Psychedelic drugs have captured the interest of scientists and doctors for their potential to treat mental illness, but there’s still a lot we don’t know about how and when they work best. One practice that is gaining popularity is how to microdose magic mushrooms, in which people take low doses of hallucinogens like LSD and psilocybin to improve their mood, focus, and creativity throughout the day.

Why do mushrooms have caps?

While there is no formal research into the benefits of psilocybin microdosing, many people report positive effects in online communities and on message boards. However, because most of the substances that people use to microdose are illegal in most countries, it is difficult to conduct scientific studies. This makes it hard to determine the prevalence, effects, safety, and long-term impact of the practice.

A few days a week, Rosie takes a tiny pinch of grey powder from a clear plastic cup she keeps in her kitchen. The powder is finely ground psilocybin, which she grows herself. She uses the drug to help her think more clearly and stay creative throughout the day.

For the past year, she has been part of a largely anecdotal movement among mothers in the US who are taking small doses of psilocybin for mental wellness. Almost all the moms interviewed for this article (who wanted to use their first names only because of legal concerns) reported a boost in their productivity and a general feeling of well-being when they took a microdose.