Psilocybin Mushroom Blog
Uncovering The 2024’s Strongest Mushroom Strains
Jul
Uncovering The Strongest Mushroom Strains in 2024
With over 200 species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, finding the strongest psychedelic mushroom strain may be challenging with each one varying in strength and effects. The more potent mushrooms are undoubtedly providing a more intense trip due to their higher alkaloid content.
However, to better understand what is the strongest psilocybe mushroom, we need to examine the active alkaloids present in these mushrooms.
Active Alkaloids in Magic Mushrooms
Research has shown that magic mushrooms boast a range of different active compounds like Psilocybin, Psilocin, ß-Carbolines, Baeocystin, Norbaeocystin, Norpsilocin, and Aeruginascin. Although among all these substances Psilocybin and Psilocin seem to be the most important ones as they are directly responsible for the intensity of the effects. Other elements may influence the effects of a mushroom trip by balancing the overall experience. Some experiences may be more visual, while others may be more euphoric or relaxing.
Factors That Influence the Potency
There are several factors that can affect the potency of mushrooms. To determine the strongest mushroom strains it’s important to acknowledge some of the following elements:
Species of Mushroom
Different strains of magic mushrooms contain varying levels of psilocybin and psilocin. Some species naturally produce higher concentrations of these compounds, resulting in greater potency.
Genetics
Potency variations may result from genetic changes within a single mushroom species. Certain genetic strains may yield mushrooms with higher levels of psilocybin and psilocin, while others may have lower concentrations.
Growing Conditions
The environment where magic mushrooms are cultivated significantly influences their potency. Factors such as temperature, humidity, light, and the composition of the substrate all affect the final content of active alkaloids. This variability explains why cultivated mushrooms can differ in potency compared to those found in the wild.
Harvesting and Timing
The timing of mushroom harvesting also impacts their potency. Mushrooms are generally more potent when picked just before the spores are released. Harvesting too early or too late can result in a reduction in potency.
5 Strongest Mushroom Strains (P. cubensis)
1. Tidal Wave
Tidal Wave is a hybrid strain created from the B+ strain and Penis Envy. The potency of this mushroom strain is considered to be above average usually resulting in levels just above 1.15% of total tryptamine levels.
However, when grown under ideal conditions it can produce significantly higher alkaloid concentrations. For example, samples provided to a 2021 Oakland Hyphae Psilocybin Cup achieved remarkable levels of 2.26% psilocybin and 1.56% psilocin totaling 3.82% of tryptamines and winning the cup.
2. Penis Envy
Penis Envy is one of the most popular and potent strains available. Unlike other potent strains that are not commercially available, the PE strain can be found by anyone looking to buy magic mushrooms. Over the years, hundreds of samples of Penis Envy have been tested, with some showing combined psilocybin and psilocin levels of up to 2.90%. Even when grown by amateurs, mushrooms can produce over 1% of psilocybin.
3. Thrasher
Derived from Melmac Penis Envy genetics, the thrasher magic mushroom is a relatively new addition to P. cubensis strains. While this strain didn’t enter the Psilocybin Cup, lab analysis shows a remarkable potency totaling just above 3% of tryptamines. The tested sample had an astounding 2.39% of Psilocybin and 0.11% of Psilocin. With such high potency, it is competing with other mushroom species classified as exotic.
4. Albino Penis Envy (APE)
Albino Penis Envy is a non-pigmented variant of the original Penis Envy strain. With that said, it’s no wonder this strain made it to our list of strongest mushroom strains. The main difference between APE and its parental strain is that the fruits are completely white.
Like with many other albino strains they are slightly harder to cultivate, as it’s prone to aborts, making it an interesting challenge for experienced growers Albino Penis Envy has been entered into the Psilocybin Cup multiple times, with psilocybin levels ranging from 0.70% to 1.73%.
5. Albino Rip Tide
The Albino Riptide strain is a hybrid of the True Albino Teacher and Tidal Wave. With such strong parental genetics, it’s not a surprise it’s considered to be one of the strongest mushroom strains. According to lab analysis, from a sample submitted on 23rd April 2024 by Myndful Mycology, Albino Riptide has total tryptamine levels of 1.66% with 1.20% Psilocybin and 0.09% Psilocin.
Exotic Honorable Mentions
1. Psilocybe Azurescens (Flying Saucers)
Psilocybe azurescens are often considered to be the most potent mushrooms that are growing naturally. They are said to be named after Azureus, the son of renowned mycologist Paul Stamets, although they are often referred to as “Flying Saucers,” due to their large UFO-like shaped caps.
When dried, Psilocybe azurescens contains up to 1.8% psilocybin, and 0.4% psilocin according to samples studied by Stamets and Gartz in 1995.
2. Panaeolus Cyanescens (Blue Meanies)
Although not part of the Psilocybe genus, Blue Meanies are among the most potent mushrooms in the world. It’s thought that these mushrooms can be up to five times more potent than average strains of P. cubensis like B+ or Mazatapec. Reports indicate that they contain a combined psilocybin and psilocin content ranging from 0.5% to 2.95%.
3. Psilocybe Semilanceata (Liberty Caps)
Psilocybe semilanceata, commonly known as the “Liberty Caps” is considered to be one of the most potent exotic species in the world. Distinguished by its characteristic nipple and bell-shaped cap, it is the most widespread magic mushroom in the wild, growing across 17 countries in northern Europe. In dried samples of Psilocybe semilanceata, psilocybin concentrations can range from as low as 0.2% to as high as 2.37%, pointing out how growing conditions can highly impact the overall potency of magic mushrooms.
4. Psilocybe Cyanescens (Wavy Caps)
Psilocybe cyanescens, commonly known as the “Wavy Caps” is another potent psilocybe mushroom species. These mushrooms thrive in mulch rather than soil and can appear in massive, dense clusters.
When dried, they exhibit a notable potency showing u to 2% of total tryptamines. On average, tests of this mushroom species revealed that it contains up to 1.68% psilocybin and 0.96% psilocin.
Things to Consider When Determining the Strongest Mushroom Strain
For many people who are looking to buy magic mushrooms strength and potency play an important role in deciding what to purchase. While we have discussed some of the most potent mushrooms, it’s important to note a couple of things.
To know exactly how much psilocybin and psilocin are present in a particular mushroom they need to be tested in a lab. As already mentioned, potency can be highly affected by things like growing conditions and genetics, meaning that not all samples of the same strain will result in an equivalent potency.
Another notable thing to consider is that when dried mushrooms lose around 90% of water weight. Therefore, 1 gram of fresh mushrooms will not produce the same effects as 1 gram of dried ones. Also with more potent strains people can consume less to get the same effects. It’s important to stay safe, well-educated, and prepared for the psychedelic journey.