"I just wanted to share my experience of taking half a gummy today. I took it 45 minutes before meditating this morning with a cup of coffee. The meditation was focused and enjoyable. In the 40 years that I have been meditating, I don't think I have ever tried meditating with a microdose before. The thing I noticed the most was the almost imperceptible clarity, creativity, and optimism that have eluded me over the last 6 months. It's like a veil has lifted, and there is more possibility. It will be interesting to see what 3/4 of a gummy will do in a few days, or is this the sweet spot? Time will tell."

The recommendation to use niacin (a form of Vitamin B3) and lion's mane mushroom in conjunction with psychedelic mushrooms (like psilocybin mushrooms) is based on a protocol popularized by Paul Stamets, a mycologist known for his work on medicinal mushrooms. This combination is often referred to as the "Stamets Stack." Here's a breakdown of the rationale behind each component: 1. Psychedelic Mushrooms (Psilocybin): Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. It's known for its potential to alter perception, mood, and various cognitive processes. Research has shown potential therapeutic effects in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, although it's important to note that psilocybin is a controlled substance in many countries and its use is often illegal. 2. Lion's Mane Mushroom: Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a type of medicinal mushroom. It is thought to have neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties, potentially supporting brain health and cognitive function. Some studies suggest it may help in the growth and repair of nerve cells, which could complement the effects of psilocybin. 3. Niacin (Vitamin B3): Niacin is included in the stack primarily for its ability to promote peripheral circulation. The idea is that it might help in distributing the neurogenic benefits of psilocybin and lion's mane to peripheral areas of the body and brain. Niacin can cause a "flush" in the skin, which is a sign of this increased circulation. The inclusion of niacin (Vitamin B3) in the combination with lion's mane and psychedelic mushrooms, as suggested in the "Stamets Stack," has a specific rationale. 1. Facilitating Neurotrophic Effects: One of the key ideas behind including niacin is to facilitate the distribution of the neurotrophic (nerve growth-promoting) effects of psilocybin and lion's mane. Psilocybin and lion's mane are thought to promote neurogenesis (the growth of new neurons) and neural plasticity (the ability of the brain to change and adapt). Niacin, by increasing blood flow, is theorized to help spread these effects more broadly within the brain and body. 2. The "Flush" Effect and Peripheral Circulation: Niacin is known for causing a "flush" in the skin, a sensation of warmth and redness, which is a result of vasodilation – the widening of blood vessels. This vasodilation increases blood flow, particularly in the peripheral areas of the body. The hypothesis is that this increased circulation could help in delivering the therapeutic compounds of psilocybin and lion's mane to more areas of the body, potentially enhancing their effects. 3. Targeting the Nervous System Beyond the Brain: By promoting blood flow to peripheral parts of the body, niacin might help in targeting the nervous system beyond the brain. This could be particularly relevant if the neurogenic effects of psilocybin and lion's mane are beneficial not just for the brain, but for the peripheral nervous system as well.

I took my first microdose yesterday. Not sure if I really felt different but the day was pleasant enough. Today I actually feel calmer. I never have done well with meditation but keep trying. I last about 3 minutes and get fidgety.

Hey everyone I have got into this over the last year and have been learning about the Paul Stamets protocol with Lions mane and niacin. Excited to be here and hear how you are all doing with your journeys!

So this has been a super emotional week. I am a nurse and also a person in recovery from drugs and alcohol. I am a few months over 5 years sober, and in a very stable place where I no longer fight with my sobriety. In my work as a nurse, since February I have been working directly with our outpatient detox, addiction medicine, and mental health patients. This week was a heavy one, both personally and professionally. I have so many people near me on the brink of insanity, which I love to look at as an opportunity to make a huge shift in being, provided the right support is given. I have had anger over the way a sick person is manipulating my broken hearted friend, and it has been so much easier to take my hands off and perceived need to control, and truly wish her freedom from her suffering that causes her to grasp on and manipulate. Today I had three very different detox patients. The look in a patients eyes when I say hey, I’m in recovery too, and I KNOW how hard it is for you right now… it’s magic. Because they genuinely believe me, and I get to watch this huge wall melt away before my eyes as the playing field is leveled. As I sit in front of them as their equal instead of a power dynamic of patient and professional. It’s almost as if the shame and guilt lightens and for even just a moment they have hope. I can FEEL that energy shift in the room. The words from 90% of them as soon as I say that is “so you know! Thank you!” They know I don’t have to disclose that information. I am not required to do so… but to see the expansion, and see them just, brighten. To see them feel that connection and stop holding their breath as I get to hold space for them. There is nothing like it. I am able to be fully present on a deeper level since beginning this program. I also know that I cannot control the outcome. I know that some of them will die. I know that I can only reach my hand and heart to them and help them try to find their footing, and I know that I can’t fix them. I can only give them the tools and love and kindness that I was given. I get to work for the people who helped me, the same doctor and NP to whom I first told the truth when I was homeless and hopeless and desperate to not kill myself in addiction.