James Fadiman, Ph.D.
Psychedelic Researcher; Author; Microdosing Research Pioneer
Creator of the Fadiman Protocol (1 day on, 2 days off) and author of The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide — his systematic microdosing documentation launched a global practice now evaluated in clinical trials.
Biography
James Fadiman is an American psychologist and author who has been involved in psychedelic research since the early 1960s. He studied under Willis Harman and conducted some of the last formal LSD research before federal prohibition, including a 1966 study on psychedelics and creative problem-solving.
His 2011 book The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide became one of the most widely used harm reduction manuals for people considering psychedelic experiences, covering preparation, set and setting, dosage, and integration.
In the mid-2010s, Fadiman began systematically collecting reports from individuals practicing microdosing — taking sub-perceptual doses of psychedelics on a regular schedule. His collection of informal case reports formed the empirical foundation for what became the Fadiman Protocol (1 day on, 2 days off), which has since been evaluated in formal clinical settings including the 2024 Imperial College London randomized controlled trial.
Fadiman continues to collect microdosing reports and consult with researchers studying the practice formally. He reached a large mainstream audience through the Tim Ferriss Show, where his microdosing work was introduced to millions of listeners.
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Why They Matter to the LearnShrooms Community
Fadiman created the conceptual and practical framework for microdosing that launched a global practice estimated to involve millions of people. His Fadiman Protocol is now the most-studied microdosing schedule in controlled clinical research.
Legal Context
For the legal landscape where James Fadiman, Ph.D. operates, see psilocybin laws in California.