Microdosing psychedelics, like psilocybin, has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its supposed health benefits, including enhanced mood, focus, creativity, and productivity. Rather than taking a larger dose, which could cause altered perception and hallucinations, many choose microdosing to gain the benefits of psilocybin without having to “trip” for several hours. There are several different methods of microdosing out there, but the Stamets Stack is one of the most popular. This regimen, created by renowned mycologist Paul Stamets, combines psilocybin with other powerful ingredients to boost brain health and performance. 

What is microdosing?

Microdosing involves taking 1/20th to 1/10th of the typical dose of psychedelic substances to reap some subtle effects without having to experience the full-blown hallucinogenic experience often associated with higher amounts. For psilocybin, the most commonly recommended microdose ranges from 0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried mushrooms, although this amount may vary based on the individual and species of mushrooms. Beginners are advised to start with lower doses to assess how their body reacts, but doses around the mentioned range should still fall below the threshold for psychedelic effects. 

Since the doses are a lot lower, microdosing can be done multiple times per week, but it’s best to follow a structured microdosing schedule for consistent and sustainable effects. With the Stamtets Stack, like any microdosing regimen, sticking to a routine helps prevent tolerance buildup so that your body doesn’t become too used to the effects of psilocybin. 

What is the Stamets Stack?

The Stamets Stack involves taking psilocybin along with lion’s mane mushrooms and niacin for their synergistic effects. Each of these ingredients plays a role in supporting emotional and cognitive health:

  • Psilocybin has been intensively researched for its ability to treat various mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. When taken in smaller doses, it has been found to boost creativity and cognitive flexibility; however, more research is needed to determine the efficacy of taking such low doses1.
  • Lion’s mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) are known for their neuroprotective effects due to the presence of specialized compounds that can boost nerve growth and improve memory.
  • Niacin (Vitamin B3) does not have any direct effects on mood and cognition, but it can widen blood vessels and improve circulation in the brain to enhance absorption and maximize the effects of psilocybin and lion’s mane.

According to Paul Stamets, this regimen should be taken for five consecutive days, followed by a two-day break. The Stamets stack protocol is a bit different from other popular microdosing schedules, like the Fadiman Protocol, which involves microdosing psilocybin every three days.

What are the proposed benefits of the Stamet’s Stack?

Both psilocybin and lion’s mane have been widely studied for their impact on the brain. Both are thought to promote neurogenesis, or the growth of new neurons, which is crucial for maintaining brain health and cognitive function. This effect could also influence neural plasticity, allowing the brain to create new neural connections so it can quickly adapt to new information, tasks, or experiences. Ultimately, this increase in cognitive function could help with memory retention, learning capability, and problem-solving skills for those looking to maintain mental sharpness. Additionally, the highly praised mental health benefits of psilocybin combined with the neuroprotective properties of lion’s mane can help promote greater emotional stability and reduced stress.

Together, these ingredients offer a multi-facited approach to supporting overall brain health and mood, making the Stamets Stack a favorite for optimizing cognitive health.

Health considerations

As with any supplement or protocol, it’s always important to assess your personal health to determine if the Stamets Stack is right for you. Although microdosing uses lower amounts of psilocybin, it’s still a psychoactive substance that may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with pre-existing mental health conditions. You should also consider the legality of psilocybin, as it still remains illegal in most parts of the world and still has restrictions in areas with legalized psychedelic therapy or decriminalization laws. 

Furthermore, niacin has been found to potentially cause a warming or tingling sensation in the skin that some may find uncomfortable. Starting with a lower dose could help limit these effects.

If you take any other supplements or medications, ensure that they do not interact with the substances used in the stack. Always err on the side of caution and discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional to ensure the Stamets Stack is the right approach for you.

References

  1. Prochazkova, Luisa, et al. “Exploring the Effect of Microdosing Psychedelics on Creativity in an Open-Label Natural Setting.” Psychopharmacology, vol. 235, no. 12, 25 Oct. 2018, pp. 3401–3413, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-018-5049-7. Accessed 4 Apr. 2019. ↩︎