John Miller
In the world of psychedelics, the use of manure as a growing substrate for mushrooms is a topic of debate. While some advocate for its use, citing enhanced growth and potency, others express concerns about public perception and potential health risks associated with using animal waste. Colorado's recent legalization of medical psilocybin has left regulatory decisions to lawmakers, including the consideration of manure as a growing medium. This discussion highlights the complexities of balancing traditional practices, cost, and environmental factors with potential health and safety implications in the emerging legal psychedelics industry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can psychedelic mushrooms be grown in manure? | Yes, some psychedelic mushrooms can be grown in manure. |
| Examples of manure-grown psychedelic mushrooms | Psilocybe cubensis |
| Regions where manure is used as a substrate | Queensland, Australia; Colorado, USA |
| Advantages of manure as a substrate | Cheaper than other substrates; promotes more potent growth; environmentally friendly alternative to coir |
| Disadvantages of manure as a substrate | Risk of contamination by E. coli or salmonella; negative public perception of medical mushrooms grown in animal waste |
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What You'll Learn
Manure is a cheaper substrate than alternatives like coco coir
Manure is typically cheaper than other substrates and promotes more potent mushroom growth for certain species. It is also a very nutrient-rich substrate. The main drawback of manure is that it is messier than other substrates, and it requires sterilization before sale unless purchased straight from the source. Coco coir, on the other hand, is a material made of ground-up coconut shells and husks, widely available at most garden stores. It is often mixed with vermiculite, a yellowish-brown mineral that helps retain moisture, to create an ideal substrate for growing some types of mushrooms.
While manure may be cheaper, it is not always necessary to use it to achieve good results. For example, one grower reports that they have achieved the same size yields and fruits using coir as they have with manure. Coco coir is also easier to use than manure, as it does not need to be sterilized before use. However, manure does have its advantages. It has tons of nitrogen, which can lead to larger fruits and more flushes. One grower reports that the most massive shroom they ever grew was on a manure/straw substrate.
While manure may be cheaper, it is important to consider other factors when choosing a substrate, such as ease of use, yield, and potential contamination. Growers should also be aware that certain species of mushrooms may not grow well in manure, as it is not an ideal growing medium for most species of edible mushrooms.
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Manure promotes potent mushroom growth for certain species
Manure has been a topic of debate among officials in Colorado's new commercial psychedelics division, who are considering whether to allow it as a mushroom-growing substrate. While some argue that manure is cheaper than other substrates and promotes more vigorous mushroom growth for certain species, others express concern about the public perception of medical mushrooms cultivated in animal waste.
Manure has been traditionally used by some Indigenous groups to grow mushrooms, and it is also commonly used to grow vegetables. Manure-based substrates always require pasteurization and open-air spawning. The use of manure can result in "'dirtier' mushrooms, potentially due to the introduction of bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella during the growing process.
To address these concerns, growers can sterilize the mushrooms before sale, ensuring they are free from harmful contaminants. Additionally, manure-based substrates can be blended with other materials, such as coir, vermiculite, and gypsum, to create a balanced and effective growing medium. These blends provide the necessary nutrition, texture, and moisture retention for mushroom production while minimizing the reliance on manure alone.
While manure may not be necessary for all psychedelic mushroom species, it can enhance the growth of certain varieties. Growers can opt for alternative substrates or blends that align with their preferences and specific mushroom cultivation requirements. Ultimately, the decision to use manure or alternative substrates depends on various factors, including tradition, cost, effectiveness, and public perception.
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Vegetables are often grown in manure, so why not mushrooms?
Colorado's new commercial psychedelics division is considering whether to allow manure as a growing substrate for mushrooms. The state's voter-approved initiative that legalized medical psilocybin and decriminalized other psychedelics left regulatory decisions to lawmakers and government agencies. The new psychedelics law mandated that any future rules respect the practices of Indigenous people, and some Indigenous groups grow mushrooms in manure.
Attorney Mason Marks noted that many vegetables are grown on manure, so growing mushrooms in manure shouldn't be any different. Manure is typically cheaper than other substrates and promotes more potent mushroom growth for certain species. It is also high in nitrogen, which is important for the yield and quality of the final product. Manure-based substrates always require pasteurization with open-air spawning.
However, some mushroom entrepreneurs expressed concerns about the public perception of medical mushrooms grown in animal waste. While officials acknowledged the need to respect Indigenous traditions, they have not committed to any rules regarding manure. Regulations would only apply to licensed psilocybin businesses, not personal use or cultivation.
