Microdosing

Subtle shifts. Big questions. What happens when you redesign your baseline?

Microdosing — the practice of taking sub-perceptual doses of psychedelics (usually LSD or psilocybin) — has become a creative world buzzword. It's been linked to sharper focus, enhanced problem-solving, emotional resilience, and even mood stability.

But despite the headlines, the science is still catching up. And the experience? Highly personal, often overhyped, and still legally risky in most places.

Let’s zoom out — and in.

What Is Microdosing, Exactly?

Microdosing typically means taking about 1/10th to 1/20th of a standard psychedelic dose, just enough to notice something, but not enough to alter your sense of self, time, or space.

Common substances:

• LSD (usually 5–20μg)

• Psilocybin (usually 0.1–0.3g of dried mushrooms)

Common schedules:

• Fadiman protocol (1 day on, 2 days off)

• Stamets stack (includes Lion’s Mane + niacin)

• Intuitive dosing (user-defined rhythm based on need or feel

Reported Benefits (Anecdotal + Emerging Research)

• Enhanced focus or flow states

• Mood elevation, reduced anxiety

• Feeling of groundedness

• Increased sensory awareness

• More patient or present in daily interactions

What to Be Cautious About

• Tolerance and diminishing returns: Some users report benefits fade after a few weeks.

• Relying on it: Microdosing shouldn't become the only way you feel "productive."

• Underlying conditions: For people with bipolar, anxiety disorders, or psychiatric sensitivity, even low doses can sometimes destabilize rather than uplift.

• Lack of regulation: Dosing consistency is hard to control outside of research settings.

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Listen: Microdosing with Tiffany Hurd

In this episode, we talk with Tiffany Hurd — microdosing consultant, coach, speaker, and business leadership advisor who has supported over 250 individuals and their teams through microdosing experiences.

Microdosing Protocols

Here’s a quick look at notable or emerging microdosing protocols:

1. Fadiman Protocol (classic)

• Schedule: 1 day on, 2 days off

• Cycle: Repeat every 3 days

• Why: Allows observation of effects on and after dosing day

• Good for: Beginners, people seeking creativity or mood lift without overstimulation

2. Stamets Stack

• Schedule: 4 days on, 3 days off (e.g. Mon–Thu)

• Supplements: Psilocybin + Lion’s Mane + Niacin

• Why: Based on neuroplasticity and mycelial health theory

• Good for: Long-term personal development, neurogenesis interest

3. Intuitive Dosing

• Schedule: Self-guided

• Why: Emphasizes responsiveness, somatic awareness

• Good for: Experienced users, those integrating somatics or meditation

4. Every Other Day Protocol

• Schedule: 1 day on, 1 day off

• Why: Simpler to follow, more consistent exposure

• Risks: May lead to tolerance quicker; less integration time

• Good for: Short-term creative sprint or mental health trial

5. Microdosing for Mental Health (Research-Based)

• Used in clinical studies (e.g. Beckley Foundation, Imperial College trials)

• Schedule: Often 2x/week or every third day

• Dosing: Precise, standardized (e.g., 10µg LSD or 0.2g psilocybin)

• Why: Designed for controlled symptom tracking

• Good for: People participating in structured protocols with medical oversight

6. Productivity Protocols (Silicon Valley-style)

• Schedule: 2–3 times per week, aligned with “high-focus” days

• Stacked with: Nootropics, caffeine, biohacking routines

• Why: Maximize output, often paired with design sprints

• Caution: Can reinforce hustle culture mindset and burnout

• Good for: Those exploring creative flow but willing to reflect critically

Design-Centric Tips for Exploring Microdosing (If You Choose To)

• Track patterns, not perfection: Journal or log your mental, emotional, and creative patterns — not just outcomes.

• Stack with intention, not pressure: If using supplements like Lion’s Mane or niacin, pay attention to how your body responds.

• Do one thing at a time: Don’t start microdosing and change your diet and try a new workout regime. Isolate the variable.

• Build in breaks: Reset your baseline. See what’s really changed.

Diving deeper:

• Microdosing Institute — comprehensive global education

• Microdosing Collective — educational webinars and in-person activations

• Microdosing for Health, Healing, and Enhanced Performance — a new book by James Fadiman PhD and Jordan Gruber JD

Microdosing is not a shortcut to your best self. But for some, it’s a subtle lens adjustment — a way to see the familiar with fresh eyes.