Some experienced psychonauts have used the term “interdimensional” to characterise a Psilocybe azurescens trip, equating it to a normal experience ten times accelerated. Psilocybe azurea should be used in moderation if you’re inexperienced with psychedelics. Even if the anecdotes are just partially true, even seasoned aficionados of magic mushrooms will have trouble swallowing this psilocybin-packed powerhouse.

However, there is no reason why you cannot enjoy the out-of-body sensation given by the legendary Psilocybe azureflora if you are properly prepared and have a competent trip sitter on standby. Why, with a six-month cultivation time, would you let your hard work to go to waste?

Psilocybe azurescens, also known as The Blue Angel, flying saucer mushroom, or indigo psilocybe, is not very blue until it is injured, nor does its scientific name relate to its colour. Myth has it that the mycologist who described the species named it after his son, Azureus, whose name was inspired by the bluing effect of psilocybin mushrooms in general. P. azurescens is mostly caramel-colored and produces a strong psychoactive effect when undamaged. It is only known to grow in the wild along parts of the northeastern coast of North America, however it is widely cultivated in a number of countries.

P. azurescens is quite similar to P. cubensis, its near relative. In addition to their similar look and biochemistry, these two substances seem to have comparable, but not identical, effects when taken. Both are often cultivated, and it would be easy to mistake the blue angel with another cube kind, since many people find the difference between species and strain to be a little confusing. If so, do not be alarmed; just visualise mushrooms as dogs. It is vital to remember that P. azurescens is a separate species from P. cubensis.

P.azurescens vs P. cubensis

Here is a quick, side-by-side comparison:

Identification and Description

• Cap: Small to medium, conical when young but becoming flat with a central bump. Brown to caramel-color, sometimes with bluish or blackish splotches, drying to pale straw-color.
  
• Gills: Attached to the stem, mottled brown with whitish edges, but will stain black if damaged.
  
• Stem: Thin, twisted, whitish to brownish, hollow when mature. Sometimes has a distinct ring-zone, but not a skirt-like ring. May have clumps of mycelium emerging from near the base.
  
• Smell: Either odorless or flour-like.
  
• Taste: Very bitter
  
• Spore color: Purple-brown to purple-black.
  
• Edibility: Psychoactive.
  
• Habitat: Likes coastal dunes with grass and woody debris, as well as sandy soil with woody debris generally or beds of wood-chips. Fruits in loose groups to tight clusters. Fruits from the autumn into early winter.
  
• Range: Has been found growing wild in California, Oregon, and Washington.

The majority of distinctions between P. azurescens and P. cubensis are slight. For instance, this species is often smaller and has a smooth cap, while P. azurescens has a crown with striations. The most distinguishing characteristic is the presence or absence of a stem ring. Since their ranges do not overlap and they need very distinct substrates, it is highly improbable that the two would ever be confused.

Look-Alikes

Psilocybin, the primary hallucinogenic component of Psilocybe mushrooms, has an average duration of four to eight hours on mood, cognitive pattern, and perception (longer trips are possible). Frequently, there are additional physical symptoms, such as nausea and frequent yawning.

Human and spiritual knowledge may be gained via a transformed thought-pattern; yet, for these insights to have a meaningful influence on one’s personal growth, a substantial amount of work is required to integrate and grasp the experience. A vacation cannot provide intelligence on its own.

Psilocybin tends to accentuate whatever was already occurring in the user’s life, which is an odd mood change. It is probable that the experience will be euphoric if you are in a safe, quiet setting and are calm and optimistic. A vacation might turn into a nightmare if you go on it uptight or anxious.

At microdoses, hallucinations will be absent, however they will be weak at light or moderate doses; for example, colours will seem brighter and walls will appear to breathe. Only at higher doses can the visions considerably veer from reality, and by that point, the user’s cognitive processes are much weirder than the visuals. Others find the potential of momentary loss of self to be enlightening.

A significant overdose is possible, although rare. Psilocybin is not risk-free, despite being one of the least dangerous substances known to alter consciousness.

P. azurescens is said to create a very vivid and highly visual trip, however it is unknown whether this is due to a distinct effect. Due to the strength of this fungus, it is probable that people consume larger amounts.

Effects

Psilocybin, the primary hallucinogenic component of Psilocybe mushrooms, has an average duration of four to eight hours on mood, cognitive pattern, and perception (longer trips are possible). Frequently, there are additional physical symptoms, such as nausea and frequent yawning.

Human and spiritual knowledge may be gained via a transformed thought-pattern; yet, for these insights to have a meaningful influence on one’s personal growth, a substantial amount of work is required to integrate and grasp the experience. A vacation cannot provide intelligence on its own.

Psilocybin tends to accentuate whatever was already occurring in the user’s life, which is an odd mood change. It is probable that the experience will be euphoric if you are in a safe, quiet setting and are calm and optimistic. A vacation might turn into a nightmare if you go on it uptight or anxious.

At microdoses, hallucinations will be absent, however they will be weak at light or moderate doses; for example, colours will seem brighter and walls will appear to breathe. Only at higher doses can the visions considerably veer from reality, and by that point, the user’s cognitive processes are much weirder than the visuals. Others find the potential of momentary loss of self to be enlightening.

