A Guide to Psychedelic Mushroom Genera and Their Species

As we continue in our exploration of understanding psilocybin and its potential use in therapeutic medicine for mental health, we feel its only right to bring attention to the various strains we we be exposed to. Different strains, species, and genera of psychedelic mushrooms produce unique effects, which are shaped by their chemical composition, environmental factors, and even their genetic lineage. While we do not recommend you try any one of these strains, we feel it's crucial to illuminate the various options out there so you can make the best informed decision when deciding what role these substances may or may not play in your mental health care. If you do decide to ingest any of the species mentioned, or the others that are continuing to be discovered, please consult with your main medical wellness practitioner to ensure you're doing so safely.

In this article, we’ll delve into the key genera that contain psychedelic species, explore their most notable species, and examine the diverse strains within them. We'll also provide a detailed look into the chemical profiles and effects of over 50 known species of psychedelic mushrooms across these genera.

1. Psilocybe

The Psilocybe genus is the most well-known and widespread of all psychedelic mushroom genera, containing over 150 species. These mushrooms are characterized by their bluing reaction, indicating the presence of psilocybin, and their often small, brownish or white appearance. They produce dark purple-brown spore prints and thrive in various substrates such as soil, dung, wood, and moss. This genus is particularly well-known for its high psilocybin content.

Important Species and Strains of Psilocybe:

• Psilocybe semilanceata: Commonly known as Liberty Caps, one of the most potent wild-growing species.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.98%–1.36%

  • Effects: Strong, highly visual trips with vivid hallucinations, time distortion, and deep philosophical insights. Often associated with powerful spiritual experiences and ego dissolution.

• Psilocybe cubensis: Contains popular strains such as Golden Teacher, Penis Envy, B+, and Albino A+, each with varying potency and effects.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.5%–1.0%

  • Effects: Varies by strain. Golden Teacher and B+ produce moderate visuals, euphoria, and introspective experiences. Penis Envy is known for its intense effects, deep emotional breakthroughs, and stronger hallucinations.

• Psilocybe azurescens: One of the strongest species in terms of psilocybin content.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 1.8%–2.5%

  • Effects: Extremely potent, inducing powerful visual and auditory hallucinations, ego death, and mystical experiences. Not recommended for beginners due to its overwhelming intensity.

• Psilocybe cyanescens: Known for its “wavy caps” and strong visuals.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 1.0%–1.5%

  • Effects: Strong visual distortions, time dilation, and deep emotional and spiritual introspection. Commonly associated with immersive trips and heightened sensory awareness.

• Psilocybe mexicana: Historically significant, as it was used in ancient Mesoamerican rituals.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.2%–0.6%

  • Effects: Mild and gentle, with subtle visual effects and enhanced creativity. Historically used in spiritual rituals for its calming and introspective properties.

• Psilocybe tampanensis: Famous for producing “Philosopher’s Stones,” which are the psilocybin-rich truffles or sclerotia.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.5%–0.8%

  • Effects: Produces deep introspection, intellectual insights, and mental clarity, with gentle visuals. Known for its cerebral effects and mild body high.

• Psilocybe baeocystis: Known for its intense and unpredictable effects.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.5%–1.5%

  • Effects: Intense and unpredictable, with strong visuals, emotional shifts, and a powerful body high. Can lead to deep philosophical thoughts and emotional breakthroughs.

• Psilocybe stuntzii: A potent species commonly found in the Pacific Northwest.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.5%–1.0%

  • Effects: Produces strong visual hallucinations, with a mix of euphoria and physical sensations. The trip can be both mentally stimulating and introspective.

Newly Discovered and Lesser-Known Species:

• Psilocybe chuxiongensis: Recently described in China, with significant psilocybin content.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.3%–0.8%

  • Effects: Visual and sensory enhancements with a moderate level of mental stimulation. Provides a clear-headed, introspective experience.

• Psilocybe cinnamomea: Another new species from China.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.4%–0.9%

  • Effects: Offers moderate psychedelic effects, including visual changes and deep mental clarity. Emotional insights and mild hallucinations are common.

• Psilocybe thaiaerugineomaculans: Found in Thailand, producing bluing reactions indicative of psilocybin.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.6%–1.2%

  • Effects: Produces intense visual and auditory distortions, with time distortion and emotional euphoria. This species is known for its powerful hallucinations.

• Psilocybe galindoi: Known for producing both mushrooms and truffles, with moderate potency.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.5%–0.8%

  • Effects: Known for producing both mushrooms and truffles, Psilocybe galindoi induces deep mental clarity, intellectual insights, and moderate visual effects.

