Best Practices To Buy Magic Mushrooms & Spores Online (2024)

With regular news stories touting the benefits of psilocybin therapy, there is growing curiosity around how to access psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Should you ask someone you know? Can you buy magic mushrooms online? Or should you consider growing mushrooms yourself?

To help you make an informed decision, this guide takes a look at your various options for buying psychedelic mushrooms. However, no matter which route you choose, it’s important to remember that psilocybin remains a scheduled drug in most countries. As such, you may want to familiarize yourself with the law in your region, so you know the right questions to ask before you start asking around.

What are Magic Mushrooms?

Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of fungus that contains the psychoactive compound psilocybin. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring substance found in certain species of mushrooms and it has hallucinogenic properties that can cause vivid sensory experiences and altered perceptions of reality.

According to many historians, indigenous cultures have been using Psilocybe mushrooms for literally thousands of years. Thanks to the psychedelic renaissance, however, new research into the power of psilocybin therapy has begun to proliferate.

Today, various studies point to the potential of psilocybin to assist with treatment-resistant depression, end-of-life distress, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and substance-use disorders, including alcohol and tobacco addiction. This has led to growing interest in the use of psilocybin mushrooms—not only for high-dose experiences, but also as a tool for microdosing.

Microdosing uses sub-perceptual doses of a compound such as psilocybin or LSD to elicit an ongoing benefit, such as enhanced levels of creativity, energy, and focus. Both psilocybin and LSD are popular choices for microdosing regimens as they are structurally similar to serotonin or dopamine (i.e., tryptamines or phenethylamines, respectively). Both these neurotransmitters activate the body’s 5-HT2A receptor, which has been found to enhance neuroplasticity and improve brain functions like cognition, learning, and memory.

These and other outcomes may have you wondering about the benefits of trying psilocybin for yourself. Yet, unless you plan to forage for mushrooms on your own, you may not know where to start.

Psilocybin Mushroom Effects

A mushroom trip can feel like a rollercoaster and you may experience a variety of emotions and sensations throughout.

Emotional Effects:

Psilocybin can induce a range of emotions, both positive and negative. Some people experience feelings of euphoria, joy, or awe, while others may experience anxiety, fear, or paranoia. Psilocybin has also been shown to increase empathy and enhance social bonding, which may lead to feelings of connection and love.

Cognitive Effects:

Psilocybin mushrooms can also produce a range of mental effects, including altered thinking, perception, and consciousness. This can lead to profound insights, spiritual experiences, and changes in creativity, problem-solving, and mood.

Physical Effects:

The more physical effects of psilocybin mushrooms can include changes in sensory perception, such as enhanced visual and auditory experiences, and changes in body temperature and blood pressure. Some people can experience nausea or stomach discomfort after consumption. Overall, the effects of psilocybin mushrooms can be profound and transformative.

Where to Buy Psilocybin Mushrooms

Online

For many people, an “obvious” starting point for buying magic mushrooms is the internet. While the Silk Road black market is long gone, there has been a gradual increase in vendors selling their wares via the darknet and, more recently, even on social media platforms, such as Instagram, Twitter, and, ironically, Facebook.

Along with a variety of psychoactive compounds such as LSD, DMT, and ketamine, shrooms can often be found on these sites. The challenge? Not all of these sites are above-board. This can put you at risk of being scammed financially or being exposed to fraudulent behavior.

In Person

Some people try to overcome the online challenge by asking a local cannabis dealer for guidance on buying shrooms. This may make sense for cannabis, where the grower is often only a couple of degrees of separation from the purchaser. But with mushrooms, this can be a bit harder, because growing mushrooms is a different skill set.

Dispensaries

While you can obtain mushrooms from dispensaries, this practice is technically not operating under the law in all states. In fact, while the decision to buy magic mushrooms may seem straightforward, there are many legal consequences that need to be kept in mind. In most countries, psilocybin remains a scheduled substance (Schedule 1 in the United States, Schedule 9 in Australia, and Class A in the UK), which means the cultivation and sale of magic mushrooms is considered illegal.

Unless you live somewhere that has decriminalized psilocybin (such as Jamaica, Samoa, and Brazil), being found in possession of psilocybin-containing mushrooms could result in a criminal record.

Learn more about whether psilocybin mushrooms are legal in your country here.

