Cannabis candles have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a unique and relaxing way to experience the benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects. These candles are designed to evoke the scent of cannabis, often using essential oils or fragrance oils to replicate the aroma of marijuana. With their calming and soothing effects, cannabis candles have become a staple in many homes and spas, providing a peaceful ambiance and promoting relaxation.
The allure of cannabis candles lies in their ability to fill a room with the distinctive, earthy smells of cannabis, creating an atmosphere that is both tranquil and inviting. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day or set the mood for a relaxing evening, these candles offer a perfect solution. The use of essential oils in these candles not only mimics the smell of cannabis but also brings additional aromatherapeutic benefits, enhancing the overall experience.
Cannabis candles are exactly as they sound: candles that are infused with elements of the cannabis plant. Using cannabis essential oil and distilled oil with terpenes found in the plant, these candles are made to emulate the overall experience and aura of smoking weed. High-quality cannabis candles often use a cotton wick, which ensures a clean and even burn.
Although cannabis candles may smell like they’ll get you high, this is just an illusion–lighting a scented cannabis candle won’t have any serious psychoactive effects.
However, the candle could emit some of cannabis’s healing properties, specifically from the terpenes involved. Additionally, if you light a candle in tandem with a smoke session, the combined effects of the candle’s terpene oils and the THC you’re smoking on may enhance your overall experience.
While cannabis candles won’t have any sort of major psychoactive effect on you, they do have powerful aromatherapeutic properties that bring a host of benefits to the user through their unique smells.
Aromatherapy is a practice that uses the inhalation of essential oils to boost moods, increase energy, encourage relaxation, relieve pain, and more. Cannabis essential oil is recognized for its balancing properties: mind and body.
Some of the most common terpenes that are used in cannabis candles are myrcene, limonene, and linalool.
Myrcene is easily the most commonly-found terpene among cannabis plants today. Also found in thyme, mangoes, and lemongrass, the terpene promotes calming and relaxing effects. It’s present in strains like Grandaddy Purple, OG Kush, and Blue Dream. Myrcene is used to promote sleep, relieve pain, and soothe anxiety.
Limonene is another incredibly popular terpene, also found in citrus fruits like lemons or oranges. It’s easily recognizable for its orange-ish hue and citrusy, fruity aroma. Limonene is also used in a lot of natural cleaning products and cosmetics, because of its antibacterial properties. It is great for stress relief, mood elevation, and relaxation, and is found in strains like Wedding Cake, MAC, and Berry White.
Linalool is one of the most beautifully aromatic terpenes found in the cannabis plant, and therefore perfect for candle infusion. Also found in lavender and some spices, the terpene is known for its floral, clean scent. It’s found in strains like Amnesia Haze or Lavender Kush and promotes relaxation and depression and anxiety relief.
Between these terpenes and the many others found in cannabis, there is plenty of variety to experience when choosing your cannabis candle. Whether you prefer floral or woodsy scents, relaxation or an energetic boost, there’s definitely a cannabis candle out there for you. Many cannabis candles also feature musk as a base note, which complements other fragrances and enhances the overall therapeutic experience.
Cannabis candles offer a range of benefits and uses, making them a popular choice for those looking to unwind and relax. Here are some of the key advantages and applications of these unique candles:
Interested in the idea of cannabis candle benefits, but not crazy about the smell of weed? If so, CBD candles might be a better choice for you.
Rather than infusing the candle with cannabis essential oil, CBD candles use CBD oil, which smells milder and offers a different aromatic experience. CBD is great for pain reduction, controlling muscle spasms, and soothing depression and anxiety.
Candles made with cannabis essential oil are much more likely to smell like the plant, but CBD candles take a backseat to the terpene distilled oil and other essential oils that may be infused into your candle. Overall, this makes for a milder scent and experience. Some CBD candles feature unique scent profiles, including notes of black pepper, which add depth and complexity to the aroma.
CBD candles are great for enhancing the aromatherapeutic effects that already exist in the candle, and when lit may help to reduce any stress or anxiety you may be experiencing.
Although using CBD candles obviously doesn’t involve consumption, you may still experience the positive effects of the cannabinoid when you spark that wick. A 2017 study revealed that when people breathed in CBD-infused essential oils, there was a noticeable lowering of blood pressure. The participants also felt calmer and more energetic after inhaling.
As with most things cannabis, more research still needs to be done on the overall effects of CBD candles, but so far the anecdotal evidence suggests that the benefits seem to transfer when inhaled.
The Truth About THC Candle: Cannabis Candles & How to Make Your Own - The Bluntness
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Yet another option for cannabis candles is actually derived from the hemp plant. Hemp candles are infused with hemp seed oil rather than cannabis essential oil or CBD oil, and their smells can vary depending on the terpenes present.
Hemp seed oil burns slower, so hemp candles are ideal if you’re looking to save some money and make your candles last as long as possible. Many hemp candles are made with soy wax, which is known for its clean burning properties and environmental benefits. They also may be easier for you to find, since hemp is federally legal and cannabis and CBD remain murky in legality depending on the region.
