Microdosing is taking tiny amounts of psychedelic drugs, determined by your microdosing protocol, so you don’t get high and can still do your daily work and activities. However, this small amount of psychedelic drug is enough to produce benefits such as: mental, physical, and spiritual benefits, including improved focus, creativity, awareness, improved sleep, physical energy, improved emotional awareness, more presence, etc.
The small amount of microdosing is subjective and can vary from person to person. People usually microdose following a specific schedule known as microdosing protocol/regimen.
In this article, you will get to know about microdosing regimens and their types, including Fadiman Protocol, Paul Stamets Stack, Two days a week, Every other day Protocol, Nightcap microdosing protocol, Intuitive microdosing protocol, etc. Other than these protocols, we will briefly discuss Terence Mckenna’s Heroic Dose. Practical advice will be given in each protocol for you to follow. So, let’s dive in.
What is Microdosing Protocol?
Microdosing protocols refer to specific ways of consuming mildly perceptual doses of psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin mushrooms, for a specific period. These protocols provide a schedule for psychedelic microdosing to get the positive effects on emotional well-being and physical health.
There are 7 microdosing regimens, including the well-known Fadiman and Stamets protocols. Each protocol has its unique schedule and guidelines to follow. For example, the Fadiman protocol is well suited for beginners, and the Stamets protocol is for advanced microdosers and potentially repairing cognitive decline.
Types of Microdosing Protocols
According to microdosinginstitute.com, there are 8 types of microdosing protocols or routines. Following are the types of Magic Mushroom Microdosing Protocols:
- Fadiman Protocol
- Paul Stamets Stack
- Two Days a Week Protocol
- Every Other Day Microdosing Protocol
- Nightcap Protocol
- Intuitive Microdosing Protocol
- The Asha Sultana Protocol
- The 2:1 Protocol
Let’s discuss how to microdose using each protocol in detail.
Fadiman Protocol
The Fadiman Protocol is a way of microdosing psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin mushrooms. It was devised by a psychologist and researcher named James Fadiman. The fundamental concept is to take a tiny amount of Psilocybin, 10 to 20% of the recreational dose, once every 3 days.
For your inaugural venture into the realm of microdosing, James Fadiman’s protocol offers a commendable starting point. This protocol, renowned for its structured approach, can serve as an invaluable guide for your first microdosing experiment.
Schedule & Dosage
The dosage for the Fadiman protocol is 10-20% of the recreational dose. For example, if the recreation dose is 2g, take 0.1g – 0.2g (100 mg-200 mg) of Psilocybin.
The specific schedule is given below:
Day 1: Microdosing day
Day 2: Transition day
Day 3: Normal day / Reflection day
Day 4: Microdosing day again
Day 5: Continue the cycle for 1 to 2 months
Reset: Take 2 to 4 weeks of rest (no microdosing)
Benefits & Risks
Benefits of the Fadiman Protocol include increased creativity, better focus and productivity, improved mood, better emotional understanding, etc.
While the Fadiman Protocol has gained popularity in recent years, it’s crucial to remember that microdosing psychedelics, even in small doses, may have dangers and negative effects. There is no such major health risk of this microdosing formula. However, according to Retreatmicrodose.com, microdosing may negatively affect your health if the protocol is not followed correctly.
Paul Stamets Stack
The Paul Stamets Stack is a microdosing protocol created by mycologist Paul Stamets. This stack is a mixture of psilocybin mushrooms, Lion’s Mane mushrooms, and Niacin (Vitamin B3) in low doses.
According to Microdosinginstitute.com, the Paul Stamets Stack includes the following components:
- Psilocybin Mushrooms: also known as magic mushroom
- Lion’s Mane Mushrooms: used for its neuro-generative and neuro-regenerative features.
- Niacin (Vitamin B3): beneficial in the distribution of Psilocybin and Lion’s Mane across the blood-brain barrier.
Schedule & Dosage
As suggested by Microdosinginstitute.com, the dose for Paul Stamets Stack is 100mg – 200mg of Psilocybin Mushrooms, 50 – 100 mg of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms, and 100 – 200 mg of Niacin (Vitamin B3)
The specific schedule of the Paul Stamets Stack is given below:
Day 1-4: Take your microdose of Lion’s Mane and Niacin stack.
