At Inoculate The World, we specialize in mushroom genetics, with a focus on the production of the spore syringe. Our library consists of over 100 different mushroom strains, including “magic mushrooms” like Psilocybe cubensis, as well as cultures from a wide variety of gourmet and medicinal species.
In this article, we’ll take a dive into the world of spore syringes and their uses. Just remember that while spore syringes may be legal, laws vary from state to state when it comes to fruiting bodies. Be sure to check your local regulations before you start your mycology journey.
RELATED: New magic mushroom produces groundbreaking mutation
What is a spore syringe?
Spores themselves are an essential part of the fungi kingdom’s reproductive systems and are similar in function to seeds. They are critical for mycological research and proper identification and can come in an array of rather ornamental physical features.
A spore syringe is a medical-grade tube filled with potentially hundreds of thousands of mushroom spores suspended in 11 cc’s of an otherwise sterile, aqueous solution. The syringe is used to house the spores and make them easily transferable either to a glass slide for research under a microscope or for injecting into a grain bag to begin the process of growing culinary mushrooms.
Spore syringes are made by transferring mushroom spores from a spore print into sterilized, distilled water and mixing them thoroughly to ensure even distribution. The spore solution is drawn into each syringe and capped until they are ready for their intended purpose. This process requires extremely sterile conditions, which are best achieved by the use of a laminar flow hood, which filters the air and redistributes it in a slow, even sheet across our work surface.
How to use a psilocybe cubensis spore syringe
Cultivators of gourmet or medicinal mushrooms simply inject a sterilized bag of grain spawn with a spore syringe, and within days, mycelium may begin to grow. Then, perhaps a month later, mushrooms—or the fruiting bodies of the organism—begin to rise from that mycelium. If those fruiting bodies are given time to mature and release their spores you will have witnessed the entire life cycle of the organism.
Psilocybin spore syringes, on the other hand, are used for analysis, legitimate research, and taxonomical purposes only, as the cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is still federally illegal in the United States. However, cities are decriminalizing mushroom cultivation across the U.S., so it’s always best to know the local laws in your area.
How to store spore syringes
Once you get your mushroom spores, the most important thing to remember is to keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct exposure to sunlight. Seal them in a clean, airtight container like a plastic sandwich bag or a mason jar to protect them from oxygen, moisture, and contamination.
It’s best to keep spore syringes sealed in their original packaging until you are ready to use them, as they are packaged in a sterile environment. Leaving the packaging closed until they are ready to be used is a good way to ensure that everything remains contamination-free as long as possible.
RELATED: How to forage for Wavy caps
How long do mushroom spores last?
If stored correctly, spore syringes can last for many years. If you’re planning on storing spores for a while, you may also want to consider placing a desiccant packet in the container to keep the relative humidity of their environment as low as possible. Another helpful approach is to refrigerate your spore syringes if you’ll be storing them long term, but keep the temperatures between 36-46°F (2-8°C) and try not to let them freeze. This will help extend the shelf life of your spores.
Where to buy magic mushroom spore syringes
There are a ton of really great retailers out there offering high-quality spores. Sifting through the few not-so-great ones is a process, but with the right guidance and by following these tips and tricks, anyone should be able to find a great spore provider in little to no time.
- Do your research. Forums like Reddit and Shroomery are excellent platforms to hear from experienced buyers about where they like to buy their spores.
- Consider your preferred payment methods: Not many companies in the spore space have credit card payments as an option. You may also be someone who prefers discretion, so searching for companies that take crypto or cash may be better for you.
- Email customer support: One of the best ways to get a feel for a new spore provider is to email their customer support. Seeing how quickly they respond will be a good example of the speed of the service they will offer.
Are psilocybin spore syringes legal?
In early 2024, a letter from the DEA outlined that magic mushroom spore syringes are legal on a federal level because the spores of psychoactive mushrooms do not contain psilocybin or psilocin. While the spores are not a federally controlled substance, one must still exercise caution: possession with intent to cultivate is illegal.
Spore syringe: the mother of magic mushrooms
Whether researching Golden Teachers, Penis Envy, Tidal Wave, or any other mushroom, spore syringes are at the start. The seeds of ‘shrooms, spore syringes put you on the path to success. As long as you keep local laws in mind, you could be on a mycology journey in no time.
*This article was submitted by a guest contributor. The author is solely responsible for the content.