Emma Wilson
Growing magic mushrooms is a delicate process that demands meticulous attention to detail to prevent contamination. It is a rewarding endeavour that requires a highly sterile environment for successful growth. The choice of substrate is crucial as it forms the foundation for healthy mushroom growth. Common options include rye grain, brown rice flour, vermiculite, and coco coir. The PF Tek method is a classic approach suitable for beginners, while the grain spawn method is ideal for growers with some experience. After harvesting, the next crucial steps are proper drying and storage to maintain the mushrooms' potency and prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Psilocybin and psilocin |
| Effects | Hallucinations, heightened emotions and senses, enhanced touch, temperature and reaction to light, distorted sense of reality, paranoia, loss of boundaries, distorted sense of self, impaired judgment, anxiety, nervousness, yawning, nausea, drowsiness, relaxation, laughter, happiness, creativity, mental clarity, enhanced music and colours |
| Time taken for effects to appear | 15-45 minutes |
| Duration of effects | 4-6 hours |
| Forms in which they are sold | Dried whole mushrooms, powder |
| Ways to consume | Eating raw, mixing with food, brewing in tea, mixing with lemon juice or other acids, capsules |
| Risks | Poisoning, septic shock, multi-system organ failure, serious side effects when mixed with other drugs, increased blood pressure and heart rate, psychosis, flashbacks, death |
| Legality | Illegal in Canada, covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) as Class A drugs in the UK |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right species
One of the most popular types of psychedelic mushrooms is the Golden Teachers, a variety of Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. They are considered potent yet mild and are the most common type of magic mushroom consumed globally. Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms have tightly spaced gills that turn black with maturity, and they tend to have a bluish-purplish colour when the stem or cap is damaged or removed.
Another highly potent variety is Psilocybe semilanceata, commonly known as Liberty Caps. They are characterised by large brown leather-like caps, often attached to curved stems, and are commonly found in Europe and North America. Under the cap, you will find 15-27 narrow gills that quickly turn blue when the mushroom is damaged or removed.
Psilocybe mexicana, commonly known as Conical Caps, is another variety similar in appearance to Psilocybe semilanceata. They are characterised by a conical or bell-shaped cap, typically ranging in diameter between 10-20mm, and are commonly found in Central and South America. This variety is usually beige with blue or green tones and quickly turns blue when damaged or broken.
It is important to note that the strength of magic mushrooms can vary greatly, and their effects can depend on the dose and type of mushroom used. Additionally, the effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person, and there may be risks associated with their consumption, including short-term mental and physical effects.
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Preparing the substrate
Choosing the Right Substrate
The choice of substrate depends on various factors, including your experience level, the desired mushroom species, and your goals. Common substrates include rye grain, brown rice flour, vermiculite, coco coir, straw, coffee grounds, and wood-based substrates like sawdust or hardwood fuel pellets.
Rye Grain Substrate
Rye grain is a popular choice for initial colonization due to its rich nutrient content. After soaking, boiling, and sterilizing the grains, you can inoculate them with spores. Once the grains are fully colonized by the mycelium, they can be transferred to a bulk substrate for fruiting.
Brown Rice Flour and Vermiculite Substrate
This method, known as the PF Tek method, is suitable for beginners. It involves mixing brown rice flour with vermiculite and water to create a balanced substrate. The mixture is placed in glass jars, sterilized using a pressure cooker, and then injected with spores. Afterward, the jars are stored in a warm, dark place for mycelium growth.
Coco Coir Substrate
Coco coir is a more advanced technique, known for its resistance to contamination and excellent moisture retention. After preparing and sterilizing the coco coir substrate, you can inoculate it with spores. Maintain the recommended temperature and humidity levels to encourage mycelium growth and subsequent fruiting.
Straw Substrate
Straw is a common substrate for home growers, especially for cultivating oyster mushrooms. While it may be challenging to work with, pre-treated and chopped straw is available for convenience. To optimize yield, the straw should be chopped or treated through fermentation, pasteurization, or a lime soak.
Sterilization Techniques
Regardless of the chosen substrate, maintaining a sterile environment is critical to prevent contamination. High-tech methods often employ sterilization techniques, such as using pressure cookers or autoclaves, to ensure the substrate is free from harmful microorganisms that could compete with the mycelium.
Remember, each substrate has unique preparation requirements, and you should adjust your techniques based on your chosen mushroom species and goals.
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Sterilisation techniques
Sterilisation is a crucial step in the process of cultivating magic mushrooms. It helps to prevent contamination and ensures the healthy development of the mycelium. Magic mushrooms are very vulnerable to contamination by microorganisms, so it is important to take the necessary steps to create a clean and safe environment for their growth.
