Over 180 species of psilocybin mushrooms in the world contain naturally occurring psychoactive compounds. These “magic mushrooms” have a history of being utilized in spiritual and religious ceremonies and for mind-altering experiences.
This guide will explore the most popular psilocybin mushroom types, including Penis Envy, Liberty Caps, Golden Teachers, and more. Each psilocybin mushroom species varies in the amount of psilocybin and psilocin it contains–and the experience it provides. Psilocybin levels can range from 0.1% to almost 2%, with an average of around 0.8%.
What are Psilocybin Mushrooms?
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used by humans for centuries for recreational and spiritual purposes. They are naturally occurring fungi that contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin, which is closely related to the chemical compound serotonin.
Magic mushrooms also contain psilocin, a chemical indole hallucinogen affecting the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Psilocin is much more bioactive than psilocybin, which actually transforms into psilocin once ingested. The effects of psilocin are similar to those produced by mescaline and LSD and can last for several hours.
In recent years, psilocybin mushrooms have been gaining increased attention for their potential therapeutic benefits and potential to treat mental health disorders like depression, anxiety and PTSD
Whether you’re looking to understand the effects of psilocybin mushrooms or want to learn more about different varieties, enjoy this review of several common varieties of psychedelic mushrooms.
Psilocybin Mushroom Types: Top Species to Know
Here are some popular types of psilocybin mushrooms. While we include dosage guidelines for Psilocybe cubensis, there isn’t enough dedicated research on other strains to include that data for all of them.
1. Psilocybe cubensis
Psilocybe cubensis is a powerful psychedelic mushroom that is one of the most widely studied psychoactive mushrooms, known for producing powerful hallucinations, altered states of consciousness, and spiritual experiences.
What makes Psilocybe cubensis so special is its multiple strains, like Penis Envy and Golden Teachers, that vary in color, shape, and potency. Here are some popular varieties:
Penis Envy Mushrooms
Alt text: penis envy psilocybin mushroom
Penis envy mushrooms can be identified by their large and bulbous stem, similar in shape to a human penis.
Penis envy mushrooms are more challenging to cultivate than other mushrooms and less tolerant to contamination. This mushroom is often used for microdosing because of its high potency.
Penis Envy mushrooms are particularly potent. When consuming this magic mushroom strain, you should lower your dosage by 30% for a manageable trip.
The average dosages for the penis envy mushroom:
Microdose: 0.05g to 0.2g
Mini-dose: 0.2g- 0.5g
Museum: 0.5g to 1.0g
Moderate: 1.0g to 2.0g
Megadose: 2.0g to 3.0g
Watch the video below to learn more about penis envy mushrooms.
Golden Teacher Mushrooms
Golden teacher mushrooms have long, curving stems and wide caps. They are a popular choice for growers because they are easy to cultivate at home. Golden teachers have a moderate strength level.
With golden teacher and other medium-strength mushrooms, start at 0.5 to 1 gram. There usually won’t be any hallucinations at this dosage, but you’ll feel an enhancement in your mood and mental state.
If you’re looking for a stronger trip where you experience visual hallucinations, a reasonable dosage is 1-2 grams. Two grams allow the user to experience the effects without feeling overpowered or out of control. A higher dosage would start at three or more grams, and consuming more than five grams would be considered a macrodose and would lead to a full transcendent experience.
Always make sure that you have water, pillows, a blanket, a clear mind, and a sitter if you need one before going on a full trip. Learn more about Golden Teacher mushrooms in the video below.
Other Psilocybe cubensis strains
Here are other popular Psilocybe cubensis magic mushrooms strains:
B+: This strain has large bodies and is very popular with cultivators. People have described this strain as lethargic and “middle of the road.”
Tidal Wave: This strain combines both B+ and penis envy. They are fast-growing and considered to have the most psilocybin content in all of the cubensis strains.
Cambodian: Has brown caps and small bodies. This strain grows in warmer conditions. They have also been said to have high-potency trips that are less visual but bring in more creativity.
Learn more about the top five strains of Psilocybe cubensis:
