Disclaimer: Psilocybin is a largely illegal substance, and we do not encourage or condone its use where it is against the law. However, we accept that illicit drug use occurs and believe that offering responsible harm reduction information is imperative to keeping people safe. For that reason, this document is designed to enhance the safety of those who decide to use psilocybin spores or other psilocybin-containing substances for research or ingestion purposes.
This article has been medically reviewed by Katrina Oliveros, MSN-ED, BSN
Maria Katrina is a trauma-informed Wellness Educator and Psychedelic Harm Reduction Consultant. Beyond nursing, she supports health & wellness teams through medical aid, psychedelic harm reduction, and integration services.
Intro Excerpt: While psilocybin remains a controlled substance, magic mushroom spores operate within legal gray areas. Since spores don’t yet contain psilocybin, they’re legal to purchase. However, cultivating mushrooms with psilocybin spores is illegal. Confused yet? We’re right there with you. That’s why we wrote this guide on what to know before buying psilocybin spores.
Magic mushroom spores exist in a legal gray area, allowing them to be bought and sold in most countries. However, cultivating psychedelic mushrooms from psilocybin spores is largely illegal.
As you might know, psilocybin mushrooms and psilocin remained controlled substances. This is what makes buying psilocybin spores such a confusing thing. And because there is so much confusion, we don’t sell magic mushroom spores with our Mushroom Grow Kit.
Just to set the record straight: magic mushroom spores are legally available to buy, but once you grow them, you have an illegal product on your hands. They’re legal to purchase because the spores don’t yet contain psilocybin. Once they begin germinating, they start to develop the psychoactive compounds that are controlled substances.
So, for those seeking clarity on the legal implications of buying spores and growing mushrooms, or you’re wondering where you obtain shroom spores, which are the best psilocybin-containing mushroom spores to buy, and our recommended spore solution suppliers, read on.
What are Psilocybin Spores?
Psilocybin spores, also known as magic mushroom spores, are the reproductive seeds of magic mushrooms, the latter of which have been honored and feared throughout human history for their hallucinatory effects. Spores are single cells carrying a set of chromosomes with all the genetic information needed to reproduce a new primary mycelium, the threadlike underground network comprising most of the fungi’s life cycle.
Psilocybin spores, also known as magic mushroom spores, are the reproductive seeds of magic mushrooms, the latter of which have been honored throughout human history for their hallucinatory effects. Spores are single cells carrying a set of chromosomes with all the genetic information needed to reproduce a new primary mycelium, the threadlike underground network comprising most of the fungi’s life cycle.
These tiny wonders possess a naturally occurring compound called psilocybin, renowned for its mind-altering properties. While the spores do not contain the psychedelic compound, they are the starting point for cultivating your enchanting fungi at home.
Types of Magic Mushroom Spores
Different types of mushroom spores can be used to cultivate mushrooms. Here are some of the different types that you should know about:
- Psilocybe cubensis spores: These are the most popular and widely available psilocybin mushrooms. They come in a variety of strains, like Penis Envy, B+, and Golden Teachers, each with unique characteristics, such as potency, size, and appearance.
- Psilocybe cyanescens spores: These “Wavy Cap” spores are known for their high potency and are typically smaller in size than other magic mushroom spores. They are often found growing in colder climates, such as the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
- Psilocybe semilanceata spores: Also known as “Liberty Caps,” these spores are commonly found in Europe and are known for their potent effects. They are typically smaller in size than other psilocybin spores and have a distinctive shape.
- Psilocybe azurescens spores: These spores are known for their high potency and are typically larger in size than other psilocybin mushroom spores. They are often found growing in coastal regions, such as the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
What is a Spore Syringe?
A spore syringe are oral syringes containing a simple solution of psilocybin spores suspended in water. Some mushroom cultures contain liquid, or spores and are stored in a microbiological growth medium to beget the mycelial phase of fungal development using nutrients like glucose and malted grain extract.
Mycologists generally employ agar Petri dishes for their mushroom studies, but the jelly-like agar is inconvenient for online shipping purposes.
What is a Magic Mushroom Spore Print?
In mycology, spore prints are like a mushroom’s fingerprint. They’re made by laying a fresh mushroom cap facedown on a piece of paper overnight to deposit their variously colored spores.
