Difference between Stacking Protocols

As the interest in microdosing grows, so do the protocols. 

A microdosing protocol refers to a specific regimen or set of guidelines followed when engaging in microdosing, 

A protocol typically includes details regarding the frequency of dosing, dosage amounts, and duration of the microdosing regimen.

Stacking, when 1+1 = 3

In addition to various protocols, there is another microdosing technique known as stacking. 

Microdosing stacking refers to the practice of combining multiple substances, alongside microdosing psilocybin.

The goal for stacking combinations is to potentially enhance the effects of microdosing or achieve specific desired outcomes by leveraging the synergistic interactions between different substances.

How to start stacking

You can start to slow by adding one or two of these supplements to your microdosing practice

• Nootropics like Lion’s Mane and Creatine. These are substances that are believed to enhance cognitive function, focus, memory, and creativity.
• Adaptogens: Adaptogenic herbs or compounds are believed to help the body adapt to stress and promote overall well-being. Such as rhodiola rosea, ashwagandha, ginseng and reishi.
• Vitamins and minerals: Certain vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc, are commonly included in microdosing stacks to support overall health and optimize brain function.
• Natural mood enhancers: Some individuals may include substances like St. John’s Wort or 5-HTP to potentially support mood regulation and emotional well-being.

The Stamets Stack

Developed by mycologist Paul Stamets, the Stamets Stack incorporates various natural supplements alongside microdosing psilocybin. 

This stack is designed to promote cognitive enhancement and neurogenesis. The recommended stack includes:

1. Psilocybin: Microdosing with psilocybin is the primary component of the stack and is believed to provide a range of potential benefits.
   
2. Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Lion’s Mane is believed to enhance memory, focus, and overall brain health.
   
3. Niacin (Vitamin B3): Niacin is suggested to increase blood flow and support the release of serotonin in the brain, which may enhance the effects of microdosing.

Due to the high concentration of Niacin that this protocol requires, The Stamets Stack is only recommended for a maximum of 4 weeks, and then followed by an 8-week break.

Very important

This protocol is the most advanced and is not for beginners. This is also the least comfortable experience. 

Stacking with Niacin B3 at these levels is not to be undertaken for more than 4 weeks and NOT for microdosing beginners.

The Stamets Stack with Cordyceps

Building upon the popular Stamets Stack, which combines various supplements with psilocybin microdosing, we can incorporate cordyceps for its potential cognitive and physical benefits. 

The revised stack includes:

1. Cordyceps: Cordyceps is a fungus traditionally used in Chinese medicine. It is known for its potential to improve energy levels and physical performance, which may complement the cognitive effects of psilocybin.
   
2. Niacin (Vitamin B3): Niacin is believed to increase blood flow and support serotonin release, potentially amplifying the effects of microdosing. Its ability to induce vasodilation, meaning that it enhances blood flow to areas of the body that are lacking in oxygen and/or nutrients. This vasodilation also known as a ‘flush’, is also the least comfortable part. Flushing is when the skin feels warm and itchy, similar to a mild sunburn. Flushing only lasts 40 minutes and is mandatory for this protocol to be most effective.

Personalized Stacking

Many microdosers prefer to develop personalized stacking protocols tailored to their specific needs and responses. 

I encourage you to keep a journal and track your doses, experiences, and observations. This is vital in any microdosing practice and even more so when stacking.

If you decide to stack and you are currently taking pharmaceutical medications, be sure to first ask your doctor and do all the necessary research ahead of time.

Feel free to join us on Facebook or on Discord to read more about each protocol, learn from people’s experiences, and/or directly ask me for advice.

Always remember, when micorodosing, it’s vital to proceed with patience, humility, and a lot of personal research.

As always, flow strong.

Asha ✨