Harvesting Mushroom Spores: An American Guide

The legality of buying and cultivating psilocybin spores in the United States is complex and ambiguous. While psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I substance under federal law, making its cultivation, possession, or sale illegal, the spores themselves do not contain psilocybin and are therefore not prohibited. This distinction has led to a loophole where buying and selling psilocybin spores for research or educational purposes is legal in 47 out of 50 US states. However, germinating the spores is still prohibited in most regions, and possessing spores with the intent to cultivate psilocybin mushrooms is illegal. The laws vary across states, with some like California, Georgia, and Idaho specifically banning the sale and possession of psilocybin spores, while others like Oregon and Colorado have decriminalized the use of psilocybin. The ambiguity in the legal status of psilocybin spores has resulted in an active underground economy and an online social network supporting the illicit activity.

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Legality of psilocybin spores in the US

The legality of psilocybin spores in the US has been a topic of debate, with misinformation widespread across the internet. Terrence Boos, Drug & Chemical Evaluation Section Chief at the DEA, recently clarified the DEA's position in a letter, stating that psilocybin spores are not prohibited under federal law. This letter confirmed that if mushroom spores do not contain psilocybin or psilocin, they are not controlled under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). However, if the spores contain these substances, they are considered controlled substances.

While the federal government considers psilocybin spores legal, individual states have varying laws. For example, California, Georgia, and Idaho have specifically prohibited the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores. In contrast, Oregon and Colorado have legalized the use of psilocybin, and other states are working towards similar goals. This discrepancy between federal and state laws creates a complex legal landscape that businesses and individuals must navigate carefully.

The cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is considered drug manufacturing and is often severely penalized. However, some states, like New Mexico, have ruled that growing psilocybin mushrooms does not constitute "manufacturing" a controlled substance. Additionally, the intent to use spores to cultivate psilocybin mushrooms is federally illegal under the CSA, which prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, or possession with the intent to manufacture controlled substances.

The legal status of psilocybin spores in the US is rapidly evolving, with ongoing debates and changing policies. While the DEA has clarified that the spores themselves are not federally controlled, their use in cultivating controlled substances is prohibited. This distinction has significant implications for individuals and businesses interested in psilocybin spores, and it is crucial to stay informed about the latest legal developments and consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance with both federal and state regulations.

Making a spore print

To make a spore print, you will need a fresh, mature mushroom with visible gills, paper, foil or glass, and a bowl or cup. Choose a mushroom with its cap fully open and gills exposed, such as oyster, portobello, or Swiss brown mushrooms. Cut off the stem, ensuring you don't damage the gills, and place the cap gill-side down on the paper. The colour of the paper may vary depending on the colour of the spores; white paper works well for darker-spored mushrooms, while black paper is better for those with pale spores. Cover the cap with a bowl or cup to protect it from drafts and increase humidity, and leave it for a few hours or overnight. During this time, the spores will fall onto the paper, creating a unique pattern.

If you want to preserve your spore print as a work of art, allow it to dry completely before fixing it with a light spray of artist's fixative or hairspray. You can then frame it or gift it. If you don't want to keep it, simply add it to your compost bin or wash it off if it's on foil or glass.

It is important to note that mushroom spores are microscopic and can only be seen in large groups. Spore prints are a great way to observe the colour and pattern of the spores, which can help identify different mushroom species. However, to observe the individual spores, a microscope is required.

Spore printing is a fascinating way to learn about mushrooms and their reproduction. It is a simple process that can reveal the hidden beauty and complexity of these fungi.

Buying spores

In the United States, the sale and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal, but the spores themselves are legal as they do not contain any active psychoactive ingredients. Psilocybin, the chemical found in psilocybin mushrooms, is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), making its cultivation, possession, or sale illegal under federal law. However, the DEA has clarified that psilocybin spores are not prohibited under federal law. This distinction is made because psilocybin mushrooms as a whole are not classified as federally illegal; instead, psilocybin and psilocin are named as controlled substances under Schedule I of the CSA.

It is important to note that while possession of psilocybin spores is federally legal, possessing them with the intent to cultivate psilocybin mushrooms is illegal. Additionally, spores may be considered illegal drug paraphernalia if they are intended to be used in the manufacturing, compounding, or processing of a controlled substance. As such, it is crucial to stay informed about the legal status of spores in your specific state or city, as laws vary across the country.