Psilocybin spore prints, for example, are generally bluish-black and vaguely resemble the iris of a human eye due to the arrangement of gills underneath the cap.
Among amateur and expert mycologists, a common hobby is collecting spores while walking through the woods. This is a great way to stay active, learn more about mushrooms, collect spore prints, and, overall, have a great time in nature.
What to Know Before Buying Psilocybin Mushroom Spores
1. Determine What Mushroom Strain to Buy
There are dozens of psilocybin-containing mushrooms and hundreds of unique strains within those species. Therefore, the answer to this question is a matter of preference and intention.
For instance, for a milder psychedelic experience, you could consider microdosing a smaller amount of mushrooms to start, in which case the strain won’t be as significant a factor as for more profound psilocybin journeys.
The most commonly cultivated and circulated psychedelic mushroom is Psilocybe cubensis. However, growers have bred Psilocybe mushrooms into various strains with differing effects, appearances, and growing qualities, which can be found online as Psilocybe cubensis spore syringes and spore prints.
A few common strains to look for include:
- Penis Envy, popular for their high potency, distinguished by their phallic appearance
- PES (Pacifica exotica spora) Amazon, renowned as a rapid colonizer with prolific fruitings to maximize mushroom yields
- Golden Teacher, common and easy for beginners to grow even in unoptimized conditions
- Magic Truffles, the underground sclerotia of various other psilocybe species, are often easier to cultivate than mushrooms
- Blue Meanies refers to either a bright blue-staining strain of Psilocybe cubensis or the species Panaeolus cyanescens. You’ll want to clarify with the vendor for identification purposes and to account for different growing conditions.
2. Use a Reputable Psilocybin Spore Seller
A reputable vendor should provide a contact form and be willing to answer questions about their standards if they’re not already stated on their website. Other signs of legitimacy include an About Us page, quality control methods, product reviews and shipping and payment details.
Here is a brief list of our vetted and recommended places to buy psilocybin spores:
- Mushroom Prints ships worldwide and ensures customers receive the high-quality strain they order with perfect satisfaction, as these strains are grown under strict conditions.
- Sporevision, based in the Netherlands, offers an extensive range of high-quality magic mushroom spores.
- Spores 101 ships within the US and Canada and has been online since 2004. They offer great products with discreet shipping at low prices.
- Sporeworks, established in 1998, only ships within the US. They offer great customer service, accept cryptocurrencies, and house exotic shroom spores.
3. Consider How Long They Last
Psilocybin spore syringes will generally last at least 30 days, often up to two years. Spores in this form won’t survive as long as in spore prints, but they’re more manageable in measuring a specific volume of liquid for study.
To maximize the life of spores in a syringe, they should be stored in the refrigerator or another cool, dark place. In warmer temperatures, bacteria can develop faster. Also, be careful to avoid accidental freezing, which could contaminate the spores and make them unusable.
Important: Each manufacturer offers spore syringes storage and shelf-life advice, so carefully read the packaging instructions.
4. Understand the Legality of Magic Mushroom Spores
Because they don’t contain psilocybin, the sale and purchase of psilocybin mushroom spores are decriminalized in 47 of 50 US states, whose criminal laws only prohibit the possession, sale, and transport of the psychoactive compound itself.
The exceptions are California, Georgia, and Idaho. In California, the letter of the law specifically bans the sale, transport, and gifting of spores except by authorized researchers and research institutions. In contrast, Georgia and Idaho ban their possession for everyone.
Even in other states, spores can only be legally bought and sold for educational or research purposes, like microscopy, not to cultivate into hallucinogenic mushrooms, as most purveyors explicitly caution. So as soon as spores germinate into mycelium or fruit mushrooms, law enforcement can penalize you for possessing a controlled substance.
How high the risk or severe the punishment also varies by jurisdiction. Since 2020, some US cities, starting with Denver, have decriminalized psilocybin use and possession, making it the lowest priority of local law enforcement. However, such offenses remain felonies under the purview of the state of Colorado and the US federal government. Federalism can be funny that way.
Across the globe, a few nations buck the trend of prohibiting this naturally-occurring compound, such as Brazil, Samoa, and Jamaica, where hallucinogenic mushrooms are legal to grow and possess.
