Sarah Brown
Picking psilocybin mushrooms can be dangerous, as many poisonous varieties look similar to their edible counterparts. Beginners should focus on identifying a genus of mushrooms, which is a group of species that share the same characteristics. For example, the magic mushrooms genus Psilocybe. This will give novices a good chance of finding what they want without poisoning themselves. Once you have identified the genus, you can focus on hunting specific mushrooms within that group and getting to know where they grow. Certain species of the Psilocybe genus, for instance, prefer damp fields with cow dung, while others like to grow on rotting logs. It is also important to know when to harvest the mushrooms, as missing the window by just a few hours can be the difference between golden caps and mushrooms tarnished with oily black ink from spores.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Timing | Missing the window by a few hours can be the difference between golden caps and mushrooms tarnished with oily black ink from spores. Harvest when the veil is still lightly coloured. |
| Habitat | Certain species of the Psilocybe genus prefer damp fields with cow dung, while others like to grow on rotting logs. |
| Physical traits | Do they grow in clumps with a joined base, or individually? How big are they? What’s their texture? Are they slimy or dry? Brittle or tough? Can you see gills under the cap? Are they packed tightly or loosely? What do the stem and cap look like? What colour do they bruise where they have been damaged? |
| Legal status | The laws regarding mushroom hunting vary from country to country, especially for fresh mushrooms that contain psilocybin. |
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What You'll Learn
Learn to identify the Psilocybe genus
Psilocybe is a genus of gilled mushrooms that grow worldwide, with the greatest species diversity in the neotropics, from Mesoamerica through Brazil and Chile. They are small to medium-sized, with brown to yellow-brown coloration, a hygrophanous cap, and a spore print colour that ranges from lilac-brown to dark purple-brown. The hallucinogenic species typically exhibit a blue-staining reaction when the fruit body is bruised, indicating the presence of the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin.
Psilocybe mushrooms have been used for centuries in Mesoamerica, where their use is considered sacred or devoted to healing practices. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in psilocybin due to its potential therapeutic benefits in treating various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and end-of-life care. This has led to a resurgence in clinical studies and basic research to understand the evolutionary history, distribution, taxonomy, ecology, and chemistry of the Psilocybe genus.
To identify the Psilocybe genus, it is important to look for the characteristic "little brown mushroom" morphology. They are generally small, undistinguished mushrooms with a detachable pellicle (loose skin over the cap) that can resemble a bald pate. Microscopically, they are characterised by pileipellis with hyphae that run parallel to the pileus surface, forming a cutis, and by their lack of chrysocystidia. The spores are smooth, ellipsoid to rhomboid to subhexagonal in shape, with a distinct apical germ pore.
Additionally, ecological factors can help identify the Psilocybe genus. All species of Psilocybe are saprotrophs, growing on various kinds of decaying organic matter. They can be found in most biomes worldwide, with the greatest diversity in tropical regions. However, accurate species identification of psilocybin-containing mushrooms can be challenging due to their similar appearance to other genera and the potential for accidental ingestion of poisonous mushrooms. Therefore, it is crucial to have up-to-date taxonomic monographs and a comprehensive understanding of the phylogenetic relationships within the Psilocybe genus.
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Know the right time to harvest
Knowing the right time to harvest psilocybin mushrooms is crucial to maximising future flushes and getting the most out of your efforts. The process of growing magic mushrooms is extraordinarily time-sensitive and subject to volatility. The best time to harvest magic mushrooms is when the veil breaks. The veil is a thin membrane on the underside of the cap that keeps the spores in the mushroom. When the mushroom matures, the veil will break and uncover the gills. The time between the appearance of the pin and the breaking of the veil is usually between 5 and 12 days, but this can vary depending on strain variation, humidity, temperature, and fresh air.
To ensure the best potency-per-gram and prevent an unsightly and smothering drop of spores, it is recommended to harvest the mushrooms before the veil breaks. Experienced growers suggest following each mushroom individually and harvesting them when they reach their full potential. This may take more time, but it will result in a more bountiful yield.
The pinning process entails creating a proper and extremely humid environment to cause little white pins to emerge from the casing. Once these pins start to form, they will quickly grow into mushrooms. The goal is to harvest the mushrooms right before the pins develop into a fruiting body, which happens in a matter of days. With Psilocybe cubensis, the most popular and easiest type of magic mushroom to grow, you have just a few days after the pinning process to harvest.
Additionally, it is important to keep things sterile during the harvesting process. Wash your hands, wear gloves, and a face mask to prevent bacteria or aggressive fungi from contaminating the cake. Harvesting your mushrooms gently and in a clean manner will increase the chances of successful later flushes.
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Understand the risks of toxic varieties
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are naturally occurring and are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. While psilocybin has a low level of toxicity, it is essential to understand the risks associated with toxic varieties. The biggest risk is misidentifying a poisonous mushroom as a psilocybin mushroom, as they often closely resemble each other. Poisonous mushrooms can cause severe illness and even death. It can be very dangerous to attempt to identify psilocybin mushrooms without expert knowledge.
