It can be overwhelming to consider all of the psilocybin mushroom possibilities available. Mycologists have genetically isolated “strains” or subspecies in the hundreds of thousands. Not all variations within those categories are present in some mushroom strains species, which differ chemically by as little as a few percentage points! Taxonomically speaking, however, they belong to a certain branch (P. cubensis). Individual strains vary significantly from one another in terms of their strength, look, and cultivation requirements.
Understanding The Species Of Psychedelic Mushrooms
It is possible to compare cannabis to psilocybe mushrooms. The distinction in psilocybin-producing fungi correlates to the division of cannabis species into Indica, Sativa, or Ruderalis. For instance, certain strains of cubensis have a different hue from either azurescens or semilanceata, although having a similar appearance and produce brown spores instead of blue ones.
Mushrooms can be found growing wild all over the world, and fungi are a diverse collection of organisms with a huge variety. Mushroom strains frequently begin as random mutations like becoming albino or generating exceptionally enormous forms, in contrast to cannabis, which is a plant but contains cross-species genetics (more on this later). Then, through isolation processes—”isolation” here refers to the absence of mating—these trait combinations are chosen over a number of generations to produce new fungal breeds.
Varying strains of magic mushrooms can have very different effects, durations, and onsets of psychedelic experiences, among many other differences. However, all Psilocybe species have a few key characteristics that make them easy to recognize.
- When handled or injured, they all turn azure blue due to the chemical psilocin oxidizing at the impact site.
- All have a thin, gelatinous layer that separates the cap (or pile) from the stem and is referred to in mycology as a “pellicle” (or stem).
- This veil frequently disintegrates as the plant ages, leaving a dark spot (the ring zone) on the stem.
- They all have thick gills on the underside of the cap, and the outside of the cap is covered in a shiny or silky film.
- They are all hygroscopic in nature (that is, they change color depending on the hydration state).
Common Psychedelic Mushroom Species
Psilocybe Semilanceatas
Throughout North America, one can find the frequent and potent mushroom strains Psilocybe Semilanceatas. In addition, mushrooms are more difficult to identify due to their conical-bell-shaped cap, which retains its form throughout the life cycle in contrast to other species, whose caps flatten as they get older. It frequently has a long stem or a thin edge that gives them a delicate appearance. But for those who are curious about these mysterious fruiting forms, this trait does not make identification any simpler! Because you require two words that finish in -la, Psilocybe, which means “two spires,” has the Latin name “semilanceata,” which means spear-shaped.
Psilocybe Cyanescens
Psilocybe Cyanenscens is frequently found in North American woodlands, although it first appeared there thanks to the early inhabitants who used it widely as food and medicine. These Mycena-like mushroom strains are challenging outdoor cultivators since they grow best on dead wood, yet they have nonetheless spread to every habitable landmass because growing these delicate fungi requires special knowledge that not all amateurs have.
Psilocybe cyanescens is believed to be in a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with humans and many other species that inhabit the same ecosystem. Although many species’ native habitats have been destroyed by humans, P. cyanescens appears to be coexisting with us in those areas. They can occasionally number 100,000 mushrooms in one patch and are frequently seen on piles of organic waste or mulched into flower beds.
Psilocybe Azurescens
Discovering a new species of mushroom is always exciting. Psilocybes azurescens is an uncommon, potent, and recently found species of recreational mycology by Boy Scouts, but it still has many appealing qualities that make the activity worthwhile in and of itself, like going on an adventure with these small but intriguing organisms around!
The blue azurescens is the most uncommon, potent, and recently found Psilocybe species. They resemble numerous other mushrooms that amateur mycologists have discovered (a group of Boy Scouts). Every time you go mushroom hunting in this area, there’s a chance you’ll come across a brand-new variety!
In contrast to other Psilocybe species, a unique and uncommon type location has been identified in North America’s Pacific Northwest. With vivid hallucinations that can occasionally be intense for individuals who have never encountered them before or even just for those who are unsure of what they’re going through when swallowing these psychedelic beauties, these mushrooms carry higher concentrations than any members of their species.
Common Psychedelic Mushroom Strains
Psilocybe cubensis has at least 150 different strains, and there are probably many more. We will concentrate on well-known mushroom strains that you could frequently hear discussed in conversation, even though mycologists find it difficult to determine the precise number (I can’t cover them all!).
The majority of identified variants of this species lie within its umbrella group because cultivation involves less work than other methods, including composting or mushroom farming using decomposed manure/compost.
Golden Teacher Mushrooms
A particular variety of mushrooms is frequently referred to as the “Golden Teacher” because it was initially identified in the late 1980s and has subsequently evolved into a generic moniker for several varieties. The caps are often large or medium in size, with skin and features that are golden caramel in colour. Individual mushrooms may have different variations, such as an absence (or extremely sparse presence) at the center point where another bump is usually present, giving them the appearance of teachers’ glasses from the time when students had books. These slightly powerful beauties are excellent for first-time shroom psychonauts, especially for those wishing to experience introspection mixed with sensations of joy and irrepressible laughing. They are perfect if you want something lighter.
Penis Envy Mushroom
Terence McKenna, a renowned ethnobotanist and psychonaut, identified the puzzling fungus P. cubensis from Amazonian Psilocybes, which has a fascinating history in and of itself (another popular strain). Since then, other variants of this species have appeared, including Albino Penis Envy and Uncut Envy, which can all be distinguished by their significantly increased potency (30–50% more), extremely thick stems, and pale caps.
The Penis Envy Mushroom comes in a wide variety of strains. By observing their appearances, you may distinguish them from one another. When growing immediately next door, it may merely have tiny bumps on top with sharp heads and edges, or it may have light greenish-brown veils that cover the entire mushroom until it reaches maturity. Despite these similarities, though, it still retains its distinctive characteristics.
Alacabenzi Cubensis Magic Mushrooms
Alacabenzi Cubensis Magic Mushrooms is a powerful but controllable strain that, at lower doses, produces physical and spatial effects with calming head effects. Because it alters your view of reality, more distortion of balance may happen with higher doses. The funhouse effect won’t last more than 10 minutes, so customers won’t have much time to enjoy their trip if everything around them is in some manner crooked or bent out of shape.