Your Essential Guide to Magic Mushroom Microdosing Schedule (2023)

A Psilocybin microdosing schedule includes a structured plan for taking microdoses of psilocybin or magic mushrooms. The microdosing schedule contains the specific days you should consume a microdose of magic mushroom and on which days you should take a break and reset.

Psilocybin microdosing schedule is determined by the protocol you are using. For instance, the Fadiman protocol suggests microdosing on day 1 and then taking a break on day 2 and day 3. On day 4, take a microdose and a break on days 5 and 6.

This article will lay down a detailed schedule for microdosing psychedelics. We will also discuss beginners guide to magic mushroom microdosing, microdosing protocols, the microdosing schedule you should follow, how often to microdose, and tracking your experience. This article contains practical suggestions on how to start magic mushroom microdosing. Let’s dive in.

What is Psilocybin Microdosing?

Magic mushroom microdosing is the process of consuming tiny amounts of magic mushrooms. These Psilocybin mushrooms contain psilocybin which are psychoactive compounds with hallucinogenic effects similar to psychedelic drugs. The amount is tiny enough not to induce a high and big enough to have positive effects like boosted creativity, mood, energy, better focus, Placebo Effect, etc.

Usually, a microdose of psilocybin is 10-20% of the recreational amount, i.e., 100-200 mg of psilocybin. The specific microdose amount may differ based on the microdosing protocol.

Psilocybin Microdosing Schedule

Psilocybin microdosing schedule is a structured plan consisting of microdosing days and break days. Microdosing days are the days you take a microdose of magic musroom and the break days are when you don’t consume psilocybin.

The specific structure of the schedule depends upon the microdosing protocol you are using. However, for the first-time microdosers, the fadiman protocol is the best fit. The fadiman protocol suggests taking a microdose on the day 1 and then 2 days break. Take another microdose on Day 4 and then 2 days break.

The detailed schedule for microdosing magic mushrooms as suggested by the fadiman protocol is given below:

• Day 1: Take a microdose.
• Days 2-3: Take a break. 
• Day 4: Take a microdose.
• Day 5-6: Take a break.

Continue this cycle for 4-8 weeks and then rest for 2-4 weeks.

How much to dose?

The standard for microdosing psychedelics psilocybin mushrooms is 100-200 mg of psilocybin. The specific dosage amount depends upon the microdosing protocol you are using. The below Magic mushroom dosage chart summarizes the dosage amount for each protocol:

What is the best time of the day to microdose shrooms?

The best time of the day to microdose shrooms is the morning. The effects from microdosing remains for and enhances the whole day.

Microdosing protocols

A microdosing protocol refers to a structured plan and guidelines for taking microdoses of magic mushrooms or other psychedelic substances. It includes guidelines for dosage, frequency, breaks, and psychedelic substance.

There are 8 microdosing protocols, and each one offers its unique schedule and structured plan.

The Fadiman Protocol

The Fadiman protocol was developed by Dr. James Fadiman, a famous psychologist and researcher. He suggests taking a microdose once every 3 days.

Substance: Psilocybin

Dosage: 100-200 mg of psilocybin

Schedule:

• Day 1: Microdosing day
• Days 2-3: Take a break.
• Day 4: Microdosing day.
• Days 5-6: Take a break.

Repeat this cycle for 4-8 weeks and then take a reset of 2-4 weeks.

The Paul Stamets Protocol

The Paul Stamets Protocol was developed by mycologist Paul Stamets. He suggests stacking Psilocybin with Lion’s mane and Niacin. This protocol is for experienced microdosers.

Substance: Psilocybin, Lion’s mane, and Niacin.

Dosage: 100mg – 200mg of Psilocybin Mushrooms, 50 – 100 mg of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms, and 100 – 200 mg of Niacin (Vitamin B3)

Schedule:

• Days 1-4: Take a microdose of the stack.
• Days 5-7: Take a break.

Repeat this schedule for 4-6 weeks and then take a reset of 2-6 weeks.

Two days a week protocol

The two days a week protocol suggests microdosing on 2 days of the week and taking breaks on the other days. This protocol suggests at least a day’s break between 2 consecutive microdosing days.

Substance: Psilocybin

Dosage: 100-200 mg of Psilocybin.

