Quick Answer: The three most common microdosing protocols are: Fadiman (1 day on, 2 days off), Stamets (4 days on, 3 days off, with lion\'s mane and niacin), and Every Day (daily, not recommended due to rapid tolerance). The Fadiman protocol is generally recommended for beginners due to its studied nature and ability to prevent tolerance. Psilocybin Microdosing Protocols: Fadiman vs Stamets vs Every Day The Short Answer The three most common microdosing protocols are: **Fadiman** (1 day on, 2 days off — the most studied), **Stamets** (4 days on, 3 days off — includes lion\'s mane and niacin), and **Every Day** (daily — not recommended due to rapid tolerance development). The Fadiman protocol is the most commonly recommended starting point because it allows clear comparison between microdosing and non-microdosing days, prevents tolerance, and has the most observational data. Protocol Comparison Protocol Schedule Dose Best For Fadiman Day 1 on, Day 2-3 off 0.1–0.3g General use, beginners Stamets 4 days on, 3 days off 0.1–0.2g + lion\'s mane + niacin Neuroplasticity, cognitive enhancement Every Day Daily 0.05–0.1g Not recommended (tolerance) Intuitive As needed Variable Experienced users only The Fadiman Protocol Developed by James Fadiman based on observational data from hundreds of self-reporters. The 1-on, 2-off schedule prevents tolerance (psilocybin tolerance develops within 24–48 hours) and allows clear comparison between microdosing and non-microdosing days for tracking effects. The Stamets Protocol Developed by mycologist Paul Stamets. Adds lion\'s mane mushroom (for NGF stimulation) and niacin (as a "flush" to drive the compounds into the nervous system) to psilocybin. The 4-on, 3-off schedule is more aggressive. Stamets claims synergistic neuroplasticity effects from the combination. Which Protocol to Start With For most people, the Fadiman protocol is the best starting point. It is the most studied, the most forgiving, and provides the clearest feedback on effects. Start at 0.1g and adjust based on response. [See the full protocol →](/research-checkout) *This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.* Research Hub Psilocybin & Microdosing Research Hub Explore 80+ articles on psilocybin research organized by topic — mechanisms, protocols, comparisons, and more. Browse the Research Hub → Understanding the Fadiman Protocol: A Deeper Dive The Fadiman Protocol, named after pioneering psychedelic researcher Dr. James Fadiman, is arguably the most recognized and widely adopted microdosing regimen [Fadiman, 2011]. Its popularity stems from its simplicity, effectiveness in mitigating tolerance, and the extensive anecdotal data collected over years. The core of this protocol involves taking a microdose of a psychedelic substance, typically psilocybin, once every three days. This means one day on, followed by two days off, before the next dose [Fadiman & Korb, 2019]. The Rationale Behind the 1-on, 2-off Schedule The primary reason for the two-day break in the Fadiman protocol is to prevent the rapid development of tolerance to psilocybin. Research indicates that tolerance to psychedelics can develop within 24-48 hours of use [Passie, 2019]. By introducing two off-days, the protocol ensures that the body\'s serotonin receptors have sufficient time to reset, allowing each subsequent microdose to have a consistent, subtle effect without requiring an increased dosage. This schedule also provides an opportunity for individuals to observe the effects of microdosing on both dosing and non-dosing days, facilitating a clearer understanding of its impact on their mood, cognition, and overall well-being [Fadiman, 2011]. Observed Benefits and Research Insights Dr. Fadiman\'s initial work involved collecting self-reports from hundreds of individuals who followed his protocol. These observational studies, while not always double-blind or placebo-controlled, provided a wealth of qualitative data suggesting various benefits. Participants frequently reported improvements in mood, increased energy levels, enhanced creativity, and improved focus [Fadiman & Korb, 2019]. Some also noted a reduction in symptoms associated with depression and anxiety, as well as alleviation of conditions like migraine headaches and pre-menstrual syndromes [Fadiman & Korb, 2019]. More recent systematic reviews, such as one published in *Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews* in 2022, have synthesized findings from 44 studies on microdosing. While acknowledging the exploratory and observational nature of much of the research, this review found emerging evidence of possible improvements in mental health, substance use disorders, and psychological functioning [Polito & Liknaitzky, 2022]. Specifically, microdosing was regularly associated with improvements in depression in uncontrolled observational studies, and some studies indicated increases in creativity [Polito & Liknaitzky, 2022]. It\'s important to not