• Psilocybe zapotecorum: Found in Mexico, associated with indigenous rituals.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.8%–1.2%

  • Effects: Used in indigenous rituals for its spiritual and mystical properties, producing vivid visuals, emotional catharsis, and profound insights.

2. Panaeolus

The Panaeolus genus contains about 20–29 species, many of which are known for their potent psychedelic properties. These mushrooms are typically found growing on animal dung and are recognizable by their small, greyish-brown caps and elongated slender stems. The most significant feature of this genus is the gills, which become mottled with shades of grey and black as the spores mature.

Important Species of Panaeolus:

• Panaeolus cyanescens: Also known as Blue Meanies, this species is highly potent, often surpassing even Psilocybe species in psilocybin content.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 1.2%–1.8%

  • Effects: Intense and highly visual, with vivid hallucinations, time dilation, and a strong sense of detachment from reality. Commonly associated with spiritual experiences and deep emotional insights.

• Panaeolus tropicalis: Found in tropical regions, this species has high psilocybin content and produces powerful visual effects.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 1.5%–2.0%

  • Effects: Similar to Panaeolus cyanescens, producing intense visual distortions and deep emotional euphoria. The effects are powerful and long-lasting, often leading to profound personal realizations.

• Panaeolus papilionaceus: Commonly found in grassy areas and known for moderate potency.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.2%–0.6%

  • Effects: Produces mild visual distortions and light body high. It’s known for creating a euphoric, relaxed state with mild hallucinations.

• Panaeolus subbalteatus: A widely distributed species with moderate effects.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.3%–0.8%

  • Effects: Moderately strong trip with vivid visuals, enhanced auditory perception, and a euphoric body high. Commonly used for nature trips due to its grounding effects.

• Panaeolus acuminatus: Found in tropical and subtropical regions, recognized for its mild psychedelic effects.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.4%–0.8%

  • Effects: Produces mild to moderate visual effects, including slight distortions and color enhancement. The trip is typically light and euphoric, with some users experiencing heightened clarity of thought and mild emotional release

Newly Identified Species:

• Panaeolus axfordii: A novel species recently discovered, reported to have strong psychoactive properties.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.8%–1.5%

  • Effects: Newly discovered, known for strong psychoactive effects that include vivid visuals, emotional insights, and deep connection to surroundings.

• Panaeolus fimicola: Often found in cow pastures, known for its moderate potency.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.6%–1.0%

  • Effects: Produces strong visuals and a clear-headed trip, with heightened emotional clarity and deep introspection. Effects often include time distortion and mild hallucinations.

3. Pluteus

The Pluteus genus is a large group of fungi, with at least 500 species, some of which produce psilocybin. Unlike other genera, Pluteus species grow almost exclusively on well-decayed wood. They are characterized by their free gills, smooth spores, and conical or umbonate caps. Pluteus mushrooms typically have pink spore prints and grow in tropical and temperate forests.

Important Psychedelic Species of Pluteus:

• Pluteus salicinus: Known for its blue bruising and mild psychedelic effects.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.1%–0.5%

  • Effects: Produces light visuals and introspective effects. The trip is calming, with gentle alterations in perception and mood, offering a meditative experience.

• Pluteus cyanopus: Contains psychoactive compounds, although the potency is generally lower than Psilocybe species.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.4%–0.8%

  • Effects: Produces mild visuals and a peaceful body high, with a strong sense of mental clarity and calm. It is particularly known for its emotionally stabilizing effects.

• Pluteus atricapillus: Reported to contain psilocybin and psilocin.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.5%–0.9%

  • Effects: Provides moderate visuals, emotional clarity, and light body sensations. Users often experience a feeling of introspective calm.

• Pluteus glaucus: Another species reported to have psychoactive tryptamines.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.6%–1.0%

  • Effects: Produces moderate psychedelic effects, with subtle hallucinations, emotional release, and a calm, reflective trip. It’s noted for its balancing effects on the mind and emotions.

4. Gymnopilus

With over 200 species, Gymnopilus is one of the largest genera containing psychedelic species. These mushrooms are often larger than those in the Psilocybe or Panaeolus genera and are distinguished by their dry, reddish-brown to yellow fruiting bodies and rusty-brown spore prints. Many species grow on decaying wood or grassy areas with decomposing wood.

Important Species of Gymnopilus:

• Gymnopilus spectabilis: Commonly known as Big Laughing Gym, this species produces a strong euphoria and fits of laughter.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.3%–0.7%

  • Effects: Known for inducing laughter and euphoria, along with mild visuals. The experience is light-hearted, with a sense of joy and connection to others.

