PSILOCYBE CUBENSIS: CHARACTERISTICS, HABITAT, USES, CULTIVATION - BIOLOGY - 2024

The Psilocybe cubensis is a species of psilocybin mushroom native Strophariaceae belonging to the family of the Mesoamerican region. It is a fungus known for its entheogenic - hallucinogenic - properties due to the presence of various alkaloids such as psilocybin and psilocin.

It is known as Mexican mushroom, laughing mushroom, San Isidro, chongos, cucumelo, gotzi, moguis or purple ring. It is one of the most popular hallucinogenic mushrooms, being widely used for its recreational effects and recently in the psychiatric field.

Psilocybe cubensis. Source: Alan Rockefeller

This species is considered a cosmopolitan fungus since it develops in humid, shady environments with a high humic content. It is characterized by a flat cap -pileo- and slightly campanulate on the edges of white or brown color, and a golden or orange spot in the center.

In psilocybin mushrooms, the active principle is made up of some psychoactive substances and agonists such as psilocybin and psilocin. Laboratory analyzes have made it possible to determine that these elements represent 0.003-0.005% of the total weight of the wild fungus.

At present psilocybin, an alkaloid present in Psilocybe cubensis, is used in experimental trials related to the treatment of mental disorders. In fact, it has reported good results for the treatment of depression and psychological therapy in terminally ill patients.

General characteristics

Morphology

The Psilocybe cubensis mushroom is characterized by a flat cap or fruiting body 2-8 cm in diameter with convex edges. The color of the mushroom varies from white with a central spot of yellow tones, to a dark brown color with an orange spot.

Thallus or stipe of Psilocybe cubensis. Source: This image was created by user Liz Popich (Lizzie) at Mushroom Observer, a source for mycological images.You can contact this user here.English - español - français - italiano - македонски - português - +/−

The texture of the hat is firm and dry, but when wet it becomes viscous, when it breaks it takes on a dark coloration. In the lower part, the gills or lamellae are slightly free, adnate or united only at the base, with abundant cystidia.

The stem or stipe is dry and smooth, white, yellow or brown, cylindrical, sometimes the base is wider. Measuring 4-15 cm long by 0.5-1.5 cm in diameter, the stipe tends to turn blue or bluish-green when torn.

The microscopically sized spores -10-18 mm- are oval, smooth, thick-walled with a prominent apical germinal pore. The spore has dark tones, from purple or brown to black.

Taxonomy

• Fungi kingdom
• Division: Basidiomycota
• Class: Holobasidiomycetes
• Order: Agaricales
• Family: Strophariaceae
• Genus: Psilocybe
• Species: Psilocybe cubensis (Earle) Singer

Common name

The local name of the species is related to the ancestral culture of each region. In Mexico it is known as San Isidro fungus and teonanacatl -meat of the gods-, in Honduras -santiamén- and in Guatemala chongo or San Isidro.

It is known as cucumelo in Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina, and cugomelo - a small cauldron - in Brazil. In the United States it is called purple ring or golden top, and in Spain it is popularly known as cucumiello, gotzi or monguis.

Habitat and distribution

The Psilocybe cubensis species is a coprophilic fungus that usually develops on the excrement of grazing cattle - bovines, goats-. It is found in humid grasslands, deciduous forests, parks, streams, fallow lands or dumps in tropical and subtropical ecosystems.

Psilocybe cubensis in its natural environment. Source: In order to comply with the use and licensing terms of this image, the following text must be included with the image when published in any medium, failure to do so constitutes a violation of the licensing terms and copyright infringement: © Carlos Morales Pomp, https://carlosmoralespompa.wixsite.com/fotografia / Wikimedia Commons

It grows and develops effectively in very humid environments with a warm climate above 85% humidity in humic soils. On many occasions it can be found sprouting directly from the excrement in grazing fields.

The epithet of the species - cubensis -, derives from the Latin - from Cuba -, which was the site where it was initially collected in 1904. P. cubensis develops in environments with an average temperature of 18-28º C, precipitation of 1,200-3,500 annual mm and high relative humidity.

In North America it is found wild in the southern states, generally under the 35th parallel line. In South America it is common in the valleys and highlands of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Argentina. Likewise, it has been introduced in India, Cambodia, Thailand and Australia.

