Out of the 180 different magic mushroom varieties that share the common active ingredient of psilocybin, Psilocybe azurescens is among one of, if not, the most potent and truly psychedelic strains. Considered by the majority of psychonauts to be one of the most vivid psychedelic experiences, with some users even going so far as to say that this strain transcends users to an “interdimensional” plane. Psilocybe azurescens is a strain that should not be underestimated by even the most experienced magic mushroom connoisseurs.

Psychonauts interested in learning more about P. azurescens, stay tuned. This article explores everything there is to know about this strain of magic mushroom including some brief background information, a review of its appearance and effects, and some tips on how to cultivate this strain properly. 

The world of psilocybin mushrooms is vast and full of visceral psychedelic experiences that are unique to each mushroom strain which makes navigating the world of psychedelics an endless pursuit of something new. It should be noted that in many places around the world the use of magic mushrooms (psilocybin mushrooms) is illegal, so it’s important to execute caution and to become educated on the laws before diving in. 

Psilocybe Azurescens Background 

Psilocybe azurescens is one of the most well-known and easily recognizable types of magic mushrooms that can be found in numerous parts of the world. P. azurescens is known by many names including Flying Saucers, Blue Runners, and even Indigo Psilocybe. 

As the story goes within the psychedelic community is that this strain of magic mushroom was found in 1979 by a group of Boy Scouts, however, many people retort that this variation of psilocybin mushroom may have already been known about by many local foragers but called by a different name. Regardless, from that point on this variety of magic mushrooms skyrocketed into popularity and become known as one of the most potent strains. 

P. azurescens can be found growing naturally along a small portion of the North American west coast, most notably in Oregon where the mushroom was originally discovered. But, Psilocybe azurescens can also be found in California, Washington, and British Columbia. There is some debate on whether this species of psilocybin mushroom was truly native, or it was introduced to this part of the world through debris that was flushed along the coast, but regardless of the truth behind P. azurescens origins, it has become a staple for many psychonauts in the subsequent years after its discovery.

Psilocybe Azurescens Appearance

Although Psilocybe azurescens is most closely related to P. cubensis, another notoriously popular magic mushroom strain, its appearance most notably takes after both P. cyanescens and P. subaeruginosa.

Psilocybe azurescens is described as having a dark caramel-colored cap that is around 3-10 centimeters wide with a broad umbo that resembles a nipple-like feature. The cap of the mushroom is smooth yet feels sticky to the touch. The cap of P. azurescens is considered hygrophanous which means that as the cap dries out it will change color to a dirty brown or yellow color. The stem is roughly 9 to 20 centimeters long and white in appearance, however, over time the stem will fade to a dirty grey or brown as it ages. 

One last visible, diagnostic feature attributed to this strain of mushroom, and where it derived one of its many names, is that the blue bruising found on the P. azurescens mushroom appears when it has been damaged. 

How to Cultivate Psilocybe Azurescens

P. azurescens grow the best outdoors in open shady areas with reasonable access to moisture and deciduous trees. This strain of mushroom is also considered a wood-lover and can be grown on various wood-derived substrates like mulch. It is recommended to start growing this strain in small batches before transferring it to larger garden beds. For an in-depth analysis on how to grow magic mushrooms, check out this article here!

In the wild, P. azurescens are known to be found underneath various types of plant life including rhododendrons, rose bushes, and azaleas as well as blackberry thickets.

How Does Psilocybe Azurescens Make You Feel?

Unlike its well-known and popular counterpart, P. cubensis, Psilocybe azurescens is considerably stronger and produces a transcendental psychedelic experience. This strain is quite intense and highly visual which can even send veteran psychonauts through a loop. 

To put things into perspective, P. cubensis contains roughly 0.14-0.42% psilocybin whereas P. azurescens roughly contains 1.78% psilocybin. Quite a staggering difference once the numbers are brought into the equation and it dictates just how strong this strain of magic mushroom is. 

It should be noted that there is a wide variety of experiences that users report from various magic mushroom strains. But, when it comes to P. azurescens, users can expect an intense psychedelic experience that casts a shadow over the traditional experience by magnifying it by 10. Profound euphoria, auditory and visual changes, and a distortion of time are all features that users can experience while tripping on this strain.

Lastly, now while P. azurescens can be ingested in their natural form, and it will produce psychedelic effects, the strength and potency are magnified when consuming the mushroom in its dried state. The amount that would need to be consumed to receive the same effect is substantially less when ingesting the dry form over the raw, natural form. It should also be noted that the extremely bitter taste from the mushroom can cause nausea which is why it is recommended to obtain dry forms of the mushroom and prepare it into an easily consumable form like a smoothie. 

Where Can You Get Your Hands on Psilocybe Azurescens?

Psychonauts in DC on the hunt for a great source to get their hands on some high-quality and trustworthy P. azurescens, look to 420VL’s Listings as there are a wide variety of delivery services available that offer various magic mushroom strains. Offering a wide variety of I-71 compliant cannabis and shrooms gifts like flower, concentrates, magic mushrooms, edibles, and more, individuals can find anything they need right at their fingertips. Don’t forget to mention 420VL to receive a special discount!