Unlike with cannabis’ rise in popularity and growing acceptance, there is still a long way to go when it comes to the acceptance of magic mushrooms and other psychedelics. Like cannabis, there are various types and variations of magic mushrooms that all come with unique effects and their own sets of pros and cons. One of the many types of magic mushrooms, psilocybe cyanescens, otherwise known as “wavy cap mushrooms”, is among the most popular variations as well as being one of the most prevalent or pervasive.

For individuals interested in learning more about wavy cap mushrooms, stay tuned. This article explores everything there is to know about psilocybe cyanescens including background information, a review of the mushroom’s appearance and aroma, as well as some insight into the type of psychedelic experience the mushrooms emit.

Psilocybe Cyanescens Background Information

These highly potent magic mushrooms are believed to have originated from Central Europe, however, they have since spread throughout the world, mainly found in Western and Central Europe as well as the United States. It should be noted that there is another species of mushroom that exists with similar features to the wavy cap mushrooms known as psilocybe allenil. These two mushrooms are so similar the only way to be able to tell them apart is by viewing them under a microscope. Because of this, most mushroom foragers consider both variations to be wavy cap mushrooms.

Psilocybe Cyanescens can be found in places that are rich in ligneous material like mulchy areas, leaf litter, sawdust, and coniferous forests. More often than not, these mushrooms will be found in clusters or groups rather than in solidarity, however, that does occasionally happen.

Psilocybe Cyanescens Appearance and Aroma

Psilocybe cyanescens earned its nickname of “wavy cap mushrooms” due to the wavy appearance of the mushroom caps. The color of the mushroom caps can range from light to medium brown while the mushroom is maturing and growing. When the mushroom is dried, it shifts to a lighter cream color. The mushroom caps can become easily bruised which, in turn, can cause the caps to turn bluish-green. At most, the mushroom caps are around 2 inches long and become wavy as the mushroom matures.

The gills on the wavy cap mushrooms are crowded and loosely attached to the stem. As the mushrooms mature, the coloration of the gills becomes darker over time with dark spots popping up until eventually, the gills turn a dark shade of purple. The wavy cap mushrooms can grow to be around 1.5-3 inches tall with a white fibrous stem. The spores present on the wavy cap mushrooms are smooth and spherical appearing as either dark purple or brown. Lastly, there is no distinct odor present from these mushrooms.

How Do Wavy Cap Mushrooms Make You Feel?

Wavy cap mushrooms are highly potent mushrooms that are not poisonous but are sure to take individuals on quite the psychedelic experience. Whether the trip is a positive one or not is up to the individual, their personal experiences, and tolerance. Some users report feeling blissful and positive while experiencing profound thoughts. However, it should be noted that with these mushrooms, as well as others, there is a risk for intense emotional outbursts and overwhelming hallucinations. Some other side effects may include excessive sweating, upset stomach, and delusions.

The potency of these mushrooms is affected by various alkaloid levels. This is determined by the environment in which the mushrooms are growing in. For example, the mushrooms achieve higher levels in North America than they do when found growing in European countries.

How To Grow Psilocybe Cyanescens

Psilocybe cyanescens is not the easiest strain of mushroom to grow as it does not do well when grown indoors. These mushrooms have very specific requirements that must be met for them to grow properly and efficiently. For individuals who want to grow this type of mushroom, the best place to cultivate it would be outdoors while factoring in all the necessary elements that contribute to the development of the mushroom. It should also be noted that cultivating the mushrooms does not have a high yield, so even after all the hard work and attention to detail, growers won’t see much fruition for all the energy expenditure.

The Legality of Wavy Cap Mushrooms

There is a significant level of discrepancy that exists when it comes to the legality of wavy cap mushrooms around the globe. In many parts of the world, like Japan, Germany, and Ireland, psilocybin mushrooms are banned. Similarly, in most U.S. states, these mushrooms are also banned aside from a few locations like Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Denver, Colorado. Some places around the world, like the United States, have at least moved to decriminalize the mushroom or loosen restrictions, but based on the UN Convention on psychotropic substances, the use, possession, and trafficking of psychedelics is still banned, falling under the Schedule 1 drug classification with no provisions for naturally occurring psychedelics like psilocybe cyanescens.

It is important, however, to stay up to date on the ever-evolving nature of these laws as there is always the possibility of amendments being granted or the complete and utter resolution of the ban in the first place. With the rise of acceptance towards cannabis and even some other psychedelics like magic mushrooms, these laws might be seeing a drastic shift in the coming years.