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Growing mushrooms in the garden? That’s possible with this spawn! Try it yourself with the strongest mushrooms in the world. They grow well in our climate. Note: these mushrooms will come back every year if you give them some fresh wood chips annually, but they are difficult to cultivate at first. Not comparable to other grow kits!
- Psilocybe azurescens - the strongest mushrooms in the world!
- Outdoor mushrooms - Grow them in your garden!
- They return every year as long as you add wood chips once a year
- Dry/consume immediately after harvest
- A unique opportunity for true enthusiasts!
Psilocybe azurescens
In 1995 Paul Stamets and Jochen Gartz described a newly discovered species that mainly occurs in the temperate rainforests of the American West Coast. When they sent some mushrooms for analysis, they were shocked by the numbers: 1.8% psilocybin, 0.5% psilocin and 0.4% baeocystin in dried mushrooms. Azurescens, named after the azure-blue bruising of the mushroom when picked or damaged, won the world record for the strongest mushroom species.
The strongest mushrooms
On average, Azurescens mushrooms are up to twice as strong as Cubensis mushrooms such as Golden Teacher, McKennaii or B+. In addition to adjusting your dosage for a trip, you also need to be prepared for a phenomenon known on the internet as woodlover’s paralysis. If you’ve ever smoked a large amount of weed, you know what it feels like to be so stoned you don’t want to get off the couch. Woodlover’s paralysis feels as if gravity has temporarily been turned up; arms and legs feel extremely heavy. Very similar to the couch-lock of a strong indica. The explanation? Unlike Cubensis mushrooms, these grow on hardwood. It is possible that these mushrooms produce compounds responsible for this effect. Something as simple as walking to the toilet can be much more difficult than you may be used to from a trip with other mushrooms.
Growing Psilocybe azurescens
- Step 1: Throw out everything you know about growing Cubensis mushrooms with a grow kit.
- Step 2: Read our extensive blog and become a master grower: Growing the strongest mushrooms in your garden with Psilocybe azurescens
Drying and storing Azurescens
In theory, as we described in the blog, you can store mushrooms for months if you dry them properly. But these mushrooms are grown outdoors. Azurescens are exposed to wind and weather. Branches, insects and rain will often touch your mushrooms, so they won’t be as clean as your sterile grow kit in a plastic bag. It is likely that they will start to mold shortly after drying. Needless to say, discard them then. Azurescens also remain much smaller.
Eating and dosing Azurescens
Because of the high psilocybin content in Azurescens, it is difficult to give exact amounts. Still, the same rules of thumb apply as with other mushrooms: start low and only increase once you know exactly how your body and mind react. Do you have experience with, for example, Golden Teacher (1–2.5 grams dried)? Then realize that Azurescens can easily be twice as strong. Fresh mushrooms are usually a bit less potent than dried ones, but the taste can be bitter. Incorporate them into a light meal, but don’t cook or freeze them, as that breaks down the active compounds. You can choose to eat them fresh, or even sprinkle them into a meal. You’ve never had pasta ai funghi like this! For dosing, see our Shrooms & Truffles Dosage Calculator.
How do Magic Mushrooms work, and what makes Psilocybe azurescens so special?
Magic Mushrooms and Magic Truffles owe their effects to the psychoactive compounds psilocybin, psilocin and a few others. Together, these compounds produce a psychedelic experience comparable to DMT or LSD. The exact effects (such as how quickly you enter the trip, the intensity and the overall experience) depend partly on the ratio and total concentration of these substances. In addition, other alkaloids in the mushrooms may further “color” the trip. Research on this is still limited.
In the body, psilocybin is rapidly converted into psilocin. This substance binds to various serotonin receptors in the brain and can turn reality upside down. You may experience visual and auditory hallucinations, profound insights and strong emotional reactions. Often you will notice the first effects within 15 to 60 minutes, starting with a laughing fit or a sense of wonder at everyday things. The peak of the experience usually follows after 2 to 4 hours, during which you may feel as though you are in another world. After about 6 to 8 hours most effects have subsided. However, the experience can be so intense that it takes days to fully process.
Psilocybe azurescens: the most powerful “Woodlover”
What makes Psilocybe azurescens especially unique is its extremely high content of active compounds: on average up to twice as high as many other species such as Golden Teacher or B+. This can result in more intense trips and the so-called “woodlover’s paralysis” – a feeling of extreme heaviness where even walking to the bathroom can be difficult. All of this makes Azurescens especially suitable for experienced psychonauts seeking a deeper and more intense journey. Beginners are better off starting with milder species.
Are mushrooms legal and safe?
In the Netherlands, it is not allowed to trade fresh or dried mushrooms; that is why grow kits like this and Magic Truffles are offered as alternatives. Mushrooms are considered relatively safe: they are not physically addictive and there is virtually no “hangover.” However, you build tolerance within a day; if you use them too quickly in succession, the effects decrease significantly. Still, it is important to keep set & setting in mind and create a safe environment.
Tips and safety
- Do not try this in a stressful or unfamiliar environment. Have a tripsitter who can help or reassure you if the trip becomes too intense.
- Never combine mushrooms with alcohol, painkillers or other (smart)drugs.
- Take the time to process your trip. The experience can be intense both physically and mentally.
Looking for more information on growing and harvesting Psilocybe azurescens? Be sure to check out our detailed blog on how to grow this “woodlover” in your own garden. And don’t forget: treat these unique mushrooms with respect, because they are not without reason considered the most powerful in the world!
Package contents
280cc of Psilocybe azurescens spawn on a mixture of beech sawdust and assorted grains (gluten). Supplied in a breathable plastic bag or container.