Quick comparison of Fadiman Protocol, Stamets Protocol and Heroic Dose Protocol
| Factors | Fadiman Protocol | Stamets Stack | Heroic Dose |
| Brief Description | A microdosing protocol aimed at enhancing productivity and mental well-being. | A microdosing protocol designed to enhance cognitive function and confer a host of benefits related to neurogenesis. | A single, large dose of psychedelics intended for deep spiritual or therapeutic experiences. |
| Popularized By | James Fadiman | Paul Stamets | Terence McKenna |
| Schedule | 1 day on, 2 days off for 6-8 weeks with a 2-3 week break | 4 days on, 3 days off for 4 weeks, with a 2-3 week breath | Single dose infrequently (2 or less times per year) |
| Dosage | Dried Psilocybin Mushrooms: 50 – 250 mg | Psilocybin: 100 – 200 mg of psilocybin, 50 – 100 mg of lion’s mane, and 100 – 200 mg of Niacin | 5 grams or more of psilocybin mushrooms |
| Experience | Sub-hallucinogenic; Should be able to participate in day-to-day activities without disturbance | Sub-hallucinogenic; Should be able to participate in day-to-day activities without disturbance | Hallucinogenic; only recommended to embark on in a controlled, safe environment, potentially with a sober sitter or guide |
| Benefits | Increased creativity, better focus and productivity, improved mood, better emotional understanding, etc | Neurological Growth, reduced anxiety and depression | Life-changing and transformative experiences, improved mental health, self-discovery, and spiritual enlightenment |
| Risks | No major risks if protocol is followed correctly | Flushing accompanied with tingling, burning, and itching due to Niacin | Bad trip, confusion, emotional distress |
| Beneficial for | Beginners | Experienced microdosers | Deep spiritual experience seekers |
Overview of the Fadiman Protocol
The Fadiman protocol is a microdosing protocol best suited for beginners as it has a structured schedule and does stack with other substances. It was popularized by renowned psychologist and researcher Dr. James Fadiman, also known as the “Father of Microdosing.”
Substances
The Fadiman protocol is most commonly used with dried psilocybin mushrooms; however, this schedule can also be safe for those choosing to microdose with other substances such as LSD and Cannabis.
- Psilocybin Mushrooms (Magic Mushrooms): psilocybin is a psychedelic compound found in nearly 200 types of mushrooms.
- LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide): synthetic psychedelic derived from a compound found in the fungus Ergot
- Cannabis: also known as marijuana and found naturally occuring in cannabis plants.This substance contains 2 main cannabinoids: THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
Schedule and Dosage
A microdose is usually 10 – 20% of the amount of recreational dose for the psychedelic substance that you’re working with.. For dried psilocybin mushrooms, a microdosing typically falls in the range of 50-250 mg.
The dosing schedule suggested in the Fadiman Protocol is structured and is as follows:
- Day 1: Take your microdose
- Day 2: No microdose
- Day 3: No microdoseDay 4: Take your microdose
. Continue this microdosing frequency for a cycle for 4-8 weeks and then take a “reset” period of 2-4 weeks (or more)..
Benefits
The main benefits of the Fadiman Protocol may include:
- Improved creativity: microdosers working with this protocol have reported better problem-solving skills, innovative thinking, and artistic ability.
- Overall mood and well-being: microdosers reported stability in mood and improved management of emotions like anxiety, stress, and depression
- Focus and awareness: microdosers also reported a heightened sense of self-awareness and improved overall focus and concentration.
Side effects
The Fadiman protocol has minimal risks; however microdosing in general can increase anxiety, amplify emotional states, or increase paranoia. Often, this is due to working with a dose that is too high. Psilocybin mushrooms should also not be combined with Lithium or Tramadol. If you are unsure as to whether microdosing is appropriate for you, please consult with a psychedelic professional.
Overview of Stamets Protocol
The Stamets Stack is both a microdosing protocol and suggested mushroom stack for advanced and experienced microdosers. By combining a psilocybin mushroom microdosing with Lion’s Mane and niacin, it is thought to further improve cognition functioning and support neurogenesis. . It was developed by famous mycologist Paul Stamets.
Substances
The substances suggested in the Stamets Stack Protocol include lion’s mane, psilocybin, and niacin.
- Lion’s Mane: an edible and non-psychoactive mushroom that may improve cognition, help in the growth of nerve cells, and minimize the symptoms of depression.
