Shrooms
What are the Strongest Shrooms? Species & Strains
You may be wondering what the strongest magic mushroom species or strains are.
With over 200 species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, each strain can vary in potency and effects. In recent years, the popularity of magic mushrooms has increased, leading to a rise in demand for the most potent strains.
However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which strains are the most potent magic mushrooms and produce the most substantial effects.
This article will explore some of the strongest magic mushroom strains, their effects, and what makes them stand out from other strains. If you are looking for the strongest shrooms, this is where you’ll find them!
Key Takeaways:
- Psilocybin mushrooms contain psychoactive compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, with potency varying among strains due to genetics and growing conditions.
- Panaeolus cyanescens, and Psilocybe semilanceata are potent species, often containing over 2% psilocybin, leading to powerful psychedelic effects.
- Notable strains include Blue Meanies, Penis Envy, Golden Teacher Cubensis, Psilocybe Azurescens, Liberty Caps, Psilocybe Bohemica, and Psilocybe Mexicana.
- Growing conditions, genetics, harvest timing, and drying methods influence mushroom potency.
- Starting with a low dose when trying a new strain helps assess tolerance and minimize overwhelming effects.
- Enhancing mushroom potency can be achieved through techniques like lemon tek, consuming on an empty stomach, and thorough chewing or grinding.
- Individual preferences and experiences can determine each person’s magic mushroom strain of choice, but generally, higher Psilocybin content means stronger effects overall.
What Psychoactive Compounds Make Shrooms Potent?
The primary active compounds in Psilocybe species mushrooms are psilocybin and psilocin. Psilocybin is a prodrug metabolized in the body to produce psilocin, the primary compound responsible for the psychedelic effects of magic mushrooms.
Although roughly from the same species (Genus Psilocybe), there can be significant differences in potency. The concentration of psilocybin and psilocin can vary between different magic mushroom species and even within the same mushroom strains. Typically, the psilocybin content of magic mushrooms ranges from 0.5% to 2% by dry weight, while psilocin concentrations range from 0.02% to 0.3% by dry weight.
Baeocystin is a tryptamine compound found in some magic mushrooms varying degrees below .3% dry weight, similar to psilocin.
There are a lot of species of magic mushrooms out there that may produce a specific type of high, so what’s potent to one person may not be to another, depending on the desired effects. Generally, strains with a higher content of Psilocybin are ultimately the strongest mushroom strains, but some strains may produce more visual, reflective, or body-oriented trips.
Fly Agaric mushrooms (Amanita Muscaria) are psychedelic due to their psychoactive compounds, ibotenic acid and muscimol, which affect the brain, inducing altered perceptions and states of consciousness. They are also quite strong, but the effects differ slightly from psilocybin.
For the sake of this article, we will talk about Psilocybin mushrooms, which are most common in retail settings.
The Most Potent Psilocybin Mushrooms
Nearly all magic mushrooms belonging to the genus Psilocybe contain the psychedelic compounds psilocybin, psilocin, and baeocystin (similar in structure to psilocin). Although all psychedelic, Psilocybin levels vary among each.
But what is the most potent psychedelic mushroom? The most powerful species of Psilocybe mushrooms are Panaeolus cyanescens (Wavy Caps) or Psilocybe semilanceata (Liberty Caps), which commonly contain over 2% Psilocybin. (Most cubensis are .5-1%)
These species have also been commented on as the strongest mushrooms, producing powerful visual and spiritual effects for the users. So let’s find out what each strain of psychedelic mushrooms is strong in their regard and why.
What is the Strongest Mushroom Strain You Can Buy?
Many strains commonly found fall under Psilocybe Cubensis or are a species hybrid, but the most potent hallucinogenic mushrooms might differ slightly.
The magic mushrooms you purchase at our shrooms online dispensary in Canada are usually Cubensis but have been bred with other species. These are the most powerful magic mushrooms, not ranked in any particular order.
