The Best Microdosing Protocol for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide

Microdosing has gained significant attention in recent years for its potential to enhance creativity, productivity, and overall well-being. 

If you’re new to the practice, finding the right protocol can seem daunting, and rightfully so. 

So I created a comprehensive guide for you.

Here I’ll explain why the Fadiman Protocol is the best microdosing protocol for beginners, and it also includes all the information you need to start throughout your entire microdosing practice.

Understanding Microdosing

First things first.

What is the actual definition of microdosing? 

According to James Fadiman, the pioneer in psychedelic research, microdosing is the practice of taking sub-perceptual amounts of a psychedelic substance. 

For psilocybin, this typically means about one-tenth to one-twentieth of a regular dose.

The goal of microdosing is not to experience psychedelic effects, but rather to potentially enhance cognitive function, emotional balance, and creativity. 

Many users report improved focus, increased energy, and a more positive outlook on life.

The Fadiman Protocol: A Beginner’s Best Friend

The Fadiman Protocol is accessible, measured and an ideal routine for any microdosing newbie.

This protocol ensures that there are enough gaps within the dosages to induce the Afterglow Effect.

The afterglow aligns with the down regulation of the brain’s default mode network (DMN), which is responsible for self-referential thoughts and mind-wandering. 

Psilocybin’s damping effect on the DMN may contribute to a diminishment of negative thought patterns, allowing for a state of mental clarity and emotional ease that lingers well after the substance’s direct effects have worn off aka the Reverse Hangover.

How the Fadiman Protocol Works

• Day 1: First microdosing day
• Day 2: Afterglow day
• Day 3: Regular day
• Day 4: Second microdosing day
  

Repeat this cycle for 4-8 weeks, then take a 2-4 week break before starting again if desired.

Finding Your Sweet Spot

While the Fadiman Protocol provides a structure, finding your ideal dose or “sweet spot” affects your microdosing experience more than you might assume. 

The Sweet Spot is when you experience benefits without any psychoactive effects.

In other words, experiencing the benefits can feel like an increased sense of emotional resilience, reduced aggression, reduced compulsion to self-soothe, reduced anxiety, and much more. All without any sense of buzz or intoxication.

Start with a low dose, around 0.25 grams (¼) of fresh truffles. Weigh the doses for accuracy and only increase in increments of 0.1 at a time. Do not take another dose on the same day. 

Remember, microdosing is the art of minimal effective doses.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding your sweet spot:

1. Start with 0.25 grams of fresh truffles on your first microdose day.
2. Observe and journal your experience throughout the day and the following two days.
3. If you don’t notice any effects, increase your dose by 0.1-0.2 grams on your next microdose day.
4. If you experience any unwanted effects (like mild sleepiness, headache, nausea, anxiety or restlessness), decrease your dose on the next microdose day.
5. Continue this process until you feel like the best version of yourself

Elusive Sweet Spot

As ambiguous as the sweet spot can be to be found in the first place, it’s worth mentioning that the sweet spot might change over time. 

We have heard many anecdotal reports that during the 2nd and 3rd microdosing cycles, the sweet spot dosage often decreases. 

Just bear this in mind and don’t worry if you notice that suddenly you don’t need as much as you used to.

Journaling: Your Microdosing Companion

Journaling is one of the most powerful things you can do while microdosing. 

Journaling is beneficial in so many ways such as reducing cortisol and helping to resolve traumatic memories. 

Journaling also helps you notice and track the microdose effects, understand your body’s response, and tune in with yourself.

Consider tracking the following aspects:

• Overall mood and emotional state
• Energy levels and physical sensations
• Focus and concentration
• Creativity and problem-solving ability
• Social interactions and empathy
• Sleep Quality
• Any unusual experiences or side effects

You can use our digital journaling app (Android / iPhone )  or our Notion template. 

I also strongly encourage doing Morning Pages using pen to paper.

The key is consistency.

