Origin
Penis Envy holds a significant place within the psychedelic community and stands as one of the initial strains to be cultivated and designated. Another characteristic that sets this strain apart is its distinctive phallic form. In Penis Envy mushrooms, the cap stays closely connected to the stem, and the stem boasts a thickness above the norm, resulting in a visual resemblance to a circumcised penis.
The First Story
According to Hamilton Morris, a well-known psychedelic journalist and the host of Hamilton's Pharmacopeia, the initial account goes like this: a spore print of the mushroom managed to transfer from McKenna's collection to another notable mycologist named Steven Pollock. Subsequently, Pollock played a crucial role in the further cultivation of the strain, eventually giving rise to the Penis Envy variety that has gained affection and recognition today. Morris' coverage of the mushroom, coupled with its distinctively potent psychoactive qualities, has significantly contributed to the widespread popularity of this particular mushroom.
Pollock was shot dead in 1981, and, as Morris alleged, the “great Amazonian proto-penis lay beside him.” The case was never solved.
At this point—Steven Pollock's demise is shrouded in mystery. In 1981, he met a tragic end, allegedly being shot in the head and robbed at his San Antonio pharmacy. Hamilton Morris, in his report for Harper's Magazine, disclosed obtaining a tape recording implicating two purported police officers somehow linked to Pollock's murder.
Following Pollock's death, law enforcement uncovered a staggering 1,753 jars of psychoactive fungi flourishing in his greenhouse, all of which were subsequently destroyed. Remarkably, after this incident, a sample of the Penis Envy strain found its way to another mycologist named Rich Gee (Richard Guitierrez) in Washington. Gee successfully cloned the mushroom, initiating the distribution of its spores to cultivators across the United States.
Despite the multitude of psychedelic mushroom strains growing globally and in laboratories, only one variety has achieved iconic status, managing to make a significant impact on the American mainstream.
The Second Story
In a lengthy two-and-a-half-hour podcast posted on YouTube in April 2021, Hamilton Morris openly acknowledged a significant revelation. He admitted that one of his sources, the notorious mycologist Mushroom John, had purposefully provided him with misleading information regarding the history of Penis Envy.
In the updated narrative, a considerable portion of the credit for the cultivation of Penis Envy is attributed to a secluded mycologist named Richard Guitierrez, also known as Rich Gee. Morris conducted an interview with Guitierrez, who clarified that he obtained one of McKenna's original spores through a hairdresser named Jules, recognized as the go-to person for acquiring mushrooms.
According to Guitierrez, the mushroom's name originated from a conversation he had with a group of strippers back in 1977. Their description of the mushrooms as "donkey dongs" inspired Guitierrez to inquire whether they experienced penis envy, ultimately leading to the naming of the mushroom.
Potency
Are Penis Envy(PE) mushrooms strong?
The potency of Penis Envy mushrooms sparks considerable debate as it can fluctuate significantly. While some assert that these mushrooms are consistently 2x or 3x more potent than standard varieties, this isn't universally true. In fact, certain strains labeled as Penis Envy may be less potent than others.
Without conducting tests, it's challenging to determine potency definitively. One method is to bruise fresh mushrooms with your finger; if they exhibit a prominent blue coloration, it suggests a high concentration of psilocybin.
Numerous accounts and spore retailers assert that Penis Envy (PE) mushrooms pack a potency punch of two to three times that of standard mushrooms. According to journalist and scientist Hamilton Morris, their potency diverges so significantly from other strains that they are often regarded as "almost a different species entirely."
Effects
As with any other type of psychedelic mushroom, penis envy mushrooms can produce a range of physical, perceptual, emotional, psychological, and spiritual effects. These effects include the below.
- Enhancement of colors
- Morphing of objects
- Auditory distortions
- Intense feelings of euphoria and joy
- Deep introspection
- Philosophical thoughts
- Distortion of space and time
- Synesthesia (i.e., “hearing colors”, “seeing sounds”)
- Mystical states like feeling connected to the universe
Regarding color, Penis Envy mushrooms typically span from a light tan to a deeper brown hue, although there are variations among different types. Having existed for a significant duration, Penis Envy now has various offshoots from the original variety. Similar to other psilocybin-containing mushrooms, the presence of blue bruising on the stem can signify a high psilocybin content. Additionally, they can be recognized by their underdeveloped cap and occasionally the lack of a veil that typically separates the cap and stem.
Experts and growers have successfully identified and cultivated other Penis Envy (PE) crosses. One notable example, as highlighted by Harris, is Albino Penis Envy (commonly referred to as APE), which features a distinctive white coloring. Another variant, Penis Envy Uncut, derives its name from the specific contours it exhibits.
As a result, Penis Envy has become one of the most sought-after strains of psilocybe cubensis, the most common species of psychedelic mushroom and is one of our most popular in the dried mushroom category.