John Miller
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, have been receiving increasing attention for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety in terminally ill patients. While the cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms may be illegal in some places, it is possible to grow them at home with the right knowledge and equipment. The process involves simulating the right conditions of temperature, humidity, light, and nutrients to encourage the growth of the mycelium, which eventually produces mushrooms. With the right care and attention to detail, growing psilocybin mushrooms can be a rewarding experience for both beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom type | Psilocybin, or "magic mushrooms" |
| Legal status | Illegal under federal law in the U.S. and many other countries; however, some U.S. states and municipalities have decriminalized or legalized |
| Cultivation methods | Indoor and outdoor methods vary; kits, spores, liquid cultures, and substrates are used |
| Substrates | Rye grain, brown rice flour, vermiculite, coco coir, straw, coffee grounds, sawdust, hardwood fuel pellets, etc. |
| Tools | Fruiting chamber, hygrometer, thermometer, light source, sterile gloves, scissors or knife |
| Conditions | High humidity (around 90-95%), fresh air exchange, some sunlight, adequate temperatures, and specific light conditions |
| Harvesting | Mushrooms are ready when caps fully open and before the veil underneath breaks; gently twist and pull to avoid damaging the mycelium |
| Strains | Golden Teacher, B+, Mazatapec, Z-Strain, Cambodian, Psilocybe natalensis ("Nats"), etc.; strains differ in potency, growth speed, color, shelf life, fruiting temperature, size, and yield |
| Benefits | Medicinal properties include protection against cancer, improved brain health, stimulated gut health, and a healthier immune system |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a substrate
Some common substrates used for growing psilocybin mushrooms include:
- Rye grain: Rye grain, also known as rye berries, is a popular choice for initial colonisation. It is often used in the PF Tek method, where it is boiled to mimic natural conditions and provide more space for the mycelia to grow.
- Brown rice flour: This substrate is easy to use and readily available, making it a good option for beginners.
- Vermiculite: Vermiculite is a hydrous phyllosilicate mineral commonly used in agriculture and construction. It is added to grain-based substrates in the PF Tek method to improve growing conditions and give the mycelia more room to grow.
- Coco coir: Coco coir is preferred by more experienced cultivators due to its excellent moisture retention and resistance to contamination.
- Straw: Straw is a common substrate for home growers and beginning commercial growers. While it may not produce the best yield, it is effective for growing oyster mushrooms. Pre-treated and chopped straw is available at local stores and online.
- Wood pellets, pasteurised manure (cow or horse), coffee grounds, logs, stumps, woodchips, sawdust, grain hulls, and other carbon-rich materials are also used as substrates for growing mushrooms.
When preparing the substrate, it is essential to ensure optimal moisture content and cleanliness to prevent contamination by competing moulds or fungi. Substrates can be mixed to create a balanced growing environment. Some substrates, such as rye grain and straw, may need to be boiled or chopped to optimise growth conditions.
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Preparing the substrate
Choosing the Right Substrate
The selection of the substrate depends on the species of mushrooms being cultivated. While some mushrooms, like oysters, can grow on almost any substrate, others, like reishi, lion's mane, and maitake, thrive on wood-based substrates. Common substrates include rye grain, brown rice flour, vermiculite, coco coir, straw, hardwood sawdust, and pre-inoculated pellets.
Pasteurization or Sterilization
Before introducing mushroom spores or spawn, it is essential to pasteurize or sterilize the substrate to eliminate contaminants like mould, bacteria, and other fungi. Pasteurization involves heating the substrate to 65-85°C for a few hours using methods like a hot water bath or steam. Sterilization, on the other hand, kills all potential contaminants and is necessary for substrates with very high levels of nutrients, such as supplemented hardwood sawdust. Sterilization can be achieved using a pressure cooker.
Mixing the Substrate
Each substrate has a unique preparation method, and it is important to ensure the right balance of nutrients and moisture. For example, straw, a common substrate, can be mixed with additives to provide additional nutrients. Additionally, grain, a high-nutrient medium, can be supplemented with sawdust or wood pellets to boost yields.
Maintaining Sterility
To prevent contamination, it is crucial to maintain a sterile environment during the preparation and inoculation process. This includes using sterile syringes for spore inoculation and wearing protective gear, such as gloves and face masks, to prevent contamination from the handler.
Using a Grow Tent
For successful mushroom cultivation, it is essential to provide a controlled environment during the fruiting stage. Grow tents offer a stable and efficient growing environment, ensuring specific conditions of light, temperature, and humidity are maintained. They also enhance air exchange and reduce the risk of contamination.
Monitoring Environmental Conditions
Instruments like a thermometer and hygrometer are crucial for monitoring temperature and humidity, which are critical for mushroom growth. A spray bottle can be used to maintain the necessary humidity levels during the fruiting stage.
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Inoculation and incubation
The inoculation and incubation steps are crucial in the mushroom cultivation process. They involve introducing the fungal spores to the substrate and providing the optimal conditions for the spores to grow and colonise the substrate. Here is a detailed guide to these steps:
Inoculation
Inoculation is the process of introducing the fungal spores or spawn to the prepared substrate. The substrate provides the essential nutrients and environment for the mushrooms to grow. There are several options for substrates, each with its own pros and cons, depending on the grower's goals and resources.
For beginners, straw is a common substrate as it is inexpensive and accessible. Oyster mushrooms grow well on straw, and it can be treated through fermentation, pasteurisation, or a lime soak. Coffee grounds are another interesting option as they are effectively sterilised when used for brewing coffee. When using coffee grounds, it is important to inoculate on the same day as brewing and to add sawdust to the spent coffee grounds.
Higher-tech methods utilise sterilisation techniques and a mix of sawdust or hardwood fuel pellets with a high-nitrogen supplement. Wood-based substrates should be inoculated within a month of cutting, and temperatures should be above freezing for fungal activity. The higher the inoculation rate or amount of spawn added, the faster the mycelium will grow through the substrate. However, this also increases costs, so finding the optimal rate is essential.
Incubation
During incubation, the spores or spawn colonise the substrate, forming a network of mycelium. This process requires specific conditions, including suitable temperatures, humidity, and light. While mushrooms have minimal light requirements compared to other plants, low-intensity LED lighting can be advantageous during the colonisation stage. The VG80 LED grow light, for example, is IP65 waterproof and suitable for the humid conditions necessary for mushroom growth.
The incubation environment should also be sterile and controlled to prevent contamination. Grow tents, such as the Mars Hydro VG80, provide a versatile and adaptable solution, allowing growers to create a finely tuned environment. Additionally, the tent's durable and tear-proof canvas ensures a sterile and controlled space.
Overall, the inoculation and incubation phases require patience, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety and legality. These steps are delicate, and any deviations from optimal conditions can impact the success of mushroom cultivation.
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Harvesting
Fresh mushrooms removed from their mycelium will begin decaying in less than 24 hours. To preserve the mushrooms and the active compounds within them, you need to dehydrate your harvests. You can store harvested mushrooms in the fridge (crisper drawer) for a day or two in a brown paper bag before dehydrating without much loss of potency. However, to keep them for longer, they need to be completely dehydrated before storing. Any amount of water left in the mushroom tissue will activate enzymes that break down psilocybin and can cause your harvest to rot. They should be dehydrated until "cracker dry" and stored in an airtight container with a desiccant packet in a cool, dark place.
For extended storage, consider using a vacuum sealer and placing the containers in the refrigerator or freezer. This can significantly extend the shelf life of the dried mushrooms.
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Legal considerations
The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies across the world and is subject to change. In the United States, psilocybin was first regulated at the federal level in 1965 and is currently classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substance Act. This means that it is illegal to possess, sell, or grow psilocybin mushrooms under federal law, and violations can result in fines and incarceration. However, federal laws can be superseded by state regulations, and several states and municipalities have decriminalized or legalized psilocybin mushrooms for therapeutic use. As of January 2025, Colorado is the only state that permits the personal use and private cultivation of small amounts of psilocybin mushrooms for adults aged 21 and older. Oregon has also taken steps towards legalization by licensing "psilocybin service centers" for supervised consumption and decriminalizing all drugs for personal use. Other states, such as California, have specific jurisdictions that have enacted laws to criminalize the possession of psilocybin mushroom spores.
Outside of the United States, the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies. In Canada, the province of Alberta has allowed the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy since January 2023. In Australia, psilocybin has been approved for use in prescription medications for treating PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. The United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, adopted in 1971, requires its members to prohibit psilocybin, but the mushrooms containing the drug were not specifically included due to pressure from the Mexican government. As a result, there may be ambiguity and selective enforcement in the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms in some countries.
It is important to note that the legality of psilocybin mushrooms is a complex and evolving issue. While some jurisdictions have decriminalized or legalized their use, they may still be illegal under federal or international laws. Therefore, it is crucial to stay informed about the specific laws and regulations in your country or state before considering growing or consuming psilocybin mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a fruiting chamber, such as a shotgun fruiting chamber, which can be made from a large, clear storage box with holes drilled in it for ventilation. You will also need tools like a hygrometer to monitor humidity, a thermometer for temperature control, and a light source. Alternatively, you can use a grow tent, which offers more precise regulation of temperature, humidity, and light.
Common options include rye grain, brown rice flour, vermiculite, and coco coir. Straw and coffee grounds are also popular choices, especially for beginners.
The humidity should be kept high (around 90-95%), and fresh air exchange is important to stimulate growth. A temperature range of 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit at night is ideal.
Harvest the mushrooms when the caps are fully open and just before the veil underneath the cap breaks. Twist and pull the mushrooms gently from the substrate to avoid damaging the underlying mycelium. You can use sterilized scissors or a sharp knife to cut the mushrooms at the base if they cannot be twisted off easily.
Psilocybin is listed as a Schedule I drug in the US, and cultivating mushrooms containing this chemical is considered a felony under federal law. However, several 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. Be sure to check the laws in your specific location.
