Psilocin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound that belongs to the tryptamine class of drugs. It is primarily derived from psilocybin mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms.
“The Pyb (Psilocybin)and Psi (Psilocin) contents in a dried powder of Psilocybin cubensis, were determined to be 0.39 and 0.32 (w/w)%, relatively average or typical for this mushroom species”,according to a study done by Izumi Morita, from the Kobe Pharmaceutical University.
Since psilocin is one of the key components of the most interesting mushrooms to researchers, this guide will cover everything you need to know about psilocin, and mushrooms containing it.
Chemistry
Psilocin typically forms crystals, which can vary in size and shape. Under the microscope, you may observe small, transparent or translucent crystals with various geometric patterns.
Pure psilocin appears as a white or off-white powder. However, the color can sometimes change due to oxidation or impurities. When viewed under a microscope, you may observe the characteristic color of the psilocin crystals, which can range from white to light yellow or light brown.
Microcrystalline tests are commonly used to identify certain substances under a microscope. For psilocin, the Marquis reagent is often employed, which can produce a characteristic color reaction. The Marquis reagent may cause psilocin crystals to turn violet or purple, confirming its presence.
Psilocin interacts primarily with serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor, leading to alterations in perception, cognition, and mood. 
Psilocin in magic mushrooms
Psilocin is a tryptamine compound that belongs to the family of indole alkaloids. It is derived from the precursor molecule, psilocybin.
Under the microscope, you can detect psilocin in the mushroom’s fruiting bodies, such as the cap, stem, and gills. Psilocin is primarily located in specialized cells called basidia, which are responsible for producing and releasing spores.
Psilocin appears as small, colorless, needle-like crystals or granules within the cells.These microscopic structures can be observed by preparing thin sections of the mushroom tissue and examining them under a microscope with proper magnification and illumination.
The presence of psilocin in psilocybin mushrooms contributes to their unique properties.
Psilocybin vs. Psilocin: The differences
Psilocin and psilocybin are two closely related compounds found in certain mushrooms. While they are chemically similar and both contribute to the unique effects of these mushrooms, there are some key differences between the two:
- Chemical Structure. Psilocybin has a phosphate group attached to its molecular structure, whereas psilocin does not. Psilocin is the dephosphorylated form of psilocybin, meaning that psilocybin is converted into psilocin through a process of dephosphorylation in the body.
- Stability. Psilocybin is more stable than psilocin. When exposed to heat, light, or oxygen, psilocin can degrade more rapidly compared to psilocybin. This means that the storage and handling of psilocin are more challenging as it is more prone to degradation.
Psilocybin-containing mushroom species
Do all psilocybin-containing mushroom species have psilocin as well? It is generally safe to assume that mushrooms containing psilocybin also contain psilocin. However, the exact ratio and concentration of these compounds can vary among different mushroom species. Here are the most notable species:
| Species | Description |
| Psilocybe cubensis | One of the most widely recognized and cultivated psilocybin-containing mushroom species. |
| Psilocybe semilanceata | A small, cone-shaped mushroom found in grassy areas. It contains both psilocybin and psilocin. |
| Psilocybe cyanescens | Commonly called “Wavy Caps,” known for its distinct characteristics. Psilocybe cyanescens contains both psilocybin and psilocin. |
| Psilocybe mexicana | Native Mexican fungi historically significant as one of the first mushroom species used in traditional rituals. |
| Psilocybe azurescens | Often referred to as the “Flying Saucer” mushroom. It contains both psilocybin and psilocin. |
| Psilocybe baeocystis | Also called “Knobby Tops,” Psilocybe baeocystis is found in various regions and contains both psilocybin and psilocin. |
Legal status
In many countries, psilocybin and psilocybin-containing mushrooms are classified as controlled substances and are illegal to possess, cultivate, distribute, or sell. These countries include the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and many others.
As per the Poisons Standard in Australia, psilocin is classified as a Schedule 9 prohibited substance. This means that the manufacture, possession, sale, or use of psilocin is generally prohibited by law, except when authorized for specific purposes such as medical or scientific research, or for analytical, teaching, or training purposes with approval from relevant health authorities at the Commonwealth and/or State or Territory level.
Therapeutic applications and research
There is growing evidence to suggest that a single psychedelic experience, including the use of psilocin, can have long-term positive effects on psychological well-being. This has implications for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, including depression. One of the most recent studies done in 2022 by Christopher W. Thomas and his team provides evidence for this claim
Research spores with FungusHead
Mushroom spores are reproductive cells of certain species of mushrooms seen underneath the microscope. Researchers study them to determine the chemistry of mushrooms, identification, spore discharge capacity, and spore distribution, to understand the role of mushrooms in various ecosystems.
Psilocybin and psilocin are active compounds that are found in certain species ofmushrooms. Our spore syringes do not contain these compounds. Still, if you are interested in learning more about mushrooms’ reproductive cells’ color, size, shape, and behavior to reach valuable conclusions about the fruiting body, look at our selection of premium mushroom spores:
- Jedi Mind f*ck spores
- Stargazer spores
- Purple Mystic spores
- Golden Teacher spores
- Albino Penis Envy spores
- Trinity spores
- B+ spores
- Penis Envy spores
- Blue Meanie spores
- Malabar spores
All of the content and images on our site are for informational reference only. The cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is federally illegal in the United States. We do not promote the cultivation of psilocybin “magic” mushrooms under any circ*mstances. Do not contact us asking for advice related to this subject. Any products found on this site are for microscopy and taxonomy purposes only. None of the psilocybin mushroom spores we offer are for consumption or cultivation. We do not sell any products containing psilocybin.