When using cannabis candles, it’s essential to follow some basic safety precautions and best practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
By following these safety precautions and best practices, you can enjoy the benefits of cannabis candles while minimizing the risks.
Again, availability of these products may depend on what exactly you're looking for and where you reside, but you'll definitely have the most luck with CBD or hemp candles, especially if you want the aromatherapeutic effects without the actual scent of cannabis.
The first step would be to consult your local dispensary and see if they offer any wellness products, but there are plenty of great cannabis candle brands online--it seems like more and more pop up every day. Sites like Etsy or Depop also offer cannabis candles, which is ideal for anyone interested in supporting small businesses.
Finally, if none of these options are working out for you, you can always result to making your own cannabis, CBD, or hemp candle at home. It’s as simple as making a regular candle and adding in some cannabis essential oil, hemp seed oil, CBD oil, or even a mixture of all three if you’re feeling adventurous! Using high-quality ingredients ensures that your candle will burn cleanly and evenly, providing a pleasant aromatic experience every time it is burned!
Here is our favorite, simplest way to create your own cannabis candle at home. Once you’ve got the basics down, you can really start getting creative:
Materials:
Steps:
#1) Use the double boiler (can substitute with a glass bowl on top of a saucepan with boiling water) to melt the soy candle wax on medium-low heat.
#1) Use the double boiler (can substitute with a glass bowl on top of a saucepan with boiling water) to melt the soy candle wax on medium-low heat.
#2) While that’s melting, grab your hot glue gun and glue the wick to the very center of the bottom of your mason jar. The more the merrier–it can always be trimmed down later.
#3) While the wax continues to melt, cut your card stock to be a bit larger than the jar. Cut a hole in the middle of your card stock to suspend the wick. This will help the pouring process go smoother.
#4) Once your wax is melted, let it cool to about 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, add your hemp seed/cannabis/CBD oil.
#5) Pour your wax/oil mixture into the jar, leaving about ½ inch of space from the top of the jar. Allow to cool completely, and finalize by trimming your wick down to be about ½ inch.
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Tropicana Cherry is a world-class hybrid strain developed by Relentless Genetics, a renowned seedbank from the southern United States. This strain is a cross between Tropicana Cookies and Cherry Cookies F3, resulting in a unique terpene profile that combines sweet and sour citrus flavors with hints of earthy nuttiness. Tropicana Cherry is known for its beautiful purple bud colors, light amber hairs, and a pungent aroma that is often described as having a hint of indica dirt smell. The combination of these elements makes Tropicana Cherry a standout in the cannabis community, offering a sensory experience that is both complex and delightful.
Trop Cherry's aroma is sour and fruity, reminiscent of tangerines and cherries, with earthy and nutty notes. The strain's terpenes not only enhance its flavor profile but also contribute to its potential therapeutic properties. For example, beta-caryophyllene offers anti-inflammatory benefits, while limonene may help alleviate anxiety.
The effects of Trop Cherry are primarily uplifting and energizing, making it ideal for daytime use. Users often experience increased focus, creativity, and mood enhancement. The relaxing Indica properties kick in gradually, providing a calming body high that can help manage chronic stress, anxiety, and mild pain.
Trop Cherry Strain - The Bluntness
The visual appeal of Trop Cherry is undeniable, with oversized, rounded buds that are often electric purple, adorned with bright orange hairs and a frosty layer of white trichomes. The deep purple undertones contrast sharply against the vibrant green of the leaves, making the buds stand out in any collection. This striking appearance is not only a testament to the strain's potency but also enhances its bag appeal, making it a popular choice for connoisseurs and growers alike.
The origins of Trop Cherry can be traced to the deliberate crossbreeding of Tropicana Cookies and Cherry Cookies F3, resulting in a unique hybrid that embodies the best traits of its parent strains. Tropicana Cookies is known for its citrus-forward aroma and energizing effects, while Cherry Cookies brings a sweet, earthy flavor and relaxing properties to the mix. This blend creates a well-rounded strain that appeals to both recreational and medical cannabis users, offering a versatile experience that can be enjoyed at various times of the day.
The strain's composition (60% Sativa, 40% Indica) provides a balanced experience, making it ideal for those seeking the upliftment of a Sativa without sacrificing the calming influence of an Indica. Its medium-to-high THC content ensures potent effects, while the absence of CBD means the experience remains focused on psychoactive properties rather than therapeutic relief commonly associated with CBD-rich strains.
Trop Cherry Strain: A Tropical Hybrid Review - The Bluntnesswww.thebluntness.com
Trop Cherry's aroma and flavor profile are among its most distinguishing characteristics, contributing significantly to its popularity. The strain's scent offers a delightful combination of tropical and citrus notes, complemented by the sweetness of ripe cherries and earthy undertones. On first inhale, users can detect a sharp citrus aroma, reminiscent of fresh tangerines, that gradually gives way to the rich, fruity scent of cherries. The exhale reveals hints of earthiness and pine, adding a layer of complexity to the overall sensory experience.
