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Microdosing education & Mentorships
The information on this page is for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The practice of microdosing and the substances mentioned have not been approved to prevent, treat or cure any disease. The Cavewoman Way does not offer medical or legal advice nor do we support illegal activity of any kind.
What is Microdosing?
Microdosing is the practice of consuming very low, "sub-threshold" doses of a psychoactive mushroom, plant or medicine with the intention of improving one’s quality of life. Compared to a standard dose, a microdose is usually 5-10% of that amount. Each person's exact does varies and can be affected by a variety of factors.
Microdosing Medicines
Microdosing is typically a term reserved for psychedelics (psilocybin, LSD, Mescaline and B. Caapi vine). However some people use the term when talking about Amanita muscaria. Risks, dosage ranges, potential side effects and active compounds vary greatly from medicine to medicine. The general education and support we provide is specific to mushrooms and we encourage anyone interested in this practice to gain a clear understanding of the plant, mushroom or compound they intend to work with before ingesting anything as well as any legal considerations related to their choice.
Getting Started
Microdosing is not something to dive into without preparation and research. We recommend taking one of our Microdosing workshops, scheduling a consultation or reading Dr. Fadiman's recent book: Microdosing for Health, Healing and Enhanced Performance. Or all three! This page contains a lot of information and it can feel overwhelming at first. Take your time and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Why Do People Microdose?
While research is lacking, there is a profound amount of empirical data and citizen science supporting the practice of microdosing psychedelic plants and mushrooms. The subtle effects of microdosing most often reported include more creativity, clearer thinking, improved focus, expanded awareness, more emotional connection and the ability to be more present than before. Some people microdose as a spiritual ritual or as an integration practice after a high dose journey. Other people microdose as a supplementary or holistic approach to easing depression, anxiety or specific mental health challenges.
Microdosing As a Spiritual Practice
Microdosing is a relatively new term, however it is not a new practice. Humans have been consuming both small amounts and large doses of psychedelics for thousands of years for both practical and spiritual reasons. Whether talking about microdosing or journeys, we relate to mushrooms and plants as sacred beings and approach any interaction with them respectfully and intentionally. From lighting a candle or incorporating prayer/song to finding ways to express gratitude to these ancient wisdom keepers, we strive to bring an added layer of depth and reverence to the process.
How Does Microdosing Work?
Mushrooms are mysterious and wise. There is no way for us to fully understand how they do what they do. However, we have some information about how psychedelics effect the brain and nervous system.
While most of the data we have is specific to high doses of psychedelics, anecdotal evidence suggests that microdosing has similar effects that simply manifest over longer periods of time and in more subtle ways. Both macro and microdosing has the potential to positively impact brain systems, expand self-awareness and influence neural networks related to mood, creativity, and perception.
Microdosing Protocols
A protocol is the schedule or frequency of your microdosing practice. Some people intuitively create a schedule that works for them while others follow a standardized protocol such as The Fadiman Method or The Stamets Stack. Regardless of the protocol you choose, it is advised to take breaks from microdosing every 4-6 weeks as well as include at least 2 non-microdosing days in your weekly schedule. Most professionals and programs recommend trying one protocol for at least a month before switching to a different one.
Risks of Microdosing
The risks of psychedelics in a high dosages have been well studied and documented; psychedelics are actually among the safest substances on the “drugs” spectrum. Unfortunately, horror stories from the 1960s and accounts of "bad trips" from irresponsible usage have given psychedelics a bad reputation. With that said, there are still risks. For example, microdosing while taking Tramadol or Lithium can be very dangerous. In addition, reports of fatigue, increased anxiety, mild stomach discomfort and visual tracers in men with color blindness are among negative experiences people have had. Sometimes challenging experiences are invitations or opportunities in disguise, while sometimes they are an indication that something needs to be modified or discontinued. The Cavewoman Way does not provide medical advice. We recommend doing your own research and talking with a healthcare professional if you have questions or concerns. The Microdosing Institute as well as Dr. James Fadiman's book Microdosing for Health, Healing and Enhanced Performance are great resources.
Microdosing & Medications
The following link is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. Dr. James Fadiman and his colleague Sophia Korb have compiled a list of medications, supplements, and drugs that are considered to be safe to continue while microdosing. This list is frequently updated and is based on extensive self reports, however somewhat limited research. You can review and search the list here: Microdosing and Medication - Microdosing Psychedelics
Want more Information?
We invite you to join one of our cohorts, schedule a consultation or purchase a recording of our webinar Microdosing: Safety, Science and Ritual HERE.
Wild Communion
Journey into the mystical, sacred and mythic terrain of microdosing
*8 Week Online Cohort*
Coming Early 2026