Sarah Brown
Growing psychedelic mushrooms is an endeavour that has recently gained popularity. While the process of growing mushrooms is delicate and meticulous, it can be accessible and enjoyable for both beginners and experienced gardeners. The first step is to understand the basics of mushroom cultivation, such as the right nutrients, suitable temperatures, adequate humidity, and proper light conditions for growth. The choice of substrate, or growing surface, is crucial as it forms the foundation for healthy mushroom growth. Common substrates include rye grain, brown rice flour, vermiculite, and coco coir. Once the substrate is prepared, the next steps involve inoculation, incubation, initiation, fruiting, and finally, harvest. While psychedelic mushrooms are illegal in most places, the spores of these mushrooms, which do not contain psilocybin, are often legal to sell, purchase, and possess.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Species | Psilocybe cubensis (aka "cubes") |
| Strains | B+ or Golden Teachers for beginners |
| Substrates | Rye grain, brown rice flour, vermiculite, coco coir, straw, coffee grounds, sawdust, hardwood fuel pellets, etc. |
| Tools | Fruiting chamber, hygrometer, thermometer, light source, sterilized gloves/scissors/knife |
| Conditions | High humidity (90-95%), fresh air exchange, suitable temperatures, adequate light |
| Harvest | When caps fully open and before the veil underneath breaks |
| Legal Status | Illegal in most places due to psilocybin content; spores may be legal for research |
| Health Benefits | Potential treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, end-of-life anxiety, etc. |
Explore related products
Choose a strain
There are over 180 species of Psilocybin-producing mushrooms that grow across every continent. Psilocybe cubensis, also known as "cubes", is the easiest and most cultivated species of Psilocybin mushrooms. It is also one of the most well-known strains. The sale of cubensis mushrooms is illegal across most of the world because mature psychedelic mushrooms produce psilocybin, a Schedule I drug. However, spores of these mushrooms do not contain psilocybin and are legal to sell, purchase, and possess in most locations.
The strain of mushroom you choose has little to no direct impact on the experience. Your mindset and preparation going into the trip will greatly impact your experience. Different strains have different potencies, with most exhibiting standard potency, and mutated and albino strains being very potent.
For beginners, it is recommended to start with B+ or Golden Teachers. The B+ strain is known for its large, meaty caps and thick stems. It is a potent strain that can provide users with intense visuals and a strong sense of euphoria. The Golden Teacher strain is also one of the most well-known strains of Psilocybe cubensis.
Other notable strains include the Penis Envy strain, which is known for its distinct appearance, including a thick, bulbous cap and a short stem. This strain provides users with intense visual hallucinations and a deep sense of introspection. The Colombian Rust Spore, also known as the Colombian Redspore, is known for its aggressive colonization rates and its unique red-colored spores. The Amazonian strain is native to the Amazon rainforest and is known for its potency and intense visual effects. It provides users with a strong sense of connection to nature. The Blue Meanie strain is also a potent and visually striking strain, known for its blue-tinted caps.
Mushroom Consumption: Best Ways to Enjoy Them
You may want to see also
Prepare the substrate
The substrate provides essential nutrients and an environment conducive to mushroom growth. The choice of substrate is crucial as it forms the foundation for healthy mushroom development.
There are several options for substrate preparation, depending on the grower's goals, available resources, and infrastructure. Each technique has its pros and cons. Lower-tech methods typically use low-nitrogen, high-carbon materials, while higher-tech methods employ higher-nutrient materials to enhance colonisation speed and yield.
- Rye Grain: This is a popular choice for initial colonisation due to its rich nutrient content.
- Brown Rice Flour: This substrate is user-friendly and widely available, making it ideal for beginners.
- Vermiculite: Vermiculite is valued for its exceptional water retention capabilities. It is often combined with brown rice flour to create a well-balanced substrate.
- Coco Coir: More experienced cultivators prefer coco coir for its resistance to contamination and excellent moisture retention.
- Straw: Straw is a common substrate for home growers and beginners in commercial cultivation. It can be challenging to work with and may require chopping to optimise yield. However, pre-treated and chopped straw is readily available. Oyster mushrooms thrive on straw, and the straw for oyster cultivation can be treated through fermentation, pasteurisation, or a lime soak.
- Coffee Grounds: Coffee grounds are an interesting choice because the coffee-making process effectively sterilises them. To successfully grow mushrooms on coffee grounds, inoculate on the same day as brewing and add sawdust to the spent grounds.
- Wood-Based Substrates: Native fungi take time to establish on wood-based substrates. It is best to inoculate these substrates within a month of cutting the wood. If temperatures are below freezing, the fungi become inactive, so it is advisable to store the wood until temperatures are consistently in the 40s to 50s (°F) at night.
Psychedelic Mushrooms: Safe Trip or Risky Business?
You may want to see also
Select tools
The tools you will need for growing psychedelic mushrooms depend on the specific method you choose. Here are some common tools and methods used in the process:
- Fruiting chamber– A large, clear storage box with holes drilled in it for ventilation, such as a shotgun fruiting chamber (SGFC). This provides the necessary environment for mushroom growth.
- Hygrometer– This tool helps monitor humidity levels, which is crucial for mushroom growth.
- Thermometer– Maintaining the right temperature is essential for optimal mushroom growth.
- Light source– Mushrooms require specific light conditions, and a light source can be adjusted to meet their needs.
- Grow tent– This is a superior alternative to an SGFC as it offers more precise regulation of temperature, humidity, and light. Grow tents also provide more space and a stable, efficient growing environment, leading to improved yields. They come equipped with built-in ventilation systems, reducing the risk of contamination.