• Gymnopilus junonius: Another potent species, sometimes confused with Armillaria, which is edible.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.5%–1.0%

  • Effects: Produces a strong body high with moderate visual effects, emotional release, and a sense of spiritual connectedness. The trip is both physical and mental, offering deep insights.

• Gymnopilus luteus: Known for its striking yellow coloration and psychedelic properties.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.1%–0.5%

  • Effects: Mild visuals with slight alterations in mood and perception. The trip is often described as mentally calming and emotionally uplifting.

• Gymnopilus purpuratus: Recognized by its purplish cap and high psilocybin content.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.8%–1.2%

  • Effects: This species is known for producing vivid visuals, including geometric patterns and color distortions, along with a deeply euphoric state. It’s a powerful psychedelic mushroom that often leads to spiritual or mystical experiences, with time distortion and a strong sense of connection to the environment.

• Gymnopilus validipes: Contains both psilocybin and serotonin, leading to powerful emotional and mental effects.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.5%–1.0%

  • Effects: Known for its balanced effects on both mind and body, Gymnopilus validipes produces a strong emotional and mental trip. Users report enhanced emotional clarity, moderate visual distortions, and feelings of introspection.

Newly Described Species:

• Gymnopilus minisporus: Discovered recently, with notable psychoactive properties.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.3%–0.7%

  • Effects: Produces a mild to moderate psychedelic experience, with gentle visuals and a light body high. The trip often includes feelings of euphoria and mental clarity.

• Gymnopilus swaticus: Another new species found in specific regions, reported to have psychedelic effects.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.5%–1.0%

  • Effects: Known for its moderate potency, Gymnopilus swaticus produces visual distortions, enhanced auditory perception, and a strong sense of well-being. Users report a balanced trip with both mental and physical effects, including feelings of joy and introspection.

5. Inocybe

The Inocybe genus contains numerous species, some of which contain psilocybin. However, Inocybe mushrooms are often avoided due to the presence of toxic compounds in many of their species. Inocybe mushrooms are often found in forests and are characterized by their bell-shaped caps and fibrous texture.

Important Psychedelic Species:

• Inocybe aeruginascens: One of the few psychedelic species in this genus. It contains psilocybin but should be approached cautiously due to the potential for toxins.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.2%–0.7%

  • Effects: Mild to moderate visuals and emotional clarity, with a sense of introspection and calm. The experience is usually gentle, but care must be taken due to the potential toxicity of related species.

6. Conocybe

The Conocybe genus contains small, delicate mushrooms, some of which are psychoactive. These mushrooms are characterized by their conical caps and thin, fragile stems.

Important Species of Conocybe:

• Conocybe cyanopus: A small, brownish mushroom known for its psychoactive properties, containing psilocybin and psilocin.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.5%–1.0%

  • Effects: Produces moderate visuals, a mild body high, and enhanced emotional clarity. The experience is introspective and often calming, with gentle shifts in perception.

• Conocybe smithii: Another potent species, though rare, it contains high levels of psilocybin.

  • Psilocybin concentration: 0.7%–1.2%

  • Effects: Known for its strong visual effects and mild euphoria, with a calming body high. The experience is often deeply introspective and meditative.

Conclusion

The world of psychedelic mushrooms is vast, encompassing over 100 species spread across multiple genera, today we covered around 50. From the potent Psilocybe azurescens to the mystical Psilocybe mexicana, and the highly visual Panaeolus cyanescens, each species offers unique effects and experiences. Understanding these differences and recognizing the various genera can help users approach these powerful fungi with respect and care.

As always, proper identification is crucial when foraging for mushrooms, as many poisonous look-alikes can be deadly. For those seeking a safe and transformative psychedelic experience, knowledge is the best tool for navigating the diverse and fascinating world of magic mushrooms and we encourage you to do your own due diligence. We hope this helped in your exploration and education.

Safe travels.

Resources:

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• Li, H., Ma, X., et al. (2014). "New species of Psilocybe from Yunnan Province, China." Fungal Diversity.

• Ma, X., et al. (2014). "Phylogenetic and morphological analyses of novel Psilocybe species from Asia." Mycological Progress.

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• Petrokofsky, Gillian, et al. "A Systematic Map of the Evidence on the Contribution of Forests to Poverty Alleviation." Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, vol. 5, 2022, article 813998, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/ffgc.2022.813998/full. Accessed 14 Sept. 2024.

• Redhead, S.A., and Guzmán, G. (1985). "The genus Psilocybe in Canada." Canadian Journal of Botany.

• Stamets, P. (1996). Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World: An Identification Guide. Ten Speed Press.