to achieve milder effects than those of a full dose. Capsules are just one way of presenting the substance.

When buying microdose capsules Calgary, read the product description carefully. Don’t assume that the label indicates a specific concentration or effect. Keep in mind that items marketed outside of regulated systems might not have been tested to verify their composition.

Health Canada cautions specifically against illegally made psilocybin products as they are not tested and may contain other potentially harmful substances.

Concentration matters

Two products may be described in the same terms. But they may not have the same concentration of active ingredients. It can be difficult to make comparisons if there is no laboratory testing or standard labeling.

Psychedelic mushrooms also vary in their potency from:

1. Mushroom to mushroom 

2.Species to species. 

This can impact the effects.

Are there any proven benefits to Microdosing?

Studies on psilocybin are continuing, including its possible therapeutic uses. But, at present, there is no evidence of a specific health or performance benefit of microdosing.

Health Canada notes that the evidence of the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin is limited. Currently, no therapeutic product containing psilocybin has been approved for use in Canada.

There are also some risks involved. The so-called “bad trip” could happen. Especially at high doses. These scary experiences can induce feelings like:

1.A skewed sense of self

2. Loss of boundaries

3. Paranoia. 

Risk-taking behavior during these “bad trips” may result from impaired judgment, which could then cause fatalities or severe injuries.

Users may occasionally have frequent or excessively intense psychedelic experiences, which could cause sudden “flashbacks’’ that is, recreating the prior experience.

Final thoughts

Mushroom extracts or microdose products might be described online as having mood effects, focus, or wellbeing impacts. Such statements might be authoritative. But not clinically proven.

It will therefore be helpful to differentiate between mushroom identity, compounds found within the mushroom, concentration stated by a manufacturer, and scientific proof of specific uses.