A significant overdose is possible, although rare. Psilocybin is not risk-free, despite being one of the least dangerous substances known to alter consciousness. P. azurescens is said to create a very vivid and highly visual trip, however it is unknown whether this is due to a distinct effect. Due to the strength of this fungus, it is probable that people consume larger amounts.

Potency

1.78 percent psilocybin has been recorded for P. azurescens (presumably of dry weight). It also includes 0.38 percent psilocin (which the body converts to psilocybin) and 0.35 percent baeocystin (another psychoactive substance). These figures are far more than even the highest limit for the more common P. cubensis. Not only is the total amount of psilocybin and psilocin substantially larger, but P. azurensis contains more psilocybin than P. cubensis, therefore it is less prone to lose potency during storage (psilocybin being chemically more stable).

However, it is important to note that mushroom types differ. The combined psilocybin/psilocin content of P. cubensis may range from 0.51% to 1.72%. P. azurescens may vary similarly. Therefore, it should be obvious that dose recommendations are simply beginning points, particularly given the variable susceptibility of humans to these medications. Always err on the side of taking too little as opposed to too much.

Dosage

We do not recommend a dosage for Psilocybe azurescens since it is mostly up to the user’s decision. If you want to find a dose that works for you, see our dosage recommendations for magic mushrooms. You may also use our dosage calculator for psychoactive mushrooms, which provides six dosage levels, including microdose and heroic dose. Popular methods of ingesting Psilocybe azurescens include Lemon Tek and Shroom Tea.

Growing vs Buying Psilocybe azurescens

The standard techniques for growing magic mushrooms (PF Tek, Shoebox Tek, SGFC, Monotub Tek, etc.) are ineffective for P. azurescens because they were designed for P. cubensis (a subtropical/tropical dung eater), a completely different organism. P. azurescens is a temperate species that feeds on wood. However, it may be cultivated inside or outdoors.

Utilizing wood-chips kept in the refrigerator for indoor gardening has proved efficient. Outdoor cultivation requires preparing and inoculating a bed before leaving it, except for periodic watering. In both cases, the period of colonisation is stated in months. Fruiting time is equally lengthy.

Due to the risk of it escaping into the wild, it is important to note that people who do not live within the natural range of this species should not cultivate it outdoors. Although P. azurescens is not known to be an invasive species, it is very hard to forecast such occurrences, and once an imported species starts creating environmental issues, it is too late to take effective action.

A user who does not dwell within the natural range of P. azurescens must select whether to grow the plant (indoors) or acquire it. Each has both benefits and drawbacks.

This species is not the most straightforward to produce, but it is still extremely economical per gramme and has the extra bonus of providing seclusion. Possession of Psilocybe spores is allowed in many places since they do not contain psilocybin; hence, although the grower is still violating the law, no accomplice is necessary.

However, this legal gap is not always applicable. In some locales, cultivation presents the most legal danger. Despite this, not everyone craves an abundance of mushrooms. Those who eat mushrooms seldom or who prefer to try a different kind each time should choose to buy.

Toxicity, Safety & Side Effects

Psilocybin is, as noted, relatively safe but not risk-free. Plus there are dangers related to the law and the danger of misidentification.

Legal Risk

In many jurisdictions across the world, psilocybin in any form is illegal, and penalties can be severe, even draconian. It’s important that anyone wishing to use any kind of shroom clearly understand the law in their area.

Identification Problems

As previously said, mistaking a toxic mushroom for a Psilocybe might result in immediate death. Even with the greatest medical treatment, the majority of individuals who consume the Deadly Galerina die. Due to the fact that the beginning of symptoms is sometimes delayed by a day or more, many individuals do not understand that the mushroom they ate might be the cause and consequently do not get the necessary treatment.

Anyone who believes they may have consumed a Deadly Galerina must go to the local hospital immediately, bringing a sample of the mushroom if feasible. The effectiveness of therapy is dependent upon an accurate diagnosis. There is a possibility of survival, therefore do not give up. As previously stated, Psilocybe azurescens is more likely to be confused with Deadly Galerina than other Psilocybe species since both species consume wood and may thus coexist.

Side Effects and Overdoses

Psilocybin may cause undesired or even severe adverse effects. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and difficulties with coordination or balance. Seldom have convulsions or even death been recorded. Children who ingest mushrooms on occasion without knowing what they are are especially prone to negative consequences.

Complications are far more likely at higher doses, and a dose that exceeds the user’s tolerance may cause serious complications. Never travel alone, and err on the side of bringing too little rather than too much. Because P. azurescens is so potent, a little calculation mistake may quickly have a substantial effect, making overdose more likely than with the majority of other Psilocybe species.

Importantly, the whole effect of psilocybin is technically a kind of poisoning, although one that is popular and seldom causes lasting damage. A person who inadvertently takes a psychotropic mushroom or unwillingly begins on a trip should be considered as a victim of mushroom poisoning. They will be at risk for a longer time period.