A Complete Guide to Microdosing Protocols

Microdosing involves the regular consumption of psychedelic drugs, such as magic truffles, mushrooms, and LSD, in minute amounts. This practice is becoming increasingly popular in modern society, as users enjoy wide-ranging benefits without any apparent side effects. Consuming such small or sub-perceptual doses removes the impact of a hallucinogenic high, ensuring a safe, therapeutic experience known to improve productivity, creativity, and general well-being.

What is a Microdosing Protocol?

A protocol simply refers to the structured guidelines of when to take a microdose. Until now, six distinct variations have been developed by doctors and scientists in an attempt to pin down the most effective method. The most famous protocol, created by the Father of Microdosing himself, Dr. James Fadiman, is perhaps the best place to start for beginners. Bear in mind that every approach has its pros and cons and being open to alternatives can allow for a more fulfilling experience.

Let’s take a look at the six established microdosing protocols:

1. Fadiman Protocol

Anyone familiar with the history of microdosing will be aware of the impact of American psychologist and researcher, Dr. James Fadiman. His work into the study of psychedelics spans decades, with a series of publications continuously demonstrating the power of microdosing and its myriad benefits.

Fadiman’s protocol primarily acts as an experiment, as he encourages users to observe the effects on the body and mind over the course of the schedule, especially during non-microdosing days. This 3-day protocol works as follows:

• Day 1: Microdosing day
• Day 2: Transition day
• Day 3: Normal day

• Cycle: Continue for 4 to 8 weeks
• Reset: Break for 2 to 4 weeks

Beginners are advised to first try the Fadiman protocol for one month. This allows enough time to decide whether or not the schedule suits. A break of two to four weeks after the initial cycle is complete will prevent tolerance and allow the full benefits to be enjoyed once the cycle resumes.

2. Two Fixed Days Per Week

For some, the major disadvantage to Fadiman’s protocol is the lack of weekly structure, as the microdosing days differ from one week to the next. This may interfere with work, home life or other responsibilities. This alternative removes the unpredictability by setting two days a week aside for microdosing. Experts advise to keep one day free between doses, according to this schedule:

• Day 1: First microdosing day (for example, Monday)
• Day 2: Transition day
• Day 3: Normal day
• Day 4: Second microdosing day (for example, Thursday)
• Day 5: Transition day
• Day 6: Normal day
• Day 7: Normal day

• Cycle: Continue for 4 to 8 weeks
• Reset: Break for 2 to 4 weeks

3. Every Other Day

The third approach is not recommended for everyone and should be considered carefully. Having said that, research has shown that certain groups, in particular those dealing with pain or mental health issues, actually benefit more from microdosing every other day. The protocol is as simple as it sounds:

• Day 1: Microdosing day
• Day 2: Transition day

• Cycle: Continue for 4 to 8 weeks
• Reset: Break for 2 to 4 weeks

4. Nightcap

This protocol can be followed according to either the Every Other Day approach or Fadiman’s scheduling, with the only difference being, the microdose is taken at night. This alternative makes the perfect choice for those who experience some day-time fatigue as a result of the psychedelics. Those opting for the nightcap method should consume the mushrooms or truffles an hour before going to bed. Reports indicate that in doing so, dreams are more vivid, yet users awake feeling much more rested and ready to take on the world.

5. Stamets Stacking Formula

American mycologist Paul Stamets is a global authority in the field of mushroom study. Dedicating his entire life to fungi research, Stamets has released several books, including the ground-breaking Psilocybe Mushrooms and Their Allies, and developed a unique protocol for microdosing, known as the Stacking Formula.

This method involves the combination of three elements: psilocybin (the psychoactive part of magic mushrooms), vitamin B3 (or Niacin) and lion’s mane mushroom. Stamets believes that the two compounds extracted from the fungi can not only create new neural pathways, but also repair existing damage. Niacin completes the trio to add deliverability, helping to distribute the molecules. This stack is thought to produce a positive and lasting effect on the brain.

The formula follows a four-days-on, three-days-off cycle, as detailed below:

• Day 1 - 4: Microdosing four consecutive days
• Day 5 - 7: Rest/normal days

• Cycle: Continue for up to 1 month
• Reset: Break for 2 to 4 weeks

6. Intuitive

As the name suggests, the final protocol refers to a more natural means of microdosing. Generally, those with more experience, who have perhaps already completed numerous cycles using the Fadiman protocol, tend to switch to a more spontaneous approach, microdosing as and when desired. The only rule with the intuitive protocol is to leave a minimum of one day between each dosage.