Pan Cyan (Blue Meanies or Wavy Caps)
Well-known are Panaealous Cyanescens (Wavy Caps) and its cousin Psilocybe Cyanescens (Blue Meanies)
Most commonly found, the Psilocybe cyanescens (Blue Meanie shrooms) is another powerful psychedelic magic mushroom species. The powerfully psychedelic Cyanescens is one of the hundreds of species of psychedelic mushrooms containing the hallucinogenic compound psilocybin. P. cyanescens has become increasingly abundant and is now so familiar that it is considered one of the world’s most prevalent wild psychedelic mushrooms.
Psilocybe cyanescens were initially found in the Pacific Northwest of North America. They are much more likely to be found in the open air than cultivated mushrooms grown in an enclosed area, as it can be difficult to cultivate them in an enclosed space. However, because these mushrooms are typically grown indoors, they are generally highly potent.
Cyanescens mushroom fruit bodies are characterized by 15-20mm across volute caps. They are typically grown in North America, New Zealand, central/western Europe, and even parts of the Middle East.
These mushrooms can be grown indoors, and grow kits are available. Unlike the rest of the Psilocybe genus, which naturally thrives on lichen-like substrates, P. cubensis prefers to grow in well-manured soils or on animal dung. Still, since Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms are among the easiest psychedelic mushrooms to cultivate indoors, this is a great strain to try, both in consumption and cultivation.
Penis Envy Magic Mushrooms
You can’t think of magic mushrooms without the famous phallic shape. Penis envy mushrooms, which are another of the most powerful psychedelic mushrooms, produce mushrooms shaped like male genitalia. As a result, just one strain has emerged as one of the most sought-after varieties of psychedelic mushrooms, the most abundant species of psychedelic mushrooms.
They are one of the best magic mushrooms for visuals. The most plentiful potent shroom worldwide contains psilocybin and comes in all varieties. It is estimated that about 200 species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms are in the family Basidiomycota.
One of the more popular psilocybin mushrooms available today is P. cubensis, but it is far from the most powerful as it does not contain the highest concentrations of psilocybin. Nevertheless, Penis Envy is one of the most commonly available species of magic mushrooms, as it is the easiest psychedelic mushroom to grow.
Golden Teacher Cubensis
Another Psilocybe Cubensis strain, the Golden Teacher strain of psilocybin mushroom, is known for its unique appearance and reported effects. While the effects of Golden Teacher Cubensis can vary from person to person, many users report a range of positive experiences. This makes Golden Teacher mushroom potency so powerful: its range of positive effects, as many users show.
One of the most commonly reported effects of Golden Teacher Cubensis is a sense of euphoria and enhanced mood. Users often describe feeling a sense of joy, peace, and contentment after consuming these mushrooms. Many users also report increased creativity, introspection, and a greater understanding of connection with themselves and others.
In addition to mood enhancement, Golden Teacher Cubensis has also been reported to produce visual and auditory hallucinations. These can range from subtle changes in perception to intense and vivid visuals and sounds. Users also report a greater appreciation for music and art, as these experiences are often enhanced under the influence of Golden Teacher Cubensis.
Some users have also reported that Golden Teacher Cubensis has helped them overcome anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Psilocybe Azurescens (Flying Saucers)
- 1.8% psilocybin
- 0.5% psilocin
- 0.4% baeocystin
Psilocybe azurescens is a potent strain of mushrooms, considered one of the strongest strains of magic mushrooms.
P. azurescens is a type of psychedelic mushroom, with the primary active compounds being psilocybin and psilocin. It is one of the more powerful tryptamine-containing mushrooms, with a maximum dry weight of 1.8% psilocybin, 0.5% psilocin, and 0.4% baeocystin, and an average of around 1.1% psilocybin and 0.15% psilocin.
Psilocybe azurescens is believed to be the strongest species of psychedelic mushroom but rarely appears in black markets or elsewhere except in natural settings. Nevertheless, Psilocybe azurescens is usually considered the strongest of the wild mushrooms discovered, with an average content of about 1.8% psilocybin and 0.4% psilocin.
Unlike Psilocybe cubensis, other shroom strains or mushroom psychedelics typically grow in manured or pasteurized soil. Psilocybe azurescens prefer environments with high levels of lignin, like grass or wood chips, if you are researching for the strongest magic mushrooms.
