They are naturally occurring fungi that contain psilocybin and psilocin. Psilocybin mushrooms have been used by humans for centuries for recreational and spiritual purposes. Some are more potent and can produce stronger, longer-lasting effects, while others are milder and shorter-lived.
Effects by Dose
However, selling psilocybin without being licensed may still attract fines or imprisonment. After Oregon Measure 109, in 2020, Oregon became the first US state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize it for therapeutic use. Books describing methods of cultivating large quantities of Psilocybe cubensis were also published.
Like the research in the 60s and 70s, so far research is showing that psilocybin could have profound therapeutic effects. However, after the federal government reclassified psilocybin as a Schedule I drug in the 1970s, research on its therapeutic effects became virtually non-existent. When they do occur, research suggests the cause was latent psychological disorders, not the mushrooms themselves. At the outset and during a trip, psilocybin can cause some physical side effects such as nausea, perspiration, numbing, and tremors. The 2017 Global Drug Survey found that psilocybin is the safest of all the recreational drugs on the market and that just 0.2% of the people who took psilocybin in 2016 needed emergency medical treatment. So far, not much data exists around psilocybin’s interaction with other drugs, whether good or bad, but it’s best to be intentional and err on the side of caution when mixing any two substances together.
It holds cultural and historical value while still offering psychedelic properties. Used in indigenous Central American rituals, this species produces sclerotia. Its smaller size hides strong potency, and it has historical links to European cultural use.
No, shiitake mushrooms contain no psychoactive compounds. Over 200 species across at least 8 genera contain psilocybin or related compounds. Never consume wild mushrooms without expert identification Paul Stamets, a legendary mycologist, has been a pivotal figure in studying and advocating Psilocybe mushrooms. Psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in many jurisdictions. Third Wave’s mission is to nurture the emerging psychedelic ecosystem by providing individuals with research-based education, access to vetted providers, and membership in our global community of psychedelic pioneers.
- The albino mushroom has a white stem and cap with blue gills.
- Second, Psilocybe cubensis is by far the easiest species of magic mushroom to artificially cultivate, making it the shroom of choice for most who want to grow at home.
- Before sourcing legal mushrooms, it’s important to consider how you want to consume them.
- Mushrooms reproduce via spores, and each grow introduces genetic variability unless genetics are carefully isolated and cloned.
- Terms like variety and species are often more accurate.
- The negative effects of psilocybin mushroom use, like penis envy, include psychological, social, legal, and physical harms.
- Slang terms for the use of psilocybin mushrooms are commonly straightforward but still conceal the true nature of drug-related activities.
This is how it got the name cubensis, or “coming from Cuba.” It grows off of dung. Mycologist Franklin Sumner Earle was the first American to record and describe this mushroom strain while on a visit to Cuba. Feral cousins of these wild mushrooms have also been found in Stuttgart, Germany. It has been found as far north as Grey’s Harbor, Washington, but is most often found growing naturally along the Columbia River. On top of that, Psilocybe is not just one mushroom strain, but the parent of many easy-to-cultivate options. Like cannabis strains, shroom strains come in many forms.
Psilocybe Semilanceata
Second, Psilocybe cubensis is by far the easiest species of magic mushroom to artificially cultivate, making it the shroom of choice for most who want to grow at home. Of all the types of magic mushrooms, it is the Psilocybe genus that is most popular and well-known. There are hundreds of species of psychedelic mushrooms, and while most contain psilocybin and psilocin, this isn’t the case for all of them. These “magic mushrooms” have a history of being utilized in spiritual and religious ceremonies and for mind-altering experiences. To help you pick the best magic mushroom, we’ve highlighted 13 popular magic mushroom strains you might want to know about.
With the exception of three states, psilocybin mushroom spores are perfectly legal to possess in the U.S., as the spores don’t contain psilocybin or psilocin, the chemicals that are specifically regulated by federal law. Voters in the 2020 elections were more vocal than ever–they want to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms and make them available for therapeutic use. Before sourcing legal mushrooms, it’s important to consider how you want to consume them.
- Each species has unique properties, including potency and effects, which can vary greatly depending on the strain.
- As the name suggests, this entheogenic mushroom is phallic, featuring a thick stem under the dome-shaped cap.
- On his first mushroom trip, he reported feeling as if his soul had been scooped out of his body.
- Here is a brief look at some of the most popular psychoactive mushrooms.
- It’s thought to be one of the first psychedelic mushrooms in Europe to be identified and analyzed, its use dating back a few hundred years.
- A label can point toward a general lineage or morphology, but it cannot reliably guarantee potency or experience.
These mushrooms grow along coastal dunes close to rivers in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, including Oregon, Washington, California, and British Columbia. Psilocybe azurescens, also known as “flying saucer” mushrooms because of their broad, UFO-shaped caps, are native to North America. These mushrooms can be grown in gardens and will likely do best around wood chips. These mushrooms have long, thin stems and distinct, convex, bell-shaped caps, which is how they got their nickname. Psilocybe semilanceata, or Liberty Caps, is a well-known magic mushroom that can be easier to find when foraging.
