There are over 180 species of psilocybin mushrooms. These special types of mushrooms are commonly known as “magic mushrooms”. Each species has varying levels of potency and types of effects.
Magic mushrooms also have different levels of active ingredients. The most common of these ingredients are psilocybin, psilocin, and baeocystin. You can find out more about what psilocybin is by checking out this article. Each psychoactive component appears in all magic mushrooms in different percentages. When combined, these components give you the total potency for each mushroom. Some types of magic mushrooms have up to 12 times the potency of others. It’s important to know what you’re taking ahead of time to ensure you’re being safe. You should be aware of the varying side effects and how to avoid having a bad trip. In a separate article, we’ve consolidated 5 of the best ways to make sure you have the safest shroom trip. It’s our essential guide on how to have the safest and most enjoyable experience when taking magic mushrooms. The following types of magic mushrooms are some of the most common, most popular, and strongest strains known.Psilocybe Cubensis – Golden Caps
Source: wikipedia Psilocybe Cubensis are often called “Golden Caps” due to their yellow-brown cap. This species is one of the most commonly used magic mushrooms. Due to their popularity, this strain of mushroom has up to 60 different varieties like B+ and Penis Envy. These magic mushrooms grow well in the wild. Different strains appear all over the world. Like most magic mushroom varieties, Golden Caps are more potent when grown in a substrate at home. B+ is one of the most popular strains of these magic mushrooms. Tripping on it generates strong feelings of spiritual connectedness and euphoria. You are likely to feel a strong grounded energy. Penis Envy, a notably stronger strain, contains 50% more psilocybin than other strains of cubensis. It generates intense euphoric feeling, mental clarity, and perspective on personal issues. Features to Note- Large, wide cap
- Golden color
- Turns a bluish color when handled (due to oxidation)
- 1.26%
- 13mg
Psilocybe Semilanceata – Liberty Caps
Source: wikipedia Psilocybe Semilanceata are the most widespread, naturally growing psilocybin mushrooms. They are also known as “Liberty Caps”. These mushrooms are some of the few magic mushrooms that grow best in the wild. Most that are consumed are picked in the wild, rather than cultivated in a substrate. Liberty Cap mushrooms look different from the many other strains of magic mushroom. They have a conical or bell-shaped cap that does not broaden with age. In the wild, Liberty Caps can be misidentified as the poisonous Psathyrella species. It is advised not to search for these if you are not an experienced mycologist. Tripping on Psilocybe Semilanceata is considered to be a very social experience.Commonly reported side effects of these mushrooms are:
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Empathy
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Chatting a lot
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Experiencing joyful feelings
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Bouts of uncontrollable laughter
- Conical, bell-shaped, or spear-shaped cap
- Smallest variety of psilocybin mushroom, standing at around 40 – 100mm
- Densely gilled underside
- 1.36%
- 14mg
Psilocybe Tampanensis – Philosopher’s Stone
Source: wikipedia.com The Psilocybe Tampanesis produces truffles or “scleoria” which contain psilocybin. These truffles are nicknamed “philosopher’s stones” because of their shape and dark brown color. This mushroom truffle is easy for home cultivators to grow. They are commonly sold in specialty “smart shops” in The Netherlands. You are likely to have a less intense experience taking Psilocybe Tampanensis. Nausea is a frequent side effect due to the density of the “stones”. You may experience warm, cheerful feelings and a newfound appreciation for life. Features to Note- Fresh psilocybe tampanensis is a light straw or yellowish-grey color.
- The truffles, or “stones” are dark brown, mottled with yellow. They look like stones or pebbles.
