Nederlands
About Hein Pijnnaken – and his Mission Behind Microdose.nl
From Crane Operator to Psychedelic Pioneer
My name is Hein Pijnnaken. I'm the founder of Microdose.nl and co-founder of Microdosing Institute — a globally recognised educational platform on microdosing. But this journey didn’t start in a lab or academic hall.
It started in a small attic in Brielle, while I worked as a crane operator in the Port of Rotterdam and supported my best friend Guido through his struggle with cluster headaches. Our shared search for alternative treatments led us to psychedelics. After Guido’s passing, I made it my mission to create a world where people have access to reliable information, guidance, and tools — so others wouldn’t have to go through the same pain.
Why I Started Microdose.nl
After more than a year of working on Microdosing Institute and guiding people through their microdosing journey with our coaching team, together with Carlos (who wish to remain anonimous) I created this shop Microdose.nl for one key reason: independence. No outside investors, donors, or commercial pressure. This allows us to stay true to the mission of Microdosing Institute: education, research, and community-building around responsible microdosing.
The revenue from this webshop helps fund free content, guidance programs, and scientific collaborations — all without compromising integrity.
Science at the Core of What We Do
Our work is grounded in both practical experience and scientific collaboration. Since 2016, I’ve worked closely with Dr. James Fadiman, the godfather of modern microdosing research. We've developed a close friendship and I’ve had the honor of interviewing him several times on our podcast.
We also collaborate with scientists like Dr. Kim Kuypers from Maastricht University, who leads groundbreaking studies on psilocybin, LSD, and microdosing.
These partnerships ensure that our products, protocols, and recommendations are aligned with the latest scientific insights.
Honest Products, Real People
We believe in full transparency. You deserve to know where your product comes from. That’s why we collaborate with small-scale, mission-driven producers like Pure Kakaw, Foodsporen, MedicineMagic, WiseRootz, and WakingHerbs — people we know personally and deeply trust.
We also proudly work with FreshMushrooms — a true pioneer and market leader with over 30 years of experience in magic truffles and grow kits. Their legacy and expertise have shaped the legal psychedelic space in the Netherlands, and we’re proud to call them both a partner and a friend.
In our podcast series ‘Table Talks’, I speak with these producers to share the stories behind the products — no faceless brands, just real people with a mission.
My Sources of Inspiration
This journey has been shaped by a few extraordinary minds.
James Fadiman, whose book The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide planted the seed that grew into Microdosing Institute.
Paul Stamets, whose pioneering work on medicinal mushrooms has deeply influenced our understanding of fungi.
The late Amanda Feilding, founder of the Beckley Foundation, whose fearless advocacy for psychedelic research continues to inspire me.
Organizations like MAPS and the Open Foundation have also fueled my dedication to one shared vision:
To reintegrate psychedelics into Western society — and end the taboo and misunderstanding that still surrounds them.
Featured in the Media
Though I’ve worked behind the scenes for years, my expertise has increasingly been recognized in the media. Representing Microdosing Institute, I’ve been featured in:
NRC, Parool, Trouw, Quest, Viva, VPRO, and the Dutch Journal for Healthcare Professionals. I was also followed extensively in the VPRO documentary De Tripgeneratie.
In 2024, I founded the Dutch Microdosing Association (Vereniging Microdosing Nederland) — a trade association that connects professionals, truffle producers, and researchers to strengthen and legitimize the sector.
A Blueprint for the Future of Psychedelic Care
At Microdosing Institute, our Facilitator Programs train coaches, therapists, and guides to work with microdosing safely and effectively. These programs are more than educational — they form a blueprint for future therapeutic frameworks once high-dose psychedelic treatments become legally available.
I firmly believe in the synergy of:
High-dose psychedelics for breakthrough experiences,
microdosing as an integration and aftercare tool.
This vision is the heart of our approach — blending knowledge, safety, and transformation.
Questions? We are here to help!
If you have any questions about our products, packaging, or delivery, please contact us via the contact form.
Would you like to learn more about microdosing, or would you like some guidance during your microdosing journey? Then take a look at MicrodosingInstitute.com - and don't forget to join their global online community (for free).