Imagine: It is a Wednesday morning, and you are deciding whether today is a microdosing day. 

You look at your schedule for the day, and consider if a tiny amount of a psychedelic substance would enhance and improve it, or if you would be better off leaving it for another day.

This might well be your scenario, if you have some microdosing experience and are at the stage where you can microdose intuitively. Much like how you can now probably decide on any given day if and when a coffee would be appropriate.

However, getting to this point of familiarity, confidence and fluency with microdoses can take time. At first it is best to start with a standardised protocol, to learn and familiarise yourself with microdosing and how it affects you, your mood, and your mind. Which brings us to the topic of this series on the blog: Microdosing Protocols.

In case you missed them, we covered two popular microdose protocols in the first two editions of this three part series here on Chemical Collective: The Fadiman Protocol and The Stamets Stack.

In this blog post, part 3, we will look at one more structured protocol, a flexible and intuitive approach, and round out with some considerations and tips for choosing the right microdosing protocol.

What is Intuitive Microdosing?

Instead of adhering to a predetermined pattern, microdosers make decisions about when to dose based on their intuition and immediate needs considering factors such as energy levels, mood, and external circumstances such as environment, schedule and planned activities.

In its essence, intuitive microdosing means no fixed pattern to dosing, with the decision of whether or not to microdose on any particular day being made on that day. This approach emphasises personal judgement and responsiveness to internal cues.

Dosage Variations

Tailoring Your Microdosing Experience

One example of how to use it would be to consider whether a microdose would enhance or hinder your planned activities. For example, if you find microdoses improve focus and productivity, you might choose to microdose on workdays. For the same reason, you might opt out of a microdose if you are planning a more relaxed day. Physical activity might also influence your decision, as some people find microdosing enhances their performance, while others prefer to abstain.

Your social plans might also impact your microdosing choices. If you are anticipating a social gathering, your decision of whether or not to microdose will depend on factors like if you have found microdoses enhance your communication skills or decrease social anxiety.

Your daily energy levels and mood can also be valuable indicators for microdosing. If you are feeling low on energy or experiencing a challenging mood, a microdose might provide a boost. However, if you are already feeling energised and positive, you might choose to skip a microdose.

These are just a few examples, and these decisions will all be best made depending on your personal experiences and the effects you receive. The way to explore intuitive microdosing is to carefully experiment and discover what works for you.

Benefits and Drawbacks

However, the lack of structure inherent in intuitive microdosing can also present challenges. Without a set schedule, it can be difficult to track progress and identify patterns. Additionally, relying solely on intuition may lead to inconsistent results, making it difficult to determine the optimal microdosing approach.

Who is Intuitive Microdosing for?

Additionally, individuals who are familiar with the effects of microdosing in various situations and activities can make informed decisions about when to microdose based on their specific needs and goals. For example, someone who has noticed enhanced creativity while microdosing might choose to microdose on days dedicated to artistic projects. Similarly, individuals who experience increased focus and productivity may opt for microdosing on workdays.

Overall, this approach is ideal for those who prefer a flexible and self-guided microdosing experience and are comfortable with making spontaneous decisions without adhering to a strict schedule.

We have now looked at four approaches to microdosing: Fadiman, Stamets Stack, one-on one -off, and intuitive. 

But which one should you choose?

Here is a quick general guide to help you choose the path that best suits you.

• Choose the Fadiman protocol if:
  • You are new to microdosing and want a structured approach.
  • You are open to experimenting with different dosing days.
  • You are interested in a gradual introduction to microdosing.
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• Choose the Stamets Stack if:
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  • You have some experience with microdosing and want to explore additional benefits.
  • You are interested in combining psilocybin with other supplements for potential synergistic effects.
  • You are willing to invest in additional supplements.
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• Choose the one-day-on, one-day-off protocol if:
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  • You are new to microdosing and want consistency and simplicity.
  • You want a straightforward schedule.
  • You have tried the Fadiman protocol and would like to microdose more frequently.
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• Choose the intuitive protocol if:
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  • You have significant microdosing experience and a solid understanding of your responses.
  • You would prefer a flexible and personalised approach.
  • You are comfortable making decisions based on your intuition and needs.
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While specific protocols offer structured frameworks, many individuals find benefits in combining elements from different approaches. This is something you might consider if different elements from different approaches appeal to you. To finish, here are a few examples of combining different elements from different protocols.

• Fadiman and Stamets: Combining the Fadiman protocol's schedule with the Stamets Stack's additional supplements of Lion's Mane and niacin. This would keep dose days down to 2-3 times per week as per the Fadiman protocol, offering a potentially more cost effective way and reduced risk of tolerance buildup, but also have the potential synergistic effects of the different ingredients in the Stamets Stack.
• One-Day-On, One-Day-Off and Intuitive: Integrating the structured one-day-on, one-day-off protocol with intuitive adjustments on the dose can provide a hybrid approach for experienced microdosers who would still like to follow a set dosing pattern. You might also follow the basic one-on one-off schedule but skip a microdose day here and there if you intuitively feel it is unnecessary.

Microdosing offers a promising avenue for personal growth and well-being. By understanding the various protocols and approaches that we have explored in this three part series on the blog—Fadiman, Stamets, one-day-on one-day-off, and intuitive—you can consider which approach best aligns with your goals and lifestyle.

The Fadiman protocol provides a structured starting point for beginners, offering a simple schedule and clear guidelines. The Stamets Stack builds upon this foundation by incorporating additional supplements for potential synergistic benefits. For those seeking an easy dosing pattern with fewer dosing days, a version of the one-day-on one-day-off protocol which adjusts to the weekly schedule can be a good option. Finally, the intuitive approach invites experienced microdosers to tailor their experience based on individual needs and preferences.

It’s important to remember that microdosing is a personal experience. What works for one person may not work for another. Experimentation, patience, and self-awareness are key to finding what works best for you and harnessing potential benefits.

Whether you choose a structured protocol for guidance or an intuitive approach for flexibility, remember to approach microdosing with caution, respect, and a focus on personal well-being.

Stay safe, microdose mindfully.

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