Did you know there are over 180 different strains of mushrooms that contain psilocybin?
Even more impressive is that each one could provide potential wellness benefits for patients undergoing treatment. Every species has its own appearance, growing characteristics, and various potency levels, making identification a breeze.
Knowledge is power when it comes to fungus, so it’s crucial that you’re able to tell them apart. When studying spores under a microscope, it helps to know what makes the end product of these compounds unique.
What are the most popular psilocybin mushrooms, and why are they so sought-after?
Here we investigate these various species, examining their characteristics, chemical contents, and history.
Let’s dig in.
5 Popular Psilocybin Mushroom Strains
Magic mushrooms grow all over the world and can trace their history back to the dawn of civilization. There are even theories that suggest these fantastic fungi are responsible for the development of our brains.
Over the years, much of what we know about mycelium and its importance to the environment has been lost. Fortunately, more and more people are rediscovering these age-old teachers, opening minds to an even greater future.
Below, we look at five popular psilocybin spores available in the market today.
1. Golden Teachers
One of the most recognizable strains to psychonauts around the world is the humble Golden Teacher. Not only do they make a profound impact, but they are also one of the easiest options to find.
They belong to the Psilocybe cubensis family, a species renowned for its mesmerizing capabilities and effortless cultivation. While there are various theories on their origin, it’s believed they first surfaced in the 80s.
Golden Teachers get their name for the dazzling yellow-colored caps that flower during maturity. The tops grow just under two inches in diameter and turn a brown hue when they’re ready for harvest.
This psilocybin strain has also been linked to potential medicinal benefits; however, more research is needed. Early studies suggest that these fruiting bodies could assist patients diagnosed with anxiety and depression.
2. Penis Envy
Due to its unparalleled potency, the Penis Envy strain has become the most sought-after strain in today’s market. Many anecdotal claims compare their experience on these shrooms to more potent psychedelic substances as they produce vivid visual hallucinations.
Although they’re also a species of Psilocybe cubensis, this incredible strain doesn’t grow naturally in the wild. Instead, it originates from a lab at the hands of a medical doctor named Steven H. Pollock.
As this psilocybin strain matures, thick white stems erupt from the surface, brandishing small caps that resemble a male appendage. A blue-colored bruising starts forming before they’re ready for harvest, indicating a high psilocin content.
Early studies into these mushrooms points to potential wellness effects that could assist patients with depression. Clinical trials have also used this species in combination with therapy to treat PTSD.
3. Blue Meanie
Blue Meanies are a common name given to a species of psilocybin mushrooms known as Panaeolus cyanescens. It’s said they got their name from a character in the 1968 animated Beatles movie, Yellow Submarine.
While people have found this psychedelic fungus growing around the world, it’s thought that it originated from Asia. Their wild properties were first recorded in Sri Lanka in 1871 by British mycologists Broome and Berkeley.
These magic mushrooms appear innocent to the untrained eye but, in truth, contain a heavy concentration of psilocybin. Stems can reach over 4 inches in height, supporting speckled caps with gray or black gills.
When bruised, the fruiting bodies develop a blue-colored tint, signaling their high psychedelic potency. They tend to sprout from animal dung in the wild during the rainy season.
4. Malabar
The first records of psilocybin mushrooms date back to ancient India, which is also where the Malabar strain originates. Locals call them “the food of the gods” due to the euphoric sensation and vivid colors that apparently appear to users.
This popular strain produces massive fruiting bodies compared to other psychedelic species. As they mature, a host of thick stems emerge, revealing a vail under the cap. Eventually, these magic mushrooms also develop sporadic blue spots.
What sets these fruiting bodies apart from other varieties is their high concentration of psilocybin and psilocin. While little is known about their effects, researchers believe this strain could help patients overcome certain substance addictions.
5. Jedi Mind Fuck
Jedi Mind Fuck, or JMF, is one of the newest additions to the Psilocybe cubensis family. It’s considered the most potent strain of its species and has topped recreational charts since its discovery in the 2000s.
Researchers have found that these spores colonize substrate very quickly, producing thick stemmed mushrooms with large caps. Once harvested, the fruiting bodies develop dark, navy discolorations, indicating their psychedelic power.
While the name of this species certainly captures the imagination, there’s more to these spores than meets the eye. Some studies point to this strain as a potential tool for treating Alzheimer’s disease as they boost connections in the brain.
Natural Portals to Another Dimension
The world of mycology is bursting with undiscovered knowledge, and psychedelic mushrooms are just the tip of the iceberg.
Which of these psilocybin species do you want to study closer?
Check out our online shop to start your research into these popular strain spores.