What is the best schedule for microdosing?

The Fadiman protocol (one day on, two days off) and the Stamets stack (five days on, two days off) are the most widely used microdosing schedules.

Why are off-days important in microdosing protocols?

Off-days allow your serotonin receptors to reset, preventing tolerance buildup and maintaining the effectiveness of each dose.

How do I track my microdosing results?

Keeping a daily journal noting mood, energy, focus, and sleep quality is the most effective way to track microdosing results.

📋 The Fadiman Protocol

Q: What is the Fadiman protocol?

The Fadiman protocol, developed by psychedelic researcher James Fadiman, involves taking a microdose one day, then resting for two days before the next dose, cycling consistently over four to eight weeks.

The original and most widely-used microdosing protocol: 1 day on, 2 days off - developed by psychedelic researcher Dr. James Fadiman.

Quick Overview

Schedule: Dose on Day 1, skip Days 2 & 3, dose on Day 4
Dosage: 0.1-0.3g dried mushrooms (sub-perceptual)
Duration: 4-8 weeks, then 2-4 week break
Created by: Dr. James Fadiman
Best for: Beginners, research participation, conservative approach
Tolerance management: Built-in with 2 rest days

What is the Fadiman Protocol?

The Fadiman Protocol, developed by Dr. James Fadiman (author of "The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide"), is the most researched and widely recommended microdosing schedule. It involves taking a microdose once every three days, which allows tolerance to reset between doses while providing consistent benefits.

The Schedule

Basic Cycle (Repeats Weekly)

Day	Action	What to Expect
Day 1	🍄 Dose Day	Take microdose in morning. Subtle effects, enhanced focus and mood
Day 2	Transition Day	No dose. Residual effects may continue ("afterglow")
Day 3	Rest Day	No dose. Observe baseline state, reflect on effects
Day 4	🍄 Dose Day	Repeat cycle

Weekly Pattern: You'll dose approximately 2 times per week (e.g., Monday and Thursday, or Tuesday and Friday)

Dosage Guidelines

Finding Your Optimal Dose

A proper microdose should be sub-perceptual - you shouldn't feel significantly altered or "high."

Dried Weight	Experience Level	Description
0.05-0.1g	Threshold	Very subtle, good starting point for sensitive individuals
0.1-0.3g	Standard Microdose	Most common range, sub-perceptual but noticeable benefits
0.3-0.5g	High Microdose	Slightly perceptual, may be too much for work/social settings

Dosing Tips

Start low: Begin with 0.1g and adjust after 3-4 doses
Use a scale: Accurate measurement is crucial (0.01g precision)
Take in morning: On empty stomach or with light breakfast
Too subtle? Increase by 0.05g next dose day
Too noticeable? Decrease by 0.05g next dose day
Consistency: Use the same strain/batch for reliable effects

Duration & Cycling

Recommended Cycle

Phase 1: Microdose for 4-8 weeks (8-16 dose days)
Phase 2: Take a "reset" break for 2-4 weeks
Phase 3: Evaluate and decide whether to continue

Why Take Breaks?

Prevent tolerance buildup
Assess baseline state without microdosing
Integrate lessons and changes
Avoid psychological dependency
Allow receptors to reset

Expected Benefits

Cognitive Benefits

Enhanced focus and concentration
Improved problem-solving
Increased creativity
Better memory recall
Mental clarity

Emotional Benefits

Elevated mood
Reduced anxiety
Emotional balance
Increased empathy
Better stress management

Physical Benefits

Increased energy
Better sleep quality
Reduced inflammation (anecdotal)
Enhanced sensory perception
Improved flow states

Social Benefits

Better communication
Increased social confidence
Enhanced listening
More patience
Deeper connections

Tracking Your Journey

Dr. Fadiman strongly recommends detailed journaling throughout your microdosing journey:

What to Track Daily

Category	What to Note
Dose Info	Amount, time taken, with food or empty stomach
Mood	Rate 1-10, note any changes throughout day
Energy	Physical energy level, mental alertness
Focus	Ability to concentrate, distractibility
Creativity	New ideas, different perspectives, problem-solving
Social	Interactions, communication quality, empathy
Physical	Any body sensations, side effects, exercise performance
Sleep	Quality, duration, dreams
Notes	Anything else significant or unusual

Pro Tip: Use our Microdose Journal Tool for easy tracking and analysis of your data.

Sample Week Schedule

Example: Monday Start

Day	Date	Action	Journal Focus
Monday	Week 1, Day 1	🍄 DOSE (0.15g)	Direct effects, mood, energy
Tuesday	Week 1, Day 2	No dose (transition)	Residual effects, afterglow
Wednesday	Week 1, Day 3	No dose (rest)	Baseline comparison
Thursday	Week 1, Day 4	🍄 DOSE (0.15g)	Direct effects, patterns
Friday	Week 1, Day 5	No dose (transition)	Social interactions
Saturday	Week 1, Day 6	No dose (rest)	Relaxation, reflection
Sunday	Week 1, Day 7	🍄 DOSE (0.15g)	Creative activities

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

What if I forget a dose?

Don't worry! Simply resume your schedule the next dose day. Don't double up to "make up" for missed doses.

Can I adjust the schedule for my life?

Yes, but maintain the every-three-days pattern. For example, if you prefer Tuesday/Friday dosing instead of Monday/Thursday, that's fine. The key is consistency with 2 rest days between doses.

I don't feel anything - is it working?

Microdoses are sub-perceptual, so you shouldn't feel obviously altered. Benefits often appear subtly: increased productivity, better mood, or enhanced creativity. Track for 2-3 weeks before deciding. If truly nothing after 3-4 doses, consider increasing by 0.05g.

I feel too much - what should I do?

If you feel noticeably altered, distracted, or uncomfortable, your dose is too high. Reduce by 0.05-0.1g next dose day. A proper microdose should enhance your day, not impair it.

Can I drink alcohol or coffee while microdosing?

Coffee: Generally fine, many combine. Some find caffeine enhances focus when microdosing.
Alcohol: Not recommended on dose days. Wait until rest days if you want to drink.

When will I notice results?

Some people notice benefits immediately (within hours). For others, it takes 2-3 weeks of consistent dosing to observe clear patterns. Keep journaling - benefits often appear gradually.

Fadiman vs. Other Protocols

Protocol	Schedule	Best For
Fadiman	1 day on, 2 off	Beginners, conservative approach, research
Stamets Stack	5 on, 2 off	Neuroplasticity focus, experienced users
Every Other Day	1 on, 1 off	More frequent dosing, mood/energy focus
Intuitive	As needed	Experienced users, specific situations

⚠️ Important Safety Information

Consult healthcare provider, especially if taking medications
Not recommended for those with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding
Be aware of legal status in your area
Don't drive or operate machinery if you feel any impairment
Start lower than you think you need - you can always increase