What is Microdosing?

Microdosing is consuming small (almost sub-perceptual) amounts of a psychedelic substance. Usually 1/10 to 1/20^th the amount of a regular dose. Here we will be talking about psilocybin or Magic Mushrooms. Many people have integrated microdosing mushrooms (psilocybin) into their weekly routines and report having more energy, higher levels of creativity, increased focus, reduced anxiety, depression and stress, along with improved relational skills.

Some people even report that microdosing has helped heighten their spiritual awareness. Researchers have found that Psilocybin can have positive effects on many mood disorders. The Beckley Foundation has been pushing for psilocybin mushrooms to be legalized because research is showing that it has long term positive effects for treatment-resistant depression. Psilocybin is now being researched to treat addiction. Johns Hopkins found that 80% of smokers who took psilocybin as part of cognitive behavioural therapy were able to quit tobacco completely. Mushrooms have been showing comparable or better results in treating cluster headaches than current conventional medications. Some people have even experienced long periods of remission after treatment with psychedelic substances.

What are the different microdosing protocols?

Currently there are six different microdosing protocols being shared. All of them schedule two to four weeks rest after a completed microdosing cycle of four to eight weeks. They say that this break or “reset” period is vital to avoid tolerance and thus maintain the healing effects of microdosing psychedelics. To determine if a microdosing protocol is suitable for you, we recommend trying each microdosing schedule for a minimum of at least one month. “How often should I microdose?” This is the question. Here are the protocols to help you decide.

1. Fadiman microdosing protocol

The Fadiman Protocol is probably the most well-known microdosing protocol. It’s named after Dr. James Fadiman who created this protocol so he could observe the effects of microdosing by clearly distinguishing between the microdosing days and non-microdosing days. The Fadiman’s protocol is a good place for a “little to no experience” or a first time type microdoser. It assumes a 3-day cycle, which you follow for four to eight weeks. The first day is a microdosing day, followed by what he calls a transition day where some people still feel slight effects of their microdose. The third day is a normal day. This is a day in which you compare how a microdose day is working for you compared to a “normal day”. To give the protocol a fair try you should do this schedule for at least a month to see if it is right for you.

DAY 1: Microdosing day

DAY 2: Transition day

DAY 3: Normal day / Reflection day

DAY 4: Microdosing day

DAY 5: Continue cycle for 1 to 2 months

RESET: 2 to 4 weeks of rest (no microdosing)

2. ‘Two days a week’ Fixed microdosing protocol

For some people the Fadiman protocol may be a bit confusing as the microdosing days constantly change weekly. Some people prefer to choose two fixed days in the week that best fit their schedule. Always keep at least one day between each of your microdosing days.

DAY 1: Microdosing day on a day of your choice

DAY 2: Transition day

DAY 3: Normal day / Reflection day

DAY 4: Microdosing day on a day of your choice. Keep a minimum of 1 day between microdosing days

CYCLE: continue for 1 to 2 months

RESET: 2 to 4 weeks of rest

3. The Microdosing Institute Protocol (every other day)

The experience of their coaches found that some people benefit more from using microdoses every second day. It seems to increase the effectiveness of microdosing for Psychological or medical purposes such as anxiety, depression, ADHD/ADD, migraines, cluster headaches and panic attacks. This microdosing protocol should be chosen carefully, preferably with a microdosing coach. We do not recommend microdosing without consulting with your doctor or health practitioner first.

This protocol was created by Microdosing Institute.

DAY 1: Microdosing day

DAY 2: Transition day

DAY 3: Microdosing day

DAY 4: Transition day / Transition day

CYCLE: continue for 1 to 2 months

RESET: 2 to 4 weeks of rest (no microdosing)

4. Stamets protocol used with (‘stacking lion’s mane’)

Paul Stamets a world-renowned mycologist, author and advocate of medicinal mushrooms developed and tested a new microdosing blended mix. His combination of a low dose of psilocybin, a niacin flush (vitamin B3) and the mushroom Hericium erinaceus also called lion’s mane is said to show positive lasting effects on the neuroplasticity, neurogenesis and growth of brain cells. He used the term “stacking” to describe the process of combining the ingredients.

Stacking would work most efficiently if you keep this ‘4 days on, 3 days off’ schedule:

DAY 1 through 4: Stacking Lion’s mane, psilocybin and niacin

DAY 5 to 7: Rest or Lion’s mane only

DAY 1 through 4: Stacking Lion’s mane, psilocybin and niacin

DAY 5 through 7: Rest or Lion’s mane only

CYCLE: continue up to 1 month

RESET: 2 to 4 weeks rest (no microdosing)

5. The Nightcap microdosing protocol

Many people have found that taking it before bed (1 to 2 hours) every other day helps them to enjoy a good night’s sleep. It seems to work best if you take your microdose at least an hour to a few hours before going to bed. Some people who use this protocol report having some vivid dreams, and waking up well-rested and with a clear mind.

DAY 1: Microdosing ‘nightcap’ evening

DAY 2: Transition day

DAY 3: Microdosing ‘nightcap’ evening

DAY 4: Transition day

CYCLE: continue for 1 to 2 months

RESET: 2 to 4 weeks of rest (no microdosing)

6. ‘Intuitive microdosing’ protocol

With this protocol, you intuitively decide when you want to microdose. The only rule is that you always leave at least one day between microdosing days. The reason for this rule is that the day after a microdose, you will have built up some tolerance to the substance you microdosed on. So on those days, microdosing is hardly effective. People who have followed the Fadiman protocol before usually switch to a more intuitive way of microdosing. They use microdosing when it suits them, or when they feel like it.