Microdosing isn’t just about how much you take—it’s about when, how often, and for how long. Discover how structured protocols, strategic cycling, and intentional timing unlock the real benefits of psilocybin microdosing—without building tolerance or burning out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
-
What’s the difference between a microdosing protocol, schedule, and cycle?
A protocol is your complete microdosing plan—it includes a schedule (when you dose) and a cycle (how long you follow the schedule before taking a break). For example, the Fadiman Protocol dictates following a 1-day-on, 2-days-off microdosing schedule for a 6-week cycle, then taking 2 weeks off.
-
Why do I need to cycle my microdoses?
Cycling prevents tolerance, locks in long-term benefits, and gives your brain time to reset and respond. Psilocybin builds tolerance quickly, so taking breaks (typically 2–4 weeks after a 4–8 week cycle) keeps the effects noticeable and sustainable.
-
How do I choose the right microdosing protocol for my goals?
Match your protocol to your needs:
• For mood, depression, or anxiety: Fadiman or My Supply Co. Protocol (every other day).
• For creativity or productivity: Two-Days-A-Week Protocol.
• For neuroplasticity, brain health, and mental performance: Stamets Protocol with Lion’s Mane and B3 (found in Brain Stack).
Beginners often start with the Stamets Protocol or the Fadiman Protocol. Experienced users may prefer Intuitive Dosing.
-
Can I microdose every day?
Not sustainably. Daily dosing leads to quickly building tolerance, reducing effectiveness. Most protocols include rest days to allow your brain to reset and stay responsive.
-
Does the mushroom strain affect my microdosing protocol?
Not the protocol itself—but it affects your dose. Potent strains (like Penis Envy) may require smaller amounts. Pre-measured psilocybin mushroom capsules help keep dosing consistent, regardless of strain.
What if the reason microdosing isn't working for you… is because you're doing it every day?
It’s a common misconception. You start microdosing, feel subtle shifts, and think: more must be better.
But unlike caffeine or supplements, psychedelics operate on a different rhythm — one that your body and brain adapt to quickly. Without structure, you risk building tolerance, flattening the effects, and missing out on the full spectrum of long-term benefits.
That’s where microdose cycling, schedules, and protocols come in.
In this article, we break down the science and structure behind effective microdosing — and how to pick the right protocol for your goals.
You’ll learn the difference between protocols, schedules, and cycles (yes, they’re different), why timing matters, and how to find a rhythm that supports your cognitive performance, emotional balance, and overall mental health — sustainably.
Why do people microdose?
Let's be clear, microdosing psychedelics has been a practice for mindful growth and healing in indigenous cultures for millennia. However, microdosing psilocybin first gained mainstream momentum in Silicon Valley between 2010 and 2013 as high-performers searched for an edge in energy, creativity, and focus—tools to help them push through mental blocks and build breakthrough ideas.
Today, the reasons people microdose go far beyond productivity. Across a wide range of clinical studies and personal experiences, microdosing psilocybin has been associated with meaningful improvements in mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.
Common benefits include:
- Sharper focus and mental clarity
- Increased creativity
- Relief from depression and anxiety (including social anxiety)
- More stable energy and improved metabolic function
- Greater emotional resilience and openness
- Help with quitting substances like nicotine, coffee, alcohol, or pharmaceuticals
- Relief from menstrual pain and hormonal symptoms
- Heightened spiritual awareness and presence
- Improved gut health and reduction in IBS symptoms
TAKE IT FROM HIM
"An amazing product that make each day a little bit more colourful. The world can feel jagged at times for many reasons and a consistent microdose schedule seems to make things just that much more smooth."
– Tyrone, Alberta
Incentivized Review of Vitality Stack Psilocybin Microdosing Capsules
Many of these effects are linked to psilocybin’s ability to enhance serotonin signaling and reorganize how different regions of the brain communicate. While serotonin is best known for regulating mood and cognition, it also plays a critical role in:
- Metabolism and energy balance
- Sleep quality
- Digestion and gut motility
- Blood sugar and cardiac regulation
- Immune function
- Liver function
- Pain perception and inflammation
When you microdose with intention, you're not just tuning your mind—you’re helping your entire system recalibrate.
