Psilocybe (/ˌsaɪloʊˈsaɪbi/ SY-loh-SY-bee)[2] is a genus of gilled mushrooms, growing worldwide, in the family Hymenogastraceae. Most or nearly all species contain the psychedelic compounds psilocybin and psilocin.
this post was submitted on 11 Nov 2023
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Who consumes which species of psilocybe is really geographically different. On the East coast of the US, the most prevalent species seems to be Psilocybe Ovoideocystidiata and there is not a historical record of humans consuming it until recently. I think a more thorough understanding of it might reveal that it has only been naturalized in the area due to human activity, because it is most prevalent in wood chips along streams that are prone to flooding, often because of damming. Psilocybe Cyanescens is also naturalizing in similar places on the East coast. Psilocybe Cyanescens and Psilocybe Azurescens are species that are naturally associated with coastal parts of the Pacific Northwest in conjunction with sea grasses that have high lignen content. There is also very limited information about historical use of these mushrooms. Psilocybe Cubensis and Psilocybe Semilanceata are both associated with cow dung and Psilocybe Cubensis has a well documented history of use through many indigenous cultures throughout the southern US and into Mexico. Mexican cultures are probably those with the best historical documentation of ceremonial use. Aside from that, the recreational use throughout the United States has often been romanticized through cultural appropriation of purported ceremonial use. Ultimately it comes down to people often enjoy getting high and these mushrooms are often prolific. I've personally seen flushes in the tens of thousands, particularly when it comes to Psilocybe Ovoideocystideata in the Northeast US after a few good La Niña years. Psilocybe Cyanescens can be equally prolific, but people are pretty Keen on those, so well documented spots get literally torn up by wooks pretty quickly these days. The good news is that some species of Psilocybe grows just about anywhere you can imagine.
I'd say that the wood lovers are the most dangerous for 2 reasons. There is a phenomenon called wood lovers paralysis that occurs with large doses of those species that are found growing on wood. It appears to be most associated with Psilocybe Azurescens, but has been reports with Psilocybe Cyanescens and Psilocybe Ovoideocystidiata as well. There are also extremely poisonous look alikes. Gallerina Marginata and other members of the Gallerina genus can be pretty hard to distinguish from many members of the Psilocybe genus. Most psilocybin containing mushrooms will stain blue when bruised even slightly. This blueing should be significant and does not occur with Gallerina mushrooms, however, you do need yo positively ID each individual mushroom as they share the same habitat and distribution and flush at the same time. I have personally observed them fruiting in the middle of a patch of Psilocybe Ovoideocystidiata. The potential for mistakes is a lot higher than people realize. Essentially all poisonings associated with psychedelic mushrooms have been a case of misidentification. Among those that I know of being commonly used recreationally there are none that are thought of as poisonous on their own. However, the habitats in which they occur can really lend themselves to contamination. Especially with Psilocybe Ovoideocystidiata. They grow in some pretty disgusting environments, filled with goose poop and standing muck. Furthermore, they also share environments with copperheads, which I have personally encountered and almost stepped on. So these are mushrooms not without their own perils. All of which should be taken in as necessary parts of an environment that are working together and should demand respect.
Also as a bonus for anyone who knows a lot about Ethnology and history: Who cunsumed shrooms, what purpose did it serve in their culture and is there a correlation between geographical location, believes, other drug consumption and magic mushroom consumption?
I don't know much about it, but supposedly Vikings used mushrooms to induce rage and hysteria before going into battle. It possibly triggered or heightened PTSD.
That was a deliriant species of amanita not the funny haha magic mushroom kind. It was most likely amanita muscaria which can be consumed safely but is much more risky than psilocybe species
Friends of mine collected them from cow dung when we were having a walk - simply walked into green meadows when the cows where at the other end (very nosy and very heavy animals, can kill you easily) and collected some little shroom into a little bag. They were very satisfied with their finds.
Never tried what they found but found it funny.
Cows are very sweet and curious animals that are usually quite docile. Don't fuck with the bull or even be near him if you can avoid it but I've been around cows my whole life and the most I've gotten is headbutted for food
On that note, there are some theories that magic mushrooms evolved to calm cows (or other grazing animals) down. Just like how people like to stare at complex geometric patterns cows may do the same. It's a theory called "fixation". Get a cow high and it is likely to stay in the same spot starting at psychedelic patterns for a bit. This may increase the chances for a cow to pick up and spread spores to a new location.
It's kind of a comical theory, but it makes a ton of sense. Also, I don't think it's been tested so take it with a grain of salt.