Mexican

Magic mushrooms have played a significant role in human cultures for centuries, being revered for their psychedelic properties, which alter perception and connect individuals to the spiritual. Within the broad family of psilocybin mushrooms, the Mexican strain of Psilocybe cubensis stands out as an iconic variety, deeply linked to the indigenous traditions of Mexico.

Although the Psilocybe cubensis species is known worldwide for its global distribution and ease of cultivation, the Mexican strain stands out for its cultural history and particular characteristics. This mushroom should not be confused with Psilocybe mexicana, a different species also native to Mexico.

Origin of P. cubensis Mexicana

The origin of the Mexican strain of Psilocybe cubensis can be traced back to the subtropical and mountainous regions of Mexico, especially in states such as Oaxaca, Chiapas and Veracruz. These areas offer ideal conditions of humidity and soils rich in organic matter, which favors its natural growth.

Historically, psychedelic mushrooms have been an integral part of the spiritual practices of indigenous Mexican peoples, such as the Mazatec, Zapotec and Mixtec. These groups used mushrooms such as Psilocybe mexicana and other local species in rituals guided by shamans or healers, who considered them a channel to communicate with the divine and gain wisdom. The term teonanácatl - "meat of the gods" in Nahuatl - reflects the cultural reverence for this type of mushroom.

Worldwide recognition of this strain began in the 20th century, with the interest of Western researchers. In 1958, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann-known for synthesizing LSD-analyzed samples of Mexican mushrooms sent by ethnobotanist R. Gordon Wasson, who documented their use among the Mazatec people.

Although Hofmann studied mainly P. mexicana, the Mexican strain of P. cubensis also emerged as a relevant variety, eventually being distributed as spores for cultivation. This milestone marked the beginning of its popularization outside Mexico, consolidating it as one of the first P. cubensis strains cultivated internationally.

Morphological characteristics of Mexican mushrooms

The Mexican strain of Psilocybe cubensis shares the general features of its species, although it presents some morphological particularities:

• Sombrero (pileus): measures between 2 and 10 cm in diameter, depending on maturity and environment. Initially it is conical or bell-shaped, flattening with age. Its color varies from light or golden brown to darker brown, with olive shades in humid conditions. The surface is smooth and somewhat sticky when wet, becoming paler as it dries. The edges may be slightly rolled or open in mature specimens.
• Lamellae: They are located under the cap, pale gray at first, evolving to dark purple or blackish brown when releasing spores. They are densely arranged and may have whitish edges before full maturity.
• Stem (stipe): It is 5 to 15 cm long and 4 to 12 mm thick. It is slender, hollow and cylindrical, with shades ranging from creamy white to light brown. A distinctive feature is the bluish color that appears when cut or handled, a product of psilocin oxidation. It may show a partial veil ring, which darkens with time.
• Spores: Elliptical, dark purple to brown, measuring 11-17 x 8-11 micrometers. Their coloration is typical of the species and facilitates microscopic identification.
• Mycelium: In culture, the mycelium is white, vigorous and dense, with good colonization capacity on substrates such as grain or manure. This strain is hardy and adaptable, which makes it highly valued among growers, both in natural environments and under controlled conditions. It performs well in substrates such as brown rice flour, vermiculite or coconut fiber, with optimum temperatures between 22 and 26 °C and humidity of 70 to 90 %.