It is important to note that mushrooms can grow in various substrates, including wood, leaves, grass, and tree parts. They are saprotrophs, or decomposers of dead organic material, returning nutrients to the soil to support growing plants and animals. Mushrooms can also absorb and concentrate chemicals like herbicides and insecticides, making them toxic to consume.
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Indigenous groups have grown mushrooms in manure
Colorado's new commercial psychedelics division is considering whether to allow manure as a mushroom-growing substrate. The state's voter-approved initiative that legalized medical psilocybin and decriminalized other psychedelics mandated that any future rules respect the practices of Indigenous people, and some Indigenous groups grow mushrooms in manure.
Indigenous groups in Uganda and Sub-Saharan Africa have traditionally cultivated wild saprophytic mushrooms using artisanal practices. These mushrooms are used as food or medicine. Similarly, in Mexico, some Indigenous groups use Psilocybe zapotecorum, a strongly blue-bruising psilocybin mushroom, for ceremonial purposes.
In addition to these specific examples, there is a rich history of Indigenous groups worldwide using psilocybin mushrooms for various purposes. An annotated bibliography published in the Journal of Psychedelic Studies in 2024 compiles 49 texts concerning psilocybin mushroom practices developed by Indigenous peoples. The texts explore how Indigenous cultures have related to, utilized, and conceptualized psilocybin mushrooms and the effects of their consumption. The bibliography is organized by geographic region, with sections dedicated to Indigenous peoples in Mexico, Central and South America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and other parts of the world.
While manure is typically cheaper than other substrates and promotes more potent mushroom growth for certain species, there are concerns about the public perception of medical mushrooms grown in animal waste. However, it is important to note that many of the vegetables people consume are grown using manure. Additionally, manure can be used as a substrate for mushrooms grown for personal use or cultivation, which is not subject to the same regulatory considerations as licensed psilocybin businesses.
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Manure-grown mushrooms are less likely to be contaminated
Manure is often used as a growing substrate for mushrooms, including psychedelic mushrooms like Psilocybe cubensis. While the use of manure in mushroom cultivation has been debated, particularly in the context of commercial psychedelics in Colorado, it is important to consider the potential benefits and risks associated with this practice.
One advantage of using manure as a growing substrate is that it can promote more potent mushroom growth for certain species. Manure provides the necessary nutrients and conditioning for mushrooms to thrive. Additionally, manure is typically cheaper than other substrates, making it a cost-effective option for mushroom cultivation.
The concern regarding the use of manure primarily arises from the potential risk of contamination. Animal manure can be a source of human pathogens, and crop contamination with animal feces has been linked to foodborne outbreaks. However, research published in the Journal of Food Protection has shown that the heat generated during normal composting kills human pathogens in manure, making it safe for mushroom growth. The process of composting manure involves a scientifically valid, controlled physical and/or chemical process that meets specific microbial standards, ensuring the elimination of harmful pathogens.
Furthermore, the regulations and guidelines surrounding mushroom cultivation aim to minimize the potential for microbial contamination. The Mushroom Good Agricultural Practices (MGAP) program, developed by the American Mushroom Institute and Penn State, provides voluntary farm food safety standards. These standards include guidelines for the careful management of animal products used in substrate preparation to reduce the risk of contamination. Additionally, the Produce Safety Standards rule, part of the Food Safety Modernization Act, outlines requirements for controlling potential food safety hazards, including the use of soil supplements containing animal manure.
While the debate around the use of manure in mushroom cultivation continues, it is important to recognize that manure-grown mushrooms are not inherently more contaminated. With proper composting, sterilization, and adherence to food safety regulations, the risk of contamination can be effectively mitigated. Therefore, it can be concluded that manure-grown mushrooms are less likely to be contaminated when appropriate safety measures are implemented.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some psychedelic mushrooms are grown in manure.
Mushrooms can be found growing in lawns, mulch, next to trees, leaves, wood chips, and trees.
No, manure is not necessary to grow psychedelic mushrooms. However, manure promotes more potent mushroom growth for certain species.
Common alternatives to manure include coir, vermiculite, and gypsum.
Using manure to grow psychedelic mushrooms may introduce E. coli or salmonella into the final product. Additionally, some consumers may be hesitant to purchase mushrooms grown in animal waste.
