Laura Smith
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are hallucinogenic mushrooms that contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin. They are often found in the wild, growing in damp, chill environments with excess carbon deposits like wood chips and herbivore dung. While they can be found worldwide, the Pacific Northwest of the United States is a particularly common region for their growth, ranging from the Washington state border with Canada down to Northern California. They are also commonly found in the Midwest and Northeast, as well as in the forests along the Gulf Coast and in other southern states. Outside of the United States, psilocybin mushrooms have been used in Mexican and Central American cultures for religious and spiritual purposes, and their use has been depicted in prehistoric rock art in Spain and Algeria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Magic mushrooms |
| Scientific name | Psilocybe mushrooms |
| Active ingredient | Psilocybin |
| Origin | Pacific Northwest or Australia |
| Appearance | Small, chestnut brown, turn deep purplish-blue when crushed |
| Height | 2-3 inches |
| Regions | Pacific Northwest, Midwest and Northeast, Gulf Coast and Southern States |
| Natural habitats | Herbivore dung, wood chips, cow manure, forests |
| Traditional use | Religious ceremonies, healing rituals |
| Legal status | Decriminalized in some regions, illegal under federal law |
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What You'll Learn
The Pacific Northwest
Psychedelic mushrooms, or psilocybe mushrooms, are known to grow in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, with the species P. cyanescens being the most common in this region. These mushrooms favour damp, chilly conditions and are often found on excess carbon deposits, particularly wood chips near urban spaces. They grow well in mulched plant beds and landscaped areas, and are known to have a preference for conifer bark chips used as mulch. P. cyanescens is a highly potent variety of psychedelic mushroom, making it desirable for recreational use. It is characterised by its small size, averaging 2-3 inches in height, and its chestnut brown cap, which turns a deep purplish-blue when crushed due to the presence of purple spores.
Another variety of psychedelic mushroom found in the Pacific Northwest is P. semilanceata, commonly known as the Liberty Cap. This species is native to British Columbia and is considered "user-friendly" by enthusiasts. It grows from dead grass roots in wet pastures and grazed fields, as well as lawns and playing fields in wet coastal areas. P. semilanceata is a common weed species in urban and suburban landscapes and can often be found in large quantities in recently established lawns and plantings in wood chip mulch. While it is a low-potency species, it closely resembles some deadly Galerina species that grow in the same habitat, so consuming it is not recommended.
While psychedelic mushrooms can be found in the wild, they are most commonly associated with urban-proximate spaces in the Pacific Northwest. Their growth is influenced by specific temperature and environmental conditions, and they are known to favour certain types of mulch and carbon-rich substrates. The variety of species found in the Pacific Northwest showcases the diverse nature of psychedelic mushrooms and their ability to adapt to different ecological niches.
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The Midwest and Northeast
In the Midwest, the species Panaeolus subbalteatus is commonly found in the Chicago area and throughout the region. This species contains the psychoactive compound psilocybin, which is known for its psychedelic effects. MoveBuddha's analysis also revealed high rates of Psilocybe caerulipes in several counties: Ashland County in Ohio, Warren County in Pennsylvania, Cattaraugus County in New York, and Washington County in Vermont.
Foragers in the Midwest can also find Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, a potent psychedelic species, in eastern Pennsylvania, particularly in Lackawanna and Allegheny Counties. These mushrooms are known to turn a deep purplish-blue when crushed or bruised, containing the hallucinogenic compound psilocybin.
In the Northeast, the analysis by MoveBuddha revealed the corridor from Ohio through Pennsylvania, New York, and up to Vermont as a rich source of psilocybin mushrooms. This region offers a variety of species for those interested in mushroom foraging, with the potential for magical experiences.
It is important to exercise caution when foraging for mushrooms. Distinguishing edible species from toxic ones can be challenging, and consuming the wrong mushroom can have serious consequences. Always verify the identity of a mushroom before consuming it, and if in doubt, refrain from eating it.
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The Gulf Coast and Southern States
The Gulf Coast states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida are home to a diverse array of fungal species, including psychedelic mushrooms. The region's unique ecological characteristics, particularly its sandy shores and lush landscapes, provide a conducive environment for the growth of certain mushroom varieties.
One notable species found in this region is the Gulf Coast strain of Psilocybe cubensis, which has become a favourite among cultivators and users alike. This strain is known for its impressive potency, often inducing profound psychedelic experiences. It is characterised by its ability to produce bountiful yields of average to large-sized mushrooms. The cultivation of the Gulf Coast strain involves specific environmental conditions, including maintaining optimal humidity and temperature ranges.