Day 5-7: Take a break from the stack.
Repeat this schedule for 4-6 weeks and then take a 2-6 weeks break.
Benefits & Risks
The benefits of the Stamets Protocol may include Neurological Growth, reduced anxiety and depression, improved memory and focus, stable mood, enhance creativity, positive and lasting effect on the brain cells, etc.
According to a study done by Pit Shan Chong, The University of Hong Kong, and Man-Lung Fung, University of Malaya, on the effects of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s mane) on depressive disorder, lion’s mane can help in depression treatments by helping in the growth of the nerve cells and reducing inflammation. Furthermore, it can improve cognitive function and creativity.
The principal risks of the Paul Stamets Stack include sensations of heat, tingling, and itching due to high doses of Niacin. According to an article published on academic.oup.com by Douglas MacKay and others on the topic of Niacin: chemical forms, bioavailability, and health effects, an intake of 30-50mg/day of Niacin can cause flushing effects accompanied by burning, tingling, and itching Sensations.
Two days a week Protocol
The “Two Days a Week Protocol” is a microdosing method that suggests microdosing on 2 fixed days of the week. This protocol suits people who want more control over the schedule and prefer a fixed schedule to align with their work life. This protocol suggests taking at least 1 day break between 2 microdosing days.
Schedule & Dosage
The dosage value for the Two Days a Week Protocol is 10-20% of recreational or full doses.
There is no specific schedule for this protocol. You are free to choose any 2 days of the week. However, you must have at least 1 day of break between 2 microdosing days. Keep microdosing like this for 6-8 weeks, then rest for 2-4 weeks.
Benefits & Risks
The benefits of the Two Days a Week Protocol include control over one’s schedule, easier to plan, consistency, and reduced tolerance.
The main risk of the Two Days a Week Protocol is that one can develop tolerance if the protocol is not followed correctly.
Every other day Microdosing Protocol
The Every Other Day Protocol is a microdosing method created by the Microdosing Institute. It is also known as Microdosing Institute Protocol. According to Microdosinginstitute.com, this protocol is helpful for people who want to microdose for specific medical or emotional difficulties, such as depression, reduce anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, cluster headaches etc.
This protocol involves taking a low dose every other day. This protocol is also used for calibrating and identifying a user’s preferred dose.
Schedule & Dosage
The dosage value for Microdosing Institute Protocol is 10-20% of the recreation dose.
The specific schedule for this protocol is given below:
Day 1: Microdosing day. Take the microdose
Day 2: Take a break from microdosing.
Day 3: Microdosing day. Take another microdose on the third day.
Day 4: Take a break.
Keep microdosing like this for four to eight weeks, then rest for two to four weeks.
Benefits & Risks
The benefits of the Every Other Day Microdosing Schedule include being highly effective in treating mental health conditions, having a consistent schedule, and allowing for observation on the off days. According to Microdosinginstitute.com microdosing coaches, this protocol can help people who want to microdose for medical conditions such as depression, cluster headaches, social anxiety, ADHD/ADD, migraine, etc.
The main risk of the Every Other Day Microdosing Protocol is that one can develop tolerance if the protocol is not followed correctly.
Nightcap microdosing protocol
The Nightcap microdosing protocol is a microdosing method for many people who want to take advantage of their sleeping time. This protocol suggests taking magic mushrooms or magic truffles every second night. There must be a gap of at least 1 hour between bedtime and microdosing.
The fundamental idea is to manifest the subjective effects of Psilocybin during the sleep cycle. According to Microdosinginstitute.com, nightcap protocol is not advised while microdosing with LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide), 1cP-LSD, or 1P-LSD.
Schedule & Dosage
The dosage value for the Nightcap microdosing schedule is 10-20% of the recreational or full dose.
The specific schedule for this protocol is given below:
Day 1: Take a microdose at night, an hour before bed.
Day 2: Transition day, no microdosing.
Day 3: Take a microdose in the night, an hour before going to bed
Day 4: Transition day, no microdosing.
Keep microdosing like this for four to eight weeks, then rest for two to four weeks.
Benefits & Risks
The benefits of the Nightcap microdosing protocol include improved sleep quality, vivid dreams, and mental clarity or psychological functioning.
The principal risks of the Nightcap microdosing schedule include disrupted sleep patterns, developing tolerance if the protocol is not followed correctly, etc.
