Breaking Down the Protocols: The Stamets Stack Protocol

So we’ve deep dived into the infamous Fadiman protocol for microdosing beginners, but it doesn’t end there. Whether you’re searching for an all-natural mental health remedy or wanting to elevate creativity levels, the Stamets Stack is a brain boosting protocol applauded by many microdosing advocates for its unique benefits.

 

There are multiple dosing protocols out there that tailor to different intentions. The Stamets Stack has gained popularity for its particular cognitive enhancing effects. 

 

What separates the Stamets Stack from other protocols is in the name itself: mushroom stacking. The purpose of stacking is to boost the function of the mushrooms, by combining both psilocybin and functional shrooms into one dose. The idea is that each component of the stack will harmonize with one another, to create a nootropic blend that allots for a range of different benefits when ingested together.

 

 

Who is Paul Stamets?

 

The mind behind the stacking protocol is Paul Stamets, a well-known mycologist who’s made a popular name for himself in the world of psychedelics. 

 

Paul’s passion for fungi extends much further than just microdosing. He is also an advocate for ecological restoration, with an emphasis on recognizing and respecting the same organisms that he believes can preserve both humanity and planet health — filing 22 patents for mushroom-related technologies throughout. 

 

 

The Stamet Stack

 

From Paul Stamets’ dedication to the environment and fungal ecosystems, the stacking method was born. The three components involved in the Stamets’ Stack are: 

 

• Psilocybin
• Lion’s Mane
• Niacin (vitamin b3)

 

Paul seemed to integrate these three ingredients together intentionally, pairing entheogenic with non-entheogenic mushrooms to create a synergistic interaction. 

 

The act of combining low doses of psilocybin with non-psychoactive mushrooms as well as niacin, according to Stamets, is structured to enhance neurogenesis — a process in which new neurons are formed in the brain. 

Both psilocybin and Lion’s Mane are believed to carry neurogenerative properties that boost cognitive function. Meanwhile, the addition of Niacin (vitamin b3) functions as a vasodilator to further distribute psilocybin across the blood-brain barrier, migrating towards the peripheral/central nervous system, where Stamets believes neurogenesis is most likely to occur. 

 

On the topic of Niacin, it has also been recognized that the use of Niacin can reverse the effects of entheogenic compounds such as psilocybin or LSD by reducing the stimulation of nerve receptors. This reduction method seems to work optimally in the Stamets Stack by optimizing neurological health instead of obtaining a high from it, which in itself, acts as an anti-abuse agent.

 

Although each component of this stacking protocol is considered generally safe, it is the overuse of Niacin that should be monitored attentively. High-doses of Niacin can bring unwanted side effects especially in those with vitamin b3 sensitivity. We recommend not taking any more than 200mg of Niacin a day, whereas even the recommended dose will likely cause a flushing effect accompanied by tingling sensations due to increased blood flow. The redness and flushing side effect should mitigate as quickly as ten to thirty minutes and is likely not worth concern. It is worth noting that there is also a non-flush version of Niacin, but is not seen as suitable for this particular dose protocol. 

 

Lion’s Mane has grown in popularity in recent years, being a health-boosting supplement that seems to extend a range of different benefits when consumed on a regular basis. With one study showing that Lion’s Mane extract successfully promoted quicker nerve regeneration in mice, the neuroplasticity benefits deriving from Lion’s Mane may offer a diverse range of aiding factors relating to brain health. The consumption of Lion’s Mane on a daily basis may support nerve health through the hippocampus, a part of our brain which dictates memory and learning ability. 

 

Besides Paul Stamets suggesting that psilocybin may stimulate neurogenesis, he also claims that psilocybin hosts the ability to make people more wise and empathetic. We have to agree.

 

How to Stack

 

Stamets’ recommendation consists of a 4 days on, 3 days off schedule structure. Continue this schedule for 3-4 weeks, followed by a minimum two week break, for optimal results. Some choose not to take any breaks at all, although it is suggested that taking breaks will minimize the chances of unwanted tolerance in the long run. 

 

There are multiple different quantity formulas relating to Paul’s stacking method, therefore the spectrum of potential dose quantities remains rather vast. Because of this, the Stamets Stack Protocol may be most beneficial to those with prior microdosing experience, with a better grasp on which daily dosage works best for them when it comes to psilocybin. 

 

 

Stamets Stack doses:

 

• Psilocybin: 0.1-1g 
• Lion’s Mane: 50-200mg
• Niacin: 50-200mg

 

Stamets Stack dosage can vary depending on body weight and metabolism, but is always recommended that beginners move slow and stay low to ensure minimal side effects and overall safety when consuming entheogenic compounds. 

 

 

Other Benefits

 

Benefits relating to the Stamets Stack Protocol according to Paul Stamets himself include:

 

• Enhanced creativity
• Mood regulation
• Reduced anxiety and depression
• Enhanced memory and cognitive activity
• Increased social ability and courage
• Promoting neurogenesis 
• Heightened connectivity

 

Stamets’ Protocol is yet to undergo any clinical trials or large-scale studies, though we can likely conclude that from what we do know about microdosing, as well as the use of nootropics, this stacking method is no blatant shot in the dark. 

 

The nootropic properties of Lion’s Mane in conjunction with psilocybin and Niacin claim to boost the overall neurogenic effects by essentially complimenting each other, boosting the beneficial effects of one another when consumed as one. 

 

Trying the Protocol

 

The Stamets Stack Protocol is truly a fascinating one, and it is no question for microdosing advocates that if there were ever a chance to enhance the existing benefits of psilocybin even more, we would. 

 

Our microdose capsules such as Clarity and Clarity Lite are already blended with Lion’s Mane for the perfect nootropic blend, therefor if the Stamets Stack has piqued your interest, all you have to do is get your hands on some high-quality Niacin. 

 

Remember that although this protocol has driven success amongst psychonauts globally, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice nor does it come without potential risks. 

Like always, move at your own pace and remember to do all the research you can before integrating a new lifestyle change into your precious routine. If you have any questions we are here to help in any way we can! 

 

For now, safe travels.

 

Yours, 

Olive