Magic Mushroom Spores: Where To Buy Psilocybin Spores & What To Know Before You Do [2023]

Disclaimer: Psilocybin is a largely illegal substance, and we do not encourage or condone its use where it is against the law. However, we accept that illicit drug use occurs and believe that offering responsible harm reduction information is imperative to keeping people safe. For that reason, this document is designed to enhance the safety of those who decide to use psilocybin spores or other psilocybin-containing substances for research or ingestion purposes.

This article has been medically reviewed by Katrina Oliveros, MSN-ED, BSN

Magic mushrooms aren’t like other drugs that have to be produced in a laboratory – they grow in the wild. More specifically, the psychedelic prodrug psilocybin naturally occurs in multiple genera and species of fungi, the mostly underground kingdom of life that produces mushrooms as fruiting bodies. So magic mushrooms exist to spread fungal magic mushroom spores and reproduce. But psychedelic mushrooms are unique in delivering spiritually healing experiences and positive mental health outcomes.

Though psilocybin and psilocin remain controlled substances, psilocybin spores reside in a legal gray area, allowing them to be bought and sold in most countries, but not germinated for consumption purposes. This article aims to answer some of your questions about obtaining and experimenting with psychedelic spores, given their confusing legal status and legendary pharmacological properties.

What are Psilocybin Spores?

Psilocybin spores,  also known as magic mushroom spores, are the reproductive seeds of magic mushrooms, the latter of which have been honored and feared throughout human history for their hallucinatory effects. Spores are single cells carrying a set of chromosomes with all the genetic information needed to reproduce a new primary mycelium, the threadlike underground network comprising most of the fungi’s life cycle.

These tiny wonders possess a naturally occurring compound called psilocybin, renowned for its mind-altering properties. While the spores themselves do not contain the psychedelic compound, they serve as the starting point for cultivating your very own enchanting fungi at home.

Third Wave’s Mushroom Grow Kit makes growing your own mushrooms achievable. Once you decide on the spores you want and purchase them, you’re ready to grow! The first step is to inoculate the vermiculite with the spores of your choosing. In approximately two weeks, you’ll see mycelium forming throughout the bag, indicating that the spores are growing effectively.

Types of Psilocybin Mushroom Spores

There are different types of mushroom spores that can be used to cultivate mushrooms. Here are some of the different types that we think you should know about:

Psilocybe cubensis spores: These are the most popular and widely available psilocybin mushroom spores. They come in a variety of strains, each with its unique characteristics, such as potency, size, and appearance.

Psilocybe cyanescens spores: These “Wavy Cap” spores are known for their high potency and are typically smaller in size than other psilocybin mushroom spores. They are often found growing in colder climates, such as the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.

Psilocybe semilanceata spores: Also known as “Liberty Caps,” these spores are commonly found in Europe and are known for their potent effects. They are typically smaller in size than other psilocybin mushroom spores and have a distinctive shape.

Psilocybe azurescens spores: These spores are known for their high potency and are typically larger in size than other psilocybin mushroom spores. They are often found growing in coastal regions, such as the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.

What are Magic Mushroom Spore Syringes?

Spore syringes are oral syringes containing a simple solution of psilocybin spores suspended in water. Some contain liquid cultures, or spores stored in a microbiological growth medium to beget the mycelial phase of fungal development using nutrients like glucose and malted grain extract.

Mycologists generally employ agar Petri dishes for their mushroom studies, but the jellylike agar is too solid and uncommon for online shipping purposes.

What are Magic Mushroom Spore Prints?

In mycologthe study of mushrooms, spore prints are like a mushroom’s fingerprint. They’re made by laying a fresh mushroom cap facedown on a piece of paper overnight to deposit their variously colored spores. Psilocybin spore prints, for example, are generally bluish-black and vaguely resemble the iris of a human eye due to the arrangement of gills underneath the cap.

Where to Buy Psilocybin Mushroom Spores Online

Spores are relatively easy to find online with a simple Google search, but you’ll want to shop around and peruse forums to vet reputable sources before buying. Sources range from social media groups on Facebook and Reddit to more traditional, official-looking online shops, many based in Canada.

You can always extract mushroom spawn from an existing culture, but for those without an active substrate, it’s probably easiest to buy online. While social media can be a helpful way to find such sellers, it’s not a great idea to make purchases on sites like Facebook and Instagram directly.

Most growers and vendors sell spores in two primary forms: spore syringes and spore prints.

While we can’t give you a coupon, here are some suggestions for reputable places to buy psilocybin spores – intended for microscopy purposes, of course – along with some of each site’s distinctions and quirks:

Sporevision

Sporevision is a simple and reliable source of high-quality psilocybin strains, providing valuable online information on sterilization and spore identification. Based in the Netherlands, the company offers an extensive selection of psilocybin mushroom spores, including Psilocybe Cubensis and other strains.

Sporevision believes each mushroom spore is unique, and values their varying characteristics by collecting them from around the world. 