The best way to guarantee a safe experience with Psilocybe azurescens is to ensure your supply comes from a domestic cultivator using wood chips or sandy soil substrates. It is possible to grow Psilocybe azurescens indoors, as long as you are familiar with growing shrooms, but it is not likely you will be able to find a growing set anywhere.
Psilocybe Semilanceata (Liberty Caps)
- 0.2% to 2.4% Psilocybin (usually 1% avg)
Psilocybe semilanceata (Liberty Cap) is often considered one of the most powerful among common magic mushroom species ranked out of shrooms, similar to P. azurescens and Golden Teachers, at about 1% psilocybin, but have been found up to 2.37%.
This psilocybin mushroom strain is often touted as the world’s strongest magic mushroom species.
According to Psilopedia, the Psilocybe semilanceata, the cap of freedom, is the earth’s most widespread magic mushroom, growing naturally in tropical climates. Psilocybe semilanceata mushrooms are highly powerful, characterized by large, brown, leather-like caps often attached to bent stems.
Psilocybe semilanceata is the most widely distributed wild magic mushroom, growing across 17 countries of Northern Europe, where it is considered native. Underneath the caps of Psilocybe semilanceata mushrooms, you will find 15-27 narrow, bluish-coloured, narrow-mouthed gills, which turn quickly blue if you break off a stem or cap from a fungus.
Psilocybe Bohemica
Instead, Bohemian Psilocybe, or Bohemian psilocybe, produces an impressive 15mg potency per 1g dried mushrooms, making them the third-most potent magic mushroom strain. More than 180 species of psilocybin mushrooms, including the well-known psilocybe cubensis, are grown widely across the globe — here are our favourites among these types of magic mushrooms. What is even more impressive is that more than 180 different species of magic mushrooms vary and are growing wildly around the globe — and they all contain psychoactive compounds.
Psilocybe bohemia is a strain of magic mushrooms known for its strong effects. Users often report intense and unique experiences.
One of the most commonly reported effects of Psilocybe Bohemica is its ability to produce intense visual and auditory hallucinations. These can range from subtle changes in perception to intense and vivid experiences, often including complex geometric patterns and vivid colours.
Users also report feeling strongly connected to nature and their surroundings and heightened emotional and sensory experiences.
Psilocybe Mexicana
Similar to semilanceata varieties of magic mushrooms, Psilocybe Mexicana mushrooms are characterized by conical or bell-shaped caps, usually ranging between 10-20mm in diameter.
Psilocybe Mexicana is a strain of hallucinogenic mushrooms that dates back to the Aztecs. It is known for its ability to produce intense visual and auditory hallucinations and enhanced creativity and introspection. Users also reported feeling strongly connected to nature and heightened emotional and sensory experiences.
Variants of Mexicana Psilocybe species make it one of the strongest magic mushroom species for introspective and spiritual journeys if you are after this kind of mushroom trip.
Psilocybe baeocystis (Knobby Tops)
This species is commonly known as “Knobby Tops” or “Blue Bells” due to its unique appearance, which features a knobbed cap and blue-green coloration. Psilocybe baeocystis is found in the Pacific Northwest region of North America and has been used for its psychedelic effects by indigenous peoples in the area.
It is known for producing solid and long-lasting effects and is often sought after by experienced shroom users. It should be considered one of the most potent shrooms, generally featuring a large amount of baeocystin, the chemical from which it was named.
Psilocybe baeocystis hallucinogenic mushrooms are typically grown in the Pacific Northwest, offering a conical-shaped cap that is slimmed down and rippled.
Factors Affecting How Powerful Shrooms Are:
Outside of the specific species and strains of magic mushrooms are a variety of factors which may contribute to the strength of the batch. The following should be under ideal conditions to get the strongest magic mushrooms.
Mushroom Species
As mentioned above, certain magic mushroom species naturally contain higher amounts of Psilocybin and Psilocin. Refer to our list above to find the best mushroom species.
Genetics of the Strain
Like humans, our genetics vary widely; within the Psilocybe genus, there are many genetic differences, even batch to batch. Consulting with the grower can determine whether strong genetics are present.
