Mushroom & Truffle Strain Guide

There are around 14,000 different mushroom species that have been identified in the world, and of these only 180 are psychoactive. Each species and strain can─ significantly or subtly ─ differ in appearance, distribution, and potency. To get an overview, we’ve gathered up some of our favorite mushroom and truffle types to consider their similarities and differences. 

One caveat to mention before diving into this quick and easy strain comparison: the effects of psychedelic substances can (and will) vary from person to person, making the results difficult to compare or predict as they depend on many personal factors and environmental circumstances.

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There are around 14,000 different mushroom species that have been identified in the world, and of these only 180 are psychoactive. Each species and strain can─ significantly or subtly ─ differ in appearance, distribution, and potency. To get an overview, we’ve gathered up some of our favorite mushroom and truffle types to consider their similarities and differences. 

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One caveat to mention before diving into this quick and easy strain comparison: the effects of psychedelic substances can (and will) vary from person to person, making the results difficult to compare or predict as they depend on many personal factors and environmental circumstances.

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Some Semantics: Strain vs Species

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The first topic to clear up is the difference between a species and a strain. A species is a genetically distinct group of organisms whereas a strain is an individual phenotype sub-grouped within a species. All organisms with a species are genetically unique, while all different strains have the same genetic coding with some parts of the code more active than others. This results in some minor differences in look or, in this case, effects upon ingesting. 

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So for example, Psilocybe cubensis is a species of magic mushroom, but there are hundreds of unique strain varieties, like Mazatapec, which are subdivided within this species. 

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There are more magic mushroom strains and truffle types in the world than one article could ever cover, but we’ve summarized some of the most popular varieties available at our shop.

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Mushroom (strains)

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Let’s jump in with some of our favorite mushroom strains. Mycologists have characterized and genetically isolated hundreds of strains of magic mushrooms. Many are different varieties of Psilocybe cubensis, the most commonly commercially cultivated species.

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Mexican ─ also known as the Flesh of the Gods, these little guys are popular for beginners and advanced trippers alike. Sacred to Indigenous populations of South and Central America and (of course) Mexico. A rapid colonizer and fruiter, these are known for providing a warm, body high, spiritual revelations, metaphysical or mystical sensations, and increased self-awareness. 

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Amazon ─ is a large and quick-growing strain that comes from deep within the Amazonian rainforest. It is known for producing a small number of very large mushrooms. Its effects are quite bodily, producing a physical buzzing and urge to move and dance. Minor geometric visuals and a profound introspection and sense of tranquility are included.

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Golden Teacher ─  one of the most well-known strains and an excellent option for beginners. Its origin story is something of a mystery, though it is believed to originally have been picked in the Gulf region of the US. Golden Teachers are, as the name suggests, warm and supportive,  and often provide wisdom and a deeply spiritual trip.

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McKennaii  ─ a tribute to the infamous Terrence McKenna, the McKennaii are one of the strongest strains and not intended for beginners. Rapid colonizers with high yields, they have quite intense effects with strong visual stimuli and hallucinations. They offer a trip that can shift rapidly from colorful and deep to speedy and sexual.

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B+  ─ an excellent strain for beginners to start growing, as they are relatively fast colonizers that easily fruit in abundance. Produces very large mushrooms with thick stems. The B+ strain is very adaptable, naturally growing in a wide range of conditions, and resistant to weather and contamination. Effects include intense spiritual sensations and feelings of warm, grounded oneness. 

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Mazatapec ─ one of the OG mushrooms introduced to the west, this strain comes from the mountainous region around Mazatapec, Mexico, and has a rather sacred history. It has been used for generations by the Indigenous people of the area in a ritualistic way. A good stepping stone between less to more potent mushroom strains, it is fairly easy to grow and resistant, though somewhat slower to flourish than the others. Effects of the Mazatapec mushrooms include deepened insights, spiritual realizations, joy, euphoria, and a heightened sense of color. 

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Cambodian ─ popular because of its ease to grow and dense flushes, these mushrooms are highly resistant slow growers. Said to have been originally collected outside the ancient temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia by John Allen and brought to the west for research, they offer a highly spiritual trip.

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Colombian  ─ discovered in the Colombian mountains, these mushrooms are fairly prolific and easy to cultivate but are also quite potent. Colombian mushrooms are known for giving a more social high with a feeling of connection and good conversation with those around you. 

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Thai ─ relatively easy to grow and quite productive, the Thai mushroom was originally collected by John Allen on one of the Thai islands, but there are now several sub-strains available. They are known to be quite intense, stimulating creativity and provoking a vividly visual trip. Cheeky and fun, they also help you connect to your playful inner child. However, their effect is fairly potent, making them not so well-suited to beginners. 

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PES Hawaiian ─ not actually grown in Hawaii, these mushrooms are named after the company Pacifica Exotica Spores which was the first to sell Hawaiian genetics. A vigorous grower with higher yields, these mushrooms have a moderate potency making them well-suited to beginners. Effects include light visuals, euphoria, and mild body high/buzzing.

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Magic Truffles: (species)

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Unlike magic mushrooms (fruiting bodies), magic truffles grow underground as sclerotia—dense nuggets of psychoactive power. They are essentially the subterranean part of a mushroom and as different aspects of the same organism, truffles contain the same psychoactive alkaloids as their aboveground counterparts. Here we compare different species of truffles. 

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Mexicana (Psilocybe mexicana) ─ the most well-known and most mild variety, making them perfect for beginners. You can experience warm fuzzy feelings, creativity, and thinking outside the box. Sunshine, good vibes, and contentment!   

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Tampanensis (Psilocybe tampanensis) ─ aka the Philosopher’s Stones. In 1977, Tampanensis was found in the sandy meadows near Tampa, Florida by Dr. Steven Pollock. Relatively mild, they are excellent for microdosing. Beloved by spiritual seekers, and those looking for some soul-searching and introspection. Perfect for solo tripping, learning more about yourself, reflecting on life, and connecting to your inner wisdom.

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Atlantis (Psilocybe atlantis)─ Funny and joyful, these ones are in the sweet spot of being powerful enough to feel the psychedelic experience but not as strong as other varieties making them well-suited to newbies and oldies alike. Still, a higher dose can end up with a stronger body high, vivid colors, and even aphrodisiac qualities. These were the last discovered of the truffle varieties 

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Utopia (Psilocybe utopia)─ the big brother of Atlantis, Utopias are also very intense. Their growth time is around 10 months, similar to their siblings. These truffles are said to maximize all aspects of a psychedelic trip (duration, intensity, visuals) making them better suited to an experienced tripper. Creative, euphoric, and visual effects.

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Hollandia (Psilocybe hollandia) ─ these are very strong with a lengthy trip time! Said to sharpen the senses and turn creative thinking up to the max, the Hollandia truffles represent the culmination of years of cultivation in the Netherlands. Characterized by their nice nutty taste. 

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Final Thoughts

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There’s often a lot of deliberation and debate around selecting your psychedelic of choice ─ be it for psychoactive effects, potency, growth characteristics, or yield rate. Whatever you end up choosing, go with your gut. Each variety has a different lesson in store for you!

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Note: If you’re suffering from a mental illness and are curious about using psilocybin or any other psychedelic therapy, please consult one of the relevant medical authorities first. Do not self-prescribe, it’s vital to have the right support and guidance when using psychedelics as medicine.