Products: 

• Spore syringes
• Spore prints
• Spore swabs
• Lab equipment

Pricing Range: $4.00-$80.00 USD\

Sporeworks

Online and reliable since 1998, Sporeworks offers high quality mushroom spores, spore syringes, and cultivation suppliesAlthough they don’t offer shipping outside of the US, they do accept most major credit cards, cryptocurrencies, and mail-in payments. They pride themselves on their fast and friendly customer service while delivering rare and exotic mushroom spores.

Products: 

• Spore syringes
• Spore prints
• Combination packs and grab bags
• Wholesale and bulk purchasing

Pricing Range: $18.50-$55.55 USD

SporesLab

Based in Canada, SporesLab has long since been associated with Fungi and its benefits – even before they began operating their own mushroom farms. They aim to provide grow kits, complimentary online instructional videos and expert resources. They’re also affiliated with Psychedelia, a Canadian supplier of ready-to-use psychedelics like LSD and DMT.

Whether you intend to cultivate for personal consumption, or on a commercial scale, they can assist you in accomplishing your goals. 

Products: 

• Mushroom genetics
• Mushroom growing kits
• Mushroom growing supplies
• Mushroom growing equipment

Pricing Range: $10.99-$759.99 USD

Premium Spores

Premium Spores is a trusted supplier of high-quality mushroom spores, grow kits, and cultivation supplies based in the United States, offering a wide range of psilocybin mushroom spores and other rare strains, as well as expert advice and support to help customers grow healthy and potent mushrooms. 

PremiumSpores has fewer strains, but they’re all research-level quality, offered with fast shipping and reliable communication.

Products: 

• Mushroom spores
• Mushroom spore syringes
• Mushroom necklaces
• Mushroom liquid culture
• Microscope

Pricing Range: $11.99-$399.00 USD

ShamanMushroomSpores

Named for the medicinal healers who have long harnessed the power of psilocybin, Shaman Mushroom Spores specializes in “100% organic” spore syringes, with quick, reliable delivery from Denver. The name Shaman Mushroom is influenced by the indigenous cultures that have long since valued Fungi for its curative properties.

Their primary focus is providing the highest quality Psilocybe Cubensis Mushroom Spores for you and your magic mushroom needs.

Products: 

• Mushroom spores
• Mushroom spore syringes
• Stickers and merchandise

Pricing Range: $24.99-34.99 USD

What to Know Before Buying Magic Mushroom Spores

1. Determine What Magic Mushroom Strain to Buy

There are dozens of magic mushroom species and hundreds of unique strains within those species. Therefore, the answer to this question is a matter of preference and intention.

For instance, for a milder psychedelic experience, you could consider microdosing a smaller amount of mushrooms to start, in which case the strain won’t be as significant a factor as for more profound psilocybin journeys.

The most commonly cultivated and circulated magic mushroom species is Psilocybe cubensis. However, growers have bred Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms into a staggering variety of strains with differing effects, appearances, and growing qualities, which can be found online as Psilocybe cubensis spore syringes and spore prints. A few common strains to look for include:

• Penis Envy, popular for their high potency, distinguished by their phallic appearance

• PES (Pacifica exotica spora) Amazon, renowned as a rapid colonizer with prolific fruitings to maximize mushroom yields

• Golden Teacher, common and easy for beginners to grow even in unoptimized conditions

• Magic Truffles, the underground sclerotia of various other psilocybe species, often easier to cultivate than mushrooms

Blue Meanies refers to either a bright blue-staining strain of Psilocybe cubensis or the species Panaeolus cyanescens. You’ll want to clarify with the vendor for identification purposes and to account for different growing conditions.

2. Use a Reputable Psilocybin Spore Seller

There are a few things you can look for when evaluating online sources for psilocybin spores. Look for what substrate they use to grow and descriptions of the drying and sterilization process in packaging spore prints or spore syringes with purified water.

A reputable vendor should provide a contact form and be willing to answer questions about their standards if they are not already stated on their website. Other signs of legitimacy include an About Us page, quality control methods, and shipping and payment details.

Don’t take vendors at their word, though – search for reviews from other sites, like the dedicated review site Spore Authority or discussion boards at Shroomery or r/PsilocybinMushrooms and r/SporeTraders. Do they seem to deliver what they say they will? Do they specify that buyers must be 18 or older?

3. Consider How Long They Last

Psilocybin spore syringes will generally last at least 30 days and often up to two years. Spores in this form won’t survive as long as in spore prints, but they’re more manageable in measuring a specific volume of liquid for study.

To maximize the life of spores in a syringe, they should be stored in the refrigerator or another cool, dark place. In warmer temperatures, bacteria can develop faster. Also, be careful to avoid accidental freezing, which could contaminate the spores and make them unusable.

Important: Each manufacturer offers their own advice on spore syringes storage and shelf-life, so make sure to carefully read the packaging instructions.

