How to Identify Wild Psilocybin Mushrooms

Wild psilocybin mushrooms are found in many locations across the globe and occur in at least 10 different varieties. Some psilocybin-containing mushrooms have not been named as a strain yet and are simply called "unidentified." The most common of the wild psilocybin-containing mushrooms, Psilocybe cubensis, is found in the United States, Mexico, Central and South America and the West Indies. Psilocybin mushrooms can often be recognized by their color, shape and stem bruising, which produces a blue color. Psilocybin mushrooms should be carefully avoided because they carry major health risks and are illegal to use in the United States. The ingestion of these mushrooms can cause hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness or even renal failure. Always carefully identify any mushroom in question before consumption to ensure that it is not of this type.

Look at the color of the mushroom. Young Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms (typically these will be smaller ones) may be a deep golden brown color, while more mature ones are a lighter golden brown color.

Look for a center marking. The Psilocybe cubensis has a distinct darker brown spot in the center of the mushroom.

Look at the stem of the mushroom to see if there is a blue hue. This color, which may be caused by an oxygen and psilocybin interaction, occurs with bruising of any type. If the mushroom has been touched by a human, insect, or even grass or other mushrooms this reaction is likely to occur.

Look for a deep purple colored gill cover. This mushroom veil is a very thin covering that stays on the mushroom gills until the mushroom cap fully expands, at which point it will break. A broken veil can often be observed circling the stems of psilocybin mushrooms.