Wondering how frequently to microdose? It’s a common question among both beginners and seasoned microdosers. Microdosing protocols, which outline when and how often to microdose, offer different approaches. Presently, there are six prominent protocols, including those by Fadiman and Stamets, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Here, we’ll delve into each protocol to help you determine the best fit for your microdosing journey.
Choose your microdosing protocol
Protocol 1: Fadiman’s Trailblazing Protocol
Novice or with minimal microdosing experience? James Fadiman’s protocol may serve as an ideal launchpad for your inaugural microdosing venture. Embracing a three-day cycle to be repeated over four to eight weeks, this protocol instills a structured approach. Commencing with a microdosing day followed by a transition day, where residual effects may linger, and concluding with a reflection day, the Fadiman protocol provides a comprehensive framework for evaluation.
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Microdosing day |
| 2 | Transition day |
| 3 | Normal day / Reflection day |
| 4 | Microdosing day |
| 5 | Continue cycle for 1 to 2 months |
| Reset | 2 to 4 weeks of rest (no microdosing) |
Protocol 2: Fixed ‘Two Days a Week’ Protocol
For those seeking stability in their microdosing routine, the Fadiman protocol’s fluctuating schedule might prove less than ideal. Opt instead for the fixed ‘Two Days a Week’ protocol, allowing you to designate two specific days each week for microdosing, fostering predictability and ease of planning.
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Microdosing day on a chosen day |
| 2 | Transition day |
| 3 | Normal day / Reflection day |
| 4 | Microdosing day on another chosen day (minimum 1 day gap) |
| Cycle | Continue for 1 to 2 months |
| Reset | 2 to 4 weeks of rest |
Protocol 3: The ‘Every Other Day’ Protocol by Microdosing Institute
Tailored by the Microdosing Institute, this protocol caters to individuals employing microdosing for various medical purposes. Characterized by alternating microdosing and transition days, it’s particularly beneficial for conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, migraines, or cluster headaches.
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Microdosing day |
| 2 | Transition day |
| 3 | Microdosing day |
| 4 | Transition day |
| Cycle | Continue for 1 to 2 months |
| Reset | 2 to 4 weeks of rest |
Protocol 4: Intuitive Microdosing Protocol
Intuition guides the ‘Intuitive Microdosing’ protocol, offering flexibility and autonomy in your microdosing journey. With the liberty to decide when to microdose, ensuring a minimum one-day gap between doses, this protocol appeals to those transitioning from structured frameworks like Fadiman’s.
Protocol 5: The Stamets Stack – A Fusion of Lion’s Mane, Psilocybin, and Niacin
Pioneered by the esteemed mycologist Paul Stamets, the Stamets Stack introduces a potent combination of psilocybin, niacin, and lion’s mane mushroom. Advocating a ‘4 days on, 3 days off’ regimen, this protocol purportedly enhances neuroplasticity and cognitive function.
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1-4 | Stacking Lion’s mane, psilocybin, and niacin |
| 5-7 | Rest or Lion’s mane only |
| 1-4 | Stacking Lion’s mane, psilocybin, and niacin |
| 5-7 | Rest or Lion’s mane only |
| Cycle | Continue for up to 1 month |
| Reset | 2 to 4 weeks of rest |
Protocol 6: Nightcap Microdosing Protocol
Combatting fatigue associated with microdosing, the Nightcap protocol proposes consuming microdoses before bedtime, fostering restful sleep and vivid dreams. Whether with truffles, mushrooms, or extracts of B. caapi vine and San Pedro cactus, this protocol recommends a steady routine before bedtime for optimal results.
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Microdosing ‘nightcap’ evening |
| 2 | Transition day |
| 3 | Microdosing ‘nightcap’ evening |
| 4 | Transition day |
| Cycle | Continue for 1 to 2 months |
| Reset | 2 to 4 weeks of rest |
Choosing Your Path
Determining the most suitable microdosing protocol necessitates self-exploration and commitment. Allocate at least one to two months to a chosen protocol for a meaningful assessment. While options abound, initiating with the Fadiman or ‘Two Days a Week’ protocols often yields valuable insights. Remember, the pause between microdosing days serves as a pivotal reflection period, facilitating a nuanced understanding of the microdosing experience.