5. You’ll Need a Mushroom Grow Kit, Too!
Growing your own magic mushrooms from spores can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only do you get to witness the mesmerizing growth process firsthand, but you also have the satisfaction of knowing that your mushroom cultivation is free from harmful contaminants. It’s like being the master of your own psychedelic destiny instead of banking on an online sale.
At Third Wave, we make it easy for you to follow a step by step growing process with our mushroom grow kits. The kits include a substrate bag filled with pre-sterilized grains, a grow bag or container, light bulb for accelerating fruiting, and detailed instructions for how to grow the mushrooms.
The only thing you need to provide for your kit are the spores – and thanks to this article you’ll soon be an expert on that, too!
Speaking of experts, Graham, a resident Mushroom Expert at Healing Maps, shared some nice words about Third Wave’s Grow Kit:
“Third Wave is a great resource for many things psychedelic and they have come together to provide this comprehensive grow kit alongside a step-by-step growing course that leads you down the path to cultivating shrooms using their kit. This unique combination is great to ensure that you have the proper instruction paired with your kit. This is a higher end kit that provides a lot of control over the growing conditions.”
Where to Buy Psilocybin Mushroom Spores Online
Spores are relatively easy to find online with a simple Google search of psilocybin spores for sale. Still, you’ll want to shop around and peruse forums to vet reputable sources before buying. Sources range from social media groups on Facebook and Reddit to more traditional, official-looking online shops, many based in Canada.
You can always extract mushroom spawn from an existing culture, but it’s easiest to buy online for those without an active substrate. While social media can be a helpful way to find such sellers, it’s not a great idea to make purchases directly on sites like Facebook and Instagram.
Most growers and vendors sell spores in two primary forms: syringes and prints.
While we can’t give you a coupon, here are some suggestions for reputable places to buy psilocybin spores – intended for microscopy purposes, of course – along with some of each site’s distinctions and quirks:
Mushroom Prints
Mushroom Prints is dedicated to supplying customers with only the highest quality mushroom spores. They take pride in ensuring each mushroom strain you receive is 100% to your satisfaction. Their spores and mushroom cultures are made under very strict conditions and are guaranteed 100% viable. They’re also a great place to buy edible cultures.
Better yet? They ship worldwide.
Products:
- Spore syringes
- Spore prints
- Mushroom cultures
Pricing Range: $18.99-$34.99 USD
Sporevision
Sporevision is a simple and reliable source of high-quality psilocybin strains, providing valuable online information on sterilization and spore identification. Based in the Netherlands, the company offers an extensive selection of psilocybin mushroom spores, including Psilocybe Cubensis and other strains.
Sporevision believes each mushroom spore is unique, and values their varying characteristics by collecting them from around the world.
Products:
- Spore syringes
- Spore prints
- Spore swabs
- Lab equipment
Pricing Range: $4.00-$80.00 USD
Spores 101
Spores 101 has been online since 2004 and ships magic mushrooms spores within the US or Canada, making them a verastile company. Plus, they have high quality products at low prices. They have a variety of strains and a huge collection of mushroom spores. They also offer discreet shipping, secure ordering and guaranteed delivery.
Products:
- Spore syringes
- Spore prints
- Spore swabs
Pricing Range: $9.99-$59.99 USD
Sporeworks
Online and reliable since 1998, Sporeworks offers high quality mushroom spores, spore syringes, and cultivation supplies. Although they don’t offer shipping outside of the US, they do accept most major credit cards, cryptocurrencies, and mail-in payments. They pride themselves on their fast and friendly customer service while delivering rare and exotic mushroom spores.
Products:
- Spore syringes
- Spore prints
- Combination packs and grab bags
- Wholesale and bulk purchasing
Pricing Range: $18.50-$55.55 USD
FAQs on Buying Psilocybin Spores
How Much Do Shroom Spore Syringes Cost?
The cost of shroom spore syringes can vary depending on the strain, supplier, and location. Generally, spore syringes can cost anywhere from $10 to $30, with some rarer strains and premium quality spores being priced higher.
Some suppliers offer discounts on bulk orders, and shipping costs can affect the final price. Purchasing spore syringes from a trusted supplier that uses proper sterilization techniques and provides quality customer service to ensure the best results when growing mushrooms is important.
How are Spore Syringes Packaged and Shipped?
