Mushroom-species specification: a suggestion for PD

[lulzkiller]

Hey all,

Just a simple suggestion: Whenever I browse a thread in PD that mentions mushrooms, I've noticed that the specific mushroom species (P. cubensis, semilanceata, azurecens, mexicana etc.) is rarely if ever specified. I think this could be a potential recipe for disaster for the less-knowledgable user, seeing as they vary quite a lot in potency. I.e., you're in for an exceedingly wild ride if you consume 4 grams of Psilocybe semilanceata (="liberty caps"), yet only for a normal cubensis trip. Seeing as liberty caps are, to my knowledge, the primary psychoactive mushroom species found in much of Britain and Northern Europe, a person from this area could get seriously hurt if he/she followed an American's advice (where it seems that cubensis make up the bulk of psilocybin mushroom consumption).

Do you agree that it would be a good idea to encourage people to specify what kind of mushrooms (species/fresh vs. dry etc) they're talking about?

 

[Toltec]

I agree with you... Each species and what there grown on makes a difference but there is a big difference still dependeing on how there stored etc.....
Thailand-Koh Samui compared to Penis Envy to P. cubensis for example ...2 grams of Koh-Samui is like taking 5 grams of P. cubensis..

The only way to know how each of us reacts to any psychedelic is to dose low and work your way up to your individual sweet spot.. other wise grow them yourself and you will know for sure how to dose them....

 

[greenmeanies]

Every time I cite my mushroom experiences I try to include the species name (Ps. cyanescens). Everyone should approach new batches with caution.

 

[Jesusgreen]

That's a good point! I added a little warning to the Mushroom Dosage subthread asking people to mention the strain they're asking/giving information about Hopefully that'll help somewhat.

 

[delta_9]

Do you agree that it would be a good idea to encourage people to specify what kind of mushrooms (species/fresh vs. dry etc) they're talking about?

Absolutely. However, be aware that those folks who buy mushrooms "off the street" don't necessarily know what species they're getting. Even if one asks, who knows whether the dealer is bullshitting or not. This has certainly been the case for me dozens of times, and I can only speculate what species they may have been in restrospect. I'm by no means a mycologist, but it seems likely to me that certain species of psilocybe mushrooms would look very similar if not identical to other species of psilocybe mushrooms, further adding to the confusion.

Those folks in a position to buy "truffles" in smart shops and the like are another matter as the species is clearly labelled.

The dry vs fresh is a no brainer though. This detail should definitely be included in all mushroom trip reports, as the difference in dose is about 10:1