Penis envy mushrooms are a strain within the psilocybe cubensis (p. cubensis) family of shrooms. But this is no ordinary psilocybe cubensis mushroom—it’s exceptionally potent. The psilocin and psilocybin (what makes these mushrooms psychoactive) content can be as high as 2.90%. For some perspective, golden teacher mushrooms produce between .5 and .9% (1).

Psychedelic mushrooms have a long and storied history dating back to ancient cultures. From Mayan and Aztec rituals to the practices of ancient Siberian shamans, magic mushrooms have been used for both spiritual and medicinal purposes throughout human history.

There’s a historical precedent for using magic mushrooms in European history too. Homer, Plato, Aristotle, and Sophocles took part in religious ceremonies honoring the goddess Demeter, who was responsible for the harvest and fertility. Not a single mention of those ceremonies’ secrets could be mentioned, as it was an offense punishable by imprisonment or death (2). As such, we can’t definitively say penis envy mushrooms were involved. But we can talk about this particular mushroom’s modern history. While its accuracy may be a little dubious, it’s a tale you’ll remember.

Terrence McKenna is often credited with bringing penis envy mushrooms into the psychedelic fold when he discovered them on a trek into the Amazon. McKenna, an ethnobotanist, author, lecturer, and psychonaut, gathered the mushroom spores, and somehow this Amazonian import found its way to another mycologist, Steven Pollock.

Pollock had formed a company with some colleagues that focused on the therapeutic effects of magic mushrooms. He immersed himself in his work, focusing much of his time on penis envy mushrooms. After engaging in illegal activities to fund the research lab of his dreams, Pollock would eventually be found dead under mysterious circumstances. Amazingly, a sample of this mushroom species found its way to another mycologist, Rich Gee, who helped spread penis envy mushrooms around the country (3).

Penis envy mushrooms are a unique species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms known for their distinct shape and psychedelic properties. For centuries, magic mushrooms have been used as part of traditional healing rituals by different cultures worldwide.

Today, microdosing (or macrodosing) with psychedelic mushrooms is becoming increasingly popular due to its potential mental health benefits. Mycologist Paul Stamets sees psilocybin mushrooms as “non-addictive, life-changing substances,” and there’s scientific evidence backing up what indigenous cultures around the world have known for centuries.

Studies are finding that even small doses of psilocybin can tremendously impact people suffering from treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. There’s emerging evidence that shrooms may also help those with cluster headaches, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders (5).

Anecdotally, magic mushrooms have been credited with helping people feel more creative, improving mood and mental concentration, and promoting cognitive flexibility

So far, there aren’t any documented fatalities from overdosing on magic mushrooms, and there isn’t any evidence of physical dependency from heavy psychedelic mushroom use either. That said, it doesn’t mean shrooms are a good fit for everyone. 

Here are some of the potential side effects someone could experience using psilocybin-containing mushrooms (7):

• Increased heart rate and changes in blood pressure
• Issues with muscular coordination
• Anxiety and panic reactions, possibly paranoia
• Vivid hallucinations

If you’re going to experiment with psychedelic mushrooms, it’s a good idea to do so in an appropriate environment to see how they affect you. Microdosing on a day off when you have fewer obligations is preferable to a busy and frantic day of meetings, for example. And if you’re interested in a full trip, a sitter or guide can ensure your safety and well-being.

In the world of mushrooms, there’s often a debate between ethical wildcrafting and foraging practices. Wildcrafting refers to the practice of sustainably and respectfully harvesting mushrooms from their natural habitats to ensure the survival of the species and maintain the ecosystem. On the other hand, foraging involves simply gathering mushrooms in any way that doesn’t prioritize conservation. While foraging may seem more accessible and quicker to pick mushrooms, it can be detrimental to the natural ecosystem.

Wildcrafting is typically a more mindful and sustainable approach. Practicing ethical wildcrafting means taking the time to learn about the specific environment in which someone is gathering mushrooms. This includes not harvesting more than needed and not taking from areas where a mushroom (or another plant, herb, etc.) is at risk of being depleted.

This approach means less damage is done to the natural ecosystem, and the practice can even help contribute to the growth of the mushroom population over time. Less soil disruption—which could affect the delicate mycelium growing beneath the surface and fewer disturbed plant habitats mean mushrooms can continue to thrive in their natural environments. A healthy balance while promoting growth patterns in mushroom communities is a win-win.

Remember, we aren’t the only ones enjoying mushrooms, psychedelic or not. Lots of critters, from deer to birds and insects, rely on mushrooms as a food source. That’s why it’s important to always leave some behind for the other creatures that depend on them.

If you’re interested in harvesting mushrooms for whatever reason, it’s vital to approach the practice with care and knowledge to avoid causing long-term harm to flora and fauna. Wildcrafting goes beyond just consuming natural resources; it prioritizes respect for nature’s balance while also providing better quality experiences, both ecologically and personally.

Wildcrafting alternatives

Once you’ve harvested your mushrooms, you can use what you’ve gathered to grow your own. Yes, it’s true. While there may be better choices for first-time growers (it can take a bit of practice to get the hang of mushroom cultivation), once you’ve learned the ropes, it’s worth giving these a try. 

Make a spore print and collect the penis envy spores for safekeeping. Mushroom spores are often used for identification purposes, art, and growing your own. Think of it like saving the seeds in your garden at the end of a season. 

Beginners may want to consult mushroom forums to learn about best practices, how to troubleshoot, or what materials are necessary for successful mushroom cultivation. (Substrate, spore syringes, and spray bottles, oh my!) With some time and patience, you can grow your penis envy shrooms from a single harvest. A grow kit is a fantastic place to start.

Despite its potency, this cubensis strain is just as versatile when you want to enjoy them. Here are some easy ways to take penis envy mushrooms:

• Eating: This is possibly the most straightforward way of enjoying magic mushrooms. There are two different camps on which is better; some are adamant that fresh is more potent, while others think dried is the way to go as their shelf life is longer. We’ll let you decide.
• Drinking: Another great option is to make tea. Steeping mushrooms for several minutes can help remove some compounds that can lead to nausea or upset stomach. And like traditional herbal tea, you can add a squeeze of lemon or honey to improve the flavor.
• Powder: Drying your mushrooms out and grinding them into a powder may offer the most versatility. Not only can they be added to foods like smoothies or chocolate, but you can also encapsulate them for microdosing, a full trip, and to increase their shelf life.

Using psychedelics, and especially the penis envy mushroom strain, requires careful consideration. With a resurgence in psychedelic research fueled by promising results, more people are learning how to use these psilocybin mushrooms for therapeutic purposes. However, it’s also important to remember that psychedelics should always be used responsibly and sourced ethically. It’s crucial to approach the use of psychedelics with caution and respect for nature.

To learn more about other types of mushrooms and get the latest news and discoveries, keep up with us on Penis Envy Market Place