2 Days a Week Microdosing Protocol – Everything You Need to Know
The two-days-a-week microdosing protocol is a microdosing schedule that suggests microdosing on two specific days of the week. It is recommended for beginner microdosers, people seeking more control over their microdosing schedule, or those wanting to align it with their working schedule.
Choosing a microdosing protocol is a pivotal part of the practice. This guide offers a thorough discussion of the two-day-a-week microdosing protocol and gives insights on how this compares with other protocols.
Are you ready to navigate the colorful world of microdosing protocols? Let’s dive in!
What is a Microdosing Protocol?
A microdosing protocol is a schedule that suggests how often someone should microdose to see benefits from the practice. Microdosing is the practice of taking low doses of psychedelics like LSD or psilocybin. The amount of a microdose is too low to induce traditional psychedelic effects, but large enough to improve mood and emotional well-being.
A microdosing protocol offers suggestions for how often to microdose and take breaks. Protocols often use the following terminology:
- Microdosing day: a day in which you take your microdose.
- Transition day: the day after a microdose. You do not take a microdose, but you may still notice some subtle effects, often referred to as a glow from the previous day.
- Normal day: a day in which you do not microdose and are unlikely to experience any glow of after effects.
On microdosing days, you take a microdose, and on transition or normal days, you take a break and observe the residual effect of microdosing. This combination of microdosing and transition days over a period of 4-8 weeks is considered one microdosing cycle. After one cycle, there is a reset period where you don’t microdose at all. A break of 2-4 weeks is usually recommended by experts in between each cycle.
There are five well known microdosing protocols including:
- Fadiman
- Stamets’
- Every other day
- Two-days-a-week
- Intuitive
What is the 2 Days a Week Microdosing Protocol?
The two-days-a-week microdosing protocol is a microdosing protocol that suggests taking a microdose on two specific days of the week. For ease, most people prefer to take their microdose on the same two days every week (for example every Tuesday and Thursday).
This microdosing protocol is perfect for people looking for more control over their microdosing schedule or those who want to align it with their job schedule. It is also a great choice if it is your first microdosing experiment.
Microdosing Substances
The most common microdosing substance to use this protocol with is psilocybin mushrooms. However, this protocol can also be used with other psychedelic substances. Some of the most common substances used for microdosing include LSD, Amanita Muscaria (a non-psilocybin containing mushroom), and Mescaline.
While the best dose will vary greatly from person to person, below are the most common microdose ranges for each substance:
- Dried Psilocybin Mushrooms: 50 mg – 250 mg
- LSD: 5-20 micrograms
- Dried Amanita Muscaria: 1-3 grams
- Mescaline (from dried San Pedro cacti): 1-3 grams
Schedule
There is no strict schedule suggested by this microdosing protocol. You can choose any two specific days in a week to microdose. Most people who work with this protocol prefer to choose the same two days each week. Some examples include:
- Every Monday and Thursday
- Every Saturday and Sunday
Repeat this schedule for 4-8 weeks and take a 2-4 weeks reset period, in which you do not microdose at all.
How is the 2 Days a Week Microdosing Protocol Different From Other Microdosing Protocols?
The two-days-a-week microdosing protocol is different from other microdosing protocols in the following ways:
- Offers flexibility in choosing microdosing days.
- Requires 2 microdosing days and 5 transition or off days each week.
- Easier to remember microdosing days.
- Has no strict microdosing schedule.
2 Days a Week Microdosing Protocol Vs Every Other Day Microdosing Protocol
The comparison between the two-days-a-week microdosing protocol and every other day microdosing protocol is given in the below table:
| Feature | Every Other Day Protocol | Two-Days-A-Week Protocol |
| Description | Microdosing every other day. | Microdosing on two specific days each week. |
| Dosing Days | Every other day (e.g., Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun, etc.) | Two microdosing days of your choice |
| Off Days | Alternating days are transition or off days. | Five off days per week. |
| Suitable for | May be best for those with ADHD, depression, anxiety | Those who want to align microdosing with their work schedule |
| Flexibility | Less | More |
Is the Two-Days-a-Week Microdosing Protocol Right for Me?
The two days-a-week microdosing protocol might be a great option for you if:
- You want flexibility in choosing microdosing days.
- You want to align your microdosing schedule your job schedule or other responsibilities.
- You seek a more consistent schedule.
- This is your first time microdosing.
What Are Other Microdosing Protocols I Can Try?
There are four other well known microdosing protocols that include the Fadiman protocol, the Stamets’ Protocol, The Microdosing Institute protocol, and the intuitive protocol:
- Fadiman Protocol: Dr James Fadiman, a famous psychologist and researcher, is credited with popularizing this schedule. He suggests microdosing once every three days, i.e., two days of break after each microdosing day. The Fadiman Protocol is best suited for beginners who are microdosing psychedelics for the first time.
- Stamets Protocol: This protocol and stacking method was developed by mycologist Paul Stamets. The Stamets protocol suggests stacking a psilocybin microdose with Lion’s Mane and Niacin. It recommends microdosing for four consecutive days and then taking a three-day break. It is best suited for experienced and intermediate microdosers.
- Microdosing Institute Protocol: Popularized by the Microdosing Institute, this protocol suggests consuming microdoses of psilocybin every other day. The schedule includes one microdosing day followed by one non-microdosing day. It is best suited for people microdosing to ease symptoms of depression, anxiety, or ADHD.
- Intuitive Microdosing Protocol: This is considered an advanced microdosing protocol. This protocol suggests using your intuition to decide when to microdose and how much to microdose. It is best suited for experienced microdosers who want complete control over the microdosing schedule.
FAQs
What Should I Avoid While Microdosing?
Avoid mixing psilocybin with alcohol or other drugs while microdosing.
Is Microdosing Magic Mushrooms Legal?
Yes, microdosing magic mushrooms is legal in Canada for therapeutic purposes.
Is There a Clinical Trial on the Benefits of the Microdosing Protocol?
Clinical trials on microdosing are limited; however, studies are in progress. One such clinical trial study is shared on https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05160220.
Where Can I Get More Information About Microdosing?
You can get more information about microdosing in our article, “The Ultimate Guide to Microdosing Protocols.”
Final Thoughts on the 2 Days a Week Microdosing Protocol
The two-days-a-week microdosing protocol is suitable for individuals who would like more control over their schedules, or are looking to align their job and microdosing schedule. This microdosing protocol gives you the freedom to choose any two microdosing days in a week. This protocol has two microdosing days and five transition or non-microdosing days in a week. It suggests microdosing with this schedule for 4-8 weeks before taking a 2-4 week break.
References:
- Everything You Need To Know About Choosing A Microdosing Protocol by (2023, May 8) Anais, A.
- 5 Of The Best Drugs To Microdose by (2022, July 13) Woodhouse, J
- Microdosing Protocols — Fadiman, Stamets, and more by (2023, September 15) Microdosing Institute.
By Rachel Grey
I’m Rachel Grey, a Ph.D. psychologist specializing in psychedelic therapy with psilocybin and natural plant medicines. I obtained my doctorate from the University of Toronto, where I immersed myself in the study of these transformative therapies. With over 10 years of experience, let’s embark on transformative journeys of healing, growth, and self-discovery as we explore the power of psychedelic therapy together.
