Top Ten Varieties of Magic Mushrooms

Psychedelic mushrooms are becoming ever more popular due their revolutionary effects on cognition and mental health.

Within the Psilocybe cubensis species, there are hundreds of different
varieties, each one with slight differences in how they grow. Here is a brief guide on the top 10 varieties of mushroom out and about in the world for you to experience. Keep in mind though that overall, set and setting are usually more important than the variety you choose.

1) Penis Envy

One of the most popular varieties of cubensis on the market today. It’s loved for its alleged high potency. These shrooms are named after their “penis”-like appearance. They produce dense fruits that don’t shrink much when dried. Penis Envy was likely discovered in Colombia by Terence McKenna and his brother Dennis in the early 1970s. This variety is thought to be part of the mushroom stock the brothers collected on their trip to the Amazon in search of psychoactive mushrooms.

Some believe it was part of the McKenna’s stock, but the Penis Envy variety we know today was isolated via the work of Steven Pollock after receiving a sample of the spores from the McKennas. Penis Envy was popularized by Hamilton Morris in a documentary on Vice and has since reached legendary status.

2) Golden Teachers

These are one of the most common mushroom varieties on the market and an excellent option for beginner mushroom cultivators because of their tolerance to unoptimized growing environments. The origins of this variety remain a mystery, but experts believe it was originally picked from somewhere in the Gulf region of the United States. This variety has been circulating around since at least the 1980s.

3) South American

This Cubensis variety currently holds the record for the largest single Psilocybe mushroom ever collected. The original sample used for this was collected in Venezuela. Why it gained the name “South American” instead of “Venzuelan,” remains a mystery.

4) Pink Buffalo

This is another variety that has become well known as above average potency. The legend is that this was originally collected somewhere on the Thai island of Koh Samui either from the manure of a literal pink buffalo or was first spotted next to one.

5) Blue Meanies

“Blue Meanies” is also the nickname for another species of magic mushroom, Panaeolus cyanescens, which has led to a ton of confusion around this strain. The name for this variety comes from the distinct blue coloration that forms around the caps and stems when touched or grazed. This discoloration is present in all psilocybin-containing mushrooms but is more noticeable in larger and light-colored types such as this. The original stock for this mushroom variety is reported to come from Australia.

6) Melmac

The true origins of Melmac are unclear, but many believe it to be a direct off-shoot from the infamous Penis Envy strain. Other theories suggest Penis Envy either came from Melmac, or both P.E. And Melmac came from the same source- Amazonian stock that Terence and Dennis McKenna brought back with them on their expedition. Melmac was also a reference to the home planet of the friendly comedic furry alien ALF, from the old TV show.

7) Great White Monster

This variety is a cross between the Puerto Rican and the A-strain shroom. Above average potency. Albino with some coloration.

8) Avery’s Albino

A true albino strain that may have a shorter duration and quicker onset than other strains. Medium strength in terms of potency. The strain was allegedly created by cloning a Cambodian albino mutation over multiple generations until the new genetics were stable. Supposedly, the creator named it after his daughter, Avery.

9) Burmese

This is a classic high-potency variety from Southeast Asia. The original sample was collected from outside Yangoon, Burma (now Myanmar). It was reportedly collected by a Thai student who gifted a sample to Mushroom John Allen, who then propagated the spores throughout the mushroom community.

10) Albino A+

The Albino A+ variety has been described as a more physically focused high. The amount you consume will naturally change the speed and strength of the effects you feel. Mild-Intense visuals may also occur depending on the strength of your dose. Renowned for above-average potency. Not a true albino in that it still has some colour.

Other notable & possible effects are: increased visual stimulation, deep thoughts, transcendental feelings, euphoria and excitement. Ideal for experienced users because of its quick onset and intense effects.

Hopefully this brief guide is helpful in your quest for consciousness expansion and healing. Blessings to you on your path wherever it may lead.