But psilocybin isn't a one-size-fits-all tool. To see lasting benefits, it's essential to dose with consistency and care. That’s where cycling comes in. Cycling your microdoses ensures your body and brain have time to respond, reset, and return stronger with each round.
So—what is cycling, exactly? And how does it help you achieve these benefits more effectively and sustainably?
Let’s break down the difference between protocols, schedules, and cycles—and how to choose the one that works best for you.
Microdosing protocols, schedules, and cycles—what's the difference?
As you deepen your microdosing practice, you’ll come across terms like protocol, schedule, and cycle—often used interchangeably, but each with a distinct role in shaping your results.
Let’s break it down simply:
- A microdosing protocol is the full plan. It includes the schedule (when and how often you dose) and the cycle (how long you follow the plan before taking a break). Each protocol is designed with specific goals in mind—whether that’s enhancing cognitive function, supporting emotional resilience, or helping you quit unhelpful habits.
- A microdosing schedule is just the rhythm of dosing and resting within a protocol. For example, the Fadiman Protocol follows a 1-day-on, 2-days-off rhythm, while the Stamets Protocol uses a 4-days-on, 3-days-off approach.
- A microdose cycle refers to how long you stick with a schedule before pausing altogether—usually 4 to 8 weeks of microdosing, followed by a rest period of 2 - 4 weeks. This reset period is key to avoiding psilocybin tolerance and preserving long-term benefits.
Why does cycling matter?
Our bodies are designed to adapt. Just like your muscles stop growing if you lift the same weight for the same reps forever, your brain adapts to repeated psilocybin exposure by building tolerance. Cycling prevents this by giving your system time to reset, so you don’t need to increase your dose to maintain results.
In short:
- Protocols give you structure.
- Schedules keep your rhythm consistent.
- Cycles make the benefits last.
Together, they form the foundation of a sustainable, effective microdosing practice.
Coming up next: the most popular psilocybin microdosing protocols—and how to choose the right one for your goals.
6 microdosing protocols you should know.
While microdosing is inherently personal, structured protocols can provide a strong foundation, especially when you're just getting started. Some microdosing protocols are science-backed, others come from years of anecdotal use. All include a built-in rest period (typically 2–4 weeks) after a cycle of consistent microdosing (usually 4–8 weeks). This reset helps prevent tolerance and preserves long-term benefits.
We recommend committing to one protocol for at least one full cycle before switching or adjusting.
Below are six of the most trusted and widely used microdosing protocols, grouped by their most common use cases.
Protocols for mental performance, brain health, and personal growth.
1. Stamet's Protocol (aka Stamet's Stack)
Schedule: 4 days on, 3 days off
Cycle Duration: 4 weeks on, followed by 2–4 weeks off
Best for: Neuroplasticity, creativity, long-term brain health
How to follow the Stamets Microdosing Protocol:
- Days 1–4: Microdose (e.g. Mon–Thurs)
- Days 5–7: Rest (e.g. Fri–Sun)
- Repeat for 4 weeks, then take a 2–4 week break
Developed by renowned mycologist Paul Stamets, this protocol is built around a unique stack: psilocybin mushrooms, Lion’s Mane, and Vitamin B3 (niacin). The combination is thought to stimulate the growth of new neurons, protect the brain from oxidative stress, and support the nervous system as a whole.
This approach is particularly effective for those interested in long-term cognitive enhancement, idea generation, and holistic mental performance. It’s also a smart entry point for people looking for a well-structured, research-inspired starting place.
We’ve refined this formula into our own Brain Stack, which follows the same philosophy with thoughtfully upgraded sourcing and formulation.
