Understanding the Different Types of Psychedelic Mushrooms

There are over 100 different species of psilocybin mushroom species worldwide. From white-speckled Amanita muscaria to rusty-orange Gymnopilus, psychedelic shrooms offer individuals a chance to explore the extraordinary and experience a new sensation.

Since ancient times, mushroom foragers have studied the appearance and properties of various fungi. Even if you don't gather mushrooms and are just curious about the psychoactive properties of psychedelic shrooms, having a general understanding can be beneficial. 

Keep reading to learn more!  

Key Takeaways

• Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin, a compound that causes the "high" sensation you get from shrooms.  
• Different types of psychedelic shrooms include Amanita, Psilocybe, Conocybe, and more.
• Before taking your first magic mushroom trip, ensure you are in the right state of mind, with an experienced friend, and in a comfortable environment. 

See Related: Is Marijuana a Depressant, Stimulant, or Hallucinogen?

 How Are Psychedelic Mushrooms Different From Normal Mushrooms?

Ordinary mushrooms are the result of fungi producing a fruiting body, which is usually visible above ground. Unlike leafy plants, mushrooms do not obtain their energy from sunlight. Instead, they break down organic matter in their environment. 

Psychedelic mushrooms are just like normal mushrooms, except that they contain psychoactive compounds like psilocybin, psilocin, or muscimol. Many psychedelic mushrooms contain a high amount of psilocybin, which converts to psilocin in the body. Psilocin is a chemical that contains psychoactive compounds.

What Do Psychedelic Mushrooms Look Like?

Many psychedelic species occur naturally and look similar to the mushrooms you find in the produce section at your local Trader Joe’s. However, magic mushrooms do have some defining traits that can help you identify them. 

Psychedelic mushrooms typically have a convex cap that can become flatter with age. The color is often a shade of brown, often with a slight central depression that might be darker than the rest of the cap. Most species of magic mushrooms have purple-brown spore prints. 

Underneath the cap, the gills of psychedelic mushrooms are often dark, ranging from light gray to almost black. The gills are closely spaced and attached to the stem. 

Magic mushrooms usually have slender stems that can be the same color as the cap or slightly lighter. The stem may have a fibrous, fragile texture. 

When magic mushrooms are bruised or cut, the affected part often turns blue or blue-green. This indicates that psilocybin is present in the mushroom.

What Are the Different Types of Psychedelic Mushrooms?

To give you a well-rounded look at what magic mushrooms are like, we've described some of the most common psychedelic species. Keep reading!

Psilocybe

Psilocybe mushrooms' caps are usually light brown, dark blue, or almost black. When bruised, psilocybe mushrooms develop bluish or greenish tinges, indicating a significant psilocybin presence. 

Psilocybe mushrooms can be found in many habitats, including rich, fertile soils like grassy meadows and decaying wood. They are among the most studied and culturally significant of all psychoactive mushrooms. 

Amanita

When you think of “magic mushrooms,” your mind likely conjures up images of the iconic white-spotted, red-capped Amanita muscaria. Unlike illegal psychedelic shrooms, the primary psychedelic component of Amanita muscia is muscimol. 

Muscimol produces feelings of euphoria, tranquility, and peace. It can change sensory perceptions and even help promote restorative sleep. This fully legal psychedelic allows individuals to “take a trip” and freely enjoy a blissful and therapeutic experience. 

Here at Clean Remedies, we offer a range of psychedelic mushroom gummies infused with Amanita muscaria and other natural ingredients. Our honey lemon-flavored Amanita Muscaria Tincture offers one easy way to indulge in psychedelics at your own pace.

Conocybe

Conocybe mushrooms are characterized by their thin, fibrous stems and cone-shaped caps that usually have a pale green or rusty brown color. These mushrooms are typically ephemeral, meaning they appear quickly and decay rapidly. You can find them in grassy areas and damp environments. 

Although most Conocybe mushrooms are not psychoactive, there are a few species in the genus that contain psilocybin. According to the Global Biodiversity of Information Facility, only four Conocybe species are known to contain psilocin and psilocybin. These are Conocybe kuehneriana, Conocybe siligineoides, Conocybe cyanopus, and Conocybe smithii. 

The presence of psilocybin in only a small number of Conocybe species means that they are less commonly sought after for their psychoactive effects. Additionally, some Conocybe species contain lethal toxins, so foragers must exercise extreme caution to avoid gathering poisonous mushrooms.

Galerina

Galerina steglichii is a rare species of Galerina mushrooms that contains psilocybin. Many Galerina species resemble other types of psychedelic mushrooms. For example, Galerina marginata, a poisonous species, looks like Psilocybe cyaescens, a psychoactive species. 

One way to identify Galerina mushrooms is by the spore print. Instead of the purple-brown colors that some shroom species are known for, Galerina mushrooms have a light-brown pattern. Galerina shrooms also don’t develop a shade-of-blue stain when bruised like other psychedelic mushrooms. 

Gymnopilus

Gymnopilus mushrooms are known for their large, robust, and brightly-colored fruiting bodies. These mushrooms have caps ranging from bright yellow to rusty orange. Depending on the species, Gymnopilus caps can be as large as a foot in diameter. 

