Microdosing Protocols
How to Microdose
We strongly advise to micro-dose according to a schedule indicating when and for how long you micro-dose. This kind of schedule is called a micro-dosing protocol. There are many different recommendations so here are some of the tried and true.
The following "transition days" refer to the day after microdosing, where you may feel some of the effects of your microdose.
The Fadiman Protocol
The Fadiman Protocol (also known as the Beginners Protocol) is the most well-known microdosing protocol. It’s named after, Dr. James Fadiman who created this protocol to observe the effects of mircodosing by clearly distinguishing between microdosing days and non-microdosing days. This is an excellent starting point for a first microdosing experiment. It is a 3-day cycle, which you follow for four to eight weeks.
How to microdose according to the Fadiman Protocol:
DAY 1: 1st microdosing day DAY 2: transition day DAY 3: normal day DAY 4: 2nd microdosing day
CYCLE: Continue this cycle for four to eight weeks RESET: Two to four weeks rest
The Microdosing Institute Protocol
Some people benefit more from microdosing every second day. This can increase the effectiveness of microdosing especially when microdosing for medical purposes or psychological challenges such as depression, social anxiety, ADHD/ADD, migraine, or cluster headaches. Therefore, the Microdosing Institute Protocol was created.
If you want to start microdosing for medical purposes, don’t experiment by yourself; consult your doctor or health practitioner first and seek guidance from a microdosing coach.
How to microdose according to the MDI Protocol:
DAY 1: 1st microdosing day DAY 2: transition day DAY 3: 2nd microdosing day DAY 4: transition day
CYCLE: Continue this cycle for four to eight weeks RESET: Two to four weeks rest
Two-days-a-week Protocol
When microdosing every second or third day, the microdosing days fall on different days of the week each time. This is not suitable for everybody, and some might prefer a fixed scheme that matches with a weekly work or social routine. If that’s the case, it's advised to choose two fixed days in a week that fit your schedule best, and always keep at least one day between each microdosing day.
How to microdose according to the 2-days-a-week protocol:
DAY 1: 1st microdosing day on fixed day (e.g., Monday) DAY 2: transition day DAY 3: normal day DAY 4: 2nd microdosing day on a fixed day (e.g., Thursday)
CYCLE: Continue this cycle for four to eight weeks RESET: Two to four weeks rest
Stamet's Stack (Stamet's Protocol)
Paul Stamets is a world-renowned mycologist, author, and advocate for medicinal mushrooms. He developed and tested a new microdosing formula using a combination of psilocybin, niacin (vitamin B3), and the medicinal mushroom Lion’s Mane. This microdosing stacking method has positive and lasting effects on the brain.
He invented the term “stacking” to describe the process of combining these substances. The Paul Stamets Stack is mainly developed to combine Lion’s Mane, psilocybin, and niacin (vitamin B3).
How to microdose according to the Stamets protocol:
DAY 1-4: stacking days DAY 5-7: transition days DAY 8-11: stacking days DAY 12-14: transition days
CYCLE: Continue this cycle for four weeks RESET: Two to four weeks rest
Nightcap Protocol
Some people experience slight fatigue while microdosing, therefore, the Nightcap Protocol was developed. This involves microdosing every second day before bedtime to take advantage of this weariness and get a decent night’s sleep. People who microdose like this report that they have more vivid dreams and wake up feeling more refreshed and brighter than before they began microdosing.
It is recommended to take the microdose at least an hour before going to bed. There are two options for Nightcap Protocol.
Option 1: Following the Microdosing Institute Protocol:
NIGHT 1: 1st microdosing night NIGHT 2: transition night NIGHT 3: 2nd microdosing night NIGHT 4: transition night
CYCLE: Continue this cycle for four to eight weeks RESET: Two to four weeks rest
Option 2: Following the Fadiman Protocol:
NIGHT 1: 1st microdosing night NIGHT 2: transition night NIGHT 3: normal night NIGHT 4: 2nd microdosing night
CYCLE: Continue this cycle for four to eight weeks RESET: Two to four weeks rest
Which microdosing protocol suits you?
The best way to discover which microdosing protocol suits you best is simply by trying them out. We recommend starting with Fadiman’s Protocol or, if that doesn’t fit your schedule, the Two-days-a-week Protocol. The important thing is to become aware of the contrast between an ordinary and a microdosing day. To properly investigate what microdosing can do for you, we recommend writing your observations down in a journal or tracking them via an app. After your first cycle, or if you experience adverse effects, you can decide to switch to another microdosing protocol.