Psilocybin Mushrooms – How to Get Started?
Do you know how many varieties of Psilocybe cubensis there are? Psilocybe cubensis is one of the most popular species of psilocybin mushrooms. Many strains have been created based on it, differing not only in appearance and growth speed, but—perhaps even more importantly—in psilocybin content. This, in turn, means that both the difficulty of growing the material and the potency of the aforementioned alkaloid will vary. Therefore, it’s worth choosing a strain according to your abilities and expectations. And which psilocybin mushrooms for beginners are considered suitable in certain circles? If you want to learn more, I encourage you to read on.
Psilocybin mushrooms – where do their users obtain them?
Theoretically, Psilocybin lanceolata (also containing psilocybin) can be found in Poland. However, distinguishing it from other species, often poisonous, can be challenging for someone unfamiliar with mushroom picking and mycology. Therefore, if you conduct research, use only proven material. People interested in psilocybin mushrooms usually reach for special packages containing mycelium or spore products for inoculation onto a substrate.
What is such a “package”? It’s nothing more than active mycelium, ready to fruit. It’s worth mentioning that their cultivation in Poland is prohibited. However, such products contain only mycelium, which does not contain any banned substances. This allows for legal trade and the acquisition of material for microscopic observation.
Strictly speaking, the grow kits found in the shop I run, among others, can be divided into: This is due to both the complexity and the psilocybin content of the fruiting bodies themselves. Theoretically, this is because they shouldn’t be cultivated. Among them, you’ll find, among others, psilocybin mushrooms for beginners. Which ones do some researchers consider suitable for a novice mycologist? Check it out.
Which mushrooms to start with?
Among the various varieties considered by some to be psilocybin mushrooms for amateurs, there are several whose mycelium is also worth observing under a microscope. Among them, the following stand out:
- Golden Teacher,
- Melmack PE,
- McKennaii,
- Malabar.
Golden Teacher
Every beginner in any field needs a teacher. Someone or… something to guide them in their first steps in a given field. When it comes to mycology, Golden Teacher is – according to experts – the perfect psilocybin mushroom for beginners. What makes this strain stand out? Thanks to its characteristics, Golden Teacher is considered by many to be a good starting strain.
It is characterized by long and rather fleshy legs, at the end of which develop brown caps with light edges, often with white patches. When they’re fully ripe, they open up, becoming almost flat and much lighter than they were initially. Importantly, they contain a significant amount of psilocybin, but according to psychonauts with more extensive knowledge of them, these are psilocybin mushrooms for both the complete amateur and experienced user.
Melmack PE
This is a somewhat cosmic strain, as the name suggests. Anyone who’s ever watched “Alpha” knows this is their home planet. The “cosmic” quality of this strain stems from the strangest and most diverse forms the fruiting bodies take on. They resemble tentacles, sometimes corals. Regardless, those who decide to experiment with it are often surprised by the behavior of the mycelium, and licensed lab technicians are surprised by its shape.
This strain, despite being rich in psilocybin (after all, it is a derivative of Penis Envy, bred from the Amazonian variety Psilocybe cubensis), is considered accessible to mycology enthusiasts. It is also one of the more “original” strains, although, of course, genetic engineering was also significantly involved. However, if you’re interested in psilocybin mushrooms for beginners, Melmack PE might be a good choice.
McKennaii
Terence McKenna is undoubtedly one of the most distinguished figures in mycology. He not only provided fans with incredibly useful knowledge, but also created a strain that is considered by his followers, among others, as psilocybin mushrooms for beginners – despite its high psilocybin content. For this reason, it’s the right strain for those who have taken their first steps but are still new to this world. The McKennaii mycelium colonizes quickly, so it’s sure to be a good research material.
What do the fruiting bodies look like? They grow on long, thin stems, developing flat, light caps that tend to ochre (except for the papilla, which remains dark in almost every variant).
Malabar
Psychonauts also suggest that the Malabar strain might be an interesting starter strain. This variety comes from India and is characterized by – compared to the ones mentioned above – relatively small fruiting bodies. They have long stems and brown caps. However, they grow prolifically and rapidly. It’s worth noting that they contain a significant amount of psilocybin.
What should you know about psilocybin mushrooms?
As a general rule, remember that determining the safety of psilocybin mushrooms is highly discretionary. It’s important to remember that these are, after all, preparations with psychoactive and intoxicating effects, which are prohibited for possession in Poland, among other places – even in the form of fruiting bodies. However, you can purchase grow kits containing mycelium or special liquid cultures of a given variety to inoculate them onto a substrate. These products do not contain any banned substances and are used for amateur research.