- Substrates– These provide the essential nutrients and environment for mushrooms to grow. Common options include rye grain, brown rice flour, vermiculite, and coco coir. Each substrate has unique characteristics, such as nutrient content and ease of use, that make it suitable for different cultivation scenarios.
- Sterile gloves and tools– Clean hands or sterile gloves are important to prevent contamination during the cultivation process. Additionally, sterilized scissors or a sharp knife may be needed to cut the mushrooms at the base if they cannot be twisted off easily.
- Mushroom growth kits– These kits provide an easy introduction to growing mushrooms at home and are suitable for beginners. They often include instructions for watering and misting to create the perfect growing conditions.
- Liquid Culture (LC) syringes– LC syringes are superior to spores in sterility, growth speed, and guaranteed genetics. They are recommended for beginner cultivators, especially if spores are not available.
It is important to note that the selection of tools and methods may vary depending on your specific circumstances and goals. Additionally, the legal status of cultivating psychedelic mushrooms varies across different locations, so it is essential to consult the relevant laws and regulations in your area before proceeding.
The Ultimate Guide to Farming Shiitake Mushrooms
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Monitor growth
Monitoring the growth of your psychedelic mushrooms is a crucial step in the cultivation process. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you monitor their growth effectively:
Maintain a Sterile Environment:
Keep your growing environment clean and sterile to prevent contamination. This includes sanitizing your jars, syringes, work surfaces, containers, and gloves. A dust-free, sterile environment will protect your mushrooms from potential contaminants.
Monitor Humidity and Temperature:
Use tools like a hygrometer and a thermometer to constantly monitor and adjust humidity and temperature levels. These parameters are critical for optimal mushroom growth. Aim for high humidity (around 90-95%) and ensure proper ventilation to stimulate growth.
Observe for Mold:
Mold is a common issue in mushroom cultivation. Keep a close eye on your mycelium, as mold contaminants like Trichoderma can be challenging to identify initially. Once Trichoderma changes color (black, green, pink, or orange), discard the substrate immediately to prevent further contamination.
Check for Contamination:
Common contaminants like Trichoderma, cobweb mold, and black mold can impact your mushroom growth. Inspect your setup regularly for any signs of contamination and take prompt action to address it.
Monitor Mycelial Growth:
Pay close attention to the growth of the mycelium, the vegetative portion of the mushroom. Ensure adequate airflow between bags to prevent overheating and mycelial dieback. Look for signs of pinning, which indicate that the substrate is fully colonized and ready for the initiation phase.
Harvest at the Right Time:
Psychedelic mushrooms are ready to harvest when the caps are fully open and just before the veil underneath the cap breaks. Harvesting at the right time maximizes potency and yield. Gently twist and pull the mushrooms from the substrate to avoid damaging the underlying mycelium, which can produce further flushes.
By following these guidelines, you'll be able to effectively monitor the growth of your psychedelic mushrooms and optimize their development. Remember, each step in the cultivation process requires careful attention to detail and maintaining sterility.
Thailand's Mushroom Laws: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Harvest
To harvest, gently twist and pull the mushrooms from the substrate, being careful not to damage the underlying mycelium, which can produce further flushes of mushrooms. If the mushrooms cannot be twisted off easily, use a pair of sterilised scissors or a sharp knife to cut them at the base. Clean hands or sterile gloves are important to prevent contamination.
After harvesting, the mushrooms must be dehydrated until they are "cracker dry". Then, store them in an airtight container with a desiccant packet in a cool, dark place.
If you rehydrate your substrate after the first flush, you can get a second, third, fourth, or many more flushes out of your mycelium before the nutrients are spent or contamination takes over.
It is important to note that the cultivation and possession of psychedelic mushrooms may be illegal in your jurisdiction. Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, is listed as a Schedule I drug in the US, and cultivating mushrooms containing this chemical is considered a felony under federal law. However, the spores of these mushrooms do not contain psilocybin and are generally legal to sell, purchase, and possess in most locations.
The Golden Chanterelle Mushrooms: Nature's Delicacy
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can refer to online communities such as r/unclebens on Reddit, which provides simple and beginner-friendly methods for cultivating psychedelic mushrooms. You can also refer to books such as the Psilocybin Mushroom Handbook: Easy Indoor and Outdoor Cultivation by L. G. Nicholas and Kerry Ogamé, which offers insights into traditional and modern cultivation contexts.
Common substrates used for growing mushrooms include rye grain, brown rice flour, vermiculite, and coco coir. Rye grain is often rich in nutrients and a preferred choice for initial colonization, while brown rice flour is easy to use and ideal for beginners. Vermiculite is known for its water retention abilities, and coco coir is preferred by experienced cultivators for its moisture retention and resistance to contamination.
Growing psychedelic mushrooms require a fruiting chamber, such as a shotgun fruiting chamber, which can be made from a large, clear storage box with holes drilled for ventilation. Additional tools include a hygrometer for monitoring humidity, a thermometer for temperature control, and a light source. Grow tents are also recommended as they provide precise regulation of temperature, humidity, and light, enhancing air exchange and reducing the risk of contamination.
A common species to cultivate is Psilocybe cubensis, also known as "cubes." This species is widely cultivated due to its ease of growth. Other recommended strains for beginners include B+ or Golden Teachers, which are commonly offered by vendors.
One of the main challenges is the risk of mold contamination, as mold thrives in similar environments as fungi. Common mold contaminants include Trichoderma, cobweb mold, and black mold. It is crucial to be vigilant and discard contaminated substrates promptly to avoid further contamination. Additionally, it is important to note the legal status of growing psychedelic mushrooms, as the possession and cultivation of certain psychoactive compounds (such as psilocybin) may be prohibited in specific regions.
