Michael Davis
Mushroom spores are the reproductive engine of mushrooms and can be compared to seeds. They are used to cultivate mushrooms. The legality of mushroom spores varies depending on location. In the US, the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA) classifies psilocybin, the chemical found in psilocybin mushrooms, as a Schedule I substance, making its cultivation, possession, and sale illegal. However, the CSA does not consider mushroom spores controlled substances if they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin. The legality of psilocybin spores is ambiguous, with ongoing discussions about their potential benefits for therapeutic, medicinal, spiritual, and recreational purposes. Growing mushrooms from spores can be challenging and time-consuming, and contamination is a common issue. Purchasing spores and cultivating mushrooms may be more expensive than buying mushrooms, but it offers enthusiasts the opportunity to explore mycology and experience the joy of growing their own mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality | Psilocybin, the chemical found in psilocybin mushrooms, is classified as a Schedule I substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act ("CSA"), which means that the cultivation, possession, or sale of psilocybin is illegal in all contexts under federal law. However, there is some ambiguity and confusion between federal, state, and local laws, and the DEA has stated that if mushroom spores do not contain psilocybin or psilocin, they are not controlled under the CSA. |
| Cultivation | Mushroom spores can be used to cultivate mushrooms, and some sources provide instructions and tips for doing so. However, it is important to note that the legality of cultivating psilocybin mushrooms may vary depending on location. |
| Shelf Life | Mushroom spores have a longer shelf life than liquid culture, which requires refrigeration and has a shorter shelf life. |
| Purpose | Mushroom spores are marketed for educational microscopy and research purposes, while liquid culture is used for cultivating edible and medicinal mushrooms. |
| Contamination | Mushroom spores are prone to contamination, and it is recommended to use agar to obtain a clean culture before use. |
| Replacement Policies | Some vendors offer replacement or refund policies for contaminated or unusable mushroom spores. |
| Allergies and Precautions | Mushrooms produce spores at the end of their growth cycle, and individuals with respiratory allergies or compromised immune systems should take precautions when handling spores, such as wearing a face covering and ensuring proper ventilation. |
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What You'll Learn
Legality of buying mushroom spores
The legality of buying mushroom spores varies by location and intended use. In the United States, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has stated that mushroom spores that do not contain psilocybin, psilocin, or any other controlled substance are not prohibited under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). However, the intent to use spores to cultivate psilocybin mushrooms is federally illegal under the CSA.
At the state level, laws vary, with some states explicitly criminalizing the possession of psilocybin mushroom spores, including California, Georgia, and Idaho. In California, it is illegal to cultivate, transport, sell, furnish, or give away spores capable of producing mushrooms that contain a controlled substance. However, psilocybin spores are legal for research, educational, and collecting purposes in California when "lawfully obtained and used for bona fide research, instruction, or analysis." Other states, like Oregon, have decriminalized psilocybin and legalized it for therapeutic use for individuals over 21 years old.
Outside of the United States, the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms and their spores also varies. Psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule I drugs under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which requires members to prohibit their use outside of medical and scientific research. However, the convention does not specifically include mushrooms containing these substances due to pressure from the Mexican government. As a result, the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms and their spores is subject to national and local laws, with some countries and jurisdictions regulating or prohibiting their use. For example, Germany has criminalized the possession of psilocybin mushroom spores since 1998.
It is important to research the specific laws and regulations in your location before buying, selling, or possessing mushroom spores to ensure compliance with the relevant legislation.
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Growing mushrooms from spores
Choosing the Right Mushroom Spores
Firstly, you need to choose the type of mushroom spores you want to grow. Different mushrooms have different ideal conditions, so it is important to select a mushroom variety that will thrive in your specific environment. Some common mushrooms that people grow include Agaricus bisporus, also known as white button mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms.