Growing Conditions
Magic mushrooms should be grown under ideal conditions to be potent. This allows the fruit to reach its full potential and yield the highest concentrations of psychoactive ingredients. Potency is also affected by using the correct substrate, moisture levels, lighting, and air quality. Typical substrates include brown rice flour mixed with vermiculite and water, known as the PF Tek method.
Other popular choices are rye grain, manure, and coco coir. The substrate must be sterile to prevent contamination and provide the necessary nutrients and moisture for the mushrooms to thrive. Some strains require wood chips as in their natural growing habitat.
Harvesting & Timing
Similar to growing conditions, the timing and quality of the harvest can significantly impact the shroom’s strength. The fruit body will not be ideal if the mushrooms are harvested too early or too late. Fruit bodies contain the most active ingredients, so optimizing them is critical for potency.
Drying & Storing After Cultivation
This is equally important as the shrooms can go bad without proper drying and storage. Shrooms appropriately dried will be the freshest and have the most active ingredients. If not adequately dried and put into storage, the extra moisture could ruin your whole batch. Not to mention, when exposed to air, Psilocybin breaks down, so with improper storage, your shrooms could lose their potency.
Hybrid Strains from Crossbreeding
Lastly, designer strains have been created by crossbreeding two strains to result in a stronger strain. The notable effects of the two strains can be combined through crossbreeding to develop the strongest psilocybin mushrooms in the world.
Safely Dosing The Most Potent Psilocybe Mushrooms
When taking mushrooms, the advice is the same regardless of potency. Whether a higher dose or lower dose, you want to ensure safety with mushroom ingestion to have a great trip and achieve the desired effect. Here is some general advice for taking shrooms.
- Start Low, Go Slow: Begin with a low dose to assess tolerance. Since these are hallucinogenic fungi, we don’t want to overdo it immediately.
- Know Your Strain: As discussed, psilocybin concentrations vary between strains. It’s best to research potency differences between strains.
- Set and Setting: Ensure a safe, comfortable environment. A good mental state is essential for your well-being when taking psilocybin.
- Use a Scale: It’s best not to leave anything to chance. Even if you’re experienced, precisely measure doses to avoid overconsumption and track how it affects you.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep water on hand to remain hydrated.
- Have a Sitter: Trip-sitters are healthy volunteers who will help you navigate your journey. A sober, trusted person should be present.
- Avoid Mixing: Don’t combine with other substances.
- Know Your Source: Purchase from a reputable supplier.
- Mind Your Health: Consider your mental and physical health beforehand. If you have a family history of mental health, you may want to avoid psychedelics.
- Educate Yourself: Understand potential effects and risks.
- Legal Awareness: Be aware of the legal status in your area.
- Aftercare: Plan for rest and reflection post-experience.
Notable Effects of Potent Hallucinogenic Mushroom Strain
Besides the hallucinogenic effects of magic mushrooms come many health benefits and increased self-awareness. Higher doses of psilocybin have different effects than lower doses, especially microdosing. Here is the range of impacts you may experience.
- Visual Enhancements: Vivid colours and patterns may appear. At high doses, these can be wild, vivid hallucinations.
- Altered Perception: When your sensory perception is altered, your time and space perception might change. This can lead to an interesting understanding of the world around you.
- Emotional Intensity: Feelings can be amplified, both positively and negatively.
- Ego Dissolution: The sense of self may fade, leading to feelings of connectedness.
- Cognitive Shifts: Thinking patterns can become non-linear or abstract.
- Increased Creativity: New perspectives and ideas may surface.
- Physical Sensations: The body may feel light or heavy, with tingling.
- Enhanced Empathy: Feelings of empathy towards others can increase.
- Spiritual Experiences: Some report profound, mystical experiences.
- Auditory Changes: Sounds can be distorted or gain significance.
- Afterglow Effects: Residual positive feelings may last for days.
- Challenging Experiences: Because of psilocybin’s psychoactive properties, anxiety, paranoia, or confusion can occur; preparedness is vital.
Some scientific interest in these fungal species is due to their promising mental health benefits. Individuals suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or substance abuse issues can benefit from the cognitive and emotional changes psilocybin-containing mushrooms can provide for their well-being.
Strongest Mushroom Strain FAQ:
Are Psilocybe Cubensis strains the most Potent?
