7 varieties of mushrooms you should know
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What do Thai Pink Buffalo, Cascadian Teacher, and Penis Envy have in common? No, this isn't the beginning of a bad bar joke, but rather a small sample of the psychedelic catalog you can find today in the form of magic mushroom cakes. What was extremely difficult to obtain in most places just a few decades ago is now sold legally in the form of a home grow kit, with complete growing instructions and the peace of mind of discreet shipping.
The rise of magic mushrooms is no coincidence: in a world where stress and disconnection have become the norm, more and more conscious explorers are looking to psilocybin for more than just a "trip". They're seeking transformative experiences, modern rituals that somehow connect with the ancient traditions of shamans and spiritual seekers, whether we're talking about traditional doses or microdoses of psilocybin.
In this article, we'll review seven mushroom varieties you should know about, available on the Alchimia website, and which offer a surprising range of potencies, effects, and experiences worthy of their name. Let's get started!
Mushroom varieties you can't miss
The world of psilocybin mushrooms is as diverse as that of cannabis strains. Each variety has its own nuances, both in its development and its effects: some are more visual, others more introspective, some give you endless laughs, and others immerse you in profound and transformative experiences of self-discovery.
In general, they all share a common denominator: psilocybin, a compound that temporarily alters the perception of reality, the senses, and consciousness. But depending on genetics and the growing environment, the nuances can vary greatly.
If you're a beginner, it's best to start with mild strains or those with more playful effects. If you're already an experienced explorer, you might be drawn to other types of varieties that promise more potent and challenging experiences. Either way, below we present a series of genetics that every mushroom lover should try at least once in their life.
Thai Pink Buffalo
This strain has an origin as picturesque as its name: according to legend, it was mycologist John W. Allen who first discovered these mushrooms on the island of Ko Samui, Thailand, not far from a pink buffalo reserve. Since then, the story has become part of its mythical aura. In practical terms, we're talking about a medium-strength Psilocybe cubensis, ideal for those looking for a trip full of positive energy, easy laughter, and lively but not overwhelming visual effects. Thai Pink Buffalo is often recommended for social sessions or light exploration, as its effect combines a strong visual stimulus with a playful and festive state of mind. Perfect for those looking to try something exotic without jumping straight into the psychedelic abyss.
Panaeolus cyanescens
Nicknamed "Copelandia cyanescens" in some circles, this mushroom is considered the elite of psilocybin. It grows naturally in tropical climates and is known for having one of the highest concentrations of psychoactive alkaloids. The effects are felt quickly: a burst of geometric visualizations, intense sensory distortions, and a sense of ego dissolution that can be as fascinating as it is challenging. Panaeolus cyanescens is not a strain recommended for beginners, as its potency requires experience and respect. In the right environments, it can lead to transformative, almost spiritual experiences, where the perception of time and space dissolves.
Super Natalensis
“Natalensis” was already known among psychonauts for its expansive nature and ability to induce heightened states of consciousness. The Super Natalensis version takes that reputation even further, offering trips that combine mental clarity with a deep sense of connection to one's surroundings. Unlike other, more visual varieties, this one stands out for its introspective effect, accompanied by pleasant bodily sensations and spontaneous laughter. Many consider it an ally in therapeutic processes or spiritual self-exploration, as it tends to open the mind without the aggressiveness of other, more "chaotic" strains. A balanced mushroom that combines potency with harmony.
Penis Envy
The name alone is enough to arouse curiosity: Penis Envy was named for the peculiar phallic shape of its fruiting bodies and their large size. But what's truly relevant is that it's one of the most potent cubensis ever developed, with a higher-than-average psilocybin level. Its trips are often profound, prolonged, and transformative, with a strong introspective component that can border on the mystical. It's not uncommon to hear testimonials from users who describe these experiences as "a before and after." However, caution is advised: due to its potency, it's not the best option for beginners, but rather for those seeking a serious, intense, and cathartic experience.
Melmac Thrasher
This strain is a direct descendant of the Penis Envy lineage, but with a distinct personality reflected in both its twisted appearance and its effects. The deformed hats and irregular aesthetic already hint at the type of trip it offers: potent, unpredictable, and with a chaotic component that fascinates those seeking more than just a "good vibe." Melmac Thrasher's effects can range from uncontrolled laughter, intense visual patterns, and moments of deep reflection, all in one trip. It's a strain for the adventurous spirit, those who enjoy the unexpected and aren't afraid of being shaken up by the experience.
Jedi Mind Fuck
Its name sounds like something out of a Star Wars fan joke, but its effects are anything but. Jedi Mind Fuck is a medium-to-high potency cubensis known for inducing deeply mental experiences, laden with abstract visuals and sensations of consciousness expansion. Its character is more balanced than that of Panaeolus cyanescens, but with enough power to offer memorable trips. It is often recommended for both intermediate explorers and experienced psychonauts looking for a balance between fun and serious exploration. Ideal for creative sessions, as it tends to enhance imagination and symbolic perception.
Cascadian Teacher
Of more recent origin, this strain has gained popularity for its balance of approachability and depth. Its name refers to the Cascadia region (northwestern United States and Canada), and to one of its likely parents, the legendary Golden Teacher, to which many users associate its effects. The trip it proposes is clear, visually harmonious, and emotionally positive, making it a great choice for those seeking revelatory experiences without having to confront the overwhelming power of strains like Penis Envy or Panaeolus cyanescens. Cascadian Teacher teaches, guides, and accompanies, rather than dragging or confronting. For this reason, many consider it an ideal mushroom for beginners looking for a transformative yet gentle experience.
From the legendary Thai Pink Buffalo to Cascadian Teacher, these varieties are just a small sample of the richness and diversity of the magic mushroom universe. The curious thing is that, while governments and laws continue to debate the merits of prohibition, regulation, and therapeutic uses, in practice, more and more people are finding direct access to experiences through a simple home grow kit that were once reserved for shamanic rituals or underground circles just a few decades ago.
Contradiction? Absolutely. But it's also a sign that magic mushrooms have ceased to be taboo and have become a tool for personal, cultural, spiritual, and even therapeutic exploration, as evidenced by the latest studies on psilocybin and conditions like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. And who knows? Perhaps in the near future we'll be talking about them not as "magic mushrooms," but as part of a new way of understanding well-being and consciousness.
Happy trip!
References:
- Psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression: fMRI-measured brain mechanisms, Robin L Carhart-Harris, Leor Roseman, Mark Bolstridge, Lysia Demetriou, J Nienke Pannekoek, Matthew B Wall, Mark Tanner, Mendel Kaelen, John McGonigle, Kevin Murphy, Robert Leech, H Valerie Curran, David J Nutt
- Efficacy and safety of psilocybin-assisted treatment for major depressive disorder: Prospective 12-month follow-up, Natalie Gukasyan, Alan K Davis, Frederick S Barrett, Mary P Cosimano, Nathan D Sepeda, Matthew W Johnson, Roland R Griffiths
- Psilocybin for Trauma-Related Disorders, Amanda J Khan, Ellen Bradley, Aoife O'Donovan, Joshua Woolley
- Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for PTSD, Leslie Morland, Joshua Woolley