The strain's terpene profile plays a crucial role in shaping its flavor and aroma, as well as enhancing its potential therapeutic effects. Trop Cherry's primary terpenes include:
These terpenes combine to create a strain with multi-layered flavors that can be appreciated by both novice and experienced cannabis enthusiasts.
Trop Cherry is known for its balanced effects, making it suitable for a wide range of users. The strain typically delivers a cerebral high characterized by enhanced focus, mental clarity, and creativity, making it ideal for daytime use or creative activities. As the Sativa effects begin to fade, the Indica properties gradually take over, resulting in a calming body high that can help alleviate stress and tension without causing heavy sedation.
The potency of Trop Cherry is noteworthy, with THC levels ranging from 16% to 24% and sometimes even reaching 30% in certain phenotypes. This ensures that the strain is capable of delivering strong effects, while still allowing users to manage the intensity through dosage control. Newer users are advised to start with a low dose to gauge their tolerance, as the strain's potency can lead to headaches, dry eyes, or paranoia if consumed in excess.
Trop Cherry offers several potential medical benefits, thanks to its cannabinoid and terpene profile. The strain is often used to address various mental health conditions, including:
In addition to these conditions, the strain's ability to stimulate appetite can be helpful for those dealing with nausea or loss of appetite, while its relaxing qualities may aid individuals with insomnia in achieving a restful night's sleep.
Trop Cherry can be grown both indoors and outdoors, although it thrives best in a controlled environment where factors such as temperature, humidity, and lighting can be carefully managed. The strain prefers a warm, sunny climate, typical of Mediterranean conditions, when grown outdoors. Indoor cultivation allows for better regulation of these factors, resulting in high-quality buds with consistent potency.
Key cultivation tips for Trop Cherry:
Trop Cherry Strain Review - The Bluntness
Trop Cherry Strain: A Tropical Hybrid Review - The Bluntnesswww.thebluntness.com
When compared to its parent strains, Tropicana Cookies and Cherry Cookies, Trop Cherry stands out for its balanced effects and higher potency. Tropicana Cookies is more Sativa-leaning, offering cerebral stimulation without the same level of body relaxation, while Cherry Cookies has a stronger Indica influence, leading to more sedative effects. Trop Cherry bridges the gap between these two, providing a functional daytime high that gradually transitions into calm relaxation, making it suitable for a wider range of activities.
In comparison to other citrus-flavored hybrids, Trop Cherry offers a more complex flavor profile due to the rich cherry undertones and earthy elements. It delivers a versatile experience that can be enjoyed during creative pursuits, social gatherings, or outdoor activities like hiking, where its energizing properties and pleasant aroma make it suitable for a wide range of recreational and medical applications.
When it's all said and done, Trop Cherry is a highly sought-after strain that offers a unique and refreshing experience for cannabis enthusiasts. With its sweet and sour citrus flavors, lovely lady packs flavors, and fruity flavors, this strain is perfect for those looking for a world-class hybrid that can help with stress, anxiety, and depression. While some users may experience slight sativa anxiety, the overall effects of Tropicana Cherry are uplifting and euphoric, making it an excellent choice for daytime use. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or a beginner, Tropicana Cherry is definitely worth trying. Its unique flavor profile, combined with its potential therapeutic benefits, make it a standout strain in the cannabis industry.
We’re not only the primary consumers of coffee on the planet, but approximately 25% of Americans regularly consume cannabis, according to a 2021 article in Forbes.
While coffee and cannabis seem like a match made in heaven, coffee, and its stimulating compound, caffeine, is known to give its drinkers an increased heartbeat, jitters, anxiety, nervousness, and sweating.
Since approximately 41% of medical marijuana patients use cannabis to treat anxiety disorders (according to New Frontier Data), pairing cannabis with an anxiety-inducing stimulant is problematic.
As more people adopt nutrient-rich coffee alternatives, maybe it’s due time to give the Hippie Speedball a millennial makeover.
A Hippie Speedball is a unique combination of coffee and cannabis that has gained popularity among those looking for a morning or midday pick-me-up. This energizing drink combines the stimulating effects of coffee with the relaxing and creativity-inducing properties of cannabis, creating a powerful and uplifting experience. The Hippie Speedball is a great addition to a wake and bake routine, allowing individuals to start their day with a harmonious blend of aromatic stimulation, grinding to perfection, and setting intentions for flow state.
Coffee & Weed: A Modern Spin on the Hippie Speedball - The Bluntness
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As legalization spreads throughout the US, a major uptick in cannabis-focussed studies allows us to better understand why sparking that joint and taking a sip of freshly brewed coffee feels so good.
Better still, we can now assess how different strains of cannabis affect our bodies and offer various therapeutic benefits when paired with other substances like coffees, teas, botanicals, and so on.
To grasp this more simply, let's briefly break down the major compounds present in cannabis, how these compounds work together, and why they either keep us on the couch, or spark creativity and focus.