Preparing for Your Microdosing Journey

• Understand the difference between functional mushrooms, psilocybin mushrooms and psilocybin truffles.
• Learn as much as you can – read my blogs on Microdose-Pro and Human-Pro.
• Inform your doctor – especially if you are currently taking medications.
• Plan your schedule 

Consumption Methods

There are several ways to consume your microdose:

1. Raw consumption: Simply eat the measured amount of fresh truffles.
2. Tea: Brew the truffles into a tea for a much gentler experience.
3. Chocolate: Combining chocolate with psilocybin makes for a potently delicious synergy

There is not one way to consume truffles so feel free to playfully experiment and find the method that works best for you. 

Potential Benefits and What to Expect

In the nearly 5 years since we’ve been serving the microdosing community, we have learned so much about the impact and effects of microdosing on your lives. 

Initially, we had the benefits narrowed down to focus, creativity and productivity, your stories have taught us that it might potentially be so much more.  

While individual experiences vary, many users report reduced aggression, enhanced productivity and greater empathy when microdosing. 

Oh, and mothers seem to love microdosing too!

It’s important to note that these effects are quite subtle and the effects of microdosing accumulate over time. 

Don’t expect dramatic changes, especially in the beginning. 

Safety First

Microdosing is not a silver bullet and it’s also not for everyone.

If you are currently taking any pharmaceutical medication, please consult with your doctor first and foremost.

If any of these apply to you, please avoid microdosing:

• If you have a history of psychosis or are on certain medications, particularly SSRIs or MAOIs.
• If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any chronic health conditions, consult with a healthcare professional before microdosing.
• Be aware of your local laws regarding psilocybin and ensure you’re operating within legal boundaries.

Of course, be sure to source truffles from a reputable supplier and avoid asking for medical advice on social media groups.

Beyond the Fadiman Protocol

Just like chicken soup, despite all of us knowing what it is – we each have our unique recipes.

Microdosing protocols are no different.

While the Fadiman Protocol is excellent for beginners after your first cycle, there are other protocols you can experiment with.

Case in point The Neurogenesis Stack is one that I only recommend for intermediate or expert microdosers.

Remember, the best protocol is the one that works for you. 

Don’t be afraid to experiment, adjust and create your very own protocol.

Why Micro and Not Macro

It’s worth discussing the pros and cons of smaller versus larger doses.

One might assume that smaller doses are less impactful or significant, but I argue quite the opposite.

I went so far as to make a case against peak experiences aka hero doses.

Yes, larger doses are deeply transformative experiences, and so is microdosing; the difference is that integration is built into the microsoding practice due to the dosage, frequency and duration of the practice.

More Habits and Routines While Microdosing

There are many ways to turbocharge your microdosing experience. 

It’s not because the dosage is sub-perceptual that the impact on our lives is not profound. 

Experiment with some of the habits I suggest here and watch life change into something you’d never imagined before.

Conclusion

The Fadiman Protocol indeed offers an excellent starting point for beginners in microdosing. 

Remember, the key is to start low, go slow, and learn to notice your body’s responses. 

With patience and careful observation, you undoubtedly develop a microdosing practice that works best for you.

Probably the best part is that microdosing is not a life-long practice. It’s quite seasonal and intuitive. After the 1st cycle, we know when it’s time to resume the practice or when it’s time to take a break. Trust me, you’ll know.

Microdosing is such a personal journey. 

Be patient with yourself, stay consistent with your journaling, and don’t hesitate to make adjustments as needed.

Always prioritise safety and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. 

What do you wish you knew about microdosing before you started? 

What guidance would you give a newbie?

What have you learned about yourself since you started microdosing?

Tell me all about it here:

• In our Facebook group (8.000+ members)
• In our Discord channel (2.000+ members)
• Follow us on Instagram @microdosepro.amsterdam and @humanpro.amsterdam
• DM me on Instagram @asha_md_coach

As always, 

Shine bright. Do good. Flow strong.

Asha ✨