There are over 180 different species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms that are widespread all over the world. Some of these species have dozens of different strains within the species, each being different in shape, flavor, and the effects they provide. Let’s explore 6 of the best-known magic mushrooms!

 

 

Psilocybe cubensis

Psilocybe cubensis is the most popular species of hallucinogenic mushroom in the world. They are considered to be the easiest magic mushroom to cultivate indoors, and since the early 1970s, there have been many books regarding the growing techniques of this species. Due to selective home breeding many different P. cubensis strains have emerged, such as Golden Teachers, Penis Envy, B+, Z-train, and so on.

 

It is also possible to find cubensis in the wild throughout the world, but indoor-grown strains are usually more potent.

 

Psilocybe azurescens

P. azurescens also known as Flying Saucers, Blue Angels, or Blue Runners, are the strongest psilocybin-containing species on earth. Azurescens are only found in the United States, specifically on the West coast from California to Washington. They prefer to live in sandy soils such as sea grasses, near dunes, and on decaying wood. They are pretty resistant to cold temperatures when compared to other psilocybin species. This characteristic makes them easy to grow outside for the majority of home growers.

 

Psilocybe tampanensis

Psilocybin tampanensis produces “sclerotia,” which contains psilocybin. They are best known as magic truffles, however, they are not exactly truffles. Hardened sclerotia is a form of mycelium that acts as a protective layer, these species are also able of producing regular mushroom-like fruit bodies. The sclerotia of this species contain up to 0.68% psilocybin and 0.32% psilocin. These are the type of magic mushrooms sold in the Netherlands through a legal loophole.

 

Psilocybe semilanceata

 Psilocybe semilanceata, commonly known as Liberty Caps, is considered the most widespread naturally growing psilocybin-containing mushroom on the planet, also they’re the third most potent one. Liberty caps are also known as Witch’s Hats in some parts of the world. Preferring rich and acidic soil, like grasslands, lawns, pastures, and meadows, they grow wildly all over the Northern Hemisphere.

 

Psilocybe zapotecorum

 Psilocybe zapotecorum is a species that is native to Mexico. It most likely had ceremonial use in numerous indigenous communities of southern Oaxaca. Psilocybe zapotecorum is also found outside of Mexico, such as in the subtropical climate of South America. These mushrooms prefer to grow in swampy and muddy soil that is rich with wood debris and fallen leaves. It has a creamy brown cap that can grow between 2 and 13 centimeters, with a white stem that can range anywhere between 3 to 36 centimeters.

 

Psilocybe cyanescens

 Psilocybe cyanescens also known as Wavy cap because of the rippled shape of its cap, is native to Central Europe and the Pacific Northwest. It commonly grows in woody debris, like the wood chips and mulch that populate many gardens, parks, and trails. It is believed that that’s how these species have spread internationally, from lumber mulch production and distribution centers to gardens around the world.

 

Explore more of magic mushrooms strains.