- 1.00%
- 10mg
Psilocybe Azurescens – Flying Saucers
Source: wikipedia Psilocybe Azurescens is the strongest psilocybin species that grows in the wild. These mushrooms go by many different names. The most popular are:- “Flying Saucers”
- “Blue Angels”
- “Blue Runners”
- “Azzies”
- UFO-like shape
- Brown, caramel color
- Due to high levels of psilocybin, turns a very dark blue to black when oxidized
- 2.51%
- 25mg
Psilocybe Caerulescens – Derrumbes
Source: wikipedia.com Psilocybe Caerulescens are also known as “Derrumbes” meaning “collapse” in Spanish. This species was historically used by Aztec Shamans; thus it has been cultivated for centuries. This strain of magic mushrooms is also known as “Landslide Mushrooms”. This is because they are often found growing on ground devoid of plants – rivers and streams, or areas prone to landslides. Derrumbes are still used by Mazatec people in Mexico. They are used when performing traditional ceremonies and rituals. Psilocybe Caerulescen has a low to moderate potency. Trips with these magic mushrooms are usually short, lasting between 4 to 6 hours. They are great for a beginner’s introductory psilocybin experience. You will likely feel elated and giggly after taking this strain. Features to Note- Silvery-blue, metallic coloring
- Size and shape of cap can vary
- Can grow with a thick stripe on the cap
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Psilocybe Cyanescens – Wavy Caps
Source: wikipedia.com Psilocybe Cyanescens magic mushroom are nicknamed “Wavy Caps” due to the shape of their caps – wavy and rippled around the edge of the cap. Wavy Cap magic mushroom are one of the most widespread, wild psilocybin mushrooms. This strain of mushroom is very popular due to its potency. It also grows in huge patches so is more readily available and accessible for use. Psilocybe Cyanescens have strong hallucinogenic properties. You are likely to experience both visual and auditory hallucinations. Wavy Cap mushrooms can cause increased personal and external-world awareness. These magic mushroom also encourage a deeper appreciation for music and visual art. Features to Note- A rippling or wavy cap
- Caramel color
- Dark, purplish-brown spore print
- 1.24%
- 12mg
Copelandia Cyanescens – Blue Meanies
Source: wikipedia.com These mushrooms are not part of the Psilocybe mushroom genus; rather, they are part of the Panaeolus genus. Their scientific name is Panaeolus Cyanescens. They are more commonly known as “Blue Meanies”. These mushrooms are some of the strongest in the world. They have around 2 to 3 times the amount of psilocybin as the Cubensis variety. A psychedelic Blue Meanies trip is likely to be incredibly uplifting. Intense feelings of euphoria, as well as vibrant visual and auditory hallucinations, have been reported. Tripping on Blue Meanies can last between 4 to 8 hours so if you’re planning on taking these, strap in for the long haul! Features to Note- Conical, bell, or spear-shaped cap, very similar to the Semilanceata variety
- The truffles are very dark brown in color
- Good beginners mushroom
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Psilocybe Baeocystis – Blue Bells
Source: wikipedia.com Blue Bell magic mushroom get their name for their blue-ish hue on the cap. These mushrooms have a higher percentage of baeocystin. This causes the mushroom to turn a deep, dark blue when bruised. Psilocybe Baeocystis has a higher potency when fresh. Their potency reduces to at least half when dried. The most common side effect of Blue Bells is an increased sense of fun. You may also experience strange colors and shapes. Features to Note- Broad conic cap
- Cap is often a dark olive-brown but can occasionally be steel blue in color
- Surface of the cap looks like gelatin
- 1.54%
- 15mg
Psilocybe Stuntzii – Blue Legs
Source: commons.wikimedia.org Psilocybe stuntzii is a rare psilocybe mushroom that only grows on the west coast of the US and Canada. They grow in large colonies in wooded and grassy areas. The mushroom’s nickname is “Blue Legs”. This comes from the bluing reaction that occurs when they are handled. Psilocybe stuntziis are hallucinogenic mushrooms and are known to cause both visual and auditory hallucinations. Features to Note- Grow in clusters around woody areas
- Olive green edges on the cap
- Only found in the US and Canada
- 0.50%
- 5mg