What Are the Best Magic Mushrooms?

What Are the Best Magic Mushrooms, You’ve probably heard of psilocybin mushrooms, often called “magic mushrooms” or “shrooms,” but did you know there are over 180 different species of these fungi that can take you on a journey of expanded consciousness? While some types are easier to find than others, each species offers its own unique hallucinogenic experience, and whether you’re looking to identify a batch of these ancient teachers or choosing the right strain for your psychedelic experience, you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, we’ll dive into some of the most popular magic mushroom strains, highlighting their distinct features, including cap shapes, gill structures, and, most importantly, the effects they produce. That said, it’s important to note that the strain of mushroom you choose isn’t the most important factor for having a meaningful experience. The key to a great trip lies in your intention and your ability to let go and surrender to the experience. Still, knowing the strain can help inform your dosage, so strain identification is useful. And as a tip, you can never go wrong with classic Golden Teachers.

Psilocybe Cubensis | What Are the Best Magic Mushrooms

When people think of psychedelic mushrooms, Psilocybe cubensis (often called “cubes”) is probably the first to come to mind. This well-known species has earned the nickname “golden halos” due to its iconic yellow-brown, slightly sticky caps with a convex shape. Native to the Gulf Coast’s tropical regions, P. cubensis is one of the most widespread and easiest mushrooms to cultivate, growing naturally in cattle manure or indoors with substrates like coffee or rice flour.

These mushrooms often bruise blue when handled due to oxidation and have narrow gray gills that fade to off-white. P. cubensis contains 10–12 mg of psilocybin per gram of dried mushroom. With a distinctive, ringed stem, P. cubensis has been selectively bred into more than 60 strains, such as Wavy Caps and Penis Envy. Through breeding, these hybrids have enhanced potency (up to 12x stronger) and greater adaptability to changing environmental conditions. Their large stem and wide caps are telltale signs to differentiate them from other species.

Golden Teacher

Golden Teacher mushrooms are a favorite among psychedelic enthusiasts, known for their smooth, slightly orangey caps and thick stems. These mushrooms are prized for their introspective effects and are considered medium-strength, with around 0.63% psilocybin, 0.60% psilocin, and 0.25% baeocystin content. The typical trip lasts 2-4 hours, making Golden Teachers an excellent choice for less experienced users.

Golden Teachers are known to produce a comforting, warm experience with feelings of ancient wisdom, clarity, and love. Many report deep personal insights and a balanced journey of consciousness expansion and euphoria.

Albino Goodies | What Are the Best Magic Mushrooms

A hybrid of Golden Teacher and Albino A+ (AA+), Albino Goodies is known for its potency, with psilocybin content ranging from 0.75% to 2%. This strain is believed to be especially powerful due to the biochemical similarities between AA+ and Panaeolus mushrooms. The Albino Goodies have a pale, cream-colored appearance, with a slightly tan cap and a focus on producing intense physical sensations—what some may describe as a “body high.”

Flying Saucers

Psilocybe azurescens, often called “Flying Saucers,” is a rare and potent strain that was first identified in 1996 by Paul Stamets. These mushrooms, discovered by Boy Scouts in Oregon in 1979, are particularly potent, with 25 mg of psilocybin per gram (four times stronger than P. cubensis). However, caution is advised with this strain, as improperly sourced mushrooms can sometimes lead to “wood lover’s paralysis,” which causes temporary muscle weakness.

If sourced from a reliable, controlled environment, however, Flying Saucers can offer a potent and enjoyable psychedelic experience.

Knobby Tops | What Are the Best Magic Mushrooms

Psilocybe baeocystis, also known as “Knobby Tops,” ranks as the second-most potent strain of psilocybin mushrooms, containing 15 mg of psilocybin per gram of dried mushroom. These mushrooms are often found growing on the bark of Douglas firs in Oregon. Known for their purple-brown spore prints and thin white stems, Knobby Tops are recognized for their ability to produce vivid, intensified colors during a trip. As such, they are often sought after by adventurous psychonauts looking for a heightened visual experience.

Bohemian Psilocybe

Psilocybe bohemica is another potent strain, yielding up to 15 mg of psilocybin per gram. Native to central Europe, these mushrooms thrive on the debris of trees like birch, hornbeam, spruce, and alder. They have a sandy orange-brown cap that lightens as they dry. The Bohemian Psilocybe bruises blue when exposed to air, like other strains in the Psilocybe family.

Penis Envy

Penis Envy mushrooms are famous for their highly concentrated levels of psilocybin and psilocin. These mushrooms, with their thick stems and bulbous, undeveloped caps, can be difficult to cultivate, but their psychoactive effects are widely regarded as among the most intense. Users often report experiences akin to those produced by LSD or DMT, with extreme synesthesia, euphoria, and time distortion. With such high potency, it’s best to start with a low dose to gauge your reaction.

B+ Cubensis

B+ Cubensis is a more accessible and beginner-friendly strain of P. cubensis. It’s known for its large, yellow-white fruiting bodies and moderate potency. Its hallucinogenic effects tend to be more balanced, with users experiencing warmth, relaxation, and ease. B+ is also known for reducing nausea, a common side effect of other mushroom strains. Its ease of cultivation has made it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced growers alike.

Other Notable Cubensis Strains

Strains like Burma, Cambodian, Costa Rican, and Ecuadorian Cubensis are all variants of Psilocybe cubensis, each named for the regions in which they originate. These strains share similar genetic traits, though they vary slightly in potency, size, and appearance. For example, Cambodian Cubensis is known for its rapid growth and adaptability, while Australian Cubensis is valued for its resistance to mold.

Liberty Cap

Psilocybe semilanceata, or “Liberty Caps,” are one of the most potent magic mushrooms, containing up to 14 mg of psilocybin per gram. These small, slender mushrooms are typically found in grassy, moist areas and are known for their distinctive, bell-shaped caps and vertical stripes. Liberty Caps are particularly potent, containing higher levels of psilocybin than many other species. They also have a long history, with records dating back to 1799 and significant psychedelic use in the 1960s.

Wavy Caps | What Are the Best Magic Mushrooms

Psilocybe cyanescens, or “Wavy Caps,” are another potent strain, known for their rippled, umbrella-like caps that can grow up to 5 cm across. These mushrooms are particularly strong, with up to 1.96% psilocybin content, making them one of the most potent options available. When cultivated indoors on wood chips, they are less likely to cause adverse effects like “wood lover’s paralysis.”

Blue Meanies

Panaeolus copelandia cyanescens, also known as “Blue Meanies,” are a very potent strain native to tropical areas like Africa and the Caribbean. With up to 2.5% psilocybin and 1.2% psilocin, Blue Meanies are more than three times as potent as P. cubensis mushrooms, providing intense visual and auditory effects throughout the experience.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Psilocybin mushrooms can be a powerful tool for self-exploration and healing, but it’s crucial to be cautious when selecting and consuming them. Always ensure you’re sourcing mushrooms from a trusted cultivator and consult experienced mycologists or facilitators when in doubt. Some species have toxic look-alikes that can be dangerous to consume, so proper identification is essential. For a safe, rewarding journey, consider reaching out to a psychedelic facilitator who can guide you through the experience and help you make informed decisions.

Explore more about the world of psychedelics by visiting our blog for additional articles and resources to enhance your journey.