Today, we’ll take a closer look at the most popular microdosing protocols of Paul Stamets and James Fadiman. What exactly are they, and who are their creators? Anyone who reads this article will certainly be able to answer these questions.
What Are Microdosing Protocols?
Minimal dosing protocols are essentially scheduled doses of psilocybin and supportive substances that should be taken to maximize the potential benefits of these compounds. They also ensure that our bodies do not develop a tolerance to their effects, which could diminish the effectiveness of the cycle. This is because frequent, daily use of a substance requires a progressively higher dose to achieve noticeable effects. A good example is coffee: over time, its effects become weaker, leading us to reach for another cup more often to feel adequately stimulated.
Before reading, we encourage you to check out the following article: How Psilocybin Works.
Table of Contents
Therefore, psilocybin microdosing protocols incorporate cyclic breaks to avoid tolerance development and maintain the effectiveness of supplementation. Each protocol differs slightly in terms of the frequency and amount of the dose taken, but they all aim to provide benefits such as improved mood, increased creativity, and enhanced concentration, while minimizing the risk of excessive exposure and the loss of effectiveness.
James Fadiman’s Protocol
Who is James Fadiman?
James Fadiman (born May 27, 1939) is an American writer and researcher on the controlled micro-amounts of psychedelic substances and co-founder of the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (now Sofia University). He completed his undergraduate studies at Harvard University and studied psychology at Stanford University, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1965. In 1961, while in Paris, his friend Ram Dass (formerly Richard Alpert) introduced him to psilocybin. [1]
Fadiman has also conducted research on LSD and networked computers at Stanford, as well as experiments on the application of psychedelics for problem-solving. He is a proponent of microdosing and collects reports from users of this practice. In 1966, he published a study titled Psychedelics in the Problem-Solving Experiment, which focused on the positive impact of LSD on creativity. This study is still considered a milestone in hallucinogen research. In 2011, Fadiman published The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys, dedicating an entire chapter to low-dose supplementation. [1]
Protocol Procedure
The Fadiman Protocol, developed by Dr. James Fadiman—known as the “Father of Microdosing”—is based on taking small doses of substances such as psilocybin or LSD over a multi-week cycle: one day of taking micro dose, a transition day, and a rest day. This approach aims to avoid strong psychedelic effects and minimize the risk of tolerance buildup.
Since 2010, Fadiman has collected reports from thousands of people worldwide who have followed this routine, noting benefits such as improved focus, emotional regulation, and relief from issues like anxiety, depression, stress, migraines, cluster headaches, and menstrual discomfort. According to Fadiman, when microdosing is applied appropriately, it can offer significant psychological and health benefits with minimal risk. [2]
Stamets Protocol
Who is Paul Stamets?
Paul Edward Stamets (born July 17, 1955) is an American mycologist and entrepreneur who sells various mushroom-based products through his company. He is an author and advocate of medicinal mushrooms and mycoremediation.
Born in Salem, Ohio, Stamets grew up in Columbiana with his siblings. He graduated from Evergreen State College in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree and initially worked as a logger. Though his formal education is limited to a bachelor’s degree, Stamets, inspired by his late brother John, is a self-taught expert in mycology. He has received an honorary doctorate from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland and numerous awards, including the Bioneers Award (1998) and the Invention Ambassador (2014-2015). Since 2013, he has been married to Carolyn “Dusty” Yao. [3]
Protocol Procedure
Paul Stamets’ protocol is also widely popular, though it differs in several ways from Fadiman’s protocol. Online, one can find instructions suggesting microdosing with mushrooms for 4 days—from Monday to Thursday—or for 5 days, Monday through Friday, followed by a 2-3 day break. Stamets also recommends additional supplementation with supportive substances that should be taken daily during the minimal dosing period. [3]
Supplemental Components:
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract (0.5g to 1g)
Known as Lion’s Mane, this edible mushroom has documented benefits for brain and immune system support. It has neuroprotective and antioxidant properties, improves blood flow to the brain, and aids neuron repair, potentially helping with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Due to its neuroactive compounds, it shows promise in treating neurological disorders. [3] - Niacin (100mg – 200mg of nicotinic acid)
Also known as vitamin B3, niacin supports energy and protein metabolism, neuron health, and transport across the blood-brain barrier. Its bioavailability is crucial for neuron function, and a deficiency can contribute to neurological deficits, dementia, and mental health disorders.Note: Niacin should be avoided if you have a sensitivity to vitamin B3, liver disease, peptic ulcers, gout, alcoholism, low blood pressure, or impaired kidney function. It may cause a “flush” effect—skin redness with a burning or itching sensation—that usually subsides within half an hour. [3]
Other Popular Protocols
Of course, there are more than just the two “schools” of microdosing – Fadiman’s and Stamets’ – and it’s possible that neither of their suggested frequencies will be ideal for you. If the Fadiman protocol feels too infrequent and Stamets’ approach too intense, it may be worth exploring other optional microdosing schedules. Below are a few alternatives:
Microdosing Institute
The Microdosing Institute is an organization focused on educating people about the safe use of psychedelic microdoses. Based on extensive data and feedback, they have created their own guidelines: they recommend taking psilocybin every other day for a period of 1-2 months, followed by a break equal to half the time spent on supplementation. [4]
The “2/7” Protocol
In this approach, it’s advised to choose two days per week (e.g., Monday and Thursday) for psilocybin microdosing. This rhythm makes it easier to maintain regularity, though it may require a bit more discipline. However, it’s recommended to avoid the pitfall of scheduling your most demanding tasks on microdosing days, as this can create a dependency on “boosting.” Such practices are discouraged. [4]
Morning or Evening?
Some people prefer microdosing in the evening rather than in the morning, such as about an hour before bed. Individual experiences can vary, so it’s worthwhile to develop a schedule that works best for you, taking into account your own needs and how your body responds. [4]
Which Protocol is Best?
It’s challenging to determine the “best” protocol. The choice of protocol and its effects largely depend on personal approach, preferences, and desired outcomes. It’s worth noting that there are many protocols, each with its pros and cons. Therefore, it’s advisable to thoroughly research the options, select those that seem most suitable, and monitor your well-being once you start microdosing. Fortunately, there is a wealth of blogs and guides online. Additionally, Paul Stamets and James Fadiman have both published books in which they share insights and experiences, making it easier for those interested to step into the world of psilocybin minimal dosing.
Literature:
[1] https://www.jamesfadiman.com/
[2] https://microdosinginstitute.com/microdosing-101/james-fadiman/
[3] How to Microdose Psilocybin According to Paul Stamets” James Hallifax 2022