What is microdosing, exactly?
Microdosing means taking a fraction of a psychoactive dose of psilocybin, typically around 5-10% of what you would use for a full trip. The goal is not to hallucinate. You barely notice anything during your day, except that certain things seem to flow a little more smoothly: focus, creativity, mood.
The truffles legally available in the Netherlands contain the same active compounds as magic mushrooms: psilocybin and psilocin. That makes the Netherlands one of the very few places in the world where you can try psilocybin microdosing entirely within the law.
Fadiman vs Stamets: two protocols compared
Several schedules exist, but two protocols dominate the conversation. The Fadiman Protocol, developed by psychologist James Fadiman, and the Stamets Stack, devised by mycologist Paul Stamets. They differ significantly in rhythm and approach.
|
Fadiman Protocol |
Stamets Stack |
| Creator |
Dr. James Fadiman |
Paul Stamets |
| Rhythm |
1 day on, 2 days off |
4 days on, 3 days off |
| Cycle |
4-8 weeks, then minimum 2 weeks break |
4 weeks on, 2-4 weeks break |
| Stacking |
Psilocybin only |
Psilocybin + lion's mane + niacin (B3) |
| Dosing days per month |
~10 days |
~16 days |
| Best suited for |
Beginners, those who want to start cautiously |
Experienced users, neuroplasticity focus |
The Fadiman Protocol in detail
James Fadiman published this schedule in his 2011 book The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide. The concept is straightforward: take your microdose on day 1, do nothing on days 2 and 3, repeat. Day 2 is a transition day where you may still notice subtle after-effects. Day 3 is completely sober and serves as your baseline.
| Day |
Action |
Notes |
| 1 |
Microdose |
Take your dose in the morning on an empty stomach |
| 2 |
Rest day (transition) |
No dose. Observe subtle after-effects |
| 3 |
Rest day (baseline) |
No dose. Your baseline for comparison |
| 4 |
Microdose |
New cycle begins |
| 5-6 |
Rest days |
Repeat the pattern |
| 7 |
Microdose |
Third dose of the week |
The strength of this protocol lies in its simplicity. Two rest days prevent tolerance build-up and let you clearly compare how you feel with and without a microdose. Fadiman recommends tracking your experience for at least a month, preferably in a journal.
The Stamets Stack
Paul Stamets, one of the world's most prominent mycologists, proposes a more intensive schedule. Four consecutive days of microdosing, three days off. What makes his method distinctive is the combination with two other substances: lion's mane mushroom and niacin (vitamin B3).
The reasoning: psilocybin stimulates neurogenesis, lion's mane supports nerve growth via NGF (nerve growth factor), and niacin causes vasodilation that improves absorption. Stamets calls this combination the "Stamets Stack" and published an observational study about it in Scientific Reports in 2022.
Stamets Stack composition:
- Psilocybin (microdose truffles): 0.5-1 gram fresh truffles
- Lion's mane extract: 200-500 mg
- Niacin (vitamin B3): 50-100 mg
One note: the niacin flush reaction (warmth, redness, tingling) can be uncomfortable. Use regular niacin, not the "no-flush" variant. According to Stamets, the flush itself is functional.
Which protocol suits you?
Never worked with psilocybin before? Start with Fadiman. The slower rhythm gives your body time to adjust and lets you observe what changes. Already experienced and looking to go further? The Stamets Stack is worth exploring if you are specifically interested in the lion's mane combination.
Dosage: how many truffles per microdose?
A microdose of psilocybin truffles falls between 0.5 and 1.5 grams of fresh material. That sounds like a wide range, and it is. Everyone responds differently. Factors that play a role:
- Your body weight
- Individual sensitivity to psilocybin
- The potency of the truffle variety
- Full or empty stomach
| Dosage |
Fresh truffles |
Effect |
| Low microdose |
0.3-0.5 g |
Barely noticeable, subtle mood lift |
| Standard microdose |
0.5-1.0 g |
Slightly enhanced focus and creativity |
| High microdose |
1.0-1.5 g |
More noticeable, bordering on sub-perceptual |
| Too much |
>2 g |
No longer a microdose, this is a low trip dose |
Rule of thumb: if you clearly notice you have taken something, the dose is too high. A proper microdose is sub-perceptual. You might feel slightly sharper or more upbeat, but nobody around you would notice.
Always start low. Take 0.5 grams the first time and build up if needed. Use a precision scale (0.01 gram accuracy). Precision makes the difference between a productive day and an unexpectedly colourful Tuesday.
Preparation: getting truffles ready for microdosing
You can simply cut fresh truffles into small pieces and weigh them. But the most consistent method is grinding and encapsulating:
- Cut the truffles into thin slices
- Dry them in a dark, well-ventilated space (or use a dehydrator at 40°C)
- Grind the dried material into fine powder with a coffee grinder
- Weigh out portions on your precision scale
- Fill empty capsules for easy storage and dosing
Store your capsules in a cool, dry place. Fresh truffles keep in the fridge (up to 2-3 months vacuum-sealed).
Prefer not to prepare them yourself? Our Microdosing Starter Pack contains six pre-packaged 1-gram portions, ready to use.
What does the science say?
Research into microdosing has grown rapidly in recent years, but most evidence is still preliminary. Here are the key studies:
Creativity and cognition
In 2018, Prochazkova et al. found that a single microdose of psilocybin truffles improved divergent and convergent thinking in 36 participants in an open-label study. The study had no control group, so placebo effects cannot be ruled out (Psychopharmacology, 2018).
