What Is the Stamets Stack?
The Stamets Stack is a nootropic and microdosing regimen designed to support neurogenesis, cognitive clarity, focus, and overall brain health by combining three key components:
- Psilocybin (microdose) – Thought to enhance neuroplasticity and mood.
- Lion’s Mane mushroom – Supports nerve growth factor (NGF) production and neuroprotection.
- Niacin (Vitamin B3) – Acts as a vasodilator (“flush”) to aid delivery of the other compounds to nerve endings.
Medical Advocacy and Outreachdoubleblindmag.comPsychedelic Spotlight
Why These Three?
- Psilocybin (0.1–1 g dried): Sub-perceptual dosage promotes subtle improved brain function.webdelics.comZamnesia
- Lion’s Mane (extract 50–200 mg or fresh 5–20 g): Known for stimulating NGF—key for neuron growth and health.MicrodosifyZamnesiadoubleblindmag.com
- Niacin (100–200 mg): Causes flushing and improves blood flow, potentially helping to distribute active compounds across the blood–brain barrier and to nerve extremities. It also serves as a built-in deterrent for overuse.WellnessPulsePsychedelic SpotlightZamnesia
Protocol Overview
Typical dosing schedule:
- Cycle: 4 days “on” (take all three components), followed by 3 days “off”
- Repeat for 4–6 weeks, then take a longer break of 2–6 weeks
buymagicmushroomsaustralia.comChemical Collective - Alternative microdosing guidance: Start with ~100 mg psilocybin powder, 50 mg Lion’s Mane, 100 mg niacin, and slowly adjust based on response. Take 1 day on, then 2–3 days off.healingmaps.comPsychedelic Spotlight
What Users Report (Anecdotal)
Here’s what some community members have shared:
“I use them 3‑4 days on and 2‑3 days off every week. It has had a significant impact on my mood, clarity of thought, motivation, and ability to process joyful experiences.”
“Just be careful about the heavy metals. Buy from quality brands. … I microdose 1 day on and 2 days off, 150 mgs. I am loving the benefits! I’m 67 and I have noticed improved cognition.”
Some users also noted downsides:
“Doing Stamets stack, every day I take it I feel slightly nauseous, irritable. It’s been 4 weeks now and not noticing any kind of head change. I ditched the niacin a few times to see if that was the cause but the nausea persisted.”
“Same for me. People seem to love the Stamets stack but I noticed no difference when I was adding in lion’s mane and niacin from just taking my mushroom MD solo.”
Summary Table
| Component | Role & Benefit |
|---|---|
| Psilocybin | Supports neuroplasticity and mood enhancement |
| Lion’s Mane | Boosts NGF, supports neuron growth & cognitive resilience |
| Niacin | Enhances delivery via vasodilation; helps limit overuse |
| Dosing Cycle | Typically 4 days on, 3 days off; repeat cycles with periodic breaks |
| User Feedback | Mixed: improved mood & focus vs. possible nausea or no effect |
Important Considerations
- Scientific support is limited—most evidence is preliminary or anecdotal.healingmaps.comdoubleblindmag.com
- Niacin flushing is not harmful but can be uncomfortable, and high doses carry risks (e.g., liver stress).WellnessPulsePsychedelic Spotlight
- Psilocybin is illegal in many regions, consult relevant laws before considering use.
- Individual responses vary—effectiveness is not guaranteed and depends on many factors.