Learning about genetic variability and how it effects psilocybin concentration will provide critical context for anyone looking to study spores under a microscope. Without understanding the function of a magic mushroom spore, studying them in a contextual vacuum is quite difficult. It would be incomplete to study the seeds of cannabis, without understanding that they grow into a plant that contains THC, wouldn’t it? The same is true for magic mushrooms and their spores.
Psilocybe Cubensis mushrooms have been popularized all over the world for their medicinal value and hallucinogenic effects. However, not all ‘cubes’ are created equal. In this article, we’ll rank all of the most popular strains of Psilocybe Cubensis. Other magic mushrooms like Psilocybe Natalensis, Psilocybe Mexicana, Psilocybe Tampanensis, etc, may be more potent, but they are not discussed in this article in serious detail.
Please note that this information can be subjective, and is for educational value ONLY. Do not attempt to ingest, propagate, posses, or sell psilocybe mushrooms as they are federally illegal in the United States. All magic mushroom spores should be used for microscopy ONLY.
What Is The Most Potent Strain Of Psilocybe Cubensis?
This is a question that millions of Americans are wondering, especially as there are legislation changes regarding psilocybin mushrooms in some US states. As you research spores and delve into mycology, understanding potency will be critical. Let’s dive in.
How Did We Rank The Most Potent Cubensis Mushroom?
These rankings were based off of a balance between trusted anecdotal experiences, various psilocybin competitions, and a screening of leading NIH studies on the topic. Remember, these rankings are just for what we’d consider “the most popular strains” of psilocybe cubensis. However, there are so many cultivars out there that we could not include them all. For an in-depth, scientific ranking of all the cultivars in the myco-community, check out the results from the 2022 Psilocybin Cup.
How Is Mushroom Potency Determined? (The basics)
In simple terms, these rankings are based off of chemical concentrations of active compounds such as psilocybin, psilocin, baeocystin, and more. The assumption is that the higher the proportion of these compounds, the more “potent” the mushroom is. For more info, scroll down past the rankings for a more in-depth explanation of how they were determined.
This information is valuable in understanding a multitude of properties when studying spores under the microscope. It is also great context for anyone who may simply be curious. Here are the rankings:
- Tidal Wave 🍄
- Albino Penis Envy 🍄
- Penis Envy 🍄
- Enigma 🍄
- Penis Envy Uncut 🍄
- Penis Envy 6 🍄
- Hillbilly 🍄
- Jedi Mind Fuck 🍄
- PES Amazonian 🍄
- PES Hawaiian 🍄
- B+ 🍄
- Ecuador 🍄
- Treasure Coast 🍄
- Albino A+ 🍄
- Huauatla 🍄
- Golden Teacher 🍄
- Mazatapec 🍄
- Costa Rican 🍄
- Burma 🍄
- Malabar Coast 🍄
- Golden Mammoth 🍄
- Colombian 🍄
What is the Most Potent Strain of P. Cubensis?
There’s a common saying in the mycology world that goes “a cube is a cube” implying that no matter the strain, the bizarre features, or genetic selection, that all Psilocybe Cubensis mushrooms have the same potency. This isn’t completely true in 2024, as there are some strains like Tidal Wave & Penis Envy’s variants that consistently contain higher chemical compositions.
Though Penis Envy has the most consistent scientific data to suggest it is of high potency, Tidal Wave has strong signals as well, but seems to have the edge when discussing anecdotal reports. Again, these are only covering the popular, commercially available strains. There are hundreds of other cultivars that could qualify.
Do Mushrooms Of The Same Strain Have The Same Potency?
Let’s say you take 3 random Tidal Wave mushrooms. Will all three of them have the exact same chemical concentrations? The answer is no. While they may be relatively close, each mushroom is unique and expresses its genes differently. This may make you wonder, do the spores themselves effect potency? That is a great question to consider during your microscopy research. This NIH article has a few insights into that conversation.
How Is The Potency of P. Cubensis Measured? (Continued)
The potency of Psilocybe Cubensis is typically measured by determining the concentration of the psychoactive compound psilocybin. Psilocybin is metabolized by the body into psilocin, which is responsible for the hallucinogenic effects experienced when consuming these mushrooms. Various factors can influence the potency of a strain, including genetics, growing conditions, and post-harvest handling. The concentration of psilocybin is commonly quantified using analytical techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The higher the psilocybin concentration, the more potent the strain is considered to be, resulting in stronger and more intense psychedelic experiences when consumed. It is important to note that individual sensitivity to psilocybin can vary, so the effects of a particular strain may differ between individuals.
Which Magic Mushroom Has The Most Psilocybin?
Some Species Have More Psilocybin Than Psilocybe Cubensis
Some species such as Psilocybe tampanensis, Psilocybe natalensis, Panaleous cyanescens, Psilocybe semilanceata are considered by many mainstream mycologists such as Alan Rockefeller to be more potent than Psilocybe cubensis. A multitude of adaptations have lead these species to producing large volumes of psilocybin and other active compounds.
Even those non-cubensis species may pale in potency when compared to the hundreds of other wild-type psilocybes that are being discovered every month! Our understanding of potency is changing rapidly, and keeping up with the research is very important for your microscopy efforts.
Disclaimer: We offer Psilocybin mushroom spores intended for microscopy and taxonomy purposes only. Images & Text provided are for informational and educational reference only and originate from cultivators and labs outside of the USA. Buying magic mushroom spores is legal in the United States. However, cultivation of magic mushrooms, which includes all psilocybin and psilocin containing mushroom species, is illegal in many countries, including the United States. Please check your local regulations to ensure that you are following the law properly.