A Beginner’s Guide to Microdosing Protocols: How to Get Started Safely and Effectively
Microdosing has gained popularity as a tool for enhancing mental clarity, creativity, emotional balance, and overall well-being. But if you’re new to microdosing, you may be wondering where to begin. A key component of getting started is understanding microdosing protocols—the schedule you follow when incorporating psilocybin truffles into your routine. In this post, we’ll explore different microdosing protocols and help you choose one that fits your lifestyle and goals.
Why Are Protocols Important?
A microdosing protocol provides a framework for when and how often to take microdoses. Since microdosing isn’t intended to produce immediate, dramatic effects, following a schedule helps your body and mind adapt gradually, ensuring sustainable benefits over time.
The right protocol will allow you to feel the positive effects of microdosing while preventing tolerance buildup. It also gives your body and mind time to rest and integrate the benefits between doses.
Let’s dive into the most common microdosing protocols.
Popular Microdosing Protocols
1. The Fadiman Protocol: recommended for beginners
Named after Dr. James Fadiman, a leading researcher in the field of psychedelics, this is one of the most popular microdosing protocols. The Fadiman protocol involves taking a microdose every third day. Here’s how it works:
- Day 1: Take a microdose.
- Day 2: Rest day—no microdose.
- Day 3: Rest day—no microdose.
- Day 4: Repeat cycle.
This protocol gives you one active microdosing day followed by two rest days, allowing you to feel the effects without building tolerance. It’s a great option for those who want consistency but with built-in breaks for reflection and integration.
2. The Every Other Day Protocol
For those who prefer more frequent microdosing, the every-other-day protocol is a simple and effective option. This involves taking a microdose one day, followed by a rest day, and then repeating:
- Day 1: Take a microdose.
- Day 2: Rest day—no microdose.
- Day 3: Take a microdose.
- Day 4: Rest day—no microdose.
- Repeat cycle.
This protocol allows for frequent doses but still includes enough rest days to prevent tolerance buildup. It’s a good option if you’re looking for continuous support in focus, mood, or productivity.
3. The Stamets Stack Protocol – (The Ignition: Full Focus Stack)
This protocol, designed by renowned mycologist Paul Stamets, combines psilocybin with Lion’s Mane mushrooms and niacin (vitamin B3). However, many people experience discomfort from niacin, especially its “flush” effect, which can cause redness, warmth, and itching. For this reason, we’ve simplified the protocol to exclude niacin, focusing solely on the powerful synergy between psilocybin and Lion’s Mane.
The idea behind this stack is to enhance neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to create new connections and adapt. The typical schedule for the Stamets Stack is 4 days on, 3 days off:
- Days 1–4: Take a microdose of psilocybin along with Lion’s Mane.
- Days 5–7: Rest days—no microdose or supplements.
The combination of psilocybin and Lion’s Mane supports cognitive health. This protocol is ideal for people focused on boosting cognitive function and neuroplasticity.
4. The Cordyceps Stacking Protocol: (Ignition: Energy and Endurance Stack)
The Cordyceps Stacking Protocol is ideal for people who want to boost both mental clarity and physical energy. Cordyceps mushrooms are known for enhancing endurance, stamina, and vitality. When stacked with psilocybin truffles, the two work synergistically to promote focus, cognitive health, and physical energy. The schedule is typically 4 days on, 3 days off:
- Days 1–4: Take a microdose of psilocybin combined with Cordyceps.
- Days 5–7: Rest days—no microdose or supplements.
This protocol is great for those looking to optimize both mental and physical performance, especially if you’re balancing a busy lifestyle or fitness goals.
5. The Nightcap Protocol: Microdosing for Restful Sleep and Recovery
Some people find that microdosing can make them feel tired, which may occur if they are taking slightly too much, or if their body is releasing built-up fatigue or tension. If you experience this, the Nightcap Protocol offers a way to microdose in the evening, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of psilocybin while promoting restful sleep and recovery.