Schedule: Microdose on any 2 days of the week and take a break of at least 1 day between 2 consecutive microdosing days.

Repeat this cycle for 6-8 weeks and take a reset of 2-4 weeks.

Every other day microdosing protocol

The Every Other Day Protocol was developed by the Microdosing Institute. This protocol suggests microdosing every other day.

The Every Other Day protocol is efficient for those seeking help for specific mental health conditions like cluster headaches, major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, migraines, and ADHD. If you have any of these conditions, you should never try this protocol without professional supervision. 

Substance: Psilocybin

Dosage: 100-200 mg of Psilocybin.

Schedule:

• Day 1: Take a microdose.
• Day 2: Take a break.
• Day 3: Take a microdose.
• Day 4: Take a break.

Repeat this cycle for 4-8 weeks and then take a reset of 2-4 weeks.

Nightcap microdosing protocol

The Nightcap microdosing protocol suggests microdosing every other night. It suggests taking a microdose at least 1 hour before bedtime.

Substance: Psilocybin

Dosage: 100-200 mg of Psilocybin

Schedule:

• Night 1: Take a microdose.
• Night 2: Take a break.
• Night 3: Take a microdose.
• Night 4: Take a break.

Repeat this cycle for 4-8 weeks and then take a reset of 2-4 weeks.

Intuitive microdosing protocol

Intuitive microdosing protocol suggests microdosing on the days you feel like doing it. It suggests taking 1 day break between 2 consecutive microdosing days. This protocol is for experienced microdosers.

Substance: Psilocybin.

Dosage: 100-200 mg of Psilocybin or based on your tolerance.

Schedule: Microdose on any day based on your feeling.

The Asha Sultana Protocol

The Asha Sultana Protocol was developed by the owner of Microdose-pro.com. This protocol suggests stacking a few strands of Saffron with the Psilocybin. This protocol is beneficial for mental health issues like depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc.

Substance: Saffron and Psilocybin

Dosage: 100-200 mg of Psilocybin and a few strands of Saffron.

Schedule: Follow the schedule of the Fadiman protocol or Intuitive protocol.

The 2:1 Protocol

The 2:1 protocol suggests microdosing on 2 days in a row and then taking a day’s break. This protocol is beneficial for mental health issues like PTSD. 

Substance: Psilocybin. 

Dosage: 100-200 mg of psilocybin.

Schedule: 

• Days 1-2: Take a microdose.
• Day 3: Take a break.
• Days 4-5: Take a microdose.
• Day 6: Take a break.

Repeat this cycle for 4 weeks and take a reset of 2 weeks.

What Microdosing Schedule Should I Follow?

The microdosing schedule you should follow depends upon your microdosing protocol. Choosing the proper microdosing protocol depends upon your experience, purpose, and time availability or flexible schedule.

Remember, if you’re microdosing for post traumatic stress disorder, mental illness or any mental health concerns, consider consulting an expert.

For these 3 factors, specific microdosing protocol and schedule is suggested in the below table:

Microdosing Protocol	Schedule	Experience	Purpose	Flexible Schedule
Fadiman Protocol	Day 1: Take a microdose Days 2-3: Take a break Day 4: Take a microdoseDay 5-6: Take a break  Continue the cycle for 1 to 2 months, Reset: Take 2 to 4 weeks of rest (no microdosing)	Novice/Beginner	Increased creativity, focus, mood, etc.	No. Requires specific days in the week
Paul Stamets Stack	Take your microdose of Lion’s Mane and Niacin stack (Days 1-4), Take a break from the stack (Days 5-7), Repeat this schedule for 4-6 weeks and then take a 2-6 weeks break	Experienced	Neurological growth, reduced anxiety	No. Requires specific days in the week
Two Days a Week Protocol	choose any 2 days of the week, 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	Novice/Experienced	Control over the chedule	Flexible and best for people who want to do on weekends
Every Other Day Protocol	Take the microdose (Day 1), Take a break from microdosing (Day 2), Take another microdose on the third day (Day 3), Take a break (Day 4), Keep microdosing like this for 4-8 weeks, then rest for 2-4 weeks	Novice/Experienced	Effective for mental health conditions	Simple and easy schedule
Nightcap Microdosing	Take a microdose at night, an hour before bed (Day 1), Transition day, no microdosing (Day 2), Take a microdose in the night, an hour before going to bed (Day 3), Transition day, no microdosing (Day 4), Keep microdosing like this for 4-8 weeks, then rest for 2-4 weeks	Novice/Experienced	Improved sleep quality, vivid dreams, etc.	Rigid schedule
Intuitive Microdosing	No specific schedule, based on individual intuition and need, Must take at least a break of 1 day between 2 microdosing days	Experienced	Personalization, flexibility	Flexible
The Asha Sultana Protocol	Follows the schedule of the Fadiman protocol (every third day), Or follows the intuitive protocol (on specific days of the week)	Novice/Experienced	Improved mood, focus, creativity	Could be flexible if intuitive protocol is chosen
2:1 Protocol	Take a microdose (Days 1-2), Take a break (Day 3), Take another microdose (Days 4-5), Take a break (Day 6), Repeat this cycle for 4 weeks and take a break of 2 weeks	Experienced	Relief from PTSD	Rigid schedule

