Benefits of Finding Your Own Magic Mushrooms
Learning how to find psychedelic mushrooms in the wild might not be as tricky as you think. If you live in the right place, you might find them in your backyard.
Consuming wild magic mushrooms brings unique benefits, including:
Picking magic mushrooms is free.
You don’t need to rely on external sources for your supply.
Foraging mushrooms strengthen your connection with nature and the medicine itself.
You can benefit from “mushroom intelligence.”
Sourcing your own mushrooms develops a sense of personal empowerment.
Foraging can be one of the best ways to find and consume psychedelic mushrooms. However, before you begin, you must learn how to identify mushroom species sincesome varieties are mildly poisonous and even deadly. And unfortunately, many toxic strains have shapes, sizes, and colors similar to the trippy ones.
We recommend Paul Stamets’s book, Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World: An Identification Guide, to learn about non-toxic psilocybin shrooms in your region. Erowid is another valuable resource for identifying trippy mushroom species that are safe to ingest. Mycotopia is also an online community where you can consult with fellow psychonauts about any questions you may have.
Where to Find Magic Mushrooms
Where and when do wild psilocybin mushrooms like to grow in nature?
Wild shrooms could absolutely appear in terrains near you. But the environment has to meet a few fungi-friendly conditions first:
Magic mushrooms need moisture for optimal growth. Dry air and wind can easily kill them. So you’re more likely to find mushrooms in shaded areas because the absence of light helps the air retain moisture.
Magic mushrooms also require specific temperatures, which vary based on the species.
Psilocybin mushrooms need fertile soil rich in nutrients like sugar, starch, lignin, fats, protein, and nitrogen. Tree bark, fallen leaves, animal dung, mulch, or compost can sprout mushrooms if they contain these nutrients.
These growth requirements means you’re more likely to find them in densely forested areas and close to bodies of water but they can appear in fields as well.
From: Guzmán G, Allen JW, Gartz J (1998). A worldwide geographical distribution of the neurotropic fungi, an analysis and discussion. Annali del Museo Civico di Rovereto. 14: 207
Countries You Can Find Shrooms
Fortunately, mushrooms grow naturally in most areas of the world. If you live in North America, you can find magic mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest, Northeast, and around the Gulf of Mexico. Hawaii also seems to be a paradise for world-class strains.
Mexico, Central America, and South America are also brimming with wild magic mushrooms. Specifically, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, and Argentina have large mycelial networks.
Other locations with ample shroom varieties include South Africa, the east coast of Australia, South India, the Philippines, and the coastal region of Southeast Asia.
Oh, and you can find them growing all over Europe, too.
Shroomery has a thorough list of psilocybin shroom species worldwide and throughout the U.S.
Where Magic Mushrooms Grow in the U.S.
Magic mushrooms grow naturally in various habitats across the United States. Here’s a list of some common psilocybin mushroom types and where they can be found:
Psilocybe cubensis: Found in the southeastern United States, particularly in states like Florida, Georgia, and Texas. This species grows in cow and horse dung in humid, grassy areas.
Psilocybe semilanceata (Liberty Cap): Found throughout the United States, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, the Midwest, and the Northeast. This species grows in grassy areas, especially in meadows and pastures.
Psilocybe cyanescens (Wavy Cap): Found in the Pacific Northwest, especially in states like Oregon, Washington, and Northern California. This species grows on wood chips and decaying plant material in forests and landscaped areas.
Psilocybe azurescens: Found along the coast of Oregon, Washington, and Northern California. This species grows on wood debris and dune grasses near the shoreline.
Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata: Found in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States, particularly in states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. This species grows on woody debris in riparian areas and flood plains.
Where can I find shrooms near me?
To help you on your quest to locate shrooms nearby, consider the following tips and information:
Research local species: Begin by learning about the specific species of magic mushrooms that grow in your region. Familiarize yourself with their appearance, preferred habitats, and growing seasons. Understanding the local environment and conditions will make it easier to find shrooms.
Connect with local mycologists and foragers: Look for local mycology clubs, online forums, or social media groups where you can connect with others who share your interest in mushrooms. Experienced foragers may be able to provide guidance and advice on where to find magic mushrooms in your area.
