In the natural world there are mysterious organisms that have fascinated the human imagination and stimulated the senses for centuries. Popularly known as Magic Mushrooms – Psilocybe is not only a type of mushroom, but also a gateway to unusual experiences and deep thoughts. In recent years, thanks to the growing interest in psychedelics, magic mushrooms have gained new life in modern culture. Today we will discover the diversity of these fascinating organisms and the potential they can bring into our lives. Get ready for a journey through the world of Psilocybe, where each variety hides its unique history and the promise of rediscovering itself. Welcome to an unknown world where the magic of nature meets science and human experience.
A word of introduction
The use of psychoactive substances has a long tradition, and almost every ancient civilization has reached for substances that affect the perception of reality. To date, more than 200 types of plants and about 80 species of hallucinogenic mushrooms have been recognized, in which thousands of chemical compounds have been discovered.
The use of Psilocybe mushrooms in cultural traditions dates back thousands of years. Many Native American peoples, including the Aztec and Mazatec Indians, used these mushrooms in religious ceremonies and for healing. Over time, in the 1960s, Psilocybe began to gain popularity in Western culture, being used in experimental or recreational contexts.
Magic mushrooms are the most widely used psychedelics in the European Union. Their effects are related to the presence of substances such as psilocybin, psilocin, beaocystin and norbaeocystin. In recent years, these natural psychedelics have been gaining increasing recognition, both among enthusiasts and in the research community interested in their potential therapeutic properties.
Mushrooms of the Psilocybe family can be found on almost all continents, but the largest number of their species with psychoactive effects (more than 30) is found in Mexico. More than a dozen Psilocybe genera grow in Europe, only a few of which have pronounced hallucinogenic properties. Psilocybes grow on soil, fertilizer and plant debris. They can be found in grass, usually in open areas, although they also occur in forests, usually in forest clearings.
Action
The effects of magic mushrooms are primarily related to the presence of psilocybin. This compound, when ingested, transforms into psilocin, which acts on serotonin receptors in the brain. It causes changes in perception, mood and consciousness. Psychedelic experiences can include intense visions, changes in perception of time, and deep spiritual and emotional reflections.
For convenience, I have included a brief summary of the effects of psilocybin on the body.
Positives:
- mood improvement, euphoria
- mystical experiences that change views on life
- introspection
- monotonous tasks or pastimes may become more interesting and fun
- joy, laughter
- a paradoxical sense of normalcy and a profound change in the psyche
- creative, philosophical and insightful thinking
- a feeling of oneness with people and the world
- intense feelings of awe
Neutral:
- hallucinations with eyes open and closed
- increased sensitivity to light
- dilation of the pupils
- Increased detection of motion in the peripheral visual field
- altered sense of time
- rainbow/neon patterns around light sources
- increased emotional sensitivity
- revival of memories
- drowsiness or increased energy
Negative:
- anxiety, paranoia
- dizziness, fainting
- memory disorders
- nausea, bloating, gastrointestinal discomfort
- severe, long-lasting headaches
- may trigger or exacerbate underlying or existing disorders
- psychosomatic disorders
- disorientation
- intense feelings of fear
Key Psilocybe species
The most well-known and common types of psychoactive mushroom varieties in the genus Psilocybe are:
- Psilocybe azurescens
Psilocybe azurescens is one of the most potent varieties, and the richest in psychoactive alkaloids. It is a saprophytic fungus, growing naturally in North America, along the Pacific Ocean coast, but due to its popularity it has spread to Germany, the Netherlands and New Zealand. As for the habitat, the mushrooms grow among sand dunes in grassy clumps and on rotten wood. The properties of this species were discovered by mycologists Paul Stamets and Jochen Gartz in 1995. The variety is named Azurescens in honor of Stamets’ son, named Azureus.
- Psilocybe bohemica
Psilocybe bohemica is found mainly in Europe. It grows in gardens, parks, roadsides, on decayed wood, twigs, compost, plant debris. Bohemica is relatively rich in psychoactive alkaloids, mainly psilocybin and psilocin.