How often can you microdose magic mushrooms?

You can microdose magic mushrooms once every 3 days, according to Dr. James Fadiman in his book “Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide.” He suggests taking breaks often and not doing microdosing daily. Dr. Fadiman suggests taking a reset period of 2-4 weeks after microdosing for 4-8 weeks.

Experienced microdosers can use psychedelic drugs or psilocybin compounds about 4 times a week, strictly maintaining a minimum of one “no dosing” day between days of active dosing.

The exact number of days you can microdose psychedelic mushrooms in a week depends on your chosen microdosing protocol. Every protocol has a different schedule and number of times that you can microdose each week.

What to expect?

You can expect effects like reduced anxiety and depression, uplifted mood, mental health benefits, increased creativity, improved focus, etc.

According to Dr. James Fadiman, you can experience something unexpected on your first day of microdosing magic mushrooms. He suggests taking leave from work and any other commitments.

According to a study by Paul Stamets and others on Nature.com, microdosers have frequently reported reduced anxiety, stress, and depression.

According to a study published by Thomas Anderson and others on biomedcentral.com, psychedelic microdosing improves mood and focus.

According to dazeddigital.com, Dr. Nuke, a researcher of drug use, drug policy, and harm reduction, says that the result of magic mushroom microdosing studies consistently finds reduced anxiety, stress, and depression.

How Can Psilocybin Affect Mental Health?

Psilocybin has the potential to impact mental health disorders positively through ongoing psychedelic research and responsible use. Studies, prompted by FDA designations, highlight its promise in treating treatment-resistant depression, depression/anxiety in cancer patients, and anorexia. Immediate psychedelic therapy also improves depression assessments.

When it comes to treating these mental illness, psilocybin demonstrates promise as a complementary therapeutic tool

However, challenges exist, including the need for rigorous modern clinical research on dosing and safety, regulatory approval, insurance coverage, and accessibility. Psilocybin’s successful integration into mental health care requires cautious implementation, combining psychosocial treatment with medication.

While its potential is clear, responsible practices and accessibility are crucial for realizing its positive effects on mental illness. As a result, future studies on the effectiveness of microdosing are still required.

What to do if something feels weird?

Stay calm and relax if you are feeling something weird. Try to relax, focus on your breath while breathing deeply, and be aware that the feelings and sensations are temporary.

Consider the following if you still feel weird:

• Adjust your dose: the current dose could be higher than your tolerance if you are a beginner.
• Take a break: Take a few days off from microdosing if you consistently feel weird and uncomfortable.
• Consult with professionals: Seek advice from a trained therapist if you still feel weird and uncomfortable.

How to track your experience?

To track your microdosing experience, journal your feelings, experiences, insights, and positive changes. The step-by-step process for tracking your experience is given below:

• Before Microdosing: Track and journal your thoughts and feelings before microdosing.
• During Microdosing: Notice your feelings and sensations after taking a microdose. Notice whether you are feeling motivated, inspired, focused, etc. 
• After microdosing: Document your experiences, feelings, sensations, etc., after the microdosing effects fade away.
• On off-days: Document your experiences, feelings, and thoughts on the off-days when you don’t take a microdose.