2. Fadiman Protocol
Schedule: 1 day on, 2 days off
Cycle Duration: 4–8 weeks on, followed by 2–4 weeks off
Best for: Mood balance, stress resilience, clarity of thought
How to follow the Fadiman Microdosing Protocol:
- Day 1: Microdose
- Days 2–3: Rest
- Repeat for 4–8 weeks, then take a 2–4 week break
The most well-known protocol in the microdosing world, created by psychologist Dr. James Fadiman, this protocol is structured to help users clearly observe the effects of microdosing—by spacing out the doses with two full days of reflection and integration.
It’s a favorite among beginners and long-time practitioners alike, and is often associated with improvements in mood, stress reduction, and increased clarity of thought. It's also favoured by those seeking mental health support, such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and migraines.
3. My Supply Co. Protocol (Every Other Day)
Schedule: 1 day on, 1 day off
Cycle Duration: 4–8 weeks on, followed by 2–4 weeks off
Best for: Mental health support, migraines, and consistent relief
How to follow the My Supply Co. Microdosing Protocol:
- Day 1: Microdose
- Day 2: Afterglow (rest day)
- Repeat for 4–8 weeks, then take a 2–4 week break
Designed for those using microdosing as a therapeutic tool, the My Supply Co. Protocol is based on emerging research, practitioner guidance, and lived experience. Microdosing every other day can be especially effective for people managing depression, social anxiety, ADHD, migraines, or cluster headaches—offering a steady rhythm of support without daily dosing.
While powerful, this protocol should be approached with care. If you’re considering it for medical or psychological purposes, speak with a healthcare provider or microdosing coach first.
4. Two-Days-A-Week (TDAW) Protocol
Schedule: 2 fixed, non-consecutive days per week
Cycle Duration: 4–8 weeks on, followed by 2–4 weeks off
Best for: Consistent mental health support, flexible weekly routines
Example of how to follow the TDAW Microdosing Protocol:
- Monday: Microdose
- Tuesday & Wednesday: Rest
- Thursday: Microdose
- Friday–Sunday: Rest
- Repeat weekly for 4–8 weeks, then take a 2–4 week break
If consistency and predictability are important to you, the TDAW Protocol offers structure without frequency overload. With two pre-chosen days per week, spaced out to allow for integration, this method supports long-term well-being while fitting neatly into a professional or social schedule.
TDAW is often chosen for mood support, cognitive sharpness, and migraine relief—without the mental load of tracking changing microdose days.
5. Nightcap Protocol
Schedule: Evening microdose every 2–3 nights
Cycle Duration: 4–8 weeks on, followed by 2–4 weeks off
Best for: Dream enhancement, introspection, sleep support
How to follow the Nightcap Microdosing Protocol:
Option A – MSC Protocol (2-day cycle):
- Night 1: Microdose
- Night 2: Rest
- Follow for 4–8 weeks, then take a 2–4 week break
Option B – Fadiman's protocol (3-day cycle):
- Night 1: Microdose
- Nights 2 & 3: Rest
- Follow for 4–8 weeks, then take a 2–4 week break
Some users experience a gentle drowsiness with microdosing—especially with psilocybin. The Nightcap Protocol embraces this by timing the dose before bed, allowing the natural sedative effects to enhance dream vividness, emotional processing, and overall sleep quality.
It can be followed on an every-other-night or Fadiman-style 3-day schedule, depending on what your body and mind respond to best. Take your microdose roughly one hour before sleep, and avoid this protocol with LSD, 1P-LSD, or similar compounds, which are more stimulating.
6. Intuitive Microdosing Protocol
Schedule: As needed, never on consecutive days
Cycle Duration: Self-guided
Best for: Experienced users, emotional alignment, inner guidance
Once you've gained experience with structured protocols, you may find that rigid schedules give way to intuition. Intuitive microdosing allows you to listen to your body and mind—dosing only when you feel it’s necessary, whether for emotional support, creative exploration, or personal insight.