How it works:
- Day 1: Take a microdose in the evening, around 1–2 hours before bed.
- Day 2: Rest day—no microdose.
- Day 3: Microdose in the evening again.
- Day 4: Rest day—no microdose.
Repeat cycle for 1–2 months, then take a 2–4 week break.
By microdosing in the evening, you can ease into relaxation, release tension, and experience vivid dreams and restful sleep. This protocol is especially helpful for those who feel drained or overstimulated by microdosing during the day.
6. A protocol suitable for people with ADHD, Anxiety or Depression
For individuals managing ADHD, anxiety, or depression, the every-other-day schedule can be highly effective in maintaining focus, emotional balance, and reducing anxiety. This protocol is as follows:
- Day 1: Take a microdose.
- Day 2: Rest day—no microdose.
- Day 3: Take a microdose.
- Day 4: Rest day—no microdose.
- Repeat cycle.
This protocol helps stabilize mood and improve focus, with frequent rest days to avoid tolerance buildup. It’s important to monitor how you feel, as microdosing affects each individual differently. Adjusting the dosage or schedule based on personal responses can optimize the benefits.
7. The Intuitive Approach
For more experienced microdosers or those seeking a flexible approach, the intuitive method allows you to microdose when you feel it’s most needed. There’s no set schedule—you take a microdose on days when you feel it would benefit your focus, mood, or emotional well-being. However, it’s important to avoid microdosing on consecutive days to prevent tolerance.
This approach is ideal if you already have experience with microdosing and want to listen to your body’s signals for when you need support.
Which Protocol Is Right for You?
Choosing the right microdosing protocol depends on your goals, lifestyle, and how you respond to microdosing. Here are some questions to consider:
- Are you just starting your first Microdosing Journey?
We recommend the Starter’s Package (link to starters package webshop) including the Fadiman Protocol.
- Are you looking for a structured routine?
The Fadiman Protocol or the Every Other Day Protocol may be ideal if you prefer a consistent schedule.
- Are you focused on cognitive enhancement and neuroplasticity?
The Stamets Stack (Ignition’s Full Focus Stack, link to webshop) might be the best choice for boosting brain health, improving focus, and enhancing creativity.
- Looking to boost both mental clarity and physical energy?
The Cordyceps Stacking Protocol (Ignition’s Energy and Endurance Stack, link to webshop ) combines psilocybin with Cordyceps mushrooms to improve focus, endurance, and overall vitality.
- Do you need flexibility and advanced microdoser?
The Intuitive Approach gives you the freedom to microdose as needed, making it a great fit if you’re experienced and looking for occasional support.
- Are you dealing with sleep issues or stress?
The Nightcap Protocol may help you relax and achieve better sleep by taking your microdose before bed.
- Managing ADHD, anxiety, or depression?
The ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression Protocol (every other day) is designed to offer consistent support for mental focus and emotional balance while preventing overstimulation.
Tips for Microdosing Success
- Start low and go slow: Begin with the lowest recommended dose, and gradually adjust based on how you feel.
- Track your progress: Keep a journal to document how you feel on both microdosing and non-microdosing days. This will help you understand how microdosing is affecting your mood, focus, and well-being.
- Take breaks: Remember, rest days are just as important as microdosing days. They help prevent tolerance and give your brain time to integrate the benefits.
Final Thoughts
Microdosing can be a powerful tool for personal growth, focus, and emotional balance, but consistency is key. Following a microdosing protocol helps you get the most out of your experience while ensuring a safe and sustainable journey.
Whether you choose the Fadiman protocol, the Stamets Stack, the Cordyceps Stack, or a protocol designed for ADHD, anxiety, or depression, make sure to listen to your body and adjust as needed. With the right protocol, you’ll find that microdosing can bring lasting benefits to your mental and emotional well-being.
And if you’ve got any questions and/or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Big hug,
Caroline