Types of Psychedelic Mushrooms
There are over 200 species of Psilocybe mushrooms. Each of these types of psychedelic mushrooms has visually special characteristics in addition to varying degrees as well as ratios of three psychotropic substances– psilocybin, psilocin, as well as baeocystin. A few of one of the most prevalent types are P. azurescens, P. cyanescens, P. semilanceata, as well as P. cubensis (which is the most widely known as well as quickly cultivated).
What Are the Differences Among Psychedelic Magic Mushroom Strains?
There are also hundreds of “strains” or “subspecies” which have actually been genetically isolated and categorized by both expert mycologists and recreational shroom fanatics. While taxonomically these strains are all taken into consideration participants of their respective varieties (as well as many are P. cubensis), they also can differ dramatically in appearance, conditions needed for cultivation, and strength.
Psychedelic mushrooms, often referred to as “magic mushrooms,” contain psychoactive compounds that induce hallucinations, altered perceptions, and other profound changes in consciousness. The most common active compounds in these mushrooms are psilocybin and psilocin. Here are some of the main types of psychedelic mushrooms:
1. Psilocybe cubensis
- Appearance: Medium-sized, with a convex to plane cap that can be brown to golden in color. The gills are dark purplish-brown, and the stem is white to yellowish.
- Habitat: Commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, often growing in cow dung or rich pasture soils.
- Potency: Moderately potent with varying levels of psilocybin and psilocin.
2. Psilocybe semilanceata (Liberty Cap)
- Appearance: Small with a conical to bell-shaped cap, usually light brown or tan. The gills are dark brown to purplish-black, and the stem is slender and white.
- Habitat: Found in grassy areas, particularly in wet meadows, pastures, and lawns, often in temperate regions.
- Potency: Known for its high potency with significant levels of psilocybin.
3. Psilocybe cyanescens (Wavy Caps)
- Appearance: Medium-sized with a distinct wavy cap that is caramel to chestnut brown. The gills are dark purplish-brown, and the stem is white to yellowish.
- Habitat: Found in mulched garden beds, wood chips, and other lignin-rich environments, particularly in temperate regions.
- Potency: Highly potent, with high concentrations of psilocybin and psilocin.
4. Psilocybe azurescens
- Appearance: Medium to large with a caramel-colored, convex to plane cap. The gills are dark purplish-brown, and the stem is white to yellowish.
- Habitat: Native to the Pacific Northwest, growing in sandy soils and dune grasses, often near river estuaries.
- Potency: Extremely potent, considered one of the strongest psilocybin-containing mushrooms.
5. Psilocybe mexicana
- Appearance: Small with a conical to bell-shaped cap, yellow-brown to light brown. The gills are dark brown, and the stem is slender and white.
- Habitat: Found in grassy meadows and forests, especially in subtropical regions.
- Potency: Moderately potent, historically significant as one of the first psilocybin mushrooms identified.
6. Panaeolus cyanescens (Blue Meanies)
- Appearance: Small with a bell-shaped cap, pale to dark brown. The gills are black, and the stem is white to bluish.
- Habitat: Found in tropical and subtropical regions, often growing in manure or nutrient-rich soils.
- Potency: Very potent, with high levels of psilocybin and psilocin.
7. Gymnopilus species (Laughing Gym)
- Appearance: Large with an orange to rusty brown cap, often with a fibrillose texture. The gills are yellow to orange, and the stem is robust and yellowish.
- Habitat: Found on decaying wood, logs, and stumps, particularly in temperate and subtropical forests.
- Potency: Variable potency, some species contain significant levels of psilocybin and psilocin.
8. Inocybe and Pluteus species
- Appearance: Varied appearance depending on species, often with brown or reddish caps and gills that can be white to pink.
- Habitat: Commonly found in forests, growing on the ground or decaying wood.
- Potency: Generally less potent, but some species contain psilocybin and psilocin.
Conclusion
Psychedelic mushrooms offer a diverse array of species with varying appearances, habitats, and potencies. Understanding these differences is crucial for identification and safe use. Always approach these mushrooms with caution, given their powerful psychoactive effects and potential legal restrictions in many regions.
Types of Psychedelic Mushrooms Online.