Psilocybe Ovoideocystidiata
- Jake Peter
- January 9, 2023
- 10:39 am
The Sanctuary Wellness Institute does not offer Psilocybin Therapy. This web page is meant for informational use only.
Psilocybin is an alkaloid compound found in over 200 species of mushrooms that causes hallucinogenic effects when consumed. Humans have used psychedelics for thousands of years as part of spiritual and religious practices. Modern researchers are pioneering research to unlock psilocybin’s therapeutic potential as a treatment for chronic and persistent health conditions.
Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, a member of the genus psilocybe, is a recently-identified mushroom that contains psilocybin. The fungus induces desirable mind-altering effects when ingested as the human body converts psilocybin to psilocin.
This article discusses how to identify psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, the effects produced in the human body when itโs consumed, and the legal status of psilocybin. A comprehensive understanding of these โshroomsโ and the compounds involved in psychedelic research will help you understand the promise of psilocybin therapy.
What is Psilocybe Ovoideocystidiata?
Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, also known by the common name the โblue-footโ mushroom, was first documented in 2003 from a sample discovered in Pennsylvania. It is a member of the phylum basidiomycota, the order agaricales, the family hymenogastraceae, and the genus psilocybe. Other psilocybe species that fall under that genus include psilocybe cyanescens and psilocybe stuntzii.
This psilocybin mushroomโs name comes from the ovoid shape of its cells and its rhomboid spores. The fungus was commonly confused with psilocybe caerulipes before being formally named a separate species in 2007.
Ovoideocystidiata have a 1.5 cm to 5 cm diameter convex cap that may flatten with age. The head ranges from brown to dark purple and turns whitish or cream-colored when dried. The mushroom’s flesh becomes blue or green when bruised.
The gills of this mushroom species begin off-white or pale brown before darkening to a lavender or purplish brown color in maturity. The stalk can reach 9 cm in height and 7 mm in thickness. It has a white or yellowish-brown color with possible blue shading. Stalks are smooth near the cap and may develop small scales at their base.
Psilocybe Ovoideocystidiata Habitats
While first discovered in Pennsylvania, wild psilocybe ovoideocystidiata now grow around the globe. The mushroom is now found on both coasts of the United States and across Europe. It is a relatively resilient mushroom that prefers temperate climates but can grow in cold weather as well.
In the wild, the ovoideocystidiata favors hardwood, mulch/wood chips, and woody debris found on forest floors. It often propagates near rivers and streams in sandy, nutrient-rich soil. These mushrooms usually fruit in tight clusters or widespread groups of hundreds.
They tend to avoid direct sunlight, preferring shadier spots. The mushroom typically fruits in June but depending on their habitat’s climate, they can fruit as late as November.
The samples growing on the west coast of the United States and in Europe are descendants of mushrooms cultivated by humans. They occur more in urban and suburban areas around gardens and flower beds.
Scientists are monitoring how far ovoideocystidiata may expand based on its relative durability and adaptability. Considering its rapid spread, some scientists believe it could overtake other mushrooms in its non-native habitats.
Psilocybe Ovoideocystidiata Effects
Due to the species’ recent discovery, data on its potency is still emerging. Currently, scientists speculate that the psilocybin content of ovoideocystidiata ranges from 0.2% to 0.75%, while its psilocin ranges from 0.05% to 0.2%.
These figures place it on the lower end of the potency spectrum of psilocybe mushrooms. However, further chemical analysis and data collection are needed.
This mushroom’s psychedelic effects include altered perception, time distortion, and euphoric feelings. Each person’s experience depends on their biochemistry, the mushroom content, and the dose. Due to the relative novelty of this mushroom, it is best to start with the lowest possible dosage and monitor your reaction.
As with other psilocybe mushrooms, nausea and anxiety are possible. These effects typically hinge on the conditions under which you consume the mushrooms. Using ovoideocystidiata in a safe and familiar place or a clinical setting minimizes the chance of a “bad trip.”
While not life-threatening, the main risk of a “bad trip” is that an individual performs harmful or risky actions in response to their altered perception and anxiety. Having a trusted person nearby to talk you through the experience is the best way to navigate your psychedelic journey.