- Psilocybe semilanceata
Psilocybe semilanceata is both one of the most widely distributed psilocybin mushrooms in nature and one of the most potent. The variety is mainly found in temperate areas of the northern hemisphere in Europe and America. It prefers open areas, pastures, meadows, fields, lawns, roadsides. It grows especially abundantly in areas where cows and sheep graze. A characteristic feature of this species is that it leaves a blue color on the hands when harvested, which is a sign of the psilocybin found in it. Because of its appearance and psychedelic properties, it is also called Liberty Cap.
- Psilocybe cyanescens
Psilocybe cyanescens also called Wavy Caps, Blueleg Brownie. The species name comes from the shape of the cap and the blue color that appears at the site of damage to the mushroom. It is found in America, from where it was brought to Europe, growing in woody areas and tall grasses.
- Psilocybe cubensis
Psilocybe cubensis is considered one of the most widespread psilocybin mushroom species in the world. The species is most often found in grasslands and pastures, as it is a coprophilous fungus – thriving on the feces of livestock. It naturally occurs in North, Central and South America, as well as Australia and Asia.
Cubensis was first described scientifically in 1906 by American mycologist Franklin Sumner Earle, who discovered them in Cuba and gave them the name Stropharia cubensis. Over the following decades, other scientists found more specimens of these mushrooms, but their psychoactive properties remained unknown until the 1950s. A pivotal moment was an expedition by American ethnomycologist R. Gordon Wasson to Mexico in 1955. Wasson took part in a ritual where magic mushrooms were used, and collected samples of the mushrooms, which were later identified as species of the genus Psilocybe.
The Cubensis variety is one of the most popular species of magic mushrooms, often grown at home (mycelium of various Cubensis varieties can be found in our store). Although its varieties are relatively easy to grow, several important rules must be followed, such as creating the right conditions for growth (proper humidity, temperature and lighting) and maintaining sterile hygiene practices (such as disinfecting your hands before doing anything).
It is worth bearing in mind that although psilocybe mushroom mycelium is fully legal, the cultivation of Psilocybe Cubensis in many countries is against current laws. When you decide to grow these mushrooms at home, you do so at your own risk.
The following summary provides more insight into the differences in the psychoactive alkaloid content of various Psilocybe mushroom species on a dry weight basis.
|
Species |
% psilocybin |
% psilocin |
% baeocystin |
|
Psilocybe azurescens |
1,78 |
0,38 |
0,03 |
|
Psilocybe bohemica |
1,34 |
0,11 |
0,02 |
|
Psilocybe semilanceata |
0,98 |
0,02 |
0,36 |
|
Psilocybe baeocystis |
0,85 |
0,59 |
0,10 |
|
Psilocybe cyanescens |
0,85 |
0,36 |
0,03 |
|
Psilocybe cubensis |
0,63 |
0,60 |
0,25 |
|
Psilocybe weilii |
0,61 |
0,27 |
0,05 |
|
Psilocybe stuntzii |
0,36 |
0,12 |
0,02 |
Warning!
Picking psychoactive mushrooms, like edible ones, requires great caution and good knowledge of the subject to avoid tragic mistakes. Some species of poisonous mushrooms resemble Psilocybe in appearance, and often grow in their company. Noteworthy are the genera Galerina and Conocybe. More than 50 species of Galerina can be found in Europe, including Galerina autumnalis and Galerina marginata, both of which contain strong toxins similar to those found in the toadstool (Amanita phalloides). In the case of Conocybe, the species Blattaria and Filaris are particularly dangerous, and can be mistakenly collected by those looking for Psilocybe.
Because of the risk of confusion, even experienced mushroom pickers are advised to be cautious, and beginners are strongly advised against collecting psilocybe mushrooms on their own. It is always advisable to use mycological literature, guides or consult experts before deciding to pick and consume mushrooms.
The legal status of Psilocybe mushrooms, varies from country to country. However, in some countries, there are increasing debates about legalizing or decriminalizing psychoactive substances, including psilocybe mushrooms. In the United States, some states and cities are beginning to legalize them or regulate their use in a therapeutic context.
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the current laws in your country or region and exercise caution so as not to violate applicable laws.
