GH stack: Ipamorelin + CJC-1295
How to run the Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 (no DAC) stack — synergistic mechanism, 100-300 mcg dosing, pre-bed timing, and the 12-16 week cycle framework.
Updated May 7, 2026 · 5 min read
The Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 (no DAC) stack is the classic GH-axis protocol. The two peptides hit different receptors that converge on the same outcome — a larger, cleaner GH pulse than either produces alone. Ipamorelin works on the ghrelin receptor; CJC-1295 (no DAC) works on the GHRH receptor. Activate both simultaneously and the pituitary releases more GH per pulse, while preserving the natural pulsatile pattern your body uses to signal downstream.
This page covers the mechanism, the standard 100-300 mcg dosing, why CJC-1295 without DAC is the right pairing partner, and timing details that determine whether the stack actually works.
Why this specific pairing
The two peptides work through complementary, non-overlapping pathways:
| Compound | Receptor | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ipamorelin | Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) | Triggers a GH pulse |
| CJC-1295 (no DAC) | GHRH receptor | Amplifies the pulse |
When both pathways fire at the same time, the resulting GH release is reportedly larger than the sum of either alone — synergy, not addition. Pairing two peptides that hit the same receptor (e.g., Ipamorelin + GHRP-2, both ghrelin-receptor agonists) is the wrong pattern: you saturate the receptor and add side effects without proportional benefit.
For more on the GHRH-side decision, see CJC-1295 with or without DAC.
Why CJC-1295 no DAC specifically
CJC-1295 comes in two forms. The DAC version has a Drug Affinity Complex attached that extends its half-life to about a week. The no-DAC version (sometimes called Mod GRF 1-29 or CJC-1295 without DAC) has a half-life of about 30 minutes.
For the Ipa+CJC stack, you want no-DAC. The reason is the pulsatile pattern:
| Form | Half-life | Effect on pulse pattern |
|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 no DAC | ~30 minutes | Preserves natural pulsatility — pairs well with Ipa |
| CJC-1295 DAC | ~6-8 days | Sustained GHRH elevation — eliminates the pulse pattern |
The DAC version produces a "GH bleed" — chronic mild elevation rather than discrete pulses. That's a different intervention with a different side-effect profile (more water retention, more receptor desensitization concern). The synergy with Ipa requires both peptides peaking together, which only the no-DAC version does.
Standard dosing
| Compound | Per-injection dose | Daily injections |
|---|---|---|
| Ipamorelin | 100-300 mcg | 1-3 |
| CJC-1295 (no DAC) | 100-300 mcg | 1-3 (paired with Ipa) |
Body-weight-based starting points:
| Body weight | Per-injection dose (each peptide) |
|---|---|
| Under 175 lb | 100-200 mcg |
| 175-225 lb | 200-250 mcg |
| Over 225 lb | 250-300 mcg |
Above 300 mcg per injection, the GH pulse doesn't reliably scale further — the pituitary's per-pulse ceiling caps the response. If you want more total daily GH exposure, add an injection rather than increasing per-dose. See Ipamorelin protocol for more dosing detail.
Timing matters more than dose
The single most important injection in this stack is the one before bed. Your largest natural GH pulse occurs in early deep sleep, and the pre-bed Ipa+CJC injection amplifies it. If you only run one daily injection, this is the one.
| Schedule | Sessions | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| Once daily, pre-bed | 1 | Conservative; sleep and recovery focus |
| Twice daily, pre-bed + post-workout | 2 | Most-reported balanced protocol |
| Three times daily, pre-bed + pre-training + post-training | 3 | Aggressive; training-day focus |
Empty-stomach timing is critical. High blood glucose blunts the GH pulse. Inject at least 2 hours after eating, and don't eat within 30 minutes after the injection. The pre-bed shot lands naturally on this window if you finish dinner a few hours before sleep.
Cycle framework
| Phase | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| On | 12-16 weeks | GH-axis effects need 8+ weeks to express |
| Off | 4-8 weeks | Pituitary recovers rapidly; off-period is for cumulative-effect concerns |
Quitting at week 4 is the most common stacking mistake — body composition and recovery effects haven't expressed yet. Plan for the full 12-16 weeks before reassessing.
What to expect
Reported timeline:
- Weeks 1-2: improved sleep depth, vivid dreams (a marker of GH activity), occasional mild lightheadedness in first injections
- Weeks 3-6: subjective recovery improvement, slightly reduced morning stiffness, increased muscle fullness
- Weeks 7-12: modest body-comp shifts, sleep changes consolidate, IGF-1 elevation visible on bloodwork
- Weeks 13-16: gains plateau; time to plan the off-period
This is not a feel drug. The signal is in your sleep quality and how you feel two months in.
Cost and logistics
Two peptides means two reconstituted vials at every injection. Don't mix them in the same syringe — keep separate vials, draw each, inject either at the same site or sequentially. A typical 12-week cycle of Ipa+CJC at moderate dosing runs roughly $200-450 in research-chem pricing depending on vial sizes and per-day frequency.
Use the reconstitution calculator for unit math.
Side-effect profile
The Ipa+CJC stack's pitch is its clean profile relative to older GHRP combinations. Ipamorelin is selective on GH release without significant cortisol or prolactin elevation. CJC-1295 no-DAC adds GHRH stimulation without the long-action side effects of the DAC version.
Common reported effects:
- Vivid dreams (positive marker of GH activity)
- Mild flushing at injection
- Mild lightheadedness in the first few injections
- Slight increase in appetite
- Mild water retention
What to monitor: fasting glucose, IGF-1, and HbA1c at baseline and end-of-cycle.