How to Grow Psilocybin Mushrooms

Embarking on the journey of cultivating your own therapeutic hallucinogenic shrooms is such a rad and educational experience.

Before I delve into the steps I took when growing my own mushrooms (for self therapy microdosing purposes), it's crucial to acknowledge the legal landscape surrounding psilocybin mushroom laws in your individual state.

Here's how I did it:

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The contents of this article took place in the state of Colorado, where as of July 2023, the cultivation, growing, and use of psilocybin mushrooms in a private residence for adults aged 21+ has undergone decriminalization. It's imperative to note that the information provided in this guide pertains strictly to legal activities within the bounds of an individual state's laws. This article provides no legal advice, and readers should adhere to the laws relevant to their region prior to initiating any mushroom cultivation project. This article and it's publisher maintains no liability over actions or decisions taken following the contents of this article. I strongly advise you to familiarize yourself with the regulations specific to your region’s jurisdiction, and act in compliance with your local laws. For more information, click HERE.

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Before we begin, I want to make it clear: I am no scientist

Although I am pursuing a Masters & Certifications working in Veteran Mental Health; my work is rooted in farming and nature-assisted therapies; and have successfully grown flourishing veggie & plant gardens over the years- I am not a Mycologist, nor am I a Psychiatrist.

Just someone who has tried SSRI after SSRI only to be met with horrible symptoms- making my primary issues worse. I’m someone who is tired of Western pharmaceuticals causing more problems than they seem to solve- and I’m willing to bet you’re here because you have had a similar set of experiences.

I also create social media content to provide free + accessible education for those looking to learn homesteading, farming, and outdoor & community-based healing.

I’ll say it again so please hear me on this- I am not a scientist.

It started with a new reptile tank & some boiled coco coir…

You won’t need fancy humidity-controlled zip-up grow tents or bubble suits. As long as you do this in a clean environment and try your best to sterilize everything with rubbing alcohol- in just 6 weeks you’ll begin to see the mushrooms begin to fruit!

There are 3 key items used in this process (links to products provided):

1. Boiled Coco Coir

2. Your Mushroom Strain (came inoculated in a jar of agar)

3. A Standard Plastic Reptile Tank

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Materials Needed:

1. Plastic Reptile Tank with a lid (I used this reptile tank- it’s durable, and can easily be sealed with porous tape to control oxygen flow)

2. Coco Coir (I suggest ordering 2 blocks since they’re so cheap and it’s good to keep if you don’t boil the first block properly)

3. Mushroom Spawn (all states have differing laws on magic mushroom cultivation, but you can legally buy syringes or agar of spawn online. Look up credible ordering sites on Reddit)

4. Spray Bottle for Water

5. Spray Bottle for 70% Rubbing Alcohol

   
   

6. Porous Tape (think medical tape, clothing tape, athletic tape, etc.)

7. A Kitchen Knife

8. Gloves (I use latex-free, as I have a latex allergy)

9. Paper Towels

10. A Metal Strainer

11. One Large Bowl

12. A Metal Baking Sheet

    
    

13. Agar Plates (optional)- depending on how your Mushroom Strain comes from where you purchased it from, you may need to inoculate your spores on

Steps:

1.  Sterilizing your Tank

Assemble your tank. To sterilize the tank, put on a fresh pair of gloves (to minimize cross-contamination from surfaces), pour the rubbing alcohol into your spray bottle, and spray your plastic tank + the surface you are doing this on.

Be sure to wipe away all excess liquid with the paper towels!

2. Preparing Coco Substrate

Hydrate the coco coir with boiled water in a bowl or strainer as needed. Eyeball it by pouring the water over it until the coco coir doesn't absorb any more.

Start with a coco coir brick cut in half!

After rehydrating the coco coir, wearing a fresh pair of gloves break it up and spread over your metal baking sheet, allowing the coir to cool.

Be careful not to burn your hands! If the coir is too hot to touch, do not rinse with cool water. Simply let it sit in the strainer a little longer until cool.

Once cooled, evenly distribute your coco substrate across the bottom of your plastic tank. Press the coir down gently to create a firm, but breathable layer for the mushrooms to inoculate.