Psilocybe cubensis strains are not necessarily the most potent hallucinogenic mushrooms among all magic mushroom strains. While they are one of the most widespread potent mushrooms, widely in modern commercially cultivated strains and commonly used, other strains are known to be more potent regarding their psychoactive effects.
Some examples of Psilocybe species known for their high potency include Psilocybe azurescens, cyanescens, and Psilocybe subaeruginosa. These strains contain higher concentrations of psilocybin and psilocin than Cubensis and are known to produce more intense and long-lasting effects.
Cyanescens, the Wavy Cap Mushroom, is the closest relative to Psilocybe subaeruginosa and Psilocybe azurescens; it has an estimated 0.85% psilocybin content and 0.36% psilocin content (Stijve & Kuyper, 1985; Repke et al., 1977).
P. cubensis, the iconic magic mushroom, contains 0.63 percent psilocybin, 0.60 percent psilocin, and 0.025 percent baeocystin (Gartz, 1994; Stijve & De Meijer, 1993 ).
Why are some Psilocybe strains more potent than others?
The potency of Psilocybe strains varies due to differences in psilocybin and psilocin concentrations, which are influenced by genetics, growing conditions, and substrate. Potent strains like Azurescens naturally produce higher levels of these compounds.
Can the potency of magic mushrooms change over time?
Yes, the potency of magic mushrooms can decrease over time, especially if not stored correctly. Air, light, and moisture exposure can degrade psilocybin, producing less potent effects.
What role does baeocystin play in the effects of magic mushrooms?
Baeocystin, found in varying amounts in magic mushrooms, is similar to psilocybin and psilocin. Its exact role isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to contribute to the overall psychedelic experience.
How do microdosing potent strains differ from full doses?
Microdosing involves taking sub-hallucinogenic doses of psilocybin mushrooms to enhance creativity, mood, and focus without the intense psychedelic effects. Potent strains require careful dosage adjustments to stay within microdosing parameters.
Are Potent Magic Mushrooms Good for Microdosing?
Strong shrooms can be used for microdosing, but careful consideration and precise dosing are required. Microdosing involves taking a very small, sub-hallucinogenic dose of a psychedelic substance, typically a fraction of what would be considered a recreational dose. It doesn’t make sense to microdose with the strongest magic mushrooms, as you get all the benefits of psilocybin regardless of the strain.
What’s primarily essential is the quality, but there are some considerations.
With potent strains, the key is to adjust the quantity to ensure the dose remains within the microdosing range. This allows you to experience the potential cognitive and emotional benefits, like enhanced creativity, improved mood, and increased focus, without the intense psychedelic effects.
If you want a strong shroom strain to microdose, your best bet is to stick with the essential Golden Teacher microdose capsules.
Why is starting with a low dose recommended when trying a new strain?
Starting with a low dose helps assess your tolerance and the strain’s potency, minimizing the risk of overwhelming effects. Individual sensitivity to psilocybin varies, making it essential to adjust dosages carefully.
What are more potent: dry or fresh mushrooms?
When dried, mushrooms lose some potency as the chemicals react with the air. Fresh mushrooms are considered more potent than dried, but you must grow them or forage.
Freshly eaten mushrooms may also be a bit harder to digest, and it’s recommended to use lemon juice to improve their absorption.
Are Caps or Stems Most Potent?
There is a slight difference in the potency of caps and stems. Based on our research, the stem is 77% as powerful as the caps. Therefore, if you are looking for the most potent mushrooms, eating only caps will give you a slight advantage over stems as they contain more psilocybin.
How to Make Shrooms Stronger?
There are a few ways to make the effects of shrooms stronger;
- When consuming them, mix lemon tek, lemon, orange, or other citrus juice with the shrooms.
- Take the shrooms on an empty stomach for faster and more potent effects.
- Chew the shrooms to increase their surface area for absorption.
- Grind the shrooms and mix them to make them easier to consume.
What’s the Strongest Magic Mushroom to You?
It’s important to note that the potency of a magic mushroom strain can vary depending on several factors, including the growing conditions, genetics, and method of consumption.
Additionally, potency is not always an indicator of the overall quality of the experience, as individual preferences and subjective experiences can vary widely.
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