If you are not absolutely certain that the mushrooms you have are psilocybin, do not consume them. Always use an established guide or purchase from a trusted grower to ensure the mushrooms are of a quality that can be trusted. Some identifying features of psilocybin mushrooms include long and thin stems and wide caps that are typically dark brown around the edges and lighter in the center.
Another risk associated with psilocybin mushrooms is the potential for adverse side effects, which can range from mild to severe. These side effects may include nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, hypertension, tachycardia, visual problems, anxiety, disorientation, and psychotic-like episodes. In some cases, hospitalization may be required. It is important to be aware of these potential risks before consuming psilocybin mushrooms.
Furthermore, the effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary widely, and the risk of a "bad trip" increases with higher doses or underlying anxiety. During a bad trip, individuals may experience extreme fear, anxiety, panic, or paranoia as they confront disturbing hallucinations. The only way to eliminate the risk of a bad trip is to abstain from consuming psilocybin mushrooms.
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Pick mushrooms gently to avoid contamination
Picking psilocybin mushrooms requires a gentle hand to avoid contamination. The leading cause of crop failure in mushroom cultivation is contamination, which can come in many forms, including bacteria, moulds, and animal pests.
To avoid contamination, it is essential to identify the right time to harvest the mushrooms. Missing the ideal harvesting window can result in mushrooms tarnished with oily black ink from spores, which can lead to cosmetic issues and potentially impact the potency of the psychedelic experience. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the development of the mushrooms closely and plan the picking time accordingly.
When picking psilocybin mushrooms, use a gentle touch to avoid damaging the mushrooms and exposing them to contaminants. Mushrooms are delicate, and rough handling can bruise them or create entry points for bacteria and mould spores. Gently grasp the stem of the mushroom close to the soil or substrate and twist it slightly as you pull it out. Ensure your hands and tools are sterile to avoid introducing contaminants to the mushrooms or the growing environment.
To further reduce the risk of contamination, it is advisable to use a laminar flow hood or a still air box when harvesting. These devices provide a clean air stream and help eliminate airborne contaminants, creating a more controlled environment for picking and handling the mushrooms. Additionally, regular cleaning and sanitisation of the growing area and equipment are essential to prevent the build-up of contaminants.
By picking psilocybin mushrooms with care and attention to sterility, you can help ensure a successful and contaminant-free harvest.
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Know the legal situation in your area
The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies across different regions and countries. In the United States, the federal government classifies psilocybin as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal to possess, sell, or grow. However, some states and cities have enacted their own laws and policies regarding psilocybin mushrooms. For example, Oregon has decriminalized psilocybin and legalized its supervised non-medical use, while cities like Denver, Oakland, and Santa Cruz in California have also decriminalized the drug.
In other countries, the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms differs. For instance, in Canada, Australia, and Denmark, psilocybin is legal for medicinal use. On the other hand, countries like Germany, Russia, India, and South Africa have prohibited the substance. It's worth noting that the legal landscape surrounding psilocybin is evolving, with ongoing research and changing public perceptions influencing policy decisions.
When it comes to spores, which are used to cultivate psilocybin mushrooms, the legality can be nuanced. In some jurisdictions, spores are legal to possess and sell because they do not contain psilocybin or psilocin. However, in places like Germany, California, Georgia, and Idaho in the United States, possession of psilocybin mushroom spores has been criminalized.
It's important to emphasize that the information provided here may not be exhaustive and may change over time. Before engaging in any activity related to psilocybin mushrooms, it is crucial to consult the most up-to-date and reliable sources of information regarding the legal situation in your specific area. This may include reviewing local and regional laws, seeking legal counsel, or referring to official government websites.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the legal consequences of unauthorized actions with psilocybin mushrooms can be severe, including felony charges, prison time, and a criminal record that can impact future opportunities. Therefore, it is essential to be fully informed about the legal status and potential repercussions before engaging in any activities related to psilocybin mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
It is crucial to get the timing right when harvesting psilocybin mushrooms. You should harvest them while the veils are still lightly coloured. As soon as they start to darken, it's time to pick them.
If you miss the optimal window, you'll need to act quickly. Pick the mushrooms as soon as possible after the veil drops down the stem and detaches from the underside of the cap. If you don't, the mushroom will soon start to die and will turn black.
Identifying an exact strain of mushrooms can be challenging, even for experienced mushroom hunters. Novices should focus on identifying a genus—a group of species with shared characteristics—rather than a specific strain. For example, the Psilocybe genus includes magic mushrooms that grow in damp fields or on rotting logs. You should also learn to recognise dangerous varieties, as many poisonous mushrooms resemble psilocybin mushrooms in shape, size, and colour.
When picking mushrooms, be gentle and hygienic to reduce the risk of contamination. Pulling a mushroom away can expose uncolonised grains, which can become infected.