Types of Magic Mushrooms to Buy

1. Full Psilocybin Mushrooms

There are different types of magic mushrooms you can buy, one of the most popular being standard mushrooms. These will typically come in dried form as either whole dried mushrooms, or as a powder. Buying standard mushrooms is currently illegal in all states, but decriminalized in some. You can grow your own fresh mushrooms by using mushroom growing kits, and then dry them or grind them up for your consumption.

2. Psychedelic Mushroom Spores

Similar to growing plants from seeds, growing fungi begins with spores. Typically, spores come in one of two forms: as a spore print or as a spore syringe.

A spore print is a mass of spores collected onto foil and then dried. It resembles the shapes of the gills from the mushroom used to create the spore print. A spore syringe is a syringe containing spores suspended in a liquid. A spore syringe is made from a spore print, but spore syringes don’t last as long as a spore print. That said, working with a spore syringe is more manageable than working with a spore print, as you can measure out a given volume of liquid.

Spores in either form are easily obtained via any number of platforms over the internet. There are Reddit groups such as “SporeTraders”, Facebook groups, or more traditional online shop-style vendors selling spores for educational purposes. In fact, in some countries, it’s completely legitimate to search for “spores for microscopy purposes.” Third Wave personally recommends Spore Vision as a legitimate online seller of spores for microscopic research purposes. Spore Vision offers a range of spores so you can experiment with a variety of different medicinal mushrooms.

Spores can be obtained legally in most US states because the spores do not contain psilocybin. Currently, only California, Georgia, and Idaho have a ban on selling psilocybin mushroom spores. As long as the spores are not germinated and are only used for research, identification, and education, they can be considered legal. However, germinating the spores is considered cultivation, which is a violation of the US Controlled Substances Act.

That’s why most professional vendors indicate in their documentation that the spores should not be germinated and that they are for educational purposes only. Many will not even answer questions via email about the cultivation of mushrooms from their spores.

Despite this legal quandary, many people believe that growing small batches of mushrooms is safer and poses fewer individual risks than purchasing mushrooms. That’s especially true if you only plan to grow a small amount for the purposes of microdosing. But growing mushrooms DIY-style at home is no easy feat for mycelial novices. Cultivation requires the proper materials, space, sanitization, and patience to get it right.

At Third Wave, we want to democratize this process because we believe everyone should be able to grow mushrooms at home if they choose. That’s why we created a Mushroom Grow Kit and step-by-step course bundle that we’re so thrilled to share with you.

If you’re curious about how much you would need for a microdosing regimen, you may also want to check out Third Wave’s new and improved Microdosing Course. Using a step-by-step science-based protocol, the course will guide you through the basics and help you tailor your routine to meet your personal goals.

3. Psilocybin Truffles

While most mushroom cultivation focuses on growing the mushroom, the fruiting body is not the only specialized structure produced by mycelium.

Some psilocybin-containing fungi produce what is referred to as a “truffle”. The “truffle” is not a real truffle, but a dense structure called a sclerotium that forms underground. Sclerotia are hardened masses of mycelium and are used to store nutrients; they are also a way for the fungus to survive long dry periods. Sclerotia-producing species are cultivated in the US and other countries, so they are not uncommon.

Some species of Psilocybe such as Psilocybe mexicana, Psilocybe galindoi, and Psilocybe tampanensis are cultivated to produce “magic truffles.” Because truffles are not actually “mushrooms,” some people may wonder if they can be bought legally. In fact, when a change in laws in the Netherlands made magic mushrooms unavailable for sale in the country, many cafés in Amsterdam turned to a loophole in the wording of the law to continue selling spores and mycelium.

Despite falling into a legal gray area in the Netherlands, magic truffles still contain psilocybin and psilocin—making them illegal in most other countries. That said, in many countries, purchasing psilocybin spores is not against the law.

4. Chocolates & Gummies

If the taste or texture of dried mushrooms is not for you, chocolates and gummies can be a great alternative. Mushroom edibles can be good for a variety of reasons: they are tasty, convenient, odorless, and dose-specific. Rather than guessing your dosage, you can buy edibles that are specific doses that match your tripping needs.

5. Infused Meals

Infusing psychedelic mushrooms into food is another growing trend in the culinary world. Some chefs and home cooks have begun to experiment with incorporating these mushrooms into their dishes as a way to create unique and mind-altering culinary experiences. The process of infusing psychedelic mushrooms into food is relatively straightforward, involving either grinding dried mushrooms into a fine powder or steeping fresh mushrooms in hot water before incorporating them into dishes.

