There are over 200 species of psilocybin mushrooms in the world containing naturally occurring psychoactive compounds. Known by most as “magic mushrooms” these shrooms have a history of being utilized in spiritual and religious ceremonies for mind-altering experiences.
Together we'll explore the most popular psilocybin mushroom types, including Penis Envy, Liberty Caps, Golden Teachers, and more.
Each psilocybin mushroom species varies in the amount of psilocybin and psilocin it contains–and the experience it provides. Psilocybin levels can range from 0.1% to almost 2%, with an average of around 0.8%.
Psilocin is much more bioactive than psilocybin, which actually transforms into psilocin once ingested. The effects of psilocin are similar to those produced by mescaline and LSD and can last for several hours.
In recent years, psilocybin mushrooms have been gaining increased attention for their potential therapeutic benefits and potential to treat mental health disorders like depression, anxiety and PTSD
PSILOCYBIN MUSHROOM TYPES: TOP SPECIES TO KNOW
Here are some popular types of psilocybin mushrooms. While we include dosage guidelines for Psilocybe cubensis, there isn’t enough dedicated research on other strains to include that data for all of them.
1. Psilocybe Cubensis
Psilocybe cubensis is a powerful psychedelic mushroom that is one of the most widely studied psychoactive mushrooms, known for producing powerful hallucinations, altered states of consciousness, and spiritual experiences.
What makes Psilocybe cubensis so special is its multiple strains, like Penis Envy and Golden Teachers, that vary in color, shape, and potency. Here are some popular varieties:
Penis Envy Mushrooms
Penis envy mushrooms can be identified by their large and bulbous stem, similar in shape to a human penis. This strain tends to be more challenging to cultivate than other mushrooms and is also less tolerant to contamination.
Penis Envy is known to have high potency levels and is recommended for psychonauts with a good amount of experience.
Golden Teacher Mushrooms
Golden teacher mushrooms have long, curving stems and wide caps. They are a popular choice for growers because they are easy to cultivate at home and have a moderate level of potency to them. As a result consuming even half a gram of Golden Teacher does not usually yeild hallunications at that particular dosage. What does happen is an enhancement in your mood and mental state.
As always a high dose will yield stronger effects and trips.
Cambodian
Cambodian mushrooms have brown caps and small bodies. This strain grows in warmer conditions and has high potency levels. The trips from Cambodian mushrooms are less visual but bring about more creativity in a person.
2. Psilocybe Semilanceata (Liberty Caps)
Liberty Caps Psilocybin Mushroom
Psilocybe semilanceata, or Liberty Caps, is a well-known magic mushroom that can be easier to find in the wild. These mushrooms have long, thin stems and distinct, convex, bell-shaped caps, which is how they got their nickname.
Liberty Caps are in abundance in Europe, but they can also be found in North America, South Africa, Chile, Northern India, Australia, and New Zealand.
Liberty Caps are found in grassy areas, such as meadows and pastures, from late summer to early winter. They trhive in damp soil and cooler temperatures.
Liberty caps may contain up to 0.98 percent of psilocybin, .02 percent of psilocin, and .36 percent of baeocystin making these mushroom very potent.
3. Panaeolus Cyanescens (Wavy Caps)
P.cyanescens is a mushroom that feeds on decomposing material and foundd commonly on the West Coast of North America. They get their name from their large, caramel-colored caps, which have a wavy shape.
Psilocybe cyanescens mushrooms thrive in cold weather and is easier to grow them outside. These mushrooms can also be grown in gardens and will likely do best around wood chips. Wavy Caps have moderate strength, containing 0.85% psilocybin.
At high levels, users report experiences similar to those of taking DMT, such as spiritual encounters. Others have reported experiencing a body high, auditory and visual hallucinations, nausea, and euphoria.
4. Psilocybe Azurescens (Flying Saucer)
Psilocybe Azurescens, also known as “flying saucer” mushrooms because of their broad, UFO-shaped caps, are native to North America. They have “caramel-colored” caps and stems that are “twisted, cartilaginous, silky white fibrous tissue.” 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 are the most potent out of all the psilocybe species, containing the highest psilocybin content at 1.78%.
Consuming these mushrooms can lead to intense visual experiences, a heavy physical sensation, and profound changes to one’s perception of reality at moderate to high doses.
5. Psilocybe Mexicana
Psilocybe mexicana, often called the “Mexican liberty cap,” can range from a light yellow almost off-white to a dark brown or even a blue hue in certain areas. Since they have irregular shapes, sizes, and colors, it can be difficult to identify them based on their sclerotia alone.
Psilocybe Mexicana can vary and will change depending on how it’s consumed, such as the method of consumption and whether it is raw or dried. However, the average amount of psilocybin was reported to between 0.22 to 0.38 percent.
6. Psilocybe Caerulipes (Blue-Foot)
Known as the “forager’s delight,” or "Blue-Foot" are also extremely hard to find, Psilocybe caerulipes is a blue-footed magic mushroom spotted in the Northeast of the United States.
The most common appearance of this mushroom is blue, but it can also appear as a dark blue or black cap with a white stem.
Potency: In 2022 the National Library of Medicine conducted a study on mushrooms that contained psilocybin, and they discovered that Psilocybe caerulipes had between 0.2 and 0.6 percent of psilocybin and 0.05 to 0.3 percent of psilocin. Users have found a positive experience due to feeling connected to other people, nature, and the universe. Other senses and feelings also become stronger.
7. Psilocybe Allenii
Psilocybe allenii psilocybin mushroom
These mushrooms are known for their hallucinogenic effects and have been used for centuries by Native American cultures for spiritual and medicinal purposes. Psilocybe allenii can be seen along the western coast of the United States, from Washington to San Francisco and often appear in large groups. We still don’t know where this species originated.
The caps of Psilocybe allenii have a caramel-brown color when wet that shifts to a yellowish-straw color as they dry out.
Varieties: Psilocybe allenii cyclone
Potency: Psilocybe allenii may contain up to 1.84 percent of psilocybin, which is highly potent, and anywhere from .04 to 1.81 percent of psilocin, depending on their environment.
Experience: Depending on how much you can tolerate, you will experience mild symptoms, including brighter colors, hallucinations outside of your direct vision, and short-term visual changes. The walls, ceiling, and artwork might appear to glimmer or shake. Also, your pupils can dilate, and your hands will become cold and clammy.
8. Psilocybe Natalensis (Natal Super Strength)
Psilocybe natalensis also known as Natal Super Strength is a unique species of magic mushroom that grows in the Natal region of South Africa. These mushrooms contain high amounts of the psychoactive compounds psilocybin, psilocin, and baeocystin.
Closely related to Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe natalensis is usually much more potent. Some reports suggest that Psilocybe natalensis is twice as potent and more resilient to mold than Psilocybe cubensis. Because of its high resistance to mold, it’s less likely to be corrupted when growing, making it simpler to manage.
The strength of all psilocybin mushrooms varies greatly, but some estimates suggest that, on average, natal super-strength mushrooms are 1.5 to 2 times stronger than P. cubensis.
Where Can You Find Psilocybin Mushrooms?
Psilocybin mushrooms are most commonly found in the wild in humid, warm, and moist environments, such as in wood chips, mulch, and the poop of grazing animals.
Psilocybin mushrooms can also grow in the grass, in cow pastures, as well as on decaying logs in forests. Quite simply they can be found almost anywhere to a certain extent and even in our shop.