When it comes to obtaining psilocybin spore syringes, the utmost care is taken to ensure secure packaging and discreet shipping. The responsible vendors in the industry understand the importance of maintaining privacy and guaranteeing the safe delivery of these delicate products. Let’s dive into how spore syringes are packaged and shipped, providing peace of mind throughout the process.
Secure Packaging
Psilocybin spore syringes are typically packaged to prioritize protection and preservation. To maintain the spores’ integrity, the syringes are often made of high-quality materials, such as sterile plastic. They are carefully sealed to prevent any leakage or contamination during transit. Additionally, the syringes are commonly wrapped in protective layers to safeguard them from physical damage.
Discreet Shipping
Respecting your privacy is of utmost importance when shipping psilocybin spore syringes. Reputable vendors understand the need for discretion and employ various strategies to ensure that the contents of the package remain confidential. The syringes are typically placed in inconspicuous packaging that does not reveal the nature of the product. Plain envelopes or boxes without any identifying labels or logos are commonly used to maintain anonymity.
Legal Compliance
It is crucial to note that psilocybin spores and spore syringes are legal for microscopy and educational purposes in many jurisdictions. However, adhering to the laws and regulations specific to your region is essential. Reputable vendors prioritize legal compliance and may request age verification or provide information on their websites about the legality of their products. Always ensure that you are familiar with the laws governing psilocybin spores in your area to avoid any legal complications.
By using secure packaging methods, discreet shipping practices, and prioritizing legal compliance, vendors strive to ensure that you receive your psilocybin spore syringes safely and confidentially.
Remember, it’s important to research and choose reputable vendors who prioritize customer satisfaction and maintain a strong track record of successful deliveries.
The Bottom Line on Magic Mushroom Spores
Psilocybin spores are the reproductive cells of magic mushrooms that don’t contain any psychoactive compounds and are, therefore, legal to obtain throughout most of the US and the world, as long as you’re not planning to cultivate them. This makes them an unusually accessible resource in the world of psychedelic medicines, though what to do with spores once you have them is a different story.
Before buying magic mushroom spores, get a grip on some basics, like what strain you’re buying, in what form, from what vendor, and even for what purpose. This article has offered a few guidelines to start understanding psilocybin spores, but there’s still a whole world of mushroom spawn out there to explore.
If you’re ready to launch your experience as a grower, check out our mushroom grow kit today.
Disclaimer: Psilocybin is a largely illegal substance, and we do not encourage or condone its use where it is against the law. However, we accept that illicit drug use occurs and believe that offering responsible harm reduction information is imperative to keeping people safe. For that reason, this document is designed to enhance the safety of those who decide to use psilocybin spores or other psilocybin-containing substances for research or ingestion purposes.
References
- KGW. (2023, May 31). Mushroom spores do not contain psilocybin: Verify. Retrieved from https://www.kgw.com/article/news/verify/mushroom-spores-do-not-contain-psilocybin-verify/283-db183be8-86ed-417a-8ff3-e3b1a20cbb5c
- Grzybowski, A. (2019, February 14). Cultural roots: The ethics of indigenous plant knowledge and pharmacology. Retrieved from https://www.ubyssey.ca/science/cultural-roots-the-ethics-of-indigenous-plant-knowledge-and-pharmacology/
- Pubmed. (2021, November 24). Psilocybin, a Naturally Occurring Indoleamine Compound, Could Be Useful to Prevent Suicidal Behaviors. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34959614/
- Pubmed. (2021, February 13). Stability of psilocybin and its four analogs in the biomass of the psychotropic mushroom Psilocybe cubensis. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33119971/
- Justia Law. (n.d.). California Health and Safety Code – HSC § 11390-11392 Article 7. Mushrooms. Retrieved from http://law.justia.com/california/codes/hsc/11390-11392.html
- Justia Law. (n.d.). Georgia Code – Title 16, Chapter 13, Article 3, Section 16-13-71 “Dangerous drug” defined. Retrieved from https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-16/chapter-13/article-3/16-13-71/
- Idaho Legislature. (n.d.). Idaho Statutes – Title 37, Chapter 27, Section 37-2705 UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES. Retrieved from https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title37/T37CH27/SECT37-2705/
- Colorado General Assembly. (2023). CONCERNING NATURAL MEDICINE. Retrieved from https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2023A/bills/2023a_290_01.pdf
Love to research
And learn about this fascinating world of mycology
I’d like to learn more about the cause and effect
Depression runs deep in my family and I am very interested in researching the positive effects that psilocybin can have on people for whom SSRIs just don’t work. Especially in light of recent reports that SSRIs do not, in fact, help with depression at all. I found your article very informative, thank you!