Intuitive microdosing protocol
Intuitive microdosing protocol is a microdosing method suitable for experienced microdosers who have completed one or two cycles of any other psychoactive substances or microdosing products. This protocol has no strict guidelines for any individual.
However, it still suggests taking a break of at least 1 day between 2 microdosing days. The schedule can change from one person to another. Instead of a strict schedule, microdosers are encouraged to microdose when their bodies require one. This protocol involves the intuition and feeling of the body.
Schedule and Dosage
There is no specific dosage value for the Intuitive microdosing regimen. People have to decide the dosage according to their needs.
There is no specific schedule for this protocol. People can microdose when they feel their bodies need microdosing. However, they must take at least a break of 1 day between 2 microdosing days.
Benefits and Risks
The benefits of the Intuitive microdosing protocol include flexibility of scheduling, personalization, and suitability for experienced microdosers.
The main risk of the Intuitive microdosing regimen includes the lack of a structured schedule and the requirement for self-monitoring.
The Asha Sultana Protocol
The Asha Sultana Protocol is a microdosing protocol created by the owner of Microdose-pro.com. This protocol suggests stacking saffron with psilocybin. According to microdose-pro.com, saffron works serotonin 2A receptors and uplifts the mood.
According to Microdose-pro, a medical study done in 2018 concluded saffron is an antidepressant and saffron has similar efficacy to therapeutic doses of imipramine and fluoxetine in treating moderate depression.
Schedule and Dosage
The specific dosage suggested by The Asha Sultana Protocol includes eating a few strands of saffron stacked with the microdose of psilocybin. A microdose of psilocybin equals 100-200 mg of magic mushroom.
The specific schedule by The Asha Sultana Protocol suggests the schedule of the Fadiman protocol, i.e., every third day, or the intuitive protocol, i.e., on specific days of the week.
Benefits and Risks
The main benefits of The Asha Sultana Protocol include improved mood, productivity, creativity, and better focus.
The main risks of The Asha Sultana Protocol include mood swings triggered by the saffron, appetite changes, sleepiness, and headache, according to WebMD.com.
The 2:1 Protocol
The 2:1 Protocol is a microdosing protocol that suggests microdosing on 2 consecutive days and taking a day’s break. It is a slight variation of the Every Other Day Protocol, where microdosing is done on alternate days. This Protocol is not widely known or used. According to microdoseguru.com, the 2:1 Protocol is highly effective in treating PTSD when psilocybin is stacked with personalized supplements, somatic practices, and specific lifestyles.
Schedule and Dosage
The specific dosage suggested by the 2:1 Protocol includes 100-200 mg of psilocybin.
The specific schedule suggested by the 2:1 Protocol is as follows:
Days 1-2: Take a microdose
Day 3: Take a break.
Days 4-5: Take another microdose.
Day 6: Take a break.
Repeat this cycle for 4 weeks and take a break of 2 weeks of non microdosing days.
Benefits and Risks
The main benefit of the 2:1 Protocol includes relief from PTSD, according to microdoseguru.com.
The main risks of the 2:1 Protocol include the development of tolerance and habit.
Terence Mckenna’s Heroic Dose – A Macrodose protocol
Terence McKenna’s Heroic Dose is a macrodose method created by Terence Mckenna. The heroic dose is a hefty dose of 5g of psilocybin mushrooms. Instead of low doses, Terence Mckenna suggests taking heroic doses of 5g of dried psilocybe cubensis mushrooms and lying in the dark with your eyes closed. He suggests this high dose to bring you out of your present reality and explore your mind without distractions.
Schedule & Dosage
According to Terrence Mckenna, the dosage value for McKenna’s Heroic Dose is 5gm of dried psilocybe cubensis mushrooms.
There is no specific schedule for this heroic dose. Terence suggests taking it infrequently and, at most, 2-3 times a year. The heroic dose is not suitable for casual and frequent use.
Benefits & Risks
Terence McKenna’s Heroic Dose benefits may include life-changing and transformative experiences, improved emotional well-being, self-discovery, and spiritual enlightenment. But remember, it is not a beginner’s protocol.