To start, let's talk cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. There are approximately 100 of these compounds, with some of the most well-known being delta- 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Each of these compounds are responsible for eliciting certain effects within the body, and each have their own set of therapeutic properties to boot. But cannabinoids aren't the only phytochemicals, or plant-derived chemicals, present in cannabis – there are upwards of 500 – including substances called terpenes and flavonoids.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that are responsible for the way plants smell.
Present in plants, fruits, and vegetables, terpenes aren't only responsible for creating the delicious scents we associate with things like fresh orange peel or soothing lavender; for some plants, terpenes attract pollinators, others deter predators, repair damage to the plant, and boost a plant's immune system.
Recent research suggests that terpenes may possess health benefits for humans as anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, anxiolytics, and more. So, next time you pick up an eighth of Lemon Haze, that sweet lemon smell and uplifting high is all thanks to a specific terpene profile.
In addition to cannabinoids and terpenes, another important group of phytochemicals present in cannabis are flavonoids. As the name suggests, flavonoids impact the flavor of a plant, fruit, or vegetable.
But that's not all. Flavonoids help regulate cellular activity and fight off free radicals that cause oxidative stress on the body. Simply speaking, flavonoids help the body function more efficiently while protecting it against toxins and stressors.
All of these phytochemicals work together in what is called the entourage effect to elicit more significant benefits within the body. Since terpenes and flavonoids are present across plant species, these substances are also impacting the effects of the coffee and teas that we consume regularly.
There are more than 1,000 chemical compounds in coffee including caffeine, antioxidants, and diterpenes. Caffeine is a mild central nervous system stimulant that is found in some 60 plant species – the most well known being cocoa-beans, kola nuts, tea leaves and coffee beans.
Incorporating a little caffeine into your routine can enhance the experience of a Hippie Speedball, providing an energetic and uplifting effect.
Extensive research has shown that there are several beneficial effects of caffeine such as improved attention, alertness, and enhanced physical performance, however, there can be adverse effects, such as disturbed sleep patterns, nervousness, and anxiety.
When consumed together, coffee and cannabis are found to elicit a variety of effects:
If you’re a person that suffers from disturbed sleep patterns, increased heart rate, anxiety, or panic attacks, you may want to reconsider your morning routine.
When the compounds in cannabis work together with those in coffee, an enhanced high could potentially lead to paranoia, or many of the unwanted side effects of THC.
This experience is especially uncomfortable if they start setting in on your morning commute, or just as you’re about to hop on your first Zoom call of the day. Yikes.
The pairing of coffee and cannabis is a match made in heaven. Coffee, with its stimulating compound caffeine, can give drinkers an increased heartbeat, jitters, anxiety, nervousness, and sweating. On the other hand, cannabis, with its relaxing and creativity-inducing properties, can help alleviate these negative effects. When consumed together, coffee and cannabis can elicit a variety of effects, including an enhanced high that may lead to paranoia or unwanted side effects of THC. However, when done correctly, the combination can create a perfect balance of energy and relaxation.
To get the most out of a Hippie Speedball, it’s essential to choose the right cannabis strain. Sativa-dominant strains with a high concentration of limonene are ideal, as they provide an energizing and uplifting effect. Hybrid or indica strains can also be used, especially for those prone to anxiety from sativas. When selecting a strain, consider the terpene profile, as it can greatly impact the overall experience. Limonene, for example, is a terpene known for its energizing and uplifting effects, making it a great choice for a Hippie Speedball.
For those of us that hold the Hippie Speedball in high regard, it's tough to consider an alternative to coffee with our morning jay.
That being said, there are numerous delicious and nutritious coffee alternatives on the market that will satisfy both our taste buds and our desire to feel focused and balanced.
Here are a few examples of beverages that will be a great addition to your morning, while also pairing nicely with your favorite AM cannabis strain.
Chocolate contains hundreds of nutrients, minerals, and compounds, some of which react within the human brain to alter our moods. All chocolate is derived from the cacao plant's bean, which is antioxidant-rich and nutrient-dense.
However, we're not suggesting drinking hot cocoa for breakfast. Raw cacao has not been combined with any sugars or dairy products. Cacao contains caffeine as well as a similar compound called theobromine, both bearing stimulant and slight anti-inflammatory properties.
Coffee & Weed: A Modern Spin on the Hippie Speedball - The Bluntness
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TIP: Cacao is naturally bitter. Add unsweetened coconut cream, agave, and spices like cinnamon to jazz up your morning cup. Choose a cannabis strain like Harlequin with balanced levels of cannabinoids for the best effects.
Adaptogens decrease sensitivity to stressors, and prolong stimulation. By ingesting adaptogens, instead of experiencing exhaustion, we will experience a higher level of equilibrium, or homeostasis – essentially, adaptogens keep us balanced. And that's what we're all ultimately aiming for, right?
There are tons of adaptogenic beverages on the market today and most of them are using mushrooms to create their products.
These mushrooms are not the same as psilocybin – the hallucinogenic, “magic” mushrooms – rather, several species (reishi, shiitake, cordyceps, chaga, and maitake) are part of a special category of herbs and medicinal compounds.