The only rule: never dose two days in a row. This ensures your brain has time to integrate and reset, reducing the risk of tolerance.
Intuitive microdosing is ideal for those who’ve already completed 1–2 full cycles on other protocols and feel comfortable navigating the nuances of altered states.
Does the mushroom strain affect your microdosing protocol?
When starting a microdosing protocol, one of the first questions that may come up is: Does the strain of mushroom I use affect my schedule?
The short answer: not directly.
While different strains can vary in potency, your microdosing schedule is more often shaped by your intention, sensitivity, and experience than the specific variety of mushroom you’re using.
That said, understanding strain differences can help you dial in your dose more accurately—and avoid unintentional over- or under-dosing.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Potency and Psilocybin Content
Not all psilocybin mushroom strains are created equal. Strains like Penis Envy or Tidal Wave tend to be more potent, while others like Golden Teacher are known for a more moderate and forgiving profile. This matters more for dose calibration than schedule planning—but if your strain is stronger, you may find that lower doses or longer rest periods between doses feel more sustainable.
To remove the guesswork, our psilocybin mushroom capsules are precisely dosed for consistency and effectiveness—whether you're using psilocybin microdosing capsules for support and optimization or psilocybin macrodosing capsules for deeper resets. Each formula combines psilocybin with clinically backed ingredients that support and enhance your body's innate intelligence, helping to increase its capacity and resilience. Unlike pharmaceuticals, this is a whole-systems approach designed to produce lasting benefits—even after discontinued use.
TAKE IT FROM HER
"Love that these come in small doses so I can easily adjust how much Im taking. Makes me feel more positive and connected."
– Fiona, British Columbia
Incentivized Review of Brain Stack Psilocybin Microdosing Capsules
2. Personal Tolerance
Even with the same strain and dose, microdosing can feel different from one person to another. Factors like body weight, metabolism, hormonal cycles, and neurochemistry all influence your individual response. What feels like a sub-perceptual dose to one person might be noticeably energizing—or even mildly psychedelic—for someone else.
This is why we recommend starting low, observing closely, and adjusting gradually. The right schedule is the one your body responds to with clarity, not confusion.
3. Your Intention Matters More Than the Strain
Microdosing for focus and productivity requires a different cadence than microdosing to support mental health or migraine management. While the strain can fine-tune the quality of your experience (uplifting vs. introspective, energizing vs. calming), your intention should drive your choice of schedule.
- Creative flow, deep work, social ease? You might lean toward Fadiman or TDAW.
- Mood regulation, ADHD, or cluster headaches? MSC Protocol or Nightcap may serve you better.
Strain is the input. Your goals and intentions shape the output.
HOT TIP
Choose a strain with consistent psilocybin content, like Golden Teacher mushrooms—especially if you’re microdosing for therapeutic reasons. Predictability helps you track your progress and avoid guesswork. That's why we work with Golden Teachers in our own formulations.
4. Experience Changes Everything
If you're new to microdosing, the structure of a protocol helps. A known strain like Golden Teacher paired with a clear protocol like Stamets or MSC creates a solid foundation for tracking and learning. As you gain experience and sensitivity, you may naturally shift toward intuitive microdosing, or experiment with more potent strains and personalized rhythms.
Veteran microdosers often choose strains based on desired qualities—e.g., introspective vs. activating—then adjust the timing or dose as needed.
Which microdosing protocol suits you?
The second-best way to discover which microdosing protocol suits you best is simply by trying them out. The best way is to try them out, but with somebody who is qualified to prepare and guide you through the psychedelic journey, like a psychedelic therapist. We recommend starting with Stamet's Protocol or the Fadiman Protocol. The important thing is to become aware of the contrast between an ordinary and a microdosing day. To properly investigate what microdosing can do for you, we recommend writing your observations down in a journal or tracking them via an app.
After your first cycle, or if you experience adverse effects, you can decide to switch to another microdosing protocol. Now you are ready to get started with microdosing!