Applications

In the ancestral cultures of Mesoamerica, the Psilocybe cubensis mushroom was used in religious rites. At present its use is associated with recreational and recreational activities as a hallucinogenic drug.

In an artisanal way, the Aztecs used the fungus to relieve fever and the symptoms of arthritis or gout. At present it is used to calm gastrointestinal complaints, migraines and headaches, fractures, swelling, epileptic disorders, chronic and acute diseases.

Psilocybe cubensis spores. Source: Alan Rockefeller

As a recreational drug, the psilocybin present in the fungus alters the senses, modifies behavior and affectivity, altering the relationship with the environment. The person experiences various psycho-sensory phenomena, and falls into a dreamlike-visionary state of consciousness with a broad perception of reality.

The first effects are marked by a total disinhibition, great hilarity and loquacity. Later, recurrent episodes of visual and auditory hallucinations are presented, discovering different perspectives of reality, space and time.

Recent research has led to use in the medical field, both at the neurological and psychiatric level. Experimental results have determined that low doses can alleviate headaches, restore hearing ability and improve depression in terminal patients.

Culture

Psilocybin mushrooms are obtained from the wild in natural environments conducive to their reproduction. However, due to its high commercial value, either for consumption as a hallucinogen or for research studies, its cultivation has become popular.

One of the most suitable and effective processes for the propagation of this type of fungus in the PF tek method. This method consists of mixing brown rice flour, vermiculite, and water in glass jars with lids.

Culture of Psilocybe cubensis in PF tek. Source: LordToran

Once the mixture is sterilized, it is inoculated with commercially acquired spores, keeping it under adequate conditions of light, humidity and temperature. After 5-10 days, small accumulations of creamy white mycelium begin to develop.

After 25-30 days the formation of the small mushrooms begins inside the glass, being the moment to remove the mixture and place in a shady place. Approximately 45-50 days later the fungus concludes its life cycle.

Consumption and risks

The consumption of psilocybin mushrooms, with a high content of psilocybin, is prohibited in most legislation worldwide. However, in some countries there is legal trade in spores of some species.

Psilocybin must be given in a controlled manner, in a clinical setting, and in the proper dosage. Individual metabolism, psychological predisposition, and food intake determine the proper dosage.

Dried psilocybin mushrooms. Source: Erik Fenderson

The mushroom is consumed orally in a dry form, a dose of 0.25-1.0 g being necessary to achieve a moderate hallucinogenic effect; It is generally associated with physical relaxation, tranquility, and changes in perception.

A dose of 2.5-3.5 grams is considered high, generating an intense experience in some people. There is great hilarity, muscular incoordination, disturbance of the senses, fears, anguish and alteration of breathing.

This type of alkaloids does not cause side effects or proven psychological sequelae, but its commercialization and consumption has a high legal restriction. Still, it is used for therapeutic purposes against chronic pain, depression and stress.

References

1. Bielmeier, Luke (2007) Psilocybe cubensis the magic mushroom. Welcome to the World of the- Magic Mushroom. Recovered at: bioweb.uwlax.edu
2. Guzmán Gastón, Ramírez-Guillén Florencia, Tapia Fidel & Navarro Pilar (1999) The species of the genus Psilocybe (Fungi, Basidiomycotina, Agaricales) known from Veracruz (Mexico). Acta Botánica Mexicana. No. 49, pp 35-46. ISSN 0187-7151
3. PF-Tek for Simple Minds (2008) Fungifun: Method for growing grain substrate-loving mushrooms (Psilocybe cubensis). Recovered at: fungifun.org
4. Psilocybe cubensis (2018) Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Recovered at: es.wikipedia.org
5. Psilocybe cubensis: a very current story (2018) Information Psycodelice Hallucinogenic Mushrooms. Recovered at: psycodelice.com
6. Mushrooms Psilocybin Mushrooms (2004) Energy Control. ABD Welfare and Development Association. Recovered at: energycontrol.org
7. Responsible use and effects of magic mushrooms (2019) Magic Mushrooms Shop Amsterdam. Recovered in: magic-mushrooms-shop.es