These mushrooms are non-toxic and are believed to support the body's response to stress, help to maintain healthy metabolic levels, boost cognitive brain function, and aid in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
There isn't yet a ton of research on the subject of cannabis paired with adaptogens, but anecdotal evidence suggests that combining weed with adaptogens like fungi can actually enhance the effects of both the adaptogens and cannabis.
Currently, there are several products on the market that combine CBD or CBN with adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms. Whether they're capsules, powders, or beverages, this trend has been catching steam for the past five years.
TIP: Since many products tout the benefits of combining CBD with adaptogens, try it yourself with a CBD-rich strain like ACDC or Harle-Tsu.
For thousands of years, teas existed as top of the line remedies in folk medicine.
Herbal teas like chamomile help us sleep, green teas are antioxidant rich and energizing, black tea is bold with stronger levels of caffeine.
When we pair cannabis with tea, we need to consider the effects of the tea first – especially caffeine content. If you prefer a highly caffeinated black tea – think English Breakfast – you can reduce your buzz by choosing a heavier, relaxing cannabis strain. If you're sipping white tea or an herbal tea, an energizing strain pairs well.
Again, there is not much clinical research on the intersection of teas and cannabis at the moment.
However, as interest mounts, the benefits of what is referred to as the “synergistic” effect of pairing botanicals and plant compounds are beginning to reveal themselves. Synergy – from the Greek synergos meaning “working together” is essentially when the therapeutic effects are greater when combining botanicals than when taking the botanicals by themselves, individually.
This theory holds true when we pair botanical teas with our cannabis. So if you're looking to drop your caffeine intake, choosing an antioxidant rich tea as your morning brew may be right for you.
TIP: Pairing note - consider how you normally enjoy your tea. If you're someone who prefers a slice of lemon in your cup, choose a lemon-forward strain like Lemon OZ for the ultimate flavor combination.
Coffee & Weed: A Modern Spin on the Hippie Speedball - The Bluntness
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There are hundreds of ways to upgrade your Hippie Speedball, and most of the options pack tons of flavor and natural therapeutic benefits. It's important to remember that every person's biology is unique to them, so what might work for one person may not be the best for another.
Our mornings are sacred, and so is our relationship with cannabis. Don't suffer with jitters and anxiety, or brain fog and lethargy – sip your morning bevvy and smoke your favorite preroll knowing that the combination you've created is working to keep you at your optima, highest vibrational self.
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What makes some mushrooms more potent than others? How is the potency of magic mushrooms measured? And most important of all, which mushrooms are the strongest of them all?
Determining the psychedelic potency of magic mushrooms isn’t as straightforward as we’d like. Even with modern testing methods like high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and mass spectronomy — there’s more to a mushroom’s potency than simply measuring its active ingredients.
Mushrooms contain hundreds of pharmacologically active compounds as well as non-active ones. All of these compounds work together to produce the mushroom's overall effect profile:
Taking all the impact of all these compounds into consideration would be necessary to truly assess the potency of a given mushroom — but this simply is not possible.
On top of that, the chemical makeup within a mushroom is constantly changing. The level of psilocin and psilocybin will change depending on things like environmental conditions, the length of time since harvest, the substrate they fed on, and the altitude at which they were grown.
Psilocin is the molecule in magic mushrooms that produces the lion’s share of its psychedelic effects. It occurs naturally when the main alkaloid, psilocybin, degrades — both within the mushroom and within our bodies.
Psilocybin is very stable and will remain intact in dried mushrooms for months, or in some cases, years if stored correctly.
Because of the breakdown of psilocin after harvesting, many mushrooms are much stronger fresh than dried. The trade-off is that dried mushrooms are far better for storage.
Mushrooms that have very high psilocin but very low psilocybin will register as weak if the dried mushrooms are tested instead of the fresh ones.
Other tryptamines — like baeocystin, norbaeocystin, and aeruginascin — can vary after the drying process, too.
We’ve decided to assess the potency of magic mushrooms based on the dried weight for two simple reasons:
With all that aside, we’ve done our best to combine as much testing data as we could get our hands on to determine some averages of the main active ingredients of mushrooms. We combine all known psychoactive tryptamine levels together to provide a “total tryptamine score” for each mushroom as a marker of relative potency.
Keep in mind these numbers are merely averages taken across several different samples — sometimes from data spanning more than 10 years apart.
After comparing data from 19 different species (all within either the Psilocybe or Panaeolus genera) — the average total tryptamine concentration (as measured as a percent of the dried mushroom weight) hovers right around 1%.
The strongest mushrooms on this list were Psilocybe azurescens (Flying Saucers) with 2.51%, then Psilocybe semilanceata with 2.06%, with 1.54%, and Psilocybe bohemica with 1.47% total tryptamines on average.
Psilocybe cubensis, which is by FAR the most commonly used magic mushroom species on Earth, ranked #10 according to average total tryptamine levels (0.90%) — but these levels can vary significantly; some samples have even tested as high as 3%.