- Niacin: also called Vitamin B3, Niacin is included in this stack due to its purported benefits to support the body in better utilizing Lion’s Mane and psilocybin.
- Psilocybin: A psychedelic compound found in some species of mushrooms, frequently referred to as magic mushrooms.
Schedule and Dosage
The dosage of each compound suggested in the stamets stack is as follows:
- Lion’s mane: 500mg to 1000mg of Lion’s Mane extract powder (or follow manufacturer’s recommendations)
- Niacin: 25-50 mg of a flushing variety of Niacin
- Dried Psilocybin Mushrooms: a microdose of 50 – 250 mg
The Stamets’ Stack suggests taking the recommended stack of substances for four days and then taking a three day break from niacin and psilocybin. You can continue taking Lion’s Mane indefinitely.
Did you know? Our Calm, Focus, and Create capsules all combine Lion’s Mane and psilocybin. Just add your favorite Niacin supplement and you’ve got yourself an easy Paul Stamets’ Stack.
- Day 1: Lion’s Mane, Niacin, Dried Psilocybin Mushrooms
- Day 2: Lion’s Mane, Niacin, Dried Psilocybin Mushrooms
- Day 3: Lion’s Mane, Niacin, Dried Psilocybin Mushrooms
- Day 4: Lion’s Mane, Niacin, Dried Psilocybin Mushrooms
- Day 5: Lion’s Mane only; no psilocybin or niacin
- Day 6: Lion’s Mane only; no psilocybin or niacin
- Day 7: Lion’s Mane only; no psilocybin or niacin
Repeat this cycle for 4 weeks and then take a “reset” period of 2-4 weeks.
Benefits
The potential benefits of the Stamets Stack include:
- Increased focus and cognition: The primary proposed benefit of this stack by Paul Stamets’ is increased mental cognition and brain health
- Gut Health: Lion’s Mane has been shown to have potential benefits on supporting gut health
- Immune Support: Psilocybin has anti-inflammatory benefits and Lion’s Mane has been studied for its potential to boost immune health
Side effects
The Stamets Stack may cause side effects like heat, tingling, and itching due to Niacin. Taking Niacin in high doses can lead to diarrhea, hypotension, and impaired vision. Niacin can interact with alcohol and antidiabetic medicines.
Overview of Terence McKenna’s Heroic Dose Protocol
The Heroic dose protocol is a macro dose protocol of a single heavy dose of psilocybin for people seeking spiritual experiences. This protocol was made famous by ethnobiologist Terence Mckenna in the 1980s.
This protocol suggests taking a high dose of five grams of dried Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. It can potentially induce transformative experiences and is safest when done in a controlled setting with a guide or sitter. Terence Mckenna also suggested lying down with your eyes closed in a safe environment after taking the higher doses to explore inside your mind.
Substances
The heroic dose primarily suggests dried magic mushrooms. However, some people may want to try with DMT, LSD, or Cannabis. Try other substances at your risk, as the dosage amount suggested here is for psilocybin and may not directly apply to other substances.
Schedule and Dosage
The dosage suggested by Terence Mckenna’s heroic dose is five grams of dried psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. There are no suggestions for dosage amounts for any other psychedelic substances.
There is no specific schedule for the Terence McKenna’s protocol. Terence Mckenna suggests taking one to two heroic doses a year, or even less frequently. The heroic dose is not fit for frequent and casual use.
Benefits
The main benefits of the Heroic dose protocol may include:
- Transformative experiences: The heroic dose allows you to explore your mind, which might get ego-shattering and life-changing at the same time.
- Spiritual explorations and Self-discovery: allows you to get closer to your subconscious and unconscious mind, which might provide some key insights about your own self.
Side effects
The main side effects of the Heroic dose include bad trips, emotional challenges, confusion, hallucinations, traumatic experiences, etc.
What are the key differences between the three protocols?
The two most well knownmicrodosing protocols, the Fadiman Protocol and the Stamets Protocol, offer different approaches to microdosing psychedelics. The Fadiman microdosing schedule involves microdosing every third day and is great for beginners. The Stamets Protocol is more complex, with four days of microdosing followed by three days off, and it suggests stacking a psilocybin microdosing with lion’s mane mushroom and niacin.
On the other hand, the Heroic Protocol is not a microdosing method but involves taking a high dose of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes under professional supervision.
The choice of protocol should depend on individual needs and goals, with the Fadiman Protocol being a suitable starting point for beginners, the Stamets Protocol offering more cognitive support, and the Heroic Protocol requiring expert guidance.
Which one is the best?