3. Inoculating Substrate with Mycelium

Once the substrate is entirely cooled, when it is lightly damp to the touch- it’s ready. Introduce your mushroom spawn by scattering the spawn evenly over the coco coir surface, layering it like lasagna.

Coco > Layer of Spawn > Coco > Layer of Spawn

Keep your layers even, mixing the spawn with the sterilized knife.

4. Sealing the Tank + Humidity

Mushrooms thrive in specific temperature and humidity conditions.

Using your porous tape, you’ll want to seal any air holes on the tank.

You still need light air flow, just seal the sides and any large holes!

Storing:

Place your tank in a dark place, like a closet or cabinet, at room-temp to encourage spore colonization. Some people use a thermometer to monitor the environment, I personally don't put too much thought into it, so do what peaks your interests :)

Check every week or so.

Air Flow:

I never had to mist my tank because of how diligent I was with sealing the tank with that porous tape. If you find your substrate is drying out- ensure your tank is adequately sealed and not in a direct air flow.

Don't open your tank at any point prior to the fruiting process. Doing so can risk contamination & introduce

5. Colonization

Patience is crucial during this phase. Allow the mycelium to colonize the substrate completely without disruption. Mine took about 6.5 weeks from the introduction of spawn to the fruiting phase.

I was able to get about 3 decent flushes off of 1 block. NOTE: Inoculating via substrate provides a wonderful food source for your mycelium. If mold occurs, dig it out ASAP with a rubbing alcohol-wiped spoon- it’s possible you’ve over-saturated your block.

It may take several weeks for the mycelium to spread and cover the entirety of the substrate and create a firm block.

White, fuzzy growth covering the coir is what you want to see!

Growing & Harvesting Tips:

1. Encouraging Fruiting Conditions

Once your block is entirely white, you’ll notice the distinct formation of the mycelial networks. Your mushrooms will now begin a process called pinning.

Introduce fresh air and light to further encourage the fruiting phase.

Remove the porous tape or open the lid slightly to allow for air exchange. Maintain a slightly lower temperature (around 65-70°F or 18-21°C) and provide indirect light- I had mine sitting on a shelf in my office on a wall across from an East facing window!

Face your mushrooms at an East window = direct morning light!

2. Mycelium

Mycelium is found in the spores dropped by mushrooms as they bloom. Mycelial Networks- the connecting mycelial pathways that run through the ground -connect the dirt, trees, and mushrooms.

In a Japanese study conducted on a slime mold, scientists discovered biologic sentience in the slime molds as they observed them branching out to accurately locate food- clustering around the food sources as the network expanded.

Similar to how roads and highways run through cities & rural areas!

You can check out a video recap of the Japanese study, here.

3. Pinning

Pinning is the beginning budding process of your mushroom fruiting. This is one of my favorite parts to this process!

By the time you wake up the next day, your mushrooms will be exponentially bigger than the day before.

Mushroom "pins" are named for looking like sewing pins when the first start sprouting.

4. Harvesting

Harvest them when the caps are fully open but haven't yet flattened. Catching them prior to dropping their spores is crucial! Wear gloves and pluck your mushrooms at the base of their stems and lay them on a sheet of tin foil.

Take care to not disturb the surrounding mycelial block in this process!

Once plucked, leave them on a clean surface, up and away from children, animals, windows, or air vents- be sure to provide solid airflow throughout the room as they dry!

Having empty space surrounding your mushies is key to drying them out entirely, without contaminants disrupting them (SEE BELOW).

5. Dosing

Grind your dried mushrooms and put them into microdose-sized capsules for pre-measured natural self medicating, create art pieces with dried stalks, or keep them stored in an air-tight jar.

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In Conclusion:

There’s an array of uses for mushrooms (both culinary, and holistic):

From growing your own food, to cultivating a natural form of medicine, to lessening your carbon footprint.

Growing your own mushrooms in a tank with coco coir is a surprisingly easy and accessible endeavor. By following these steps and maintaining optimal conditions, you'll be able to enjoy a continuous harvest of fresh, homegrown mushrooms.

Experiment with different mushroom varieties- this process should be educational, but also exciting! I encourage you to explore beyond this article with other substrates you can try to grow from :)

Happy growing! Xx

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