Which Microdosing Method Is For You?

Correct, psychedelic student!

It is also a method many use to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety and addiction. So yeah, it’s pretty major. And there’s no doubt about the definition. But something that does vary however is the protocol. The method. Basically, the how.

Finding Your Microdosing Sweet Spot

We tend recommend the Fadiman or ‘Every Other Day’ Protocol as a rule, (which we will cover below) but there are other methods. And, as everybody is a different body it figures that some people find their sweet spot with other protocols. Even if you’ve got your microdosing groove down you might want to try out a new method to see if there’s a level of grooviness you never even anticipated.

So, because we always want you to be able to make the most well-informed choice armed with all the info, we’ve decided to lay out the main microdosing protocols. See it as a buffet of microdosing options!

Note: We are not exploring the occasionally mentioned ‘dose every day’ method — most people agree it is ineffective as your body develops a tolerance for the psilocybin — defeating the point of microdosing at all.

The Fadiman Protocol

The Fadiman Protocol is the most widely known microdosing protocol. It is usually the first one you learn of when delving into the world of microdosing — hence why it is sometimes also referred to as the Beginners Protocol. The name derives from its creator — Dr James Fadiman — a pioneering psychedelic explorer who invented it to observe fully the difference between microdosing days and non-microdosing days. It goes a little something like this:

Day 1: Microdose.

Day 2: No microdose (or ‘rest’).

Day 3: No microdose.

Day 4: Microdose

— Basically, one day on, two days off.

Fadiman derives this plan from his research in which he observed that the majority of people experienced an ‘afterglow’ effect that continues into the next day after microdosing. The third day is to ‘reset’ — a return to your ‘normal’ consciousness so as to best notice the effects of your microdose. It is a great way to be able to track how your microdose affects you. Also recommended is journaling or noting down your experiences — this way you can adjust your dose accordingly.

Fadiman recommends you continue this cycle for 4 to 8 weeks. After this take a ‘reset’ break for 2 to 4 weeks.

Every Other Day

This is probably the second most common protocol, recommended by The Microdosing Institute. Through their research they advise that some people find microdosing every other day more effective — especially for those who are microdosing for a specific condition such as depression or anxiety. It goes a little something like this:

Day 1: Microdose.

Day 2: No microdose.

Day 3: Microdose.

Day 4: No microdose

Continue this protocol for 4 to 8 weeks, followed by a ‘reset’ break of 2 to 4 weeks.

Fixed Day Protocol

When using the Fadiman Protocol or the Every Other Day, the dose day falls on a different day of the week each time. For some people this is not ideal, which is why some prefer picking a specific day that might fit better with their work or social schedule. If this sounds like it’s more for you, we recommend picking two fixed days a week with at least one day between them. It could go a little something like this:

Day 1: 1st Fixed Microdosing Day (E.g. Tuesday)

Day 2: No microdose

Day 3: No microdose

Day 4: 2nd Fixed Microdosing Day (E.g. Friday)

After this you do not microdose again until the following Tuesday (or your chosen fixed day).

Continue this protocol for 4 to 8 weeks, followed by a ‘reset’ break of 2 to 4 weeks.

The Stamets Stack

Renowned mycologist Paul Stamets does not simply content himself with being an authority of mushrooms of all kinds, an author and advocate, he has also developed his very own microdosing protocol known as the Stamets Stack. And, he’s brought all of this shroomy expertise — it doesn’t just include a psilocybin microdose, it also combines a niacin (or vitamin B) dose and the medicinal mushroom Lion’s Mane. He refers to this trio as the ‘stack’. The stack goes a little like this:

Days 1 – 4: Take the stack

Days 5 – 7: No stack

Day 8 – 11: Take the stack

Day 12 – 14: No stack

Continue for 4 weeks then take your ‘reset’ break for 2 to 4 weeks.

Users of the Stamets Stack report the same positive effects from microdosing, but also feel the other components of the stack enhance the neuro-generative properties of psilocybin.

Intuitive Microdosing

Intuitive microdosing is just what it sounds like — you simply microdose whenever you feel (as long as you take at least one day in between doses!) Often, experienced microdosers who have done a few cycles of the Fadiman or the Every Other Day, transition to this way of microdosing. It is ideal if you have a specific day where you need to be on your A game creatively or focus-wise — you can hand-pick the days where you feel you’ll best use a psilocybin boost.

So there you have it! Six microdosing methods for your delectation. Whichever one you choose, remember: listen to your body and let it guide you — you can’t go wrong.