How to Find an Effective Schedule for Microdosing Psilocybin
- Vivian Lo
- Apr 13, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 22, 2024
Unlock the potential of microdosing psilocybin through research-backed schedules, offering a nuanced approach to harnessing its therapeutic benefits for enhanced well-being and personal growth

In the realm of microdosing psilocybin, integrating scientific research with individual empowerment is key.
Here are a few things to keep in mind determining the right schedule or protocol for your needs:
Consult a professional: Seek guidance from a healthcare professional experienced with psychedelics before starting. They'll tailor advice to your needs and health history.
Research: Explore reputable sources to learn about dosages, benefits, and risks of microdosing psilocybin.
Start low: Begin with a minimal dose, typically 0.1-0.3 grams of dried psilocybin mushrooms, aiming for subtle effects, not a full trip.
Observe effects: Keep a journal to track mood, productivity, and creativity on microdose days versus non-microdose days.
Establish a schedule: Many microdosers follow a pattern of dosing every third day to avoid tolerance buildup and continuous psychedelic effects.
Adjust dosage: Experiment cautiously with dosage adjustments if effects are too strong or absent.
Listen to your body: Recognise individual differences in response to microdosing and stop immediately if you experience discomfort.
Combine with other practices: Enhance microdosing benefits by incorporating mindfulness, meditation, therapy, or a healthy lifestyle.
Stay informed: Stay updated on microdosing research and developments to inform your approach and adapt your regimen.


Named after psychologist and writer Dr. James Fadiman, is the most popular schedule for microdosing.
Dr. Fadiman, a pioneer in psychedelic research since the sixties, suggests taking a microdose every three days. This schedule is often recommended for beginners.

Links:
Biography:
https://microdosinginstitute.com/microdosing-101/james-fadiman/
Video: Microdosing Expert James Fadiman explains the "Fadiman Protocol"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIisvp3Aihk&pp=ygUhZXZlcnkgb3RoZXIgZGF5IG11c2hyb29tIHByb3RvY29s
Blog:
https://www.microdoseguru.com/post/everything-you-need-to-know-about-choosing-a-microdosing-protocol
Book:
The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide
Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys
By James Fadiman · 2011

The Microdosing Institute, in collaboration with James Fadiman, has developed this protocol, which has shown greater benefits for individuals microdosing for medical reasons. It aims to alleviate the effects of conditions such as depression, ADHD, ADD, (social) anxiety, migraines, or cluster headaches.

Links
Microdosing Institute & James Fadiman:
https://microdosinginstitute.com/microdosing-101/james-fadiman/
Blog:
https://www.microdoseguru.com/post/everything-you-need-to-know-about-choosing-a-microdosing-protocol
Video:
MINDSET Lectures Series: James Fadiman by Icahn School of Medicine
https://youtu.be/bQMa19jJTfo?si=WN-gaYEvmMkTlL5r
Book:
Your Symphony of Selves
Discover and Understand More of Who We Are
By James Fadiman, Jordan Gruber · 2020

One drawback of the Fadiman protocol is the fluctuating microdosing days each week. Some individuals may find it more convenient to adhere to a fixed schedule, selecting two weekdays that best suit their routine, such as Monday and Friday, for microdosing.

Links
Blog:
https://www.microdoseguru.com/post/everything-you-need-to-know-about-choosing-a-microdosing-protocol
Video:
MINDSET Lectures Series: James Fadiman by Icahn School of Medicine
https://youtu.be/bQMa19jJTfo?si=WN-gaYEvmMkTlL5r
Book:
Your Symphony of Selves
Discover and Understand More of Who We Are
By James Fadiman, Jordan Gruber · 2020
Book:
A Really Good Day
How Microdosing Made a Mega Difference in My Mood, My Marriage, and My Life
By Ayelet Waldman · 2017

Mixing different substances is termed "stacking". Paul Stamets' research suggests that this blend positively influences brain cell behavior and growth (neuroplasticity).
In this regimen, you pair microdosing psilocybin with Lion's Mane and Vitamin B3/Niacin. For optimal results, follow a "4 days on, 3 days off" schedule. During the break days, continue with Lion's Mane supplementation.

Links
Microdosing Institute, Paul Statmets, :
https://microdosinginstitute.com/microdosing-101/substances/lions-mane-stacking/
Video: Paul Stamets' Microdosing Stack and Medicinal Mushrooms w/Mart Stoffele by The Microdosing Institute
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73cV0ixuNa8
Book:
Microdosing with the Paul Stamets' Stack
By Jake Stacks · 2021
Book:
Mycelium Running
How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World
By Paul Stamets · 2011

Some individuals may experience fatigue when microdosing psilocybin at the beginning of their day. If this applies to you, consider an alternative approach: taking truffles before bedtime to reap the benefits of psilocybin while enjoying a restful night's sleep.
For this regimen, it's suggested to dose every other day, preferably one to a few hours before bedtime. With the Nightcap protocol, you may experience vivid dreams and wake up feeling refreshed with a clear mind in the morning.
You can integrate the Nightcap protocol with either the "every other day" or the Fadiman protocol.

Links
Microdosing Institute & James Fadiman:
https://microdosinginstitute.com/microdosing-101/james-fadiman/
Video:
MINDSET Lectures Series: James Fadiman by Icahn School of Medicine
https://youtu.be/bQMa19jJTfo?si=WN-gaYEvmMkTlL5r
Book:
Your Symphony of Selves
Discover and Understand More of Who We Are
By James Fadiman, Jordan Gruber · 2020
Video: Microdosing Expert James Fadiman explains the "Fadiman Protocol"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIisvp3Aihk&pp=ygUhZXZlcnkgb3RoZXIgZGF5IG11c2hyb29tIHByb3RvY29s
Blog:
https://www.microdoseguru.com/post/everything-you-need-to-know-about-choosing-a-microdosing-protocol
Book:
The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide
Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys
By James Fadiman · 2011

As the name suggests, the "Intuitive Protocol" relies on your instinct to determine when to microdose. The key rule is spacing out microdosing days by at least one day. This ensures effectiveness because your body develops tolerance to the active substance in truffles on the day following microdosing, known as the transition day. Hence, dosing on that day is less effective. After following the Fadiman protocol, many individuals transition to this intuitive approach, where microdosing occurs as needed or desired.

Links
Microdosing Institute & James Fadiman:
https://microdosinginstitute.com/microdosing-101/james-fadiman/
Video:
MINDSET Lectures Series: James Fadiman by Icahn School of Medicine
https://youtu.be/bQMa19jJTfo?si=WN-gaYEvmMkTlL5r
Book:
Your Symphony of Selves
Discover and Understand More of Who We Are
By James Fadiman, Jordan Gruber · 2020
Blog:
https://www.microdoseguru.com/post/everything-you-need-to-know-about-choosing-a-microdosing-protocol
