The world of magic mushrooms continues to expand, with new varieties being isolated and discovered all the time. There are literally dozens of mushroom species, but only a handful produce psychedelic effects. Public interest in these compounds is growing, thanks in part to potential mental health benefits. One of the most sought-after is the Penis Envy mushroom.
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Sometimes referred to as PE, the famed cubensis strain is known for its funny (yet familiar) appearance and intense effects. While many modern mycologists sing the praises of Penis Envy, little is known about its mysterious origins. But that hasn’t stopped the psychedelic mushroom from becoming one of the most popular on the scene.
Before learning more about Penis Envy, it’s important to note that magic mushrooms are illegal at the federal level. However, many communities have started to decriminalize the fungi. Always refer to local laws before exploring the world of shrooms.
Penis Envy mushroom background
Penis Envy is thought to be a man-made psilocybin mushroom species. One of the earliest accounts of PE is in an underground text penned by the elusive mycologist Richard Gee.
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Journalist Hamilton Morris recalls efforts to interview Gee in an episode of his podcast. After tracking down the mysterious mushroom expert, it is revealed that Penis Envy originated in a bag of alleged Amazonian ‘shrooms. Claims they came from psychedelic icon Terence McKenna were refuted.
Gee is credited with stabilizing the Penis Envy mushroom genetics in the late 1980s. The strain quickly became an important genetic marker, and its progeny includes many other prolific psilocybin varieties, such as Melmac.
Penis Envy mushroom appearance
Penis Envy mushrooms are known for their robust, thick stems. Many cubensis mushrooms are far thinner, putting PE in a visual league of their own. The light yellow-brown caps are billowy, which tend to produce far fewer spores than their shroomie cousins.
The stems may become elongated as they mature and gain a blue-ish hue when bruised. With their intriguing appearance, Penis Envy mushrooms are a crown jewel of fungi.
Penis Envy potency and effects
Anecdotal reports suggest that Penis Envy elicits stronger effects than many other psychedelic mushrooms, offering euphoric and creative vibes.
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According to scientists at mushroom testing firm Oakland Hyphae, a recent data set featuring Penis Envy showed an average of eight to nine milligrams of psilocybin per gram of PE. This is considered somewhat high for potency standards. Some find the intense nature of the PE trip to be unpleasant; one Redditor reported PEs to be “too heavy.”
Dosage guides offer advice on how much Penis Envy to take, but individual results may vary. A microdose is typically considered less than 0.3 grams of mushrooms, incrementing upward to a hero dose of 4 grams or more. However, there are people reporting online that a little PE goes a long way.
Growing Penis Envy mushrooms
The key to successfully growing Penis Envy comes down to two key aspects: a sterile environment and good genetics. Substrates (aka the material you grow in) like rice and manure are often used and placed inside high-humidity environments with room temperature averages.
To begin growing, you’ll need some mushroom spores. Penis Envy spore syringes are widely available online for people who want to try their hand at amateur mycology. Much like cannabis seeds, spores are legal nationwide. However, laws around cultivating mushrooms can vary, so always make sure you’re staying compliant.
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Those who wish to collect the valuable spores from fruiting shrooms will want to pick up Penis Envy spore swabs. This makes continuing the cultivation journey simple.
Other notable Penis Envy strains
Penis Envy is genetically connected to several notable cubensis mushrooms. Its descendants include the venerable Melmac mushroom, while the Albino Penis Envy (APE) is a popular mutant variant.
APE shrooms are known for their white hue and potent effects. Many users find the psychedelic experience to be profoundly introspective with vivid visuals. In fact, it’s often considered to be even more powerful than plain old PE.
“Penis envy typically is a more potent strain—not always,” explained Reggie Harris, founder of Oakland Hyphae. “Albino Penis Envy is typically an even more potent strain. The albino variations, like Enigma, Avery Albino, or Albino Penis Envy, typically register as more potent within the cubensis family.”
Penis Envy FAQs
Want to know more about the mysterious Penis Envy mushrooms? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Are Penis Envy mushrooms strong?
Penis Envy shrooms are considered more potent than many other varieties. If trying psychedelic mushrooms, it’s important to start low and go slow (and always be mindful of local laws).
Where did Penis Envy mushrooms come from?
While the origins of PE cannot be confirmed, anecdotal reports suggest the strain of mushrooms was lab-stabilized in the late 1980s.
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Are Penis Envy magic mushrooms easy to grow?
Penis Envy mushrooms do not produce as many spores as some other varietals, but with trusted spore syringes and a sterile environment, you can succeed.
Will shrooms show up on a drug test?
Psilocybin can appear on certain drug tests. If you are subject to drug testing, you will want to avoid Penis Envy or other types of psychedelic mushrooms.
Penis Envy is among the most renowned magic mushrooms but also the most mysterious. While the origins may be hazy, the psilocybin strain’s potent nature and appealing appearance make it a favorite of psychonauts around the world.
