For the past few years, people from tech entrepreneurs to artists have been microdosing mushrooms in hopes of boosting professional performance, creativity and clarity. But the question is, how much is a microdose? And is it safe? We spoke with Banner Health pharmacist Bryan Kuhn, who specializes in drug safety and poison education.

How Much is a Microdose of Mushrooms? A Guide to Dosage

How much is a microdose of mushrooms is roughly one-tenth of the amount needed to experience a full “trip” on psychedelic drugs, like LSD or psilocybin. Proponents, including hundreds of people on Reddit, say the small doses can sharpen the mind and make them more efficient. Some even claim the mushrooms can calm anxiety, reduce depression and replace the need for caffeine. The practice has gained popularity in states and cities that have decriminalized the drugs, including Oregon and Denver. But experts say we need more research before it can be considered a legitimate mental and physical health treatment.

Despite its rising popularity, psychedelics are still illegal in most places and are generally only available on the black market. And because of their unregulated nature, it’s hard to know exactly what you’re getting. Especially since it’s so common for people to use psilocybin, which is found in “magic mushrooms.” Using this type of mushroom can be difficult to do accurately and safely because there are hundreds of species of wild fungi that contain the drug. But to get the best results, a person should try to stick with the same species of mushroom they’ve used before. It’s also recommended to avoid taking more than intended and to take a break from the microdoses every once in a while to prevent tolerance buildup.