How To Grow Psilocybin, Psilocybin mushrooms, often referred to as magic mushrooms, have been used for centuries for their psychoactive properties. These mushrooms contain the compound psilocybin, which when consumed, can induce powerful, mind-altering effects. While growing psilocybin mushrooms is illegal in many countries, those who live in regions where it is permitted may be interested in cultivating them at home. This guide outlines the basic steps on how to grow psilocybin mushrooms safely and effectively, with a focus on essential tools and techniques.
1. Understand the Legal Landscape
Before you begin, it’s crucial to understand the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms in your area. In many parts of the world, including the United States, growing psilocybin mushrooms is illegal. However, some countries, states, and cities have decriminalized or legalized them for medicinal use. Always check the local laws to avoid legal complications.
2. Gather Your Materials
To successfully grow psilocybin mushrooms, you’ll need to gather a few essential materials. These are:
- Spores: Psilocybin mushrooms reproduce through spores. You can purchase spore syringes online (where legal) that contain the spores needed to begin cultivation.
- Substrate: A nutrient-rich substance that the mushrooms will feed on. Common substrates include brown rice flour, vermiculite, and coconut coir.
- Sterilized jars: You’ll need jars to incubate the mushrooms. A typical method uses mason jars.
- Pressure Cooker or Sterilizer: To sterilize the substrate and prevent contamination.
- Incubation chamber or container: A warm, humid environment is required for the spores to germinate.
- Growing environment: A clean space with low contamination risks and a source of light for the fruiting phase.
3. Prepare Your Substrate
The substrate provides the nutrients for the mushrooms to grow. One of the most popular recipes is the PF Tek method, which involves mixing brown rice flour, vermiculite, and water. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Mix 2 parts vermiculite with 1 part brown rice flour and a small amount of water (just enough to hydrate the mix).
- Fill the mason jars with the substrate, leaving a little space at the top.
- Sterilize the jars in a pressure cooker for 60-90 minutes at 15 PSI. This step is crucial to kill any bacteria or mold spores.
4. Inoculate with Psilocybin Spores
Once your sterilized jars have cooled, it’s time to inoculate them with psilocybin spores. The spores will germinate and begin to colonize the substrate.
- Sanitize your hands and workspace to prevent contamination.
- Using the spore syringe, inject the spores into the jars through the holes in the lids. Typically, you’ll inject about 1-2 cc of spore solution per jar.
- Seal the jars and place them in a warm (70-80°F or 21-27°C) and dark environment to promote colonization. This stage may take 2-4 weeks.
5. Colonization and Mycelium Growth
After inoculation, the spores will begin to grow into mycelium, the fungal network that feeds on the substrate. You’ll know the jars are fully colonized when the entire substrate is covered in white, cottony mycelium. During this phase, keep the jars in a warm, dark place.
If you notice any contamination (green mold, strange colors, or foul smells), discard the jar immediately to prevent it from affecting your other jars.
6. Prepare for Fruiting
Once your jars are fully colonized, it’s time to prepare for the fruiting stage. Fruiting is when the mushrooms actually appear. Here’s what to do:
- Create a Fruiting Chamber: You’ll need a clean, humid environment with indirect light. This can be a large plastic container with holes for air circulation or a custom-made fruiting chamber.
- Birth the Cakes: Carefully remove the colonized substrate (the “cake”) from the jar. Rinse it in sterile water to remove any loose substrate, then dunk it in water for 12-24 hours. This helps hydrate the mycelium, encouraging it to fruit.
- Place in the Fruiting Chamber: Place the dunked cakes on a tray in the fruiting chamber. Maintain high humidity (90-100%) and temperature (65-75°F or 18-24°C). Light exposure should be minimal but enough to simulate the natural light cycle.
- Provide Fresh Air: Proper air exchange is essential for the growth of mushrooms. Consider using a fan to circulate air in the fruiting chamber, but avoid excessive airflow that might dry out the cakes.
7. Harvesting the Mushrooms
After a week or so, the mushrooms should begin to fruit. The first flush may take a few days to grow, and subsequent flushes will appear every 1-2 weeks.
When the caps of the mushrooms begin to open, it’s time to harvest. Gently twist the mushrooms to remove them from the cakes, or use a sterile knife to cut them at the base. Be careful not to damage the mycelium too much, as it can produce additional flushes.
8. Drying and Storing Psilocybin Mushrooms
After harvesting, you’ll need to dry the mushrooms. Psilocybin mushrooms are highly perishable, so drying them ensures they maintain potency and remain safe for storage.
- Drying Method: Use a food dehydrator or place the mushrooms on a wire rack in a dry, well-ventilated area. You can also use desiccant packets to absorb moisture if needed.
- Storage: Store the dried mushrooms in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. They can remain potent for several months if stored properly.
Conclusion
Growing psilocybin mushrooms can be a rewarding and educational experience for those who are legally allowed to cultivate them. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully grow your own psilocybin mushrooms at home. However, always remember to research your local laws and approach the process with responsibility and caution. Happy growing!
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