I’ve had 17 surgeries in 8 years ..mainly joints..I’m 54…tired of suboxone…100% disabled with the v.a. and I don’t care for thc…. I NEED to find pain relief so I can kick the sub… I’m just looking for alternative
READ THE DIVIDED MIND BY DR SARNO!! IT MAY TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE
Thanks for the recommendation! 🙏
Research
Not gonna b in psychedelics brother… try cbd instead of thc…
How does one who lives in California aquire the spores
Hi Richard,
Unfortunately, California is one of the three US states that bans spores sales and transport. You’ll need to acquire spores in a different state.
@richardcaccamo if you’re trying to build a spore library I would buy one of the books on identifying these in the wild as well as foraging books. As who knows when home spore and seed libraries will save the world. Personal opinion identify the many that grow right in your area. Mushroom. Take your prints in the wild. I’ve done this with edible mushrooms to great success.
What about New York City can I legally purchase this product and use it for recreational purposes.
Will i be safe by purchasing these spores and can they be turn into tea
I did psilocybin and mescaline in the seventies while attending university. Both were great, I guess I leaned toward the mescaline, but the mushrooms were a very close second. Been wanting to try them again, but it has been impossible for me to locate any. I have emphysema, heart disease, kidney disease, and terrible back pain. Pot got me off the pain pills and alcohol. I can’t smoke anymore, almost impossible to inhale. I do the edibles with mixed results. I’d love to try microdosing, but living in Kentucky I’m not sure. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Time is passing quickly.
Hi Timothy,
Thanks for reaching out. Third Wave curated a Sourcing Guide to help you find legal psychedelics and psychedelic analog compounds worldwide. https://thethirdwave.co/sp/sourcing-guide/
Hope this helps!
Is it legal to take spore prints internationally? Namely to Thailand where I want to start growing mycelium.
Hi Tyson, we suggesting erring on the side of caution and not bring spore prints across international borders.
I did psilocybin and mescaline in the seventies while attending university. Both were great, I guess I leaned toward the mescaline, but the mushrooms were a very close second. Been wanting to try them again, but it has been impossible for me to locate any. I have emphysema, heart disease, kidney disease, and terrible back pain. Pot got me off the pain pills and alcohol. I can’t smoke anymore, almost impossible to inhale. I do the edibles with mixed results. I’d love to try microdosing, but living in Kentucky I’m not sure. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Time is passing quickly.
Hi Scott – We have an excellent Mushroom Grow Kit so that you can cultivate your own medicine. https://thethirdwave.co/sp/mushroom-grow-kit/
Before buying magic mushroom spores, get a grip on some basics, like what strain you’re buying, in what form, from what vendor, and even for what purpose. This article has offered a few guidelines to start understanding psilocybin spores, but there’s still a whole world of mushroom spawn out there to explore.
Is it legal to take spore prints internationally? Namely to Netherlad where I want to start growing mycelium.
According to our research, spores are legal in the Netherlands but you should always do your due diligence to confirm.
In the 1970s, while attending university, I experimented with psilocybin and mescaline. Both were excellent; I think I preferred the mescaline, but the mushrooms were a close second. I’ve been wanting to try these again, but I can’t seem to find any. I suffer from emphysema, heart disease, kidney illness, and excruciating back pain.
I went off painkillers and alcohol thanks to marijuana. I can’t smoke anymore since it’s nearly impossible to inhale. I experiment with edibles with varying degrees of success. I’d like to attempt microdosing, but living in Kentucky makes me hesitant. Any advice would be highly appreciated. Time is ticking away.
Hi James, we have robust resources about microdosing including many videos, Paul’s book Mastering Microdosing and a vibrant online community: https://community.thethirdwave.co/
You can also find a bunch of places to buy from on Psychedelist.com
They have people who sell spores and other stuff like trip sitters, ketamine facilities etc. That is where I find different spots to try.