The North American Mycological Association (NAMA) has published an extensive field guide titled "Mushrooms of the Gulf Coast States," authored by mycological experts Alan and Arleen Bessette, along with David Lewis. This guide comprehensively covers the wide variety of fungal habitats in the region, featuring descriptions of over a thousand fungal species, including both commonplace and rare varieties. It includes 667 photographs and detailed identifying information, making it a valuable resource for enthusiasts and researchers alike.
In addition to the Gulf Coast states, psychedelic mushrooms can also be found in other Southern states like Georgia and South Carolina. These states offer a range of habitats, from coastal areas to mountainous regions, providing diverse environments for different mushroom species to thrive. While specific species information for these states is limited, it is likely that they share some fungal species with neighbouring Gulf Coast states due to similar ecological characteristics.
The Southern United States, encompassing the Gulf Coast states and others in the region, presents a fascinating landscape for mycologists and enthusiasts alike. The region's diverse habitats and unique environmental conditions contribute to the presence of a wide array of fungal species, including the renowned and potent Gulf Coast strain of Psilocybe cubensis.
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In herbivore dung
Psilocybe or "magic mushrooms" are commonly found in herbivore dung. These mushrooms contain the active ingredient psilocybin, a compound with psychedelic qualities if ingested. The dung provides a nutrient-dense environment for the mushrooms to grow.
The Psilocybe cubensis species, for example, is known to prefer growing in cow dung. This is because cow manure has a more neutral pH and is more nutrient-dense. In contrast, other species like Coprinus radiatus and Panaeolus campanulatus are exclusively found in horse dung due to its more acidic nature and quicker decomposition.
The evolution of psychedelic compounds in mushrooms that grow in herbivore dung may be a result of defence mechanisms against grazing animals. This theory suggests that the psychoactive compounds evolved to deter animals from consuming the mushrooms. Research has shown that psilocybin binds to certain receptors in the brains of rats, indicating that it could have similar effects on other small mammals.
The preference for exposed habitats, such as wood chips and manure piles, may have also contributed to the development of psychedelic compounds in these mushrooms. The lack of protection in these environments may have driven the evolution of psychoactive properties as a survival strategy.
While the ecological significance of these mushrooms is well-established, their potential therapeutic benefits are still being explored. Psilocybin-containing mushrooms have been shown to hold promise in treating mental health issues such as PTSD and depression. However, further research is needed to fully understand the underlying genetics and evolution of these mushrooms before they can be utilized effectively as therapeutic tools.
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Urban settings
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are hallucinogenic fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. They are naturally occurring organisms and are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. They are psychedelic drugs, which means they can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, and emotions.
Magic mushrooms are most commonly found in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, particularly in the states of Washington, Oregon, and California. They thrive in urban and suburban environments, especially in landscaped areas with mulch beds and wood chips. Psilocybe cyanescens, Psilocybe allenii, and Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata are the three most common Psilocybe varietals in this region. They are relatively small, averaging only 2-3 inches in height, with chestnut brown caps and white stems. They often grow in the wood chips used in gardens and flower beds, taking advantage of the excess carbon in these man-made environments.
In California, Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, Psilocybe cyanescens, and Psilocybe azurescens are exclusively urban fungi, thriving in the landscaped areas of cities like San Francisco. These mushrooms are also commonly found in urban settings in Australia, particularly in the states of Queensland and Tasmania, where they favor high humidity near the coast.
The spread of psilocybin mushrooms in urban areas is facilitated by human activities. Since their publicity outside of Oaxaca in 1957, these mushrooms have rapidly spread across urban and peri-urban landscapes through human transportation and the movement of spores. The use of wood chips in urban landscaping, as well as the presence of excess carbon in these environments, provides an ideal habitat for these fungi to grow and disperse their spores.
While the natural habitat of magic mushrooms includes forest humus soils, streams, and coastal dune grasses, their prevalence in urban settings is notable. Their ability to thrive in these environments showcases the human-fungal dynamic and their preference for disturbed habitats with excess carbon sources.
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Frequently asked questions
Psychedelic mushrooms are commonly found in the Pacific Northwest, ranging from the Washington state border with Canada down to Northern California. They are also found in the Midwest and Northeast, in the area stretching from Ohio to Vermont, and in the forests along the Gulf Coast and Southern States.
Psychedelic mushrooms can be found in the wild, but they are most often found near urban spaces, on excess carbon deposits like wood chips and herbivore dung.
Some common species of psychedelic mushrooms include Psilocybe cyanescens, Psilocybe allenii, and Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata. These species are known for turning a deep purplish-blue when crushed or bruised.