Mood and wellbeing
The largest study to date is Rootman et al. (2022), published in Scientific Reports. Over 8,500 participants were tracked via an app. Microdosers reported small but consistent improvements in mood, creativity and cognitive function compared to non-microdosers. The "Stamets Stack" group scored slightly better on psychomotor tasks (Scientific Reports, 2022).
RAND Corporation: 10 million Americans
In 2025, the RAND Corporation published a report estimating that 10 million American adults had microdosed in the past year, primarily with psilocybin. The report highlighted the rapid growth of the practice and the lack of regulation (RAND, 2025).
Placebo-controlled research
The most important caveat: the first large randomised, placebo-controlled study on microdosing (Szigeti et al., 2021) found no significant difference between psilocybin and placebo on wellbeing, creativity or cognition. The authors concluded that expectation effects play a major role (eLife, 2021).
The honest picture: most microdosing research is observational or open-label. Randomised trials show mixed results so far. Many people report positive experiences, but science cannot yet say with certainty how much is due to the substance itself and how much to expectation. More double-blind studies are needed.
What customers report: Many microdosers describe subtle shifts during their day: slightly sharper focus at work, a lighter mood, or the feeling that creative ideas flow a bit more easily. Others mainly notice the difference on rest days, when they compare how they feel with and without a microdose. The experience varies for everyone and depends heavily on dosage, expectations and individual sensitivity.
Microdosing vs low dose vs full dose
|
Microdose |
Low dose |
Full dose |
| Fresh truffles |
0.5-1.5 g |
2-5 g |
10-15 g |
| Visual effects |
None |
Slight colour shifts |
Yes, strong |
| Functioning |
Normal (work, study) |
Limited |
Not possible |
| Duration |
4-6 hours (subtle) |
3-5 hours |
4-6 hours |
| Purpose |
Performance optimisation, mood |
Light introspection |
Deep psychedelic experience |
Curious about full doses? Our Magic Truffles Guide 2026 covers everything about set and setting, effects and safety.
Which truffles are suitable for microdosing?
Any truffle variety can be microdosed in principle, but milder varieties are easier to dose for beginners. Our recommendation:
With stronger varieties like Utopia or Shambhala, you need less material per dose. Start with 0.3-0.5 grams and build up.
Practical tips
- Timing: take your microdose in the morning, on an empty stomach. Later in the day may disrupt your sleep.
- Tracking: keep a brief journal. Note mood, energy, focus and sleep quality. After 4 weeks you will have enough data to spot patterns.
- First time: try it on a day off. Not because you will notice anything dramatic, but so you can observe without work pressure.
- Combining: avoid alcohol and cannabis on dosing days. Do not combine with SSRIs or MAO inhibitors without consulting a doctor.
- Breaks: stick to the rest days. Daily microdosing leads to tolerance build-up and diminishes the effect.
Trip Stopper to hand? With microdosing, the chance of an overwhelming experience is virtually nil. But if you are working with psilocybin for the first time, having a Trip Stopper in the drawer provides peace of mind.
Who should not microdose
Microdosing is not suitable if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Use SSRIs, MAO inhibitors or lithium
- Have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia
- Are under 18
- Have cardiovascular conditions
In doubt? Always consult a doctor before starting, especially if you take medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is microdosing with truffles legal in the Netherlands?
Yes. Psilocybin truffles (sclerotia) are legal to purchase in the Netherlands. They do not fall under the Opium Act, unlike dried mushrooms.
Will I notice anything from a microdose?
At the correct dosage, you will barely notice anything. Some people describe a slight increase in focus or uplift in mood, but it is sub-perceptual. If colours look brighter or your body feels tingly, the dose is too high.
How long should I follow a microdosing cycle?
Most protocols recommend 4-8 weeks, followed by at least 2 weeks off. Some people do 2-3 cycles per year. Listen to your body and track your experiences.
Can I combine microdosing with coffee?
Yes, most people combine them without issues. If you notice feeling restless, try skipping caffeine on your dosing day.
What is the difference between Fadiman and Stamets?
Fadiman doses 1 day in 3 (simple, for beginners). Stamets doses 4 consecutive days with 3 days rest, combined with lion's mane and niacin. Stamets' protocol is more intensive and specifically targets neuroplasticity.
Can I work normally whilst microdosing?
That is precisely the point. A correct microdose does not affect your functioning. Many people microdose on working days. Do schedule your first time on a quiet day, so you can observe how you respond.
Sources
- Fadiman, J. (2011). The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide. Park Street Press.
- Prochazkova, L. et al. (2018). Exploring the effect of microdosing psychedelics on creativity. Psychopharmacology, 235(12). DOI
- Szigeti, B. et al. (2021). Self-blinding citizen science to explore psychedelic microdosing. eLife, 10. DOI
- Rootman, J.M. et al. (2022). Psilocybin microdosers demonstrate greater observed improvements in mood and mental health. Scientific Reports, 12. DOI
- RAND Corporation (2025). Psychedelic Use in the United States. Report
Disclaimer: microdosing is not a substitute for medical treatment. Consult a doctor if you take medication or have health conditions. Psilocybin truffles are dietary supplements, not medicines.