Preparing the Substrate
The substrate is the material that the spores will grow on. Mushrooms require specific nutrients, including sugar, starch, lignin, fats, protein, and nitrogen. Common substrates include compost, grain spawn, or pre-made growing kits. If you choose to make your own compost, it should include horse manure, as this is safe for mushroom growth. Fill a plastic tray with about 10 cm of your chosen substrate and distribute the spores on top.
Maintaining Optimal Conditions
Mushrooms require consistent warm temperatures and high moisture levels without standing water. A garden shed, basement, or under-sink area can provide suitable conditions, depending on the temperature of your house. Keep the environment clean to prevent contamination, and maintain some airflow. You can increase humidity by routinely spraying the substrate with water.
Encouraging Mycelium Growth
Cover the tray with a damp newspaper, ensuring that a little air can still get in. Maintain a temperature of around 23°C/73°F for the first 2-3 weeks. During this time, you should see the mycelium starting to grow—it will look like a bunch of white threads covering the surface. Once the surface is covered with the mycelium, remove the newspaper, wet the surface well, and then cover it with a different material called the casing.
Final Steps
After casing, continue to provide optimal conditions for the mushrooms to grow. With the right care and patience, your spores will develop into full-grown mushrooms. Remember that growing mushrooms can take time and practice to perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't succeed.
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Using liquid spores
Using liquid mushroom spores, also known as liquid culture, is a method of mushroom cultivation that offers faster colonisation and more predictable outcomes than spore inoculation. It is also a simpler process than agar work. Liquid culture is a nutrient-rich solution that promotes the growth of mushroom mycelium, the vegetative part of a fungus. Sugar is the key ingredient in liquid culture, providing essential nutrients for the growth and development of mushroom mycelium. Common types of sugar used include light malt extract, dextrose (glucose), and honey. Precise measurement of ingredients is important to achieve the optimal sugar-to-water ratio. For example, for light malt extract, use one gram for every 600 millilitres of water, and for honey, use 24 grams per 600 millilitres of water.
Liquid culture is typically stored and dispensed from a syringe that can be used to inoculate any mushroom medium easily. Before using the liquid culture syringe, gently shake it for one minute to evenly distribute the mycelium throughout the liquid, ensuring a more consistent inoculation. Creating a sterile work area is crucial to prevent contamination during the inoculation process. After using the liquid culture syringe, replace the cap and store it in a cool, dark place, preferably the fridge. Never freeze liquid culture or store it above 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Liquid culture allows for the inoculation of grain, creating grain spawn, which is a crucial step in cultivating mushrooms. Grain spawn can be inoculated on everyday surfaces like a kitchen counter, eliminating the need for specialised equipment. However, it is important to ensure that the grain is sterilised and has the proper moisture content before inoculation. This can be done using a pressure cooker or autoclave, sterilising the grain at 15 PSI for 150 minutes.
Liquid culture is a great option for those looking to level up their mushroom-growing game. It offers a more accessible and affordable method of mushroom cultivation, allowing growers to create their own grain spawn at a fraction of the price of buying it from a supplier. With liquid culture, you can cultivate various mushroom types, including oyster mushrooms.
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Using grain spawn
Grain spawn is a traditional way to propagate mushroom cultures and is one of the most beginner-friendly ways to grow mushrooms. It involves using mushroom mycelium growing on a substrate of sterilized grain. The grains provide nutrients for the mycelium to feed on and grow, and when fully colonized, it's easy to break the grain spawn into small pieces.
To make grain spawn at home, you'll need to start with sterilized grain. The most common grain used for mushroom cultivation is rye due to its water-absorbing qualities, nutrient makeup, and ability to support mushroom growth. Other grains that can be used include wheat, brown rice, white rice, wild bird seed, popcorn, barley, and millet. It's important to properly prepare and sterilize the grain, ensuring it has the right moisture content to promote mycelial expansion. The grains should be rinsed multiple times in cold water to remove any contaminants and then soaked in water with a small amount of coffee and gypsum, which helps prevent the grains from sticking together.
