Where Do Psilocybin Mushrooms Grow?

Psilocybin mushrooms contain compounds that can alter a person’s state of mind, eventually leading to changes in perception and/or hallucinations. So where do these mushrooms grow and how can you identify them in the wild?

What Are Psilocybin Mushrooms?

Psilocybin is a psychedelic compound originating from the tryptamine grouping. Commonly known for its existence in over 100 species of mushroom, psilocybin is referred to as the “magic” in magic mushrooms. When ingested, psilocybin has a variety of effects, including awakenings and hallucinations.

While this particular mushroom strain remains illegal in the U.S. and other western countries, the past decade has seen a noticeable increase in medical research involving this psychedelic. Medical professionals continue to discover that psilocybin has numerous therapeutic applications. It is essential to note that psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in the U.S. and other countries, yet psilocybin mushrooms spores are legal.

Where Do Psilocybin Mushrooms Grow?

Psilocybe cubensis is widely available because it grows all over the United States and Central America, which contributes to its popularity. It has also been grown in Asia, Australia, South America, and Cuba.

Psilocybe semilanceata, sometimes referred to as “liberty caps,” naturally grows throughout the United States, Canada, and some regions of Europe. This variety favors pastures, grasslands, and meadows for growth. Psilocybe cubensis is a coprophilic fungi, however this mushroom is not.

This indicates that it doesn’t originate from animal excrement. Instead, after rainy weather, liberty caps will appear in the grass. The mushroom top is mostly a light brown tint with few variations. The stem appears white and is typically long and curved. When bruised, a blue coloring is seen.

How To Identify Psilocybin In The Wild

Psilocybin mushrooms can be identified due to their distinctive appearance. These mushrooms feature a conical or funnel-shaped cap and a stem which is smooth or has tiny bumps. Typically, they are brown or reddish, but can also be white, purple or yellow.

What Are The Benefits Of Psilocybin?

During work for Johns Hopkins, Psychopharmacologist Roland Griffiths conducted a study on nicotine-addicted patients using psilocybin as treatment. 60% of the participants were able to abstain from smoking for two and a half years during a follow up. Traditional smoking cessation treatments typically yield a 30-40% success rate after six months.

A recent study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs shows evidence that psilocybin offers therapeutic benefits in treating anxiety, PTSD, and depression. These benefits are thanks to the compound’s ability to manipulate the specific region of the brain that is responsible for mood control.

Multiple studies show that psilocybin could potentially improve advanced-stage cancer patients treat anxiety, depression, and general distress. Psilocybin proponents are hopeful that this growing body of evidence can result in reformed opinions regarding the psychedelic.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Consuming Psilocybin?

Yes, there are a few risks that can be associated with the consumption of psilocybin. Always make sure you are aware of the toxicity of psilocybin and its derivatives. If you are pregnant or nursing, are taking medications for psychiatric disorders or have a history of mental illness, do not consume psilocybin.

Never mix psilocybin with other drugs or alcohol. Psilocybin can cause adverse reactions, such as panic attacks, paranoia, nausea and-in rare cases-death. Make sure you consume psilocybin in a safe space alongside individuals you trust.

*Please note in 47 out of 50 states, psychedelic mushrooms are perfectly legal. Users can buy, sell and own psilocybin mushroom spores for research purposes only. However, it is illegal in nearly all jurisdictions to cultivate magic mushrooms. Psilocybin spores are never to be cultivated.

The only exception is in New Mexico, where it remains legal to grow mushrooms as long as no steps are taken to preserve the mushrooms. Make sure to familiarize yourself with your local psychedelic spore laws before placing an order. Psilocybin mushroom spores are currently illegal in California, Georgia and Idaho.