One of the most effective methods of sterilisation is the use of a pressure cooker. Pressure cookers can reach temperatures of up to 121°C, which is necessary to eliminate even the most resistant spores of bacteria and fungi. When using a pressure cooker, it is important to ensure that all parts of the cooker are clean before use. Additionally, when placing jars or tools inside the cooker, make sure they are well-sealed or covered and not in direct contact with the metal. It is also crucial to add enough water to the cooker to generate steam, typically around 2.8 litres.
Another method of sterilisation is through the use of alcohol or flames. Alcohol preps can be used to swipe the surfaces of small areas such as injection ports or spore vial caps. For larger surfaces, disinfectant household products can be utilised. It is important to note that disinfection removes the majority of microbes, while sterilisation aims to eliminate all potential contaminants.
When preparing a substrate for mycelium growth, sterilisation or pasteurisation methods are essential to minimise the presence of unwanted microorganisms. Substrates with high nutritional content, such as manure, grains, and nutrient-rich mixtures, are more prone to contamination and require sterilisation. On the other hand, low-nutrient substrates like straw or cardboard may only need pasteurisation, which reduces the number of competing organisms.
To ensure successful cultivation, it is also crucial to maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness. This includes wearing clean clothes, washing your arms and hands with disinfecting soap, and using gloves, a mouth cap, and possibly a hairnet. By employing these techniques, you can actively reduce the number of potential contaminants and increase the chances of a healthy and abundant harvest.
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Harvesting and drying
The mushrooms should be twisted and pulled gently from the substrate to avoid damaging the underlying mycelium. Clean hands or sterile gloves are important to prevent contamination. If the mushrooms cannot be twisted off easily, a pair of sterilized scissors or a sharp knife may be used to cut them at the base. It is also important to leave the base of the stems clean of any remains of the substrate, even cutting a few millimetres from the base so that it is ready for drying.
Drying magic mushrooms is key to extending their shelf life and preserving their flavour and
To air dry, lay the fresh mushrooms on a clean, absorbent paper in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight and use a fan to gently circulate air around the mushrooms. This step reduces the initial moisture content and typically lasts 24-48 hours, depending on the humidity and size of the mushrooms. If using a dehydrator, set it between 95-105°F (35-40°C) to ensure the psychoactive compounds are not degraded.
Another method is to use a desiccant to absorb the moisture from the mushrooms. Place the desiccant in a plastic container as a bottom layer, cover it with a layer of paper towels, and then bend a metal mesh around the sides to create a platform for the mushrooms to sit on, ensuring they don't come into contact with the desiccant. Place the airtight lid on the container and check back every couple of days to see how dry the mushrooms have become.
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Legal compliance
The legality of magic mushrooms varies by location. In the United States, federal law classifies psilocybin as a Schedule I drug, making it illegal to possess, sell, or grow. However, some states and municipalities have decriminalized or legalized psilocybin mushrooms, including Oregon, the District of Columbia, and certain cities in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Washington. Colorado is the only state where personal use and private cultivation of small amounts of magic mushrooms are legal for adults 21 and older.
Outside the United States, the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies. For example, in Canada, the province of Alberta has allowed the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes, while in Germany and some US states like California, Georgia, and Idaho, the possession of psilocybin mushroom spores is illegal.
It is important to note that even in places where magic mushrooms are decriminalized or legalized, there may still be restrictions on their use. For example, in Oregon, psilocybin service centers are licensed facilities where adults 21 and older can legally consume magic mushrooms under supervision. Possession of magic mushrooms outside of these supervised settings may still be considered a drug enforcement misdemeanor.
Due to the varying legal status of magic mushrooms, it is essential to research the specific laws and regulations in your location before considering growing or consuming them. It is also important to grow and consume magic mushrooms responsibly, as they can have powerful psychological and physiological effects.
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Frequently asked questions
People take magic mushrooms as drugs by eating them, mixing them with food to mask the bitter taste, or brewing them in tea.
It is important to note that the active ingredients in magic mushrooms, psilocybin and psilocin, are hallucinogens that produce effects similar to LSD. The effects of magic mushrooms vary from person to person and can be unpredictable. They may include heightened emotions and senses, hallucinations, and an altered state of mind. However, there is a risk of a "'bad trip,"' which can lead to terrifying thoughts, intense paranoia, and impaired judgment. The effects usually last for 4 to 6 hours, but there have been reports of flashbacks occurring days or months later.
Growing magic mushrooms requires a sterile environment with specific temperature, humidity, and light conditions. Beginners can try the PF Tek method, which involves using brown rice flour, vermiculite, and water as a substrate. After injecting spores, the mixture is placed in a warm, dark environment to grow mycelium. Once the mycelium colonizes the substrate, it is moved to a high-humidity environment with gentle lighting to encourage fruiting.