Once the grains have been soaked, drain them into a colander and shake to allow the steam to evaporate. Spread the grains into a thin layer and allow them to dry for about an hour. The grains should be dry on the outside and swollen with water on the inside. Load the dry grains into jars, filling them about 2/3 to 3/4 full. The jar lids should have a breathable filter to allow for gas exchange during incubation. This can be achieved by drilling a small hole in the lid and covering it with synthetic pillow stuffing, which will prevent contaminants while allowing the mycelium to breathe.
At this stage, the jars can be inoculated with a culture syringe by injecting directly through the pillow stuffing. Grain spawn can be used to inoculate other substrates, as mushrooms prefer to fruit off grain mixed with substrates like manure, hardwood, sawdust, compost, or straw. Oyster mushrooms, for example, will grow on all of these substrates. Grain spawn can be used for indoor or outdoor growing, but it's important to note that it cannot be used for log inoculation.
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Legal repercussions of selling spores
The legal repercussions of selling mushroom spores vary depending on the jurisdiction. Psilocybin, the chemical found in psilocybin mushrooms, is classified as a Schedule I substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act ("CSA") in the US, making the cultivation, possession, or sale of psilocybin illegal in all contexts under federal law. However, the DEA has clarified that psilocybin spores themselves are not prohibited under federal law. This distinction exists because psilocybin mushrooms as a whole are not classified as a federally illegal controlled substance; rather, psilocybin or psilocin are the specific controlled substances listed under Schedule I of the CSA. As a result, spores that do not contain psilocybin or psilocin may be legal to possess and sell in certain areas.
In the United States, there is variation among states regarding the legality of selling mushroom spores. For example, California specifically prohibits the cultivation, transportation, sale, or distribution of spores capable of producing mushrooms that contain controlled substances. However, psilocybin spores are legal in California when used for research, instruction, or analysis approved by the Research Advisory Panel. Other states, such as Oregon and Colorado, have legalized the use of psilocybin, while some jurisdictions within states have enacted laws to criminalize the possession and sale of psilocybin mushroom spores, including California, Georgia, and Idaho. Outside of the US, Germany has also criminalized the possession of psilocybin mushroom spores since 1998.
Despite some jurisdictions legalizing or decriminalizing the use of psilocybin, it remains federally illegal in the US and prohibited by the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which requires its members to restrict the use of the drug to medical and scientific research. Possession and use of psilocybin are generally prohibited under this framework and often carry severe legal penalties. However, the convention did not specifically include mushrooms containing the drug due to pressure from the Mexican government. As a result of this ambiguity and selective enforcement, an underground economy has emerged, along with an internet-based social network supporting the illicit activity.
To summarize, the legal repercussions of selling mushroom spores depend on the specific jurisdiction and the intended use of the spores. While spores that do not contain psilocybin or psilocin may be legal in some areas, selling spores with the intent to cultivate controlled substances is generally illegal and can lead to severe penalties. Individuals and businesses involved in the sale of mushroom spores should consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance with applicable laws and mitigate legal risks.
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Frequently asked questions
The legality of buying mushroom spores varies depending on location. In the US, the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA) classifies psilocybin, the chemical found in psilocybin mushrooms, as a Schedule I substance, making its cultivation, possession, and sale illegal. However, the CSA does not consider mushroom spores controlled substances if they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin. The legality of psilocybin spores is ambiguous and subject to ongoing discourse and interpretation.
Mushroom spores are often used for microscopy research and educational purposes. They can also be used for cultivating mushrooms, either for gourmet, medicinal, or recreational purposes.
Yes, mushroom spores do have a shelf life. Liquid cultures, in particular, require refrigeration and have a shorter shelf life.
To grow mushrooms from spores, you can mix the spores with water and spray a suitable substrate. However, this method may result in contamination and is less effective than standard procedures. It is recommended to use agar to obtain a clean culture before transferring to a substrate.
There are various online retailers, such as North Spore and Fungushead, that offer mushroom spores and related products. These retailers often provide guarantees for their products and can be a source of information for growing mushrooms.
