The Magic Of Growing Psychedelic Mushrooms

Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. They are commonly used as recreational drugs and have been used in Mexican and Central American cultures in religious, divinatory, or spiritual contexts. The process of growing psychedelic mushrooms at home involves several steps, including strain selection, substrate preparation, inoculation, incubation, initiation, fruiting, and harvesting. Sterilization is a crucial step in mushroom cultivation to prevent contamination and ensure successful growth. Proper drying and storage methods are also important to maintain the potency of the mushrooms and prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.

Sterilization and sanitation

Sterilization Techniques

• Pressure Cooking: Place the substrates in a pressure cooker to sterilize them and kill any potential contaminants.
• Cooling: After sterilization, allow the substrates to cool to room temperature before introducing mushroom spores or spawn.
• Sterile Equipment: Use sterile syringes for spore inoculation, ensuring a clean transfer of spores to the substrate. Mason jars or grow bags can serve as containers during inoculation and colonization.
• Protective Gear: Wear gloves and face masks to maintain sterility and prevent contamination from the handler.
• Monitoring: Use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor environmental conditions, particularly temperature and humidity, which are critical for mushroom growth.

Sanitation Practices

• Clean Environment: Maintain a clean, dust-free environment to prevent contamination.
• Hand Sanitation: Ensure clean hands or use sterile gloves to prevent contamination during handling.
• Grow Tents: Consider using grow tents, which provide a stable and efficient growing environment with built-in ventilation systems, reducing the risk of contamination.
• Harvesting: Harvest mushrooms by gently twisting and pulling them from the substrate to avoid damaging the underlying mycelium, which can produce further flushes.

By following these sterilization and sanitation practices, you can create optimal conditions for growing psychedelic mushrooms and minimize the risk of contamination.

Species selection

Desired Effects

Different species of psychedelic mushrooms produce varying psychological and physical effects. Some species are known for their potent hallucinogenic effects, such as vivid hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. For example, the Psilocybe genus, including P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens, are renowned for their potency. On the other hand, some species may have milder effects, like the Golden Teachers strain, which is often chosen by beginners for its ease of growth and mellow experience. It is important to research the effects of different species to align with your desired experience.

Ease of Cultivation

Some species of psychedelic mushrooms are more challenging to cultivate than others. Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) and Shiitake mushrooms are examples of species with varying cultivation difficulties. Oyster mushrooms have a faster growth rate and are generally considered easier to cultivate than Shiitake mushrooms, which require a longer incubation period. Additionally, some species may require specific growing conditions, such as temperature and humidity control, that can influence the ease of cultivation.

Legal Considerations

It is essential to consider the legal status of the species you plan to cultivate. While the spores of magic mushrooms are generally legal due to the absence of psilocybin, the grown mushrooms containing psilocybin may have different legal standings in various jurisdictions. For instance, psilocybin is decriminalized in some places, like Colorado and Oakland, California, but possession may still result in legal trouble with federal or state authorities. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the legal implications of the species you choose to grow.

Environmental Preferences

Different species of psychedelic mushrooms have specific environmental preferences for optimal growth. For example, Psilocybe mushrooms thrive in tropical and subtropical conditions, often found near cattle due to the ideal conditions provided by their presence. They prefer a steady supply of water and nutrients, which is more readily available in temperate to tropical rainforests. Understanding the natural habitat of the species you select will help you replicate suitable growing conditions.

Availability of Resources

Consider the availability of resources required for cultivating a particular species. Some species may have specific nutritional requirements that can be challenging to source. For instance, Psilocybe mushrooms favour freshly ground rice flour, which is not commonly sold in stores, requiring you to hand-prepare it using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle. Ensure that you have the necessary resources and equipment to meet the nutritional and environmental needs of the chosen species.

Environmental conditions

Psychedelic mushrooms require specific environmental conditions to grow. These include the right nutrients, suitable temperatures, adequate humidity, and proper light conditions.

Temperature

Temperature is a critical factor in the growth of psychedelic mushrooms. Most species of these mushrooms thrive in temperatures in the 60s Fahrenheit. A temperature range of 62-65°F is ideal for optimal growth and fruiting. At this temperature, mushrooms exhibit good fruiting speed and high quality. As the temperature decreases, the growth slows down, and the mushrooms develop a meatier texture. When the temperature drops below 50-55°F, many species significantly reduce their productivity. On the other hand, as the temperature rises above 75°F, many species become less productive and produce lower-quality mushrooms.

Humidity

Humidity is another crucial aspect of the growing environment. Unlike savannahs, where humidity is concentrated in specific rainy months, psychedelic mushrooms prefer a steady supply of water and nutrients throughout the growing season.

Light

Lighting requirements vary depending on the mushroom species. Specialty mushrooms, unlike Psilocybe and Agaricus (button) mushrooms, require light for proper morphology. While there is no specific light spectrum necessary, as the mushrooms do not convert light into energy, light is essential for them to determine how far to extend their stems. Low-light environments tend to produce skinny mushrooms with long stems, similar to plants grown in similar conditions. Regular shop lights or energy-efficient LED strip lights can provide sufficient lighting for mushroom growth.

Sterilization

Sterilization is a key step in creating the optimal environment for mushroom cultivation. This process involves using a pressure cooker to sterilize the substrates, killing any potential contaminants that could hinder mushroom growth. After sterilization, the substrate must be allowed to cool to room temperature before introducing the mushroom spores or spawn. Maintaining a sterile environment during cultivation is essential, and this includes using sterile syringes for spore inoculation, wearing protective gear like gloves and face masks, and utilizing mason jars or grow bags as containers.

Harvesting

After harvesting, the next crucial steps are proper drying and storage. These processes are key to maintaining the mushrooms' potency, preventing the degradation of the psychoactive compounds, and avoiding the growth of mold and bacteria. To dry your mushrooms, lay them out on a clean, absorbent paper in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight. A fan can be used to gently circulate air around the mushrooms, reducing the initial moisture content. This process typically lasts 24-48 hours, depending on the ambient humidity and size of the mushrooms. Once the mushrooms are dry, they can be stored in a cool, dark environment, where they will remain potent for 2-3 years. Alternatively, they can be stored in a freezer indefinitely.

If you have access to a food dehydrator, this can also be used to dry your mushrooms. Set the dehydrator between 95-105°F (35-40°C). Psilocybe mushrooms are well preserved by dehydrators.

Remember, sanitation is key when growing psychedelic mushrooms. Ensure that your growing environment and all tools are clean and dust-free to protect your mushrooms from contamination.

Drying and storage

Once the mushrooms have been sufficiently dried, a food dehydrator set between 95-105°F (35-40°C) can be used to further preserve them. Alternatively, they can be stored in a cool, dark environment, where they will remain potent for 2-3 years. Freezer storage is also an option, lasting indefinitely.

Proper sanitation and sterility are critical throughout the cultivation process to ensure the success of the crop and the safety of the consumer. This includes maintaining a clean, dust-free environment, using sterile syringes for spore inoculation, and wearing protective gear such as gloves and face masks to prevent contamination.

It is important to note that the cultivation and use of psychedelic mushrooms may be illegal in certain jurisdictions, and individuals should be aware of the associated risks and legal implications. Additionally, the psychological consequences of consuming psilocybin mushrooms can include hallucinations, panic reactions, and psychosis, particularly if a large dose is ingested.

Frequently asked questions