In research on psilocybin, among other things—both professional and conducted “under the table” by magic mushroom enthusiasts—various experiments are conducted. Some of them involve, for example, the use of various doses and combinations. Based on this, several types of dosages have been identified, including—for example—heroic dosages, and at the other end of the scale—microdosing. This is how protocols are developed. They are specific ways of taking various preparations. These methods are intended to provide specific benefits by maintaining the body in a specific state. The Stamets Microdosing Protocol was a breakthrough in discovering the optimal use of mushroom properties in general. Therefore, it is worth devoting a few words to it. Learn about it now!
What is microdosing?
Microdosing is a method of taking a given substance (e.g., psilocybin) in very small amounts, but at regular intervals. The term most often refers to the use of psychedelics, but not exclusively. It can be considered a form of “mushroom homeopathy.” Why?
First and foremost, microdosing is aimed at goals other than producing a psychoactive effect. The primary goals are to improve mood, increase energy levels, and stimulate creativity. There are speculations that in such quantities, selected substances with psychedelic effects could have a therapeutic effect on various disorders, including depression and PTSD.
This stems from the fact that – despite the lack of hallucinations or a negligible effect on perception – psilocybin may still provide certain benefits in terms of its effect on serotonin receptors and neuroplasticity. You can read more about this later in the article.
Paul Stamets – author of “Stamets Stack”
Many different people have worked on microdosing and dosing this alkaloid in general. Paul Stamets is one of these. He is a mushroom specialist, widely respected among mycology enthusiasts. His interests extend beyond psilocybin mushrooms. Stamets has devoted much of his life to researching various species, including functional mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane, Coriolus, and many others.
Based on his experience, he founded Fungi Perfecti – a company providing a variety of functional and non-functional mushrooms, both ready-to-eat and as food additives. Besides being a mycologist, researcher, and businessman, he writes books about mushrooms, convincing readers that they can be a salvation for people as individuals (he claims his mother was cured of cancer thanks to them) and for the entire world.
One of his “children” and the legacy he will leave for scientists and magic mushroom enthusiasts is the “Stamets Stack” – the Paul Stamets protocol. What does the dosage and methodology look like? Find out below.
Stamets’ Microdosing Protocol
Let’s first explain what exactly a “protocol” is in the context of using various substances. It’s worth knowing that it’s a plan that often combines the use of various compounds, such as vitamins, minerals, etc., in such a way as to achieve synergy of their effects, while also ensuring that their influence doesn’t exclude each other. It often includes elements such as:
- the preparation used,
- its dose,
- frequency and timing of use,
- duration of use,
- purpose supplementation,
- monitoring the effects.
Paul Stamets, when creating (and patenting!) his protocol, assumed that the best effects are achieved with a combination of three ingredients – psilocybin, lion’s mane, and niacin (vitamin B3) and any additional ingredients. Let’s take a look at the main elements of this plan.
As I have described many times, psilocybin is primarily a stimulant of mood and neuroplasticity processes. Stamets recommends using no more than 0.5 mg to avoid psychedelic effects, and the smallest possible dose is 0.1 mg.
Lion’s Mane, on the other hand, is a mushroom that also has a significant effect on the central nervous system. It has been suggested that it may support neurogenesis, the development of new neurons in the brain. It also has a protective effect on them, protecting against neurodegeneration. The dose of “lion’s mane” usually ranges from 50 to 200 mg.
What does niacin “do” in psilocybin microdosing? It is a vitamin responsible for the transfer of nutrients to the brain. In other words, its action may be crucial to the effects of the other two ingredients. Additionally, it suppresses the psychoactive properties of psilocybin. Vitamin B3 is taken in 100 to 200 mg according to the protocol.
What does this protocol look like in practice? According to Stamets’s assumptions, optimal administration is to use psilocybin in on/off cycles. The standard version assumes that the person takes the substance for 4 days, and then discontinues it for another 3 days. This method is intended to prevent the body from adapting to its effects, and thus the need to increase its dosage. In this case, niacin and Lion’s Mane are taken simultaneously throughout the protocol.
It’s worth noting that Stamets assumes the inclusion of ancillary preparations, i.e., cordyceps and L-theanine. Cordyceps can generally lead to increased energy and performance – both mental and physical. L-theanine, on the other hand, has a relaxing effect, but does not induce sleep. However, it improves the quality of sleep.
The entire protocol is said to last approximately 4-6 weeks. After this time, there is a break for approximately 2-4 weeks, at which time it can be repeated.
What effect can using the Paul Stamets protocol have on the body?
And what are the effects of the Stamets protocol? The Stamets Stack aims to improve neurogenesis and also exert neuroprotective effects. The author developed it to help cope with various emotional disorders, including serious ailments such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. At the same time, this methodology is intended to improve quality of life by not only coping with trauma and difficult emotions, but also by positively impacting cognitive abilities and creativity. While this sounds promising, it’s important to remember that psilocybin itself and its use require further research. However, the fact that a patent has been granted and researchers are interested in the protocol speaks volumes about its potential effectiveness.