Know the habitat: Magic mushrooms typically grow in specific environments, such as grassy meadows, wooded areas, or near bodies of water. Learn about the preferred habitats of the species you’re interested in and focus your search there.
Be patient and persistent: Finding magic mushrooms can be challenging, especially for beginners. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find them right away. Keep searching and refining your techniques, and you’ll improve your chances of success over time.
Stay safe and follow the law: It’s crucial to remember that magic mushrooms are illegal in many jurisdictions. Be aware of the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms in your area, and ensure you’re not breaking any laws while foraging. Additionally, always prioritize safety, as misidentifying mushrooms can lead to severe health issues.
Consider cultivation: If you’re unable to find magic mushrooms in the wild or if it’s not legal in your area, you might consider growing your own. This allows you to have more control over the process and ensures that you’re consuming safe, accurately identified mushrooms. Third Wave’s Mushroom Grow Kit and Course can guide you through the cultivation process.
How to Forage for Magic Mushrooms
Locating and safely identifying magic mushrooms can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. However, it’s crucial to proceed with caution and respect for the environment and local laws.
1. Choose Your Foraging Location
Magic mushrooms can be found in various environments, depending on the species. Do thorough research on the specific types of psilocybin mushrooms native to your region and their preferred habitats.
Keep in mind that weather conditions, like rainfall and temperature, can greatly influence their growth. Learn to identify local indicator species, such as plants or other fungi, that share the same ecological niche as the magic mushrooms you’re seeking.
2. Take a Foraging Course or Class
Even if you’re already knowledgeable about mushrooms, it’s always a good idea to expand your understanding and enhance your identification skills. Look for local foraging courses or workshops led by experienced mycologists or mushroom enthusiasts.
These mushroom courses can provide hands-on training and help you learn to differentiate between look-alike species, ensuring a safer foraging experience.
3. Go with an Experieniced Mushroom Forager
One of the best ways to deepen your expertise in magic mushroom foraging is to learn from someone who has extensive experience. Seek out local foraging groups or find a mentor who is willing to share their knowledge and show you their favorite foraging spots.
This collaboration can help you gain insights into the nuances of mushroom identification and improve your ability to locate magic mushrooms in the wild.
4. Review Local (and Federal) Laws
Before venturing out to forage for magic mushrooms, familiarize yourself with local and federal laws concerning their collection and possession. Regulations can vary greatly depending on your location, and it’s essential to ensure you’re not breaking any laws while foraging.
Additionally, some areas may have specific rules about foraging in parks, nature reserves, or other protected lands, so be aware of these restrictions to avoid potential legal issues.
5. Consider Alternatives to Foraging
Another option would be to consult our psychedelic sourcing video and guide on the international legality of psilocybin to help you find somewhere to safely and legally buy or procure magic mushrooms. Third Wave’s Ultimate Guide to Sourcing Psychedelic Medicines provides tips and resources to source psilocybin in most countries from trusted sellers legally.
If you’re in Europe, you have quite a few choices: the Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic, Spain, and Portugal. The Netherlands, of course, outlawed psilocybin mushrooms back in 2008, but magic truffles are perfectly legal to purchase and consume. If this piques your interest, be sure to check out our guide to the differences between magic mushrooms and magic truffles. As for the rest of the countries, psilocybin has undergone decriminalization, which means that it’s either alright to possess small amounts for personal use.
If you’re looking to try mushrooms in a structured, legal setting, consider a guided psilocybin retreat in the Netherlands with our trusted partner, Synthesis, or visit our Psychedelic Directory for a complete list of vetted psilocybin retreats worldwide.
If you’d prefer to have more control over the cultivation process and ensure a reliable supply of magic mushrooms, consider growing your own at home. Third Wave offers a comprehensive Mushroom Grow Kit and Course that provides step-by-step guidance and all the necessary tools for cultivating your own psilocybin mushrooms.
By growing your own, you can have a deeper understanding of the cultivation process and know you’re consuming mushrooms that have been safely grown.