Tidal Wave is a highly regarded strain of Psilocybe cubensis that is known for its large fruiting bodies and fast colonization times. Despite its suggestive name, it is a respected strain that is said to offer a deep you don’t outgrow the effects of an alcoholic parent and introspective experience. It’s characterized by its wavy cap and thin stem, and is known for its potency and fast-acting effects. With a slightly more intense trip, Liberty Caps are a popular choice for users seeking a stronger experience.
In conclusion, magic mushrooms are a type of fungi that contain psychoactive compounds that can induce altered states of consciousness. Golden Teachers are a popular and well-respected strain of Psilocybe cubensis known for their distinctive golden caps and powerful effects. It’s important to note that while the number of magic mushroom species is significant, not all of them are used for their psychoactive effects. When it comes to magic mushrooms, there’s more to these fascinating fungi than meets the eye. One of the most well-loved ways to consume shrooms, magic mushroom chocolates combine psilocybin with cocoa to create a smooth and enjoyable experience. Eating magic mushrooms instead of consuming them raw or making a basic tea has several benefits.
Psilocybe Azurescens
For many growers, it’s also a fun, low-cost hobby. As well as providing a reliable, year-round supply, home cultivation eliminates the risk of misidentifying mushrooms in the wild. Misidentified mushrooms can cause sickness or (though rarely) even death when consumed.
Understanding the Different Types of Magic Mushrooms
Despite the vast diversity among mushroom species, they can generally be grouped into four primary types. A label can point toward a general lineage or morphology, but it cannot reliably guarantee potency or experience. At a broader level, mushrooms are grouped into genera. But psychoactivity in mushrooms is not limited to a single compound or even a single evolutionary lineage. Though not always the case, many species like to grow on or near herbivore dung. It is also suspected that “witches” actually collected and used these mushrooms, which were thought to be ungodly!
Psilocybe caerulipes
When considering the use of magic mushrooms, it’s important to understand that each type has its own set of benefits and risks. Understanding the different types of magic mushrooms is crucial for safe and responsible use, whether for healing or recreational purposes. Psilocybe semilanceata is known for its potency and is one of the strongest types of magic mushrooms available.
The effects of psilocybin are more apparent with a museum dose than with a mini-dose, but a museum dose still won’t give you a full psychedelic experience. When you take psilocybin, your body metabolizes the substance into psilocin, both of which produce the psychedelic effects. Anyone curious about trying psilocybin mushrooms for the first time will inevitably worry at some point about having a “bad trip,” which can happen. While psilocybin mushrooms have been decriminalized in three North American cities (see “Legality” for details), they are still illegal at the federal level and are categorized as a Schedule I controlled substance in the U.S. Slang terms for the use of psilocybin mushrooms are commonly straightforward but still conceal the true nature of drug-related activities. Because it’s an illicit drug, providers and people who buy and use mushrooms may use certain emojis.
As you can see, there are hundreds of species of hallucinogenic mushrooms out there, and potentially some that are yet to be discovered! In the following section, we’ll go into a little more detail about the four main genera of mushrooms that contain psilocybin-producing species. Fresh mushrooms actually contain more psilocin, while dried ones contain more psilocybin, which is then converted into psilocin by stomach acid. Psilocybin-containing mushrooms are distinguished by just that—the fact that they produce psilocybin (and psilocin). Heroin in Your System There are hundreds, if not thousands, of magic mushroom species, spanning multiple genera.
Golden Teachers have large Brain recovery alcohol caps ranging from 20-80mm in diameter. They can be either conical or bell-shaped; the cap can vary in colour depending on the hydration of the mushroom. They are characterised by their large, leathery-brown caps and pale, curved stems.
They love growing in conifer mulch, wood chips, and/or lawns rich in lignin. Baeocystis mushrooms bruise very easily, at which point they usually stain blue. When moist, these mushrooms are generally chestnut or caramel brown in colour and when mature, may display dark blue (almost black-ish) hues. Many parts of these mushrooms, including the cap, gills, and stems, tend to stain blue when touched or injured. When moist, these mushrooms tend to have a caramel or chestnut-brown colour. These mushrooms are usually found at elevations between 300–550 metres between May and October.
Though Wasson changed her name and did not name the village, people began seeking out a similar transformative experience. The psychedelic experience proved riveting, and Wasson recollected it in “Seeking the Magic Mushroom” for Life magazine. Rather, different mushrooms cater to specific preferences and purposes.
Edible mushrooms bring an incredible variety of flavors, textures, and versatility to the kitchen. Some types of non edible mushrooms look almost identical to edible varieties. Not all mushrooms are safe to eat, and knowing how to identify the types of non edible mushrooms is just as important as recognizing edible ones. Magic mushrooms typically produce dark purple-brown or blackish spore prints, which can help differentiate them from toxic look-alikes.
