Microdose Protocols and Methods
When starting out, it is best to pick an established protocol. Here at Psicodlica, we recommend trying out either the Fadiman or the Microdosing Institute Methods to get a foothold on what to generally expect when beginning a microdosing regime. These two protocols/methods have been in documented practice, and due to their track records, we know that positive results have occurred for numerous citizen scientists. However, nothing is meant to be set in stone. Most people find that these protocols help them find and establish their own unique routines that maximize their microdosing experience.
There is no pharmacological basis for dosage frequency. The first major protocol was developed by Dr. James Fadiman. On the first day, you take the dose. On the second day, you benefit from the afterglow or 48-hour effect. The third day is returning to baseline and reporting the things you noticed. The fourth day begins the cycle again, and therefore becomes another dose day.
The Microdosing Institute Protocol is another established method of getting started with microdosing. This protocol (one day on and one day off), was developed in response to people reporting returning to their depression on the third day of the Fadiman protocol. This is why it is so important to put time and effort into creating a personal relationship with the substance and protocol you choose.
Many people that have never heard of any protocol or method of microdosing turn to the Fadiman protocol for their first time, simply because it is the most popular. Regardless of how you start, I suggest trying more than one protocol in the same way that I recommend exploring substances and dosages. If you are suffering from depression, I wouldn’t recommend the Fadiman protocol. I would suggest a protocol with more days on than off, like the Stamets or Microdosing Institute protocol. If you are an undiagnosed person (meaning someone who hasn’t been diagnosed with a mental health condition by a medical professional), and are just looking to improve your life, then I would suggest the Fadiman protocol and the less is more approach.
How Long should I Microdose?
I suggest microdosing for a minimum of one month to see how it impacts your life. It’s important to remember that microdosing—and psychedelics, in general—are not a magic pill. And they will not magically fix you in one month. Just like with larger doses of psychedelics, with microdosing, you must do something called the “work.” The “work” entails integrating the lessons that microdosing has given you into your life.
Microdosing may be a way to make changes easier, but you still need to put in the effort of implementing those changes, every day, until they become habit. We cover this more in our final episode on integration. It’s also important to remember that, unlike with larger doses, microdosing likely won’t change you immediately. You may immediately notice differences in how you feel—but the impact it has on your life will also be cumulative, as you stick with it.
Keeping Track of Your Results
As mentioned before, journaling is the best way to keep track of your results, dosages, protocols, and reports from your microdosing experience. It is important that from day one, you are documenting the amount you are taking, the substance, the time of day, and things like what you’ve eaten before the dose.
The optimal schedule for microdosing magic mushrooms may vary depending on individual factors such as sensitivity to psychedelics, desired effects, and personal preferences. There is no standardized dosing protocol for microdosing, and it’s important to start with a low dose and adjust accordingly based on your response. It’s also crucial to obtain magic mushrooms from a reliable source and be aware of local laws and regulations regarding their use.
That being said, a common microdosing schedule for magic mushrooms is to take a dose every other day or every few days, typically for a period of several weeks to a few months, followed by a break. This allows for potential benefits to be integrated into daily life while minimizing the risk of tolerance or habituation. Some individuals may also choose to microdose on a more flexible schedule, such as taking a dose when needed or based on specific activities or events.
Here is an example of a typical microdosing schedule for magic mushrooms:
Week 1: Start with a very low dose, such as 0.1-0.2 grams of dried mushrooms, taken in the morning on Day 1. Observe your response and effects throughout the day. If well-tolerated, repeat the same dose on Day 3.
Week 2-4: If no adverse effects are observed, you may choose to gradually increase the dose slightly, up to 0.2-0.3 grams or as you feel comfortable, taken every other day or every few days. Continue to monitor your response and adjust the dose as needed.
Week 5-8: If you continue to tolerate the dose well and notice positive effects, you may choose to continue with the same dosing schedule for several more weeks. It’s important to listen to your body and be mindful of any changes in mood, energy, or overall well-being.
After 8 weeks: It’s recommended to take a break from microdosing to allow for potential benefits to be integrated and to minimize the risk of tolerance. You may choose to resume microdosing after a break if desired or continue with a different dosing schedule based on your goals and preferences.
After 2-3 months, I recommend a 2–4-week break. It is important that you do not start treating microdosing as you would treat anti-depressants or certain prescription medications where you take them every day for the rest of your life. Unlike SSRIs or other prescription medications, microdosing every day for an extended period of time can lead to tolerance and the substance not being as effective.
It’s important to note that microdosing is a self-experimentation approach, and effects can vary widely among individuals. Keeping a journal to track your dosing schedule, dosage, and effects can be helpful in identifying what works best for you. It’s also recommended to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.
In summary, the best schedule for microdosing magic mushrooms is highly individualized and may require some experimentation. Beginning with a low dose, monitoring your response, and adjusting the dose as needed, while also taking breaks to allow for integration and minimizing the risk of tolerance, are important considerations for a safe and effective microdosing regimen. It’s essential to approach microdosing with mindfulness, responsible dosing, and self-awareness to reap the potential benefits while minimizing risks.
FAQ
Are there different doses for different conditions?
No, there are not different doses for different conditions.
Is there a difference in dose based on a person’s age, gender, weight, height, etc.?
The “sweet spot,” more than anything is determined by the person’s tolerance to the substance, not weight, age, or height. I once worked with a 200-pound man that found 20 milligrams of dried psilocybin was bordering on sub-perceptual.
What does microdosing feel like?
Citizen scientists report many benefits from microdosing and relatively few risks. The most commonly reported benefits include improved mood, more energy, more positive thinking, better overall days, and less chatter from the “default mode network,” the area of the brain where our inner critics live.
If it is working, you’ll feel better in some or many areas of your life. Many people report feeling happier, singing, and dancing more. Some people report more positive thinking, and less negative thoughts. But again, the changes might be really subtle, especially in the beginning, so be patient with it.
What is/are the most common substances to microdose?
The two most popular substances microdosed are LSD* (D-lysergic acid diethylamide) and psilocybin. Other substances that have been said to show promising results with microdosing include San Pedro, ayahuasca, and ibogaine.
Every person is different, but LSD is often considered more of an externally-focused experience; People report they’re able to work at tasks for extended periods of time with no crash or burn out. LSD is also said to improve problem solving and creativity in small doses. Psilocybin, on the other hand, can be a more inward experience and is said to be more about interpersonal work than outward focus. Energy and mood can also be increased just like LSD, but there can be more self-reflection and self-examination with psilocybin. Please take all of this, however, with a grain of salt; for everyone has different experiences microdosing LSD vs. shrooms and, ultimately, as with dosage, protocol, and everything else pertaining to your microdosing routine, trial and error is the best way to figure out what works for you.
Remember, although this isn’t scientific, per say, many in the psychedelic community believe in asking yourself what substance you’re most called to. After doing your research, that process could simply look like journaling and meditating on which substance you intuitively feel is most likely to help you. This could be harder if you don’t have any experience on either psychedelic, but if you’ve had full trips on shrooms and/or LSD then you may have a sense already of which one will work best for you in smaller doses.
*Some of the content and articles contained herein describe illegal activities, which may not be clearly identified as being illegal. It is the responsibility of the individual reader to verify the legality of any actions described in these files. It is not recommended that any of the activities described actually be carried out. These files are provided FOR EDUCATION and INFORMATION ONLY.