The Fadiman Protocol is the most widely used microdosing method in the world — and for good reason. James Fadiman's schedule calls for taking a sub-perceptual dose every third day, followed by two rest days. Simple, structured, and proven over more than a decade.

I am Milo, and when someone asks me how I began my own microdosing research journey, the answer is always the same: with the Fadiman Protocol. It was my starting point, my anchor — and to this day I recommend it to anyone entering the world of microdosing for the first time.

In this article, I walk you through step by step how the protocol works, who James Fadiman is, and how you can set up your own 4-week cycle. I will also share my personal experience cycle with you.

James Fadiman is an American psychologist, author, and researcher who has been working on the study of psychoactive substances since the 1960s. His 2011 book "The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide" is regarded as one of the most influential works in modern psychedelic research. According to a 2019 study in the journal Psychopharmacology, over 1,850 individuals worldwide have submitted their microdosing data to his research team following the Fadiman Protocol.

What sets Fadiman apart from other researchers: he has never sat in an ivory tower. He listened — to thousands of self-researchers who sent him their experiences. From this emerged a protocol based on real data, not on theory alone.

The Fadiman Protocol follows a simple 3-day rhythm that repeats over a minimum of four weeks.

The 3-Day Cycle in Detail

Day 1 — Dose Day: You take your microdose in the morning. This is your active research day. You go about your normal routine and observe subtle changes in mood, focus, and creativity.

Day 2 — Transition Day: No dose. Many researchers report that the aftereffects of the dose day are still noticeable — often even more pronounced than on the day of administration itself. Around 65% of participants in Fadiman's own data collection described Day 2 as the most productive day of the cycle.

Day 3 — Normal Day: No dose, no aftereffects. This day serves as a baseline — your "normal" state. It is important so that you can actually perceive differences and do not build up tolerance.

Then the cycle begins anew.

Here is your roadmap for the first four weeks. I recommend starting on a Monday or a day off, so that your first dose day occurs in a relaxed environment.

After 4 weeks: Take a break of at least 2-4 weeks. During this time, review your notes and decide whether you would like to start another cycle.

According to a survey by the Microdosing Institute in 2022 among 4,200 microdosers, approximately 42% follow the Fadiman Protocol — more than any other schedule.

Dosing is critical — microdosing means sub-perceptual. You should not notice any obvious perceptual changes. If you do, the dose is too high.

1BP-LSD Microdosing Dose

1Fe-LSD Microdosing Dose

I want to be honest with you: my first Fadiman cycle was not perfect. Week 1 was bumpy. I had started with 15 mcg 1BP-LSD — and Day 1 felt a bit too present. A slight tingling in the fingertips, colours appeared marginally more vivid. That was too much for a true microdose.

From Week 2 I reduced to 10 mcg — and that is when it clicked. No noticeable onset, no obvious effects. But my notes showed a clear pattern: on dose days I was more focused, more patient, less reactive to stress. The transition days were actually my most creative.

What surprised me most: the normal days feel different after a few weeks than they did before. Not worse — just more aware. As if my baseline had shifted slightly.

One more thing: I kept a journal from day one. Without it, I would have missed much of this. More on that shortly.

I say this in all seriousness: a microdosing protocol without a journal is like an experiment without documentation. Pointless. You cannot reliably reconstruct the subtle changes from memory.

Fill in Daily (2-3 minutes is enough)

Here is the template I use myself:

Date: ___
Cycle Day: Dose / Transition / Normal
Substance & Dose: ___ mcg ___
Time of Administration: ___

Mood (1-10): ___
Energy (1-10): ___
Focus (1-10): ___
Creativity (1-10): ___
Social Interactions (1-10): ___
Sleep Quality Last Night (1-10): ___

Physical Observations: ___
Notable Moments/Insights: ___
Challenges: ___

In a study from the University of Toronto (2021), participants who kept a journal reported significantly more differentiated observations than those without documentation — 78% only recognised patterns through re-reading their entries.

What makes the Fadiman Protocol the gold standard for me:

1. Simplicity: Three-day rhythm — easy to remember, easy to maintain
2. Data foundation: Over 1,850 documented experience reports in Fadiman's own collection
3. Tolerance management: The two rest days reliably prevent tolerance build-up
4. Flexibility: Can be integrated into any routine — whether office, university, or home office
5. Subtlety: The sub-perceptual dose allows normal functioning in daily life

According to the Global Drug Survey (2023), 67% of microdosing participants stated that they use a fixed protocol — and among these, Fadiman was by far the most popular.

From my own experience and hundreds of community conversations — I see these mistakes time and again:

Mistake 1: Dosing too high. If you notice perceptual changes, you are above the microdose threshold. Reduce by 20-30%.

Mistake 2: Not keeping a journal. I repeat myself, but it is SO important. Without documentation, your experiment is worthless.

Mistake 3: Giving up too early. Many expect a revelation after the first dose day. Microdosing is a marathon, not a sprint. Give the protocol at least 3-4 weeks.

Mistake 4: Skipping the break. After a cycle, a break MUST follow. Your body and mind need the integration.

Mistake 5: Ignoring other variables. Sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress — all of these influence your research. Note them in your journal.

After multiple cycles with the Fadiman Protocol, I am more convinced than ever: it is the best starting point for anyone who wants to explore microdosing in a structured and responsible manner. The simplicity of the schedule, the large data foundation, and the natural tolerance control make it the gold standard — not just for me, but for our entire research community.

Start small, document everything, and be patient. The most subtle changes are often the most lasting.

We researchers say it for a reason: "Trust the process."