The resulting dishes can range from savory to sweet and can be any type of food you want – making for an enjoyable consuming experience. If the taste of mushrooms is not for you, masking it through these different forms can be an excellent option.

6. Grow Your Own

Growing your own mushrooms is also an excellent option. The growing process can be daunting for beginners, which is why Third Wave helps you by providing guidance and the right equipment in their mushroom grow kits. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced cultivator, these growing kits are convenient and practical when beginning your mushroom growing journey.

Third Wave’s grow kits come with everything you need to grow mushrooms successfully – including a growth medium, mycelium, and step-by-step instructions. The cultivation process involves a three-phase process alongside a comprehensive mushroom-growing course to guide you through each step. Once you begin the process, you can forage your own mushrooms in as soon as 4-6 weeks.

Start growing

What to Know Before Buying Magic Mushrooms

Like anything we plan to put in our bodies, there are things you should know before consumption. If you are wondering how to navigate buying magic mushrooms to experiment with, we got you!

Keep reading for some things to keep in mind.

Be Aware of Scams

You should ask yourself if the website feels legitimate. Does the site describe the vendor’s quality control methods? Does it include “about” pages that feature a contact form or alternative methods of contact? Here, again, some advanced research pays off. Consider reading reviews from a number of forums or checking with contacts on Facebook groups. Don’t buy from Instagram or Facebook vendors unless they have a proper website!

Similarly, don’t be afraid to contact the vendor directly and ask for details about how they maintain quality control, the cleanliness protocol for their laboratory, whether they regularly plate their spores on agar to ensure clean prints, and germination rates (high germination rates are the goal, of course). A professional company will be more than happy to answer your questions and provide information. If they are slow to respond or vague about their processes, consider somewhere else before clicking “check out” on your shopping cart.

The same questions apply to purchasing mushrooms if you decide to go that route. What strains do they grow? What are the growing conditions? You should also ask what they use for substrate and what drying process they use for the mushrooms. A good vendor will be happy to answer these questions.

Understand the Legality of Psilocybin Mushrooms

If you plan to search for “spores for microscopy/research purposes” online when looking for spores to cultivate a Psilocybe species, you should consider if the request is a legal one.

The answer typically depends on the correct interpretation of your country’s law regarding psilocybin. If those laws mention only the compound (e.g., psilocybin or psilocin), spores are more likely to be considered legal than if the laws explicitly mention the genus and parts of the organism that are prohibited.

In some cases, intent also matters. For instance, while it may be perfectly legal to be in possession of spores in many countries, as soon as the spores are germinated, the resulting hyphae may be considered illegal by virtue of the fact that the mycelium produces psilocybin.

Many countries over the years have closed loopholes that previously enabled the sale of mushrooms as distinct from pure psilocybin or psilocin. Countries like the UK and the Netherlands, where fresh mushrooms were available in cafés and shops, have now rewritten the laws to cover the mushrooms themselves.

Thanks to the growing evidence on how beneficial psilocybin can be for a variety of health issues, changes in legislation may ultimately follow the same trajectory as THC, CBD, and other cannabis products. Until that time comes, though, you should understand the laws that prevail where you live. Here’s a quick overview of some of the current legislative rules:

US

In the United States, psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule 1 drugs [1], making possession of psilocybin-containing mushrooms illegal. Spores do not contain psilocybin or psilocin, which means they are legal to trade or sell in most US states. Spores are illegal in Georgia [2], Idaho [3], and California [4].

The sale of spores for the purpose of growing hallucinogenic mushrooms is illegal. The cultivation of hallucinogenic mushrooms is considered the manufacture of a Schedule 1 substance; therefore, it is illegal as soon as you germinate the spores.

In Louisiana, through the Louisiana State Act 159, growing, selling, or possessing Psilocybe spp. and Conocybe spp. are prohibited [5].

Decriminalization in the US

Decriminalization is not the same as legalization. Decriminalization is when something is no longer considered a crime and includes removing criminal penalties. In the context of psychoactives, such as cannabis or psilocybin, this simply means you can grow or be in possession of these substances for personal use without facing criminal penalties. Civil penalties, however, may still exist.

The US cities Denver, Colorado [6], Oakland, California [7], Santa Cruz, California [8], and Ann Arbor, Michigan [9] have decriminalized psilocybin