4. Understand the Legality of Magic Mushroom Spores

Because they don’t contain psilocybin, the sale and purchase of psilocybin mushroom spores are decriminalized in 47 of 50 US states, whose criminal laws only prohibit the possession, sale, and transport of the psychoactive compound itself.

The exceptions are California, Georgia, and Idaho. In California, the letter of the law specifically bans the sale, transport, and gifting of spores except by authorized researchers and research institutions. In contrast, Georgia and Idaho ban their possession for everyone.

Even in other states, spores can only be legally bought and sold for educational or research purposes, like microscopy, not to cultivate into hallucinogenic mushrooms, as most purveyors explicitly caution. So as soon as spores germinate into mycelium or fruit mushrooms, law enforcement can penalize you for possession of a controlled substance.

How high the risk or severe the punishment also varies by jurisdiction. Since 2020, some US cities, starting with Denver, have decriminalized psilocybin’s use and possession, making it the lowest priority of local law enforcement. However, such offenses remain felonies under the purview of the state of Colorado and the US federal government. Federalism can be funny that way.

Across the globe, a few nations buck the trend of prohibiting this naturally-occurring compound, such as Brazil, Samoa, and Jamaica, where hallucinogenic mushrooms are legal to grow and possess.

5. You’ll Need a Mushroom Grow Kit Too!

Growing your own magic mushrooms from spores can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only do you get to witness the mesmerizing growth process firsthand, but you also have the satisfaction of knowing that the mushrooms you cultivate are free from harmful contaminants. It’s like being the master of your own psychedelic destiny! 

With Third Wave, they make it easy for you to follow a step by step growing process with their mushroom grow kits. The kits include a substrate bag filled with pre-sterilized grains, a grow bag or container, light bulb for accelerating fruiting, and detailed instructions for how to grow the mushrooms.

The only thing you need to provide for your kit are the spores – and thanks to this article you’ll soon be an expert on that too! 

FAQs on Buying Psilocybin Spores

How Much Do Shroom Spore Syringes Cost?

The cost of shroom spore syringes can vary depending on the strain, supplier, and location. Generally, spore syringes can cost anywhere from $10 to $30, with some rarer strains and premium quality spores being priced higher.

Additionally, some suppliers offer discounts on bulk orders, and shipping costs can also affect the final price. It’s important to purchase spore syringes from a trusted supplier that uses proper sterilization techniques and provides quality customer service to ensure the best results when growing mushrooms.

How are Spore Syringes Packaged and Shipped?

When it comes to obtaining psilocybin spore syringes, the utmost care is taken to ensure secure packaging and discreet shipping. The responsible vendors in the industry understand the importance of maintaining privacy and guaranteeing the safe delivery of these delicate products. Let’s dive into how spore syringes are packaged and shipped, providing you with peace of mind throughout the entire process.

Secure Packaging

Psilocybin spore syringes are typically packaged in a manner that prioritizes protection and preservation. To maintain the integrity of the spores, the syringes themselves are often made of high-quality materials, such as sterile plastic.. They are carefully sealed to prevent any leakage or contamination during transit. Additionally, the syringes are commonly wrapped in protective layers to safeguard them from physical damage.

Discreet Shipping

Respecting your privacy is of utmost importance when shipping psilocybin spore syringes. Reputable vendors understand the need for discretion and employ various strategies to ensure that the contents of the package remain confidential. The syringes are typically placed in inconspicuous packaging that does not reveal the nature of the product. Plain envelopes or boxes without any identifying labels or logos are commonly used to maintain anonymity.

Legal Compliance

It is crucial to note that psilocybin spores and spore syringes are legal in many jurisdictions for microscopy and educational purposes. However, it is essential to adhere to the laws and regulations specific to your region. Reputable vendors prioritize legal compliance and may request age verification or provide information about the legality of their products on their websites. Always ensure that you are familiar with the laws governing psilocybin spores in your area to avoid any legal complications.

By using secure packaging methods, discreet shipping practices, and prioritizing legal compliance, vendors strive to ensure that you receive your psilocybin spore syringes safely and confidentially.

Remember, it’s important to research and choose reputable vendors who prioritize customer satisfaction and maintain a strong track record of successful deliveries.

The Bottom Line on Magic Mushroom Spores

Psilocybin spores are the reproductive cells of magic mushrooms that don’t contain any psychoactive compounds and are therefore legal to obtain throughout most of the US and the world, as long as you’re not planning to cultivate them. This makes them an unusually accessible resource in the world of psychedelic medicines, though what to do with spores once you have them is a different story.

Before buying magic mushroom spores, get a grip on some basics, like what strain you’re buying, in what form, from what vendor, and even for what purpose. This article has offered a few guidelines to start understanding psilocybin spores, but there’s still a whole world of mushroom spawn out there to explore.

If you’re ready to launch your experience as a grower, check out our mushroom grow kit today.