A potent psychedelic compound, psilocybin has long been known as the main ingredient associated with psilocybe cubensis mushrooms, also known as “magic” mushrooms. This substance and its counterpart, psilocin, are known for their ability to interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, especially with the 5-HT2A receptor. Aside from the hallucinogenic effects that the mushrooms are able to produce, they can also create sensations of calm, euphoria, distorted time and space, and other effects that can vary greatly from one person to another.
Psilocybin and Psilocybe Cubensis Mushrooms
Dried psilocybe cubensis mushrooms are known to contain a concentration of 0.32% to 0.39% of psilocin and psilocybin respectively. This dosage is induce most of the psychedelic and health-related effects that magic mushrooms are known to be associated with.
Although the chemistry involved is somewhat complex, it’s important to note that psilocin actually derives from psilocybin, which is a precursor molecule. The tryptamine known as psilocin is a compound that appears as small, colorless crystal formation inhabiting the cells of the mushrooms. These crystals can be observed through the microscope, and scientists can track them to determine the concentration of psilocin and, conversely, the extent to which the mushrooms containing it might exhibit psychedelic properties.
The Difference Between Psilocin and Psilocybin
Although the two substances are related, they are not identical. Psilocybin features a phosphate group that attaches to its structure, whereas psilocin does not have that. Moreover, psilocybin is far more chemically stable than psilocin, which can degrade easily when exposed to oxygen, heat or light.
The most important difference, however, is that psilocybin typically transforms into psilocin in the body, and by itself isn’t capable of producing the same effects. As a result, the effects produced by psilocin are both shorter and quicker to appear.
From a legal standpoint, it’s important to note that both psilocin and psilocybin (as well as the mushrooms containing them) are illegal in many countries, including the US, Canada, the UK and Australia. However, when it comes to the research of the health benefits of the substances, the legal study of both the spores and the mushrooms themselves could be possible under certain circumstances, when proper authorization is obtained for medical or scientific research. For scientific research mushroom spores for sale can be found at reputable providers like Mush Love Genetics.