List of the strongest mushroom speciesTripsitter
There are, in fact, hundreds of other species of magic mushrooms found to contain psilocybin, psilocin, baeocystin, and various other psychoactive tryptamines. Most of these contain only trace amounts of the active ingredients or lack sufficient research to report on.
These mushrooms fall into 6 major genera:
This is the most common species of magic mushrooms and the source of all magic mushroom “strains.” Of the more than 180 individual species in this genus, at least 95 have confirmed psychedelic effects. The average for this group is 1.04% total tryptamines.
The strongest member is Psilocybe azurescens (2.51%%), followed by Psilocybe semilanceata (2.06%%), Psilocybe baeocystis (1.54%), Psilocybe bohemica (1.47%), Psilocybe samuiensis (1.30%), Psilocybe zapotecorum (1.30%), Psilocybe cyanescens (1.24%), Psilocybe tampanensis (1.00%), and Psilocybe cubensis (0.90%).
It’s important to note that these are just averages — there are exceptions to these figures. For example, as you’ll see below, there are several specific strains of Psilocybe cubensis demonstrated to contain more than the 2.5% psilocybin and psilocin concentration reported for Psilocybe azurescens.
PsilocybeTripsitter
This species contains (at least) 13 psychoactive members. They’re generally considered weaker than Psilocybe mushrooms and produce significantly lower yields when cultivated.
Panaeolus cyanescens (AKA “Wavy Caps”) is the strongest member of this group — with a potency somewhere in the range of 0.90% total tryptamines.
Other psychoactive members include Panaeolus africanus, Panaeolus bisporus, Panaeolus cambodginiensis, Panaeolus cinctulus, Panaeolus fimicola, Panaeolus olivaceus, and Panaeolus tropicalis.
Panaeolus: This species contains (at least) 13 psychoactive members. They’re generally considered weaker than Psilocybe mushrooms and produce significantly lower yields when cultivated.Tripsitter
There are dozens of other mushroom species that produce psilocybin and psilocin as well — such as 3 members of the Conocybe family, 10 members of the Gymnopilus family, 3 Inocybes, 4 members of the Pluteus family, and several others.
However, the vast majority of these mushrooms only produce trace amounts of psilocybin and psilocin.
When someone refers to a magic mushroom "strain," — they're usually referring to a genetically isolated sample of Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms.
We maintain a massive database of Psilocybe cubensis strains, enriched with numerous sources of potency data published by independent researchers and competition results from the bi-annual Psilocybin Cup and others like it worldwide.
Some strains are clear winners — proving to have exceptional potency time and time again. Others have had anomalies that blew the competition out of the water before ultimately settling closer to average across several different samples.
List of the strongest magic mushroom strainsTripsitter
Here’s the list of the most potent magic mushroom strains:
The Tidal Wave strain is the progeny of the Penis Envy strain and the B+ strain — both formidable in their own right. In the 2021 Psilocybin Cup, a sample of Tidal Wave by the grower Magic Myco Farm, registered the highest-ever tryptamine level of any magic mushroom — a whopping 3.82%. This is nearly 4X what’s expected for the majority of Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. Like other anomalies, the average of over a dozen samples of Tidal Wave mushrooms was around 1.17% — still a formidable potency for a magic mushroom.
We only have one test entry for this strain on record, which was submitted to the 2021 Spring Psilocybin Cup by Chip Forsythe. This sample contained 3% total tryptamines, which was split equally between psilocybin and psilocin. Very little is known about this strain, and it isn’t available (yet) on any of the major spore vendors.
There’s a saying in the magic mushroom community that “Cubes are cubes, with the exception of Penis Envy." The idea is that there isn’t really a good distinction between most magic mushroom strains — they’re all the same species and produce very similar potencies, growth traits, etc. — except for Penis Envy. This mushroom has a bizarre habit of producing exceptionally thick stems and underdeveloped caps that give the mushroom a distinct phallic appearance. They’re also notoriously stronger than just about every other mushroom strain on this list. Many people would be shocked to see us ranking this strain in third place for this reason. The strongest Penis Envy shroom on record so far registered at 2.90% tryptamines — but the average across a total of 23 different samples fell closer to 1.15%. Even in poor growing conditions, this strain stands out as a formidable psychedelic. This mushroom has a long and fascinating history and has been used to develop countless other strains — many of which are considered to be well above average in terms of potency. A few examples include Tidal Wave (the #1 spot on this list), Penis Envy Uncut, Penis Envy #6, Albino Penis Envy (APE), and Melmac.
So far, 2 samples of Shiva Lingham have been submitted to the Psilocybin Cup by the grower Psilly Simon. Both samples were found to be exceptionally potent. The first sample, submitted in 2021, registered about 1.55% total tryptamines. The second, submitted in 2022, was even higher, displaying 2.42%. Much like the Fuzzy Balls strain, Shiva Lingham is part of the grower’s private stock and is not yet available for the widespread mushroom community.
