Definition
The Fadiman Protocol is a structured microdosing schedule developed by psychologist Dr. James Fadiman, involving one dosing day followed by two non-dosing days, repeated over several weeks. It is one of the most widely referenced microdosing schedules and is designed to allow subtle cognitive and emotional effects to be observed while minimizing tolerance buildup.
How the Schedule Works
In its classic form, the protocol runs: Day 1 (dose day), Day 2 (transition day, no dose but subtle carryover effects may be noticed), Day 3 (normal day, no dose), then the cycle repeats. Doses used with this schedule are typically in the sub-perceptual microdose range — commonly around 0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried mushrooms, well below a threshold recreational dose — intended to avoid a noticeable psychedelic effect while still potentially supporting mood, focus, or creativity. The two-day gap between doses is specifically intended to reduce rapid tolerance buildup, since psilocybin's effects diminish quickly with back-to-back use.
Why It's Widely Used
Fadiman developed the protocol based on self-reports collected from long-term microdosing practitioners, and it has since become a common reference point in both community and early clinical microdosing research, in part because its regularity makes it easier to track effects in a journal and compare against dosing days versus rest days. It is not the only microdosing schedule in use — other approaches include every-other-day dosing or more flexible "intuitive" schedules — but the Fadiman Protocol remains one of the most cited starting points for people new to microdosing who want a structured, low-tolerance-buildup approach.
As with any microdosing approach, individual response varies, the placebo effect is a real and studied contributor to reported benefits, and anyone on prescription medication (particularly SSRIs or other serotonergic drugs) should be aware of potential interactions before starting. Microdosing psilocybin remains illegal in most jurisdictions regardless of dose size.
Related Reading
- Full Fadiman Protocol Guide
- Microdosing Protocols Overview
- Microdosing Schedule Builder
- Back to the full Glossary
This page is educational only and is not medical or legal advice. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any microdosing regimen, especially if you take other medications.