Stay safe

To stay safe while microdosing, consider the following suggestions:

• Have a proper mindset: Have a proper purpose and intentions before microdosing. Be in a pleasant or calm mood before taking a microdose, as psilocybin can amplify your current feelings. 
• Consult with professionals: Consult a trained therapist or medical professional if you have severe anxiety, psychosis, or schizophrenia and want to do microdosing.
• Take reset breaks: Take a break after microdosing for 4-8 weeks. This reset break is necessary to avoid tolerance.
• Avoid overdoing it: Do not microdose daily. Microdose 3-4 times a week or according to your protocol. 
• Avoid Mixing: Do not mix magic mushrooms with alcohol or other drugs unless suggested by the therapist or microdosing protocol you are using.
• Choose quality mushrooms: Purchase magic mushrooms from a trusted and quality source to stay safe and avoid any adverse effects.

FAQs

How do I get started with microdosing?

Start microdosing with the Fadiman Protocol and choose 100-200 mg of magic mushroom. Also, research the benefits and risks of microdosing and have proper intention and purpose for microdosing.

Read our beginners guide to get started: Microdosing 101

How To Take Your Microdose

You can take your microdose of magic mushrooms as capsules, whole mushrooms, tea, or chocolate edibles.

Can you take shrooms two days in a row?

Yes, you can take shrooms two days in a row, but it is not recommended for beginners. Certain microdosing protocols like Stamets Stack suggest taking microdose for 4 days in a row.

What is a microdosing retreat?

A microdosing retreat is a guided psychedelic experience for groups of people. The retreat is accompanied by spiritual and therapeutic experiences.

How often should I microdose magic mushrooms?

You should microdose magic mushrooms once every 3 days, according to Dr. James Fadiman. Microdosing protocols like Stamets Stack suggest microdosing 4 days in a row for experienced microdosers.

Can you overdose on shrooms?

No, overdosing on shrooms is not recommended. Always choose low doses if you are microdosing on magic mushrooms or any psychedelic drugs.

How long does microdosing last?

The effects of a microdose typically last for about an hour, but the duration depends upon the dosage.

How long do shrooms stay in your system?

Shrooms can stay in your system for about 24 hours, and the actual time depends upon dosage and your body composition.

How long does it take for shrooms to kick in?

It can take 20 to 60 minutes for shrooms to kick in after consumption.

What is the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms and other psychedelic drug in Canada?

Psilocybin is against the law at the government level in Canada. It is not a “grey zone” and is not no longer illegal. Only when Health Canada approves an s. 56 exemption or a Special Access Program request under the direction of a medical professional can ingesting psilocybin mushrooms be done legally.

Final Thoughts

Microdosing psychedelics have numerous benefits including mood-boosting, relieving depression and anxiety, increasing activeness, spiritual awareness, etc. However, it’s essential to get the scheduling and dosage right to ensure high efficiency and avoid any negative effects.

Microdosing psychedelics schedule depends upon the microdosing protocol you use, your experience, and the purpose. For beginners, Dr.  James Fadiman suggests taking 1 microdose every 3 days. 

But if you are experienced and using Stamets Stack protocol, you can microdose for 4 days in a row and then take a 3-day break. The fundamental idea is to not microdose every day and take breaks between microdosing days or after. After microdosing for 4-8 weeks, take a break period of 2-4 weeks known as “reset.” Create a schedule that fits your requirements and start microdosing.

References

• Microdosing Mushrooms: Psilocybin Effect on Depression, Anxiety. (2023, September 10). Third Wave. https://thethirdwave.co/microdosing/mushrooms/
• Glover, E. (2022, August 1). So you want to start microdosing mushrooms? Dazed. https://www.dazeddigital.com/life-culture/article/56672/1/start-microdosing-mushrooms-a-guide-psilocybin-psychedelics
• A. (2023, August 28). Guide to Microdosing Magic Mushrooms for Beginners | 3 Amigos. 3 Amigos Mushrooms. https://3amigos.co/guide-to-microdosing-magic-mushrooms/
• Rootman, J. M., Kryskow, P., Harvey, K., Stamets, P., Kuypers, K. P., Polito, V., Bourzat, F., & Walsh, Z. (2021). Adults who microdose psychedelics report health related motivations and lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to non-microdosers. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-01811-4