No psychedelic or magic mushroom microdosing protocol can be the best for all the people. For beginners, The Fadiman microdosing schedule could be the best. The Stamets stack could be the best for advanced and experienced microdosers. For people seeking deep spiritual explorations, the heroic protocol could be the best. However, we will see now how to decide which one is the best for you.
When to choose the Fadiman microdosing protocol?
Choose the Fadiman Microdosing Protocol when you are a beginner, and it is your first time microdosing. Choose it if your aim is to improve productivity, creativity, and overall mood and not experience any hallucinations.
When to choose the Stamets microdosing protocol?
Choose Paul Stamets microdosing protocol when you are an advanced or experienced microdoser, and you have followed a protocol for over 2-3 months. Choose it if you aim to improve mental health, cognition, neural growth, and neurogenesis.
When to choose the Heroic microdosing protocol?
Choose Heroic microdosing protocol when you are an advanced or experienced microdoser and don’t want to microdose anymore. Choose it if you aim to have profound spiritual and transformative experiences, treat depression, and reduce mental blockages.
FAQs
What should you do on “off” days?
On “off” days, it’s crucial to refrain from taking any low doses of magic mushrooms to allow your body to rest and prevent the development of tolerance. Utilize this time for self-care and reflection. Here are specific activities to consider on your off days:
- Prioritize quality sleep.
- Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet.
- Engage in regular exercise.
- Connect with nature through outdoor activities.
- Practice meditation or yoga for mental well-being.
- Foster connections with loved ones.
- Pursue enjoyable hobbies and activities.
These practices can enhance your overall microdosing experience and contribute to your well-being.
What research or clinical trials has been done on the effectiveness of microdosing protocols?
Research on the effectiveness of microdosing protocols using psilocybin mushrooms is expanding, although further investigation is necessary to establish the ideal dosage, regimen, and long-term consequences of microdosing.
Some research and clinical trials on the effect of microdose psilocybin indicates that microdosing may enhance mood, cognitive abilities, creativity, and problem-solving aptitude. Additionally, it has shown potential in alleviating anxiety, depression, and stress.
It’s important to recognize that microdosing research is in its early phases. Ongoing studies are required to validate existing findings and assess the enduring safety and effectiveness of microdosing protocols.
How can you tell if you are microdosing correctly?
Determining if you’re microdosing effectively isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation, as the right dosage and schedule can vary among individuals. Nevertheless, there are some general guidelines to consider.
Commence with an extremely low dose and gradually increase it over time. Be attuned to your body’s signals and monitor your well-being closely. If you encounter adverse effects like anxiety, paranoia, or sleep difficulties, consider reducing the dose or discontinuing microdosing.
Here are indicators that you might be microdosing correctly:
- Heightened focus and concentration.
- Improved mood and increased energy levels.
- Enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities.
- Alleviated anxiety and depression.
- Heightened sensory perception.
Consider an online mental health evaluation or journaling to track your emotions. This can help gauge changes in your everyday life and overall well-being, both before and after your 30-day experiment.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a protocol for working with psychedelics is highly dependent on the person’s goals and intentions. Understanding what kind of experience you’re seeking to have is instrumental in determining how psychedelics can best support you safely.
Microdosing involves taking small, sub-hallucinogenic amounts of psychedelics over a period of a few weeks, whereas larger, heroic doses impede your ability to take on normal, daily tasks and are only suggested to take infrequently.
The most popular microdosing protocols include the Fadiman protocol, which recommends microdosing every third day, and the Stamets Stack protocol which recommends stacking Lion’s Mane and Niacin with a psilocybin microdose and microdosing for four days on, with a three day break.
A heroic dose is not a microdosing protocol, but rather offers a transformational experience and requires much more focus on creating a safe set and setting. Generally, professional guidance is recommended for larger doses such as this and they are not recommended to do on a more frequent basis.
References:
- Chong, P. S., Fung, M., Wong, K. H., & Lim, L. W. (2019). Therapeutic Potential of Hericium erinaceus for Depressive Disorder. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/1/163
- MacKay, D., Hathcock, J., & Guarneri, E. (2012). Niacin: Chemical forms, bioavailability, and health effects. Nutrition Reviews, 70(6), 357-366, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2012.00479.x
- Christopher Yuen, and Healthnews Team. August 14, 2023. The Stamets Stack: Should You Try Microdosing. Healthnews.com https://healthnews.com/family-health/drugs/the-stamets-stack-should-you-try-microdosing/
