Magic mushroom strains are a fascinating nuance of what psilocybin mushrooms have to offer. It can be hard to figure out which is your best option. They come in many shapes and sizes that can provide calmer, milder experiences, pack a punch, or completely launch you through the stratosphere. Like each trip is different, each strain has some uniqueness despite the psychoactive compound being the same. Think of the variety of strains as different tools for different journeys but all demand the same level of respect. So let’s dive in and look at the difference in some of the most common magic mushroom strains available in today’s world.
What’s the Difference?
So what is the difference between magic mushroom strains? First let’s look at what strain actually means. A strain refers to a different variety of the genus Psilocybe cubensis. This is the species that all strains stem from. Psilocybe cubensis is the most common genus and essentially the “parent” to all other magic mushroom strains. Of course there are other species of magic mushrooms that exist such as Psilocybe azurescens, Psilocybe cyanescens, or Psilocybe semilanceata but when people are talking about strains, 99% of the time its from Psilocybe cubensis. So what are some of the other common magic mushroom strains that Psilocybe cubensis offers?
Golden Teacher
Golden Teachers are a very common and well-known strain of magic mushrooms. They are very recognizable by their golden-brown caps, which often have a slightly wavy edge as they mature. The stems are white and thin, sometimes with a faint yellow, and they can grow fairly tall. This classic look is what makes them one of the most iconic and well known. magic mushroom strains. The potency of this strain is average with users reporting gentle, insightful, and spiritual experiences with this strain. This classic is regarded as a great starting point for those new to magic mushrooms. It’s manageable and introspective and makes a great introduction to psilocybin mushrooms.
Penis Envy
Penis Envy is a legendary magic mushroom strain known for its potency. The mushrooms are short, have thick stems and bulb-shaped caps that are light brownish in colour. What makes Penis Envy so special is its high potency–often reported to be two to three times stronger than standard magic mushroom strains. This makes the experiences with Penis Envy much more intense, visual, and emotional. Due to their strength and intensity they are recommended to more experienced users looking for a heavier journey.
Blue Meanie(Psilocybe cubensis variety)
Blue Meanies (cubensis strain, not to be confused with Panaeolus cyanescens of the same nickname) is another well known strain of magic mushroom. They typically have smaller rounded caps that are golden brown with long and thin stems. The effects of Blue Meanies are described as uplifting and highly euphoric by most users. They are considered stronger than average but not as strong as Penis Envy making it a steady middle ground. The cubensis variety has different effects than P. cyanescens which has higher potency and sometimes less pleasant effects.
Potency Varies the Experience
Magic mushroom strains–given the incredibly wide variety–can range heavily in potency. As we noted earlier` there are milder more average strains like Golden Teacher, but much more potent strains like Penis Envy. There are some strains even stronger than Penis Envy which we will take a look at in another blog. Each strain with its different potency will provide different experiences. Golden Teachers might give you a smoother ride through an introspective experience. While Penis Envy might give me a much more intense and vibrant experience. It is also good to note that each trip is different and depends on set and setting.
People also metabolize psilocybin differently, what might be mellow for one person, might be intense for another. Weighing your dose with an accurate milligram scale is always one of the best practices for accuracy rather than trying to eyeball it.
Safety Measures
It is important to start with low doses when trying strains you might not be familiar with, especially if they are regarded as more potent than what you are used to. Sticking to lower doses lowers the risk of getting overwhelmed with an experience that was more intense than planned. Also make sure you are getting magic mushrooms from reputable sources and to avoid trying to pick them in the wild yourself unless you’re sufficient enough in mycology to know the differences of what’s safe and what isn’t.
Beyond just dosage, strain and sourcing, make sure you have a good set and setting as your experience is shaped by your mindset and environment. So always choose a safe and comfortable place and time for when you want to take a trip. Maybe consider a trip sitter as well, someone you trust to watch over you if you are experimenting with more potent strains or higher doses. Taking the time to integrate your experience after any trip is also quite valuable. Fully integrating what you’ve learnt before jumping into the next trip ensures responsible use.
Conclusion
Magic mushrooms offer users a wide range of different experiences to explore. From gentler varieties of Golden Teacher to intense and heavy experiences from Penis Envy. Each has their own bit of character to experiment with. They all offer something unique but need the same respect and responsibility in order to get the most out of these amazing tools. Whether you are new and looking for your first trip, or experienced and looking for something heavier, there will always be a strain out there that meets you where you’re at. Look out for high-quality sources as they are safer and more consistent. Take your time to learn and research which strains fit you best and always approach them with curiosity, patience, intention, and surrendering to the experience. So if you are curious to try any of the strains we mentioned today, you can check out our high quality selection of magic mushroom strains here.
