DOSAGE
The potency of nutmeg can vary significantly from sample to sample; one should be aware of how potent one's material is before taking a large dose. Nutmeg from the East Indies is said to be more potent than that produced in the West Indies, and freshly ground nutmeg is reputed to be more potent than pre-ground. Nutmeg is not very conducive to adjustment of dose since onset may take up to six hours, making familiarity with potency quite important.

The following information on dosage is based on my own experiences and on an analysis of 176 experience reports posted on-line at Erowid.org.

THRESHOLD (3-5 grams or 1-1.5 tsp) A threshold dose of nutmeg is marked by euphoria, relaxation, mood elevation, hilarity and enhancement of the senses. Baseline is around hour eighteen. Some people will not experience effects at this level.

LOW--MODERATE (6-10 grams or 1.5-3 tsp) A low-moderate dose of nutmeg will produce a more distinct effect than a threshold dose, and may cause visual distortions, closed-eye visuals, and auditory hallucinations. Short-term memory may become impaired and speech may become slightly slurred during the peak of a low-moderate dose.

MODERATE (11-15 grams or 1-1.5 Tbsp) A moderate dose of nutmeg can cause slurred speech, disorientation, and loss of coordination. Previously stated effects increase and the user may experience mild visual phenomenon.

MODERATE-HIGH (16-20 grams or 1.5-2 Tbsp) A moderate-high dose may produce a waking dream-like state. One individual sought emergency room services after ingesting 15-20 grams of nutmeg. The user reported experiencing trouble breathing, blackouts, delusions, and panic (Marquis 2006).

HIGH (20-25 grams or 2-2.5 Tbsp) A high dose may increase the perception of being in a dream world. Users may begin experiencing stomach pain.

NOT RECOMMENDED (25+ grams or 2.5+ Tbsp) Doses this high usually will not increase the psychoactive effects of nutmeg, but will likely increase the length of the trip and thus will take longer to recover from. Physical discomforts such as stomach pain, abnormally rapid heartbeat, nausea, and dizziness tend to increase. Vomiting seldom occurs. User may experience trouble breathing or trouble urinating. Users may also become delusional. Out of sixty-six individuals who reported taking more than 25 grams of nutmeg, 17% reported having a difficult experience and 45% of these sought emergency room care. The average dose for those reporting negative effects was between 29 and 30 grams, though the median dose was only 25 grams. The average dose for those seeking ER care was 47.5 grams, while the median dose was 52.5 grams. With the variability in potency of nutmeg, some samples might require a high dose to produce a moderate effect, but one should be extremely familiar with the potency of his or her material before taking a high or not-recommended dose.