The principal risks of Terence McKenna’s Heroic Dose include confusion, emotional challenges, lack of clinical trials, and chances of experiencing psychological trauma. Embarking on a heroic microdosing journey, with its potential for subtle yet impactful psychedelic effects, may not be the most ideal initiation for beginners.
Which microdosing protocol is the best?
There is no one protocol that is the best of all. Each microdosing Protocol has its benefits and risks. The best protocol can change from person to person based on their needs.
For example, The Fadiman Protocol is best suited for the beginner. For an advanced microdoser, the Paul Stamets or intuitive Protocol is the best. The Nightcap protocol is the best for people who want to take advantage of their sleep cycle.
Terence Mckenna’s Heroic Dose can be considered the best for people who want to experience enlightenment. Two days a week Protocol can be the best for the people who want to control the schedule.
The best Protocol is very subjective and depends upon individual needs. So, try a protocol for one or two months and decide which is best for you.
How to know which microdosing protocol works for you?
To know which microdosing protocol works for you, you should consider the following factors:
- Your schedule: Some protocols, such as Two days a week and intuitive protocol, are flexible and give you control and flexibility over the microdosing schedule.
- Your goals: If you want to do microdosing to treat psychological issues, then Every Other Day (Microdosing Institute Protocol) will suit you. If your goal is to experience better sleep, try the nightcap protocol.
- Your experience: If you are a beginner, you should try the Fadiman protocol, and if you are experienced or advanced, try Paul Stamets stack or intuitive protocol.
If you are still trying to decide which protocol is for you, then start with the Fadiman protocol for one or two cycles. Keep tracking and journaling your experience during the cycles. After 2 cycles, if you feel some adverse effects, change the protocol or take a consultation with an expert.
FAQs
How do you get started microdosing?
To get started with microdosing, decide why you want to microdose. Once you have a clear goal that you want to achieve, choose a microdosing regimen that suits your goal, schedule, and experience. Most people choose the Fadiman Protocol as their starting point.
Can you create your own microdosing protocol?
Yes, you can create your own schedule. If you have used any other structured protocol before, then you can create a protocol for yourself. The intuitive protocol is a personalized microdosing schedule.
Is there a microdosing protocol without magic mushrooms?
Yes, there are microdosing protocols without magic mushrooms. Microdosing schedules are substance-agnostic. The protocols described in this article can easily be used with other psychedelic drugs like LSD.
Can you stack other psychedelic substances with magic mushrooms?
Yes, you stack other psychedelic substances with magic mushrooms. The Paul Stamets Stack is one such example that stacks magic mushrooms with Lion’s Mane and Niacin (Vitamin B3).
What shrooms are commonly used for microdosing protocol?
Shrooms that contain Psilocybin are commonly used for microdosing protocol. Shrooms like magic mushrooms and their different strains, such as Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe semilanceata, and Psilocybe azurescens.
Final Thoughts on Microdosing Protocols
Microdosing practice involves structured guidelines and schedules for individuals interested in microdosing. Each Protocol has its own guidelines, schedule, benefits, and risks. One should consider their goal, schedule, and experience before choosing a particular protocol. Some protocols are beneficial for mental health conditions, whereas others give schedule flexibility.
As a beginner, you should track and journal your experiences while microdosing. Self-monitoring is essential in microdosing correctly. Now you know enough to start microdosing. So, start your microdosing journey.
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
- CORI SUE MORRIS. APRIL 2, 2023. Microdosing Protocols: The Fadiman Protocol. Retreat Microdose, https://www.retreatmicrodose.com/media/the-fadiman-microdosing-protocol
- Microdosing Community. (2022, August 29). Microdosing Protocols — Fadiman, Stamets, and more. Microdosing Institute. https://microdosinginstitute.com/how-to/microdosing-protocols/
- 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
- Office of Dietary Supplements. (n.d.). Niacin. Office of Dietary Supplements – National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/niacin-healthprofessional/
- Microdosing Protocols | Microdose Pro. (2022, November 21). Microdose Pro. https://www.microdose-pro.com/microdosing-protocols/
- Griffin, R. M. (2013, October 20). Saffron: Uses and Risks. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/saffron-uses-and-risks
- Anais, A. (2023, May 8). Everything You Need To Know About Choosing A Microdosing Protocol. Microdose Guru. https://www.microdoseguru.com/post/everything-you-need-to-know-about-choosing-a-microdosing-protocol