Albino Penis Envy is a non-pigmented version of the original Penis Envy. It boasts similar potency to the original strain, but the mushrooms are completely white. This strain is a favorite among experienced cultivators because of its unique appearance and desirable potency. So far, the strongest sample of APE mushrooms on record was a sample submitted to the Psilocybin Cup by Dr. Greythumb in 2021, which contained a total tryptamine level of 2.34%. However, like most of the strongest strains on this list, the average is closer to 1.16% overall.
Albino Penis Envy is a non-pigmented version of the original Penis Envy. It boasts similar potency to the original strain, but the mushrooms are completely white.
This strain is a favorite among experienced cultivators because of its unique appearance and desirable potency.
So far, the strongest sample of APE mushrooms on record was a sample submitted to the Psilocybin Cup by Dr. Greythumb in 2021, which contained a total tryptamine level of 2.34%. However, like most of the strongest strains on this list, the average is closer to 1.16% overall.
We consider anything over 1.5% to be in the "very potent" range.
Aside from the strains mentioned above, here are some of the other strains marked as “very potent” include:
Brain Coral, Casper, Jack O'Lantern Squats, Leucistic Tosohatchee Cubensis, Orissa India, Super Ape, and Tosohatchee.
Some other potent strains listed as “above average” (more than 0.90%, but less than 1.50%) include:
Albino Chodewave, Albino Golden Halo, Amazon, DeathStar, Galactic Gorilla, Ghost Spore, Green Cap Tosohatchee, Homestead Penis Envy, Kaleidoscope, Mystery Fatass, Old Dirty Penis Envy, Omni C, Pearly Gates, Penis Envy #41, Penis Envy Blonde, Sombrero, Stee Mag, Stingray, Transkei (South African), Trinity, Vietnamese Teachers, and Yeti.
It's impossible to know exactly how much psilocybin and psilocin are present in a particular mushroom without testing a sample. Even when a mushroom appears to hit stronger than others, it may not be a reliable indicator of potency.
Factors like diet, mindset/prep work, combination with other drugs, and environmental factors can all affect how magic mushrooms might feel on a given day.
The only accurate way to test the potency of your magic mushrooms is to send a sample off to a lab for testing. This way, you can get an accurate report on the levels of psilocybin, psilocin, baeocystin, and other tryptamines present in the sample.
There are a couple of downsides to lab testing, though — it's expensive and time-consuming. You have to send the sample off, pay about $800, and wait 1-2 weeks for results, ruling it out as an option for most people.
A more convenient and cost-effective way to test the potency of your shrooms is to use a home psilocybin test kit such as the Miraculix QTest kit. This test allows you to test for the presence of psilocybin and provides a rough gauge of potency.
The Miraculix QTest comes with a simple reagent that changes color when it reacts with psilocybin. The reaction can then be compared with the supplied color chart to work out the percentage of psilocybin present in the shrooms.
While this test is far from accurate, it will do a good job of comparing the relative potency of several mushroom samples tested side by side.
The key to growing the most potent mushrooms starts before cultivation. It's important to select a strain capable of producing high tryptamine levels.
Selecting a strain of Psilocybe cubensis, such as Penis Envy, is a good start if you want to grow potent shrooms. However, this isn't the only step — even a "high-potency" strain can produce weak shrooms.
The next step in growing potent shrooms is to take great care during cultivation. You need to create optimal and stable conditions for mycelial formation during the incubation stages and the optimum conditions for healthy mushroom growth during fruiting.
Some growers even suggest adding a source of tryptamine to the casing substrate to provide the mushrooms with as much of the precursors used to produce psilocybin and psilocin as possible.
Finally, dry and store your mushrooms properly once they’ve been harvested to prevent a significant amount of the active psychedelic compounds from degrading.
This article originally appeared in Tripsitter.
Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, degrades over time due to exposure to oxygen, heat, moisture, and light. Improper storage can also lead to mold or bacterial contamination, making the mushrooms unsafe to consume. On average:
With optimal storage, you can minimize these risks and extend the shelf life of your mushrooms. If magic mushrooms aren’t stored correctly, they can break down, lose potency, and even become highly susceptible to bacteria or mold – a major danger to your body.
Thankfully, knowing how to store magic mushrooms is a pretty straightforward process once you get it down, and it doesn’t need to be very expensive at all. The Bluntness has broken down everything you need to know about storing shrooms, whether they’re dried or fresh.
For any form of fungi, you run a potentially dangerous risk if you’re not taking proper storage precautions. There are four main factors you have to be aware of when trying to get the longest shelf life possible for your shrooms:
If any of these four factors aren’t closely monitored and considered, your shrooms will lose potency, break down, or rot, and if you slip up and consume shrooms that have grown mold or bacteria on them, you are risking your health.
The first step in preserving mushrooms is proper drying. Fresh mushrooms have high moisture content, which makes them susceptible to mold and rot. To dry mushrooms:
Airtight storage is critical to prevent moisture, oxygen, and light from degrading your mushrooms. Here are the best options:
How to Store Magic MushroomsThis method is the most straightforward way to store dried shrooms. Mason jars are easy to find at your local grocery store, and they provide an airtight, oxygen-free environment for your fungi to hang out in for up to 12 months. (We highly recommend writing the date you stored the shrooms on the jar for future reference).