Is Psilocybe Ovoideocystidiata Legal?
The U.S. federal government classifies all mushrooms containing psilocybin as Schedule 1 narcotics, making them illegal. Under the current definition, the DEA believes psilocybin offers no inherent medical value and carries a substantial risk of abuse.
The ongoing revolution in psychedelic medicine and growing body of research is spurring changes to the status quo. Oregon and Colorado allow their residents to possess and consume “magic mushrooms.” Both states are building standards for treatment programs and are hubs for research into the possibilities of psilocybin therapy.
Multiple states have pending legislation to legalize psilocybin or commissioned panels to conduct comprehensive reviews that will inform possible legislation. Cities in several states and the District of Columbia have decriminalized mushrooms, allowing residents to possess and consume psilocybin.
Although the FDA has yet to recognize psilocybin as an approved treatment, the agency has granted special permission to researchers to conduct trials and studies based on the intervention’s promise. The federal government has also expressed support for allowing veterans access to psilocybin. However, concrete reform remains in the exploratory stages.
The legality and availability of psilocybin are likely to expand as patient success stories continue spreading and societal norms evolve.
Psilocybe Ovoideocystidiata Cultivation
If you live in a community that permits psilocybin possession, you can grow ovoideocystidiata. While cultivation protocols are not as well-established for ovoideocystidiata as other, longer-known species, its tolerance for diverse climates makes it a good option for growing indoors.
First, purchase a grow kit from an online retailer. Researching companies to ensure their track record and expertise will ensure you obtain quality ovoideocystidiata spores and comprehensive instructions. Disreputable vendors may provide inaccurately labeled spores that won’t yield psilocybin.
Ovoideocystidiata will successfully colonize and grow on most substrates derived from hardwoods like oak and birch. Check your grow kit’s instructions for recommendations on potting soil or alternative substrates.
Then you simply need to keep the sample from direct sunlight while maintaining moisture. Given enough time, your mushrooms will grow and fruit. Unlike many other mushrooms, ovoideocystidiata is relatively resistant to damage from microorganisms, eliminating the need for rigorous sanitation.
You may also attempt to cultivate ovoideocystidiata outdoors if you live in a temperate climate and plan to harvest between spring and early summer.
FAQ
Where do ovoids grow?
Ovoids were discovered in the wild in Pennsylvania and are prevalent throughout the Ohio River Valley. They reach as far south as West Virginia and up to Rhode Island. Ovoids fruit much earlier in the year than most other cubensis mushrooms that grow on wood because they do not require cold temperatures.
Due to transport and outdoor cultivation, ovoids are spreading globally. Wild samples can now be found throughout the United States and Europe, usually in gardens and parks in urban areas.
Is psilocybe ovoideocystidiata poisonous?
No. Ovoideocystidiata does not contain toxins that can harm humans. Its main compound, psilocybin, is safe for human consumption. As with any substance, it carries potential side effects beyond its desired mind-altering effects. Nausea, diarrhea, and anxiety are possible but are usually not serious.
What time of year do psilocybe ovoideocystidiata grow?
Based on the current scholarship, mycologists believe ovoideocystidiata can grow year-round, but typically fruits between April and June in its native habitat. Rainy springtime conditions seem to trigger fruiting.
How do you know if a mushroom is poisonous?
In general, you should assume all wild mushrooms are poisonous. Though each species has distinct characteristics, many safe-to-consume psilocybe mushrooms have lookalikes. In addition, fungi are sensitive to climate and physical damage. This vulnerability can affect their physical characteristics.
Studying a spore sample with a microscope or conducting chemical analysis is the only definitive way to identify a mushroom. Mushrooms cultivated from spores or mushrooms obtained from reputable sources are safe for consumption.
What is the difference between oval and ovoid?
Ovoideocystidiata’s name comes from the ovoid shape of the mushroom’s cells that form the cap and stalk. While an oval and ovoid are both egg-shaped, an oval is two-dimensional, while an ovoid is three-dimensional.
Jake Peter received his journalism degree from Emerson College and has been writing content for the Sanctuary Wellness Institute since 2021. He is passionate about all things cannabis.