Microdosing 101

Microdosing Protocols: The Fadiman Protocol

The Fadiman Protocol is a method of microdosing psychedelic substances that was developed by James Fadiman, a psychologist and researcher who has studied the use of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes. It is a good microdosing protocol for beginners.

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Min read
Cori Sue Morris
April 2, 2023

The Fadiman Protocol is a method of microdosing psychedelic substances that was developed by James Fadiman, a psychologist and researcher who has studied the use of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes. The protocol involves taking a small, sub-perceptual dose of a psychedelic substance every three days over the course of several weeks or months, with the goal of enhancing creativity, productivity, and emotional well-being.

The protocol is designed to be safe and low-risk, with the intention of avoiding the intense, full-blown psychedelic experiences that can be associated with higher doses of these substances. Instead, microdosing is meant to provide a subtle but noticeable shift in mood, cognition, and perception that can lead to improvements in various areas of life.

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The Fadiman Protocol typically involves the use of either psilocybin mushrooms or LSD, two of the most common psychedelics that are used for microdosing. The dose used in the protocol is typically between 5 and 10% of a full, recreational dose, with some variation depending on the individual's tolerance and sensitivity to the substance.

The protocol typically involves taking a microdose every three days, with two days off in between each dose. This allows the body to fully metabolize the substance and avoids any potential tolerance or buildup of the substance in the body. The dose is typically taken in the morning, and the individual is encouraged to go about their day as usual, observing any changes in mood, energy, creativity, or other areas of functioning.

The Fadiman Protocol works on a very simple schedule:

DAY 1: Microdosing day

DAY 2: Transition day

DAY 3: Normal day / Reflection day

DAY 4: Microdosing day

DAY 5: Continue cycle for 1 to 2 months

RESET: 2 to 4 weeks of rest (no microdosing)

Some of the reported benefits of the Fadiman Protocol include increased creativity, improved focus and concentration, reduced anxiety and depression, enhanced emotional regulation, and improved social functioning. These benefits are thought to be related to the way that psychedelics interact with the brain, promoting the growth of new neural connections and enhancing communication between different regions of the brain.

While the Fadiman Protocol has gained popularity in recent years, it's important to note that the use of psychedelics, even in microdoses, can have potential risks and side effects. These substances are not legal in all jurisdictions, and should only be used under the guidance of a trained healthcare professional. It's also important to be aware of the potential for adverse reactions, and to always use caution and proper harm reduction techniques when experimenting with these substances.

Overall, the Fadiman Protocol is an interesting and promising approach to using psychedelics for therapeutic purposes. While further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of microdosing, the protocol has the potential to provide a safe and effective way to explore the benefits of these powerful substances in a controlled and intentional way.

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About the Author

Cori Sue Morris

Cori Sue is the founder & CEO of Retreat. She’s a recovering journalist and serial entrepreneur, having started, scaled and sold a media company, Bitches Who Brunch, and a marketing agency. She loves mushrooms, microdosing, empowered women, and helping others.

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