When buying mushroom spores, it is essential to purchase from a reputable supplier to ensure the highest quality and legality of the product. Online retailers such as Sporeworks, Premium Spores, and North Spore offer a wide variety of mushroom spores for research or cultivation purposes. These suppliers provide spores in different forms, including spore syringes and grain spawn, with some offering laboratory-grade products.

Sporeworks, in business since 1998, offers a wide selection of rare and exotic mushroom spores for microscopic study. They pride themselves on providing clean, stable, and properly identified spore products, with a focus on customer satisfaction. Premium Spores, in operation since 2013, provides laboratory-grade Psilocybe Cubensis mushroom spores and liquid culture syringes. Their products are produced in a state-of-the-art laboratory by experienced mycologists, ensuring superior quality and contamination-free spore syringes.

North Spore, another supplier, offers mushroom-growing supplies and kits for beginners and experienced cultivators. They emphasize the educational aspect of mushroom growing, providing resources for all ages to learn about the process safely. It is recommended to start with a simple grow kit or fruiting block kit that does not require special equipment before investing in more advanced equipment like monotubs or Martha tents for indoor growing.

When purchasing spores, it is important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Spore syringes, for example, offer stable and consistent research opportunities, while grain spawn products like those offered by Walmart's Spore Sorcery provide nutrient-infused grain spawn enriched with gypsum for faster colonization. Whether you are interested in microscopic study, cultivating your own mushrooms, or simply exploring the unique characteristics of mushroom spores, there are a variety of reputable suppliers to choose from.

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Growing mushrooms at home

Using Spores

Growing mushrooms from spores can be challenging due to the risk of cross-contamination and the need for sterile conditions. If you want to grow mushrooms from spores, start by purchasing spores or obtaining them from wild mushrooms. Ensure your work area is disinfected, and wear protective gear like latex gloves and a face mask to prevent contamination.

Once you have your spores, you will need a substrate, which can be a fruiting block, a pre-made kit, a monotub, or a grow tent. Follow the instructions specific to your chosen method for preparing the substrate and introducing the spores. Maintain proper environmental conditions, such as humidity and temperature, for the mushrooms to thrive.

Using Mushroom Tissue Culture (Without Spores)

This method uses a small piece of mushroom strain from the store and an agar plate, which is a sterilized petri dish that serves as a growing medium. Place the mushroom strain on the agar plate and maintain a temperature of around 21°C or 70°F. Keep the agar plate in a dark environment, such as a closed cabinet, for about two weeks.

After this incubation period, the agar plate will be filled with mycelium, which is the mushroom tissue culture. Transfer the mycelium to a spawn substrate to increase its size. Once the mycelium has colonized the spawn substrate, transfer it to your bulk substrate, such as pasteurized barley spawn. When the mycelium takes over this substrate, puncture holes where small mushrooms are starting to develop. Sprinkle your mushrooms with water to maintain humidity, and cover them with a layer of soil to conserve moisture.

Additional Tips:

• Not all mushrooms can be easily grown indoors. Mycorrhizal species like Chanterelle, Porcini, and Morel require partnerships with tree roots and are better grown outdoors.
• Oysters are a good variety for growing from store-bought mushrooms.
• Maintain a clean and disinfected work area to prevent contamination and mold growth.
• Ensure proper environmental conditions, including humidity and temperature, for successful mushroom growth.
• Consider purchasing a mushroom kit or pre-made substrates for a simpler process.

Health and safety considerations

The health risks associated with mushroom spores primarily revolve around inhalation and allergic reactions. Spores are microscopic, single-celled reproductive structures, and their inhalation can lead to allergic reactions in the lungs, such as Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis. This condition is an allergic reaction resulting in inflammation of the lungs, driven by the body's immune response to inhaled organic dust. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize adequate ventilation when working with mushroom spores and to wear protective gear, including masks and gloves.

Additionally, it is important to handle mushrooms and spores with clean, dry hands to minimize the spread of harmful bacteria and reduce the risk of infection. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling mushrooms or spores. For those with respiratory allergies or compromised immune systems, extra precautions are necessary, such as wearing a face covering and ensuring the growing area is well-ventilated.

While most mushroom spores are not harmful in modest quantities, some fungal spores can contain mycotoxins, which are associated with various health risks, including toxic pneumonitis, tremors, chronic fatigue syndrome, kidney failure, and cancer. Therefore, it is essential to identify the type of mushroom and its potential health risks before handling its spores.

Lastly, it is worth noting that pets can also be affected by mushroom spores and raw mushrooms. It is recommended to keep the growing area off-limits to pets to prevent them from ingesting raw mushrooms, which can cause stomach issues.

Frequently asked questions