For best results, make sure to keep your shroom-filled mason jars in a dry, dark, cool environment. Also, keep in mind that although the shrooms will remain active and mold-and-bacteria-free for up to 12 months, they will likely lose some of their potency after about six months of storage.
How to Store Magic MushroomsZiplock bags are another incredibly cost-effective method for storing dried shrooms, and they offer about the same amount of protection that mason jars do, if you’re careful.
When storing magic mushrooms in a ziplock bag, make sure you squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it, and double check for any holes or openings in the bag before putting it away.
For added protection, some consumers will combine both methods by first placing their shrooms in a ziplock bag, and then storing the bag in a mason jar.
How to Store Magic MushroomsIf stored properly, chocolate can stay good for up to 18 months, and combining the food product with psilocybin is a great way to ensure your shrooms don’t go bad.
You can easily create your own psilocybin chocolate by grinding your dried shrooms into powder, melting some chocolate on a stove, and combining the two. Just make sure you don’t add the powder until the chocolate has cooled down a bit, or you may damage the psilocybin content and reduce potency.
This is a great (and tasty) method for protecting your magic shrooms from the elements, as chocolate seals out oxygen and UV light.
How to Store Magic MushroomsIf the edible route seems to work best for you and your preferences, another great option is to combine your dried shrooms with honey. Shroom-infused honey can last up to 18 months or longer if stored properly – in many cases, up to two years.
To do this, simply place your dried shrooms in a mason jar and cover them with honey. Make sure they’re immersed by at least half an inch, and opt for raw honey if you can.
It doesn’t matter if you grind the shrooms into powder first or place them in whole – either method will store well in the honey. Throughout their time in the jar, the shrooms’ active ingredients will diffuse into the honey, which will eventually allow you to just eat the honey directly to experience the fungi’s effects.
How to Store Magic MushroomsHaving shrooms in capsule form is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the brave new world world of microdosing. Believe it or not, capsulized mushrooms are quite simple to create at home, and can store safely for up to 12 months without losing much potency.
The key is to fill up the capsules as much as possible, because any empty spaces will result in oxygen making its way in and breaking down the fungi much quicker.
A pro tip for capsule storage is to utilize an oxygen absorber or desiccant, which will help ensure there is no drop in potency over time.
If you’ve come across fresh magic mushrooms or truffles, which are still somewhat rare in the market, you’ll quickly learn they’re much more finicky and can mold and rot in just a few days if they aren’t stored properly.
If you plan to use them within 5-10 days, fresh shrooms or truffles can be stored in the fridge in a brown paper bag. However, if you’re planning to store them any longer, you’ll have to dry them out.
This can be done by: air drying – a.k.a., placing the shrooms on a paper towel for about 72 hours; dehydrating them with a food dehydrator; or freeze-drying, which is effective, but definitely the most complicated and costly method to utilize.
You’ll know almost immediately if fresh mushrooms have spoiled because they'll have a nasty musty odor, and you’ll likely see blue or green fuzzy growths on the caps and stem. Although, it's worth noting that some white fuzziness on the stems is normal — this is the mycelial threads from the fungi trying to grow outwards from the harvested mushrooms.
For dried mushrooms, it’s not so easy to tell if they've gone bad. Obvious signs your shrooms went bad include green or blue mold growth, moisture or sogginess, and an awful smell. It’s no longer safe to use shrooms that look or smell like this. Throw them away.
If you store your mushrooms correctly, they will remain edible for many, many years. It’s more likely your shrooms will lose their potency than it is for them to go moldy if stored correctly. If you eat your stored mushrooms beyond their “expiration date”, they might just not work as well or at all. As long as they’re not moldy, they’re very unlikely to make you feel ill.
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Contrary to popular belief, freezing is not ideal for storing magic mushrooms. Studies show that freezing can accelerate psilocybin degradation in the short term, reducing potency. Instead, store your mushrooms at room temperature in a dark, cool place.
Desiccants absorb residual moisture and help maintain a dry environment. Save silica gel packs from electronics or shoes, or purchase them online, and include them in your storage container.
Consuming shrooms can already result in an upset stomach or feelings of nausea, and throwing mold or bacteria in the mix can wreak some serious havoc on your digestive system, which won’t be fun at all to experience mid-trip.
Even with proper storage, it's essential to check for signs of spoilage before consuming. Avoid mushrooms with:
Note: Blue discoloration is normal and results from psilocybin oxidation, not mold.
A recent study on psilocybin degradation examined different storage methods. Key findings include:
Conclusion: Room temperature storage in dark, airtight containers is optimal for long-term preservation.
Properly storing magic mushrooms is part science and part art. With the right techniques, you can ensure your stash stays potent and safe for months—or even years. Whether you’re a microdoser, a psychonaut, or a curious explorer, mastering the art of preservation allows you to enjoy your magic mushrooms with confidence and peace of mind.