Gymnopilus grows on dead logs and stumps. This species even aids in the decomposition of wood, playing an essential role in ecosystems worldwide. As a result, you can find Gymnopilus on various continents, thriving in both temperate and tropical environments. 

Several Gymnopilus species contain psilocybin and psilocin, and scientific research confirms that at least 16 species within this genus are psychoactive. Nonetheless, Gymnopilus mushrooms are not typically favored for their recreational use due to their bitter taste and varying levels of psychedelic potency.

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Inocybe

Inocybe mushrooms are recognized by their fibrous textures and conical to bell-shaped caps, often featuring a distinctive point at the center. Their caps could be pale gray, brown, yellow, or red. Inocybe species typically grow in wooded areas, often near tree roots. 

Scientists have found six species of Inocybe that contain psilocybin and psilocin. Many Inocybe mushrooms also contain high levels of muscarine, a potent toxin.

Panaeolus

Also known as "mottlegills," Panaeolus mushrooms are characterized by their slender stems and smooth, bell-shaped to convex caps in gray, black, and brown. You can identify Panaeolus species by their gills, which tend to be mottled and dark and change color as the mushrooms mature. 

You can find Panaelous in dung-rich soil, especially in pastures and fields where livestock graze. They can also occasionally be found on decomposing grass and in well-fertilized lawns and gardens. Many Panaeolus species contain psychoactive properties, with Panaeolus cyanescens being the most popular psilocybin-containing mushrooms in the genus.

Pholiotina

Pholiotina mushrooms are small and delicate. They typically feature conical or bell-shaped caps that range from pale yellow to cinnamon brown. These mushrooms usually grow on decaying wood or rich soil, often in woodland areas or mulched gardens. Though rare, a few Pholiotina species, like the Pholiotina cyanopus, do contain psilocybin. 

Pluteus

Pluteus mushrooms are characterized by their broad caps with colors ranging from white and gray to brown and pink. They also have free gills that do not attach to the stem with a pink spore print. 

Pluteus species can be found in forests on decaying wood, including logs and stumps. There are as many as 500 species in the Pluteus genus, but not many contain psilocybin. 

Safety Guidelines for Taking Magic Mushrooms

Find a Friend 

If you’re planning on “tripping” for the first time, it’s best not to do it alone. Ingesting psychedelic shrooms with an experienced friend will make your journey comfortable. This friendly face can act like a guide, helping you experience magic mushrooms in a positive way!

Make Sure You're in the Right Frame of Mind

It is important to feel mentally prepared before using psilocybin. Psychedelics tend to heighten your emotions. So, being stressed or nervous before ingesting psychoactive drugs may lead to a bad experience. 

Make sure your schedule is wide open on the day you want to take magic mushrooms, as the effects can last several hours. In some cases, you may even feel residual effects for days. 

Ensure Your Physical Environment Is Calm and Safe

Only take psychedelics in an environment that is safe and familiar. Your home or the house of a close friend or a family member will do just fine as long as you feel 100% safe and comfortable. Remember not to drive or control any machinery while under the influence of magic mushrooms. 

Start With Small Dosages

Always ease into psychedelic consumption, especially if you're a beginner. You should start by taking the smallest possible dosage to see how your mind and body react before slowly increasing it over time. 

Stick to One Substance at a Time 

Don't mix and match psilocybin with other drugs. This can unpredictably alter effects, leading to potentially dangerous situations. If you’re on any prescription medications, consult with your healthcare provider before taking shrooms.

Understand the Legal Implications

Psilocybin is still illegal per the Controlled Substances Act, even though many states and cities are moving towards decriminalization. It is essential to educate yourself on your local laws before indulging in psychedelics. Amanita muscaria is federally legal in the United States and is the best choice for your trippy journey. 

Know Your Substance's Source

It is essential to obtain your psychedelics from a reputable company. Always do your research! 

All the Amanita muscaria products from Clean Remedies are free from Ibotenic Acid, a potentially harmful ingredient that may cause adverse effects. Every product batch is thoroughly tested for purity and potency by an accredited third-party lab. 

How Can Psychedelic Mushrooms Make You Feel?

Psychedelic mushrooms are known to enhance sensory perceptions. You will likely see brighter colors and hear more distinct sounds. Magic mushrooms can even alter your perception of time and space and produce hallucinogenic effects. Physical effects of psilocybin mushrooms include a change in motor skills or physical relaxation. 

Psilocybin mushrooms may provoke deep, reflective thoughts. This may lead to profound personal insights and spiritual experiences. 

Following the safety guidelines will not rule out the possibility of a bad experience. However, it will make it less likely and allow you to make the most of your trip! 

Final Thoughts

Whether you use shrooms for spiritual or recreational purposes, it’s important to have a safe trip. It’s a good idea to only take psychedelic mushrooms when accompanied by a friend, and always make sure you’re in a comfortable environment. Have a good trip!

Keep Reading: Is Marijuana Legal In Ohio?

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