Psychedelic Mushrooms are a kind of mushrooms known for their psychedelic or psychoactive characteristics. This puts psychedelic mushrooms, or “magic mushrooms” as they are more commonly called, in the same league as LSD and other mind-bending recreational drugs. However, the advantage using of magic mushrooms is that they are naturally produced and non-addictive.
Psychedelic Mushrooms in History
The history of the use of magic mushrooms can be traced back to ancient times. Many tribes, cultures, and civilization around the world have experienced and used the psychoactive capacities of these mushrooms during worship and ceremonial rites for healing and religious purposes. Psychedelic mushrooms were popular in the olden days and even in recent year for inducing religious experiences.
Psychedelic Mushrooms as Recreational Drug
There is a reason why magic mushrooms preserved their popularity as a recreational drug. First, they are more affordable than chemical-based substances. Second, they are can be found in nature. And third, they are fairly easy to grow and cultivate if desired.
Psychedelic Mushrooms and Their Growing Conditions
Many magic mushroom fans throughout the ages are curious where these fungi grow. Under the right conditions, these fungi just sprout and grow. They can be found developing in soil areas rich in humus and plant remains.
Psychedelic Mushrooms and Cow Manure
A lot of people have observed magic mushrooms flourishing in cow manure. This is because cow manures are highly fertile and moist – two conditions that encourage the growth of “shrooms”.
Cow manure is a popular fertilizer among farmers. They have been used to keep the ground fertile for a very long time. Magic mushrooms don’t directly sprout from cow manure. They grow from the soil that became rich and fertilized because of the manure.
Psychedelic Mushrooms Around the World
There are over 200 species of magic mushrooms, and they are present in most continents. They thrive in subtropical forests due to the humidity. Many species of psychedelic mushrooms are discovered in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. It is said that magic mushrooms grow all-year-round in Florida. In other places, they are seasonal. However, the vast difference in temperature and climate in the American continent ensure that there is a steady supply of magic mushrooms throughout the year.
Psychedelic Mushrooms and Their Different Varieties
The most popular species of magic mushroom is the Psilocybe Cubensis. It’s most identifiable characteristic is its hat-shaped head. Some have nipples in the middle part of the hat while others don’t. A type of Psilocybe Cubensis known as “cubes” have bruised stems.
Another species is the Psilocybe Semilanceata or the “Liberty Cap.” It is a small mushroom with a pointy hat, colored brown or yellow.
Psilocybe Baeocystis is characterized by its brown and yellow or all-brown stem.
Out of the three most common species of psychedelic mushrooms, the “cubes” are considered to be the most potent. Therefore, caution, especially in the dosage, must be taken when consuming them.
Psychedelic Mushroom Picking
Some people have made it a hobby to look for and pick these fungi after a rainy season because they are most likely to bloom at this time of the year. Psychedelic mushrooms take about a week to fully mature and become fit for picking and consumption.
The essentials of mushroom picking only include a bag and a scissor. However, a flashlight is necessary when going at night. Never pick mushrooms alone. Several species of mushroom are poisonous. It is advised to bring someone knowledgeable to avoid picking toxic ones. Consuming poisonous mushrooms differ in effects. Some pose a serious hazard to health.
When picking a “shroom”, it is important to note that they should not be pulled out from the ground. Instead, use scissors and cut the stem half an inch above the surface. Make sure that the “shrooms” are clean before putting them inside the bag. Most species of magic mushrooms are allowed in most states as long as they are fresh and not dried, but the possession of “cubes” is illegal and punishable by law. Go for the other varieties of psychedelic mushrooms and avoid picking “cubes.”
Psychedelic Mushroom and Storing Them
After picking magic mushrooms, the next important process is storing them properly so they can still be utilized in the weeks and even months to come. Psychedelic mushrooms go bad after a few weeks when stored in the fridge.
An effective way to store these mushrooms long-term is by drying. Drying involves removing all the moisture inside the “shroom” so they don’t get rotten. This is best done with the help of a dehydrator because simply leaving them out to dry or fan-drying them cannot ensure that all the liquid is taken out. If a dehydrator is not available, using a desiccant is an ideal alternative.
After the mushrooms are bone-dry, keep them in a cool, dark, and dry place. When dried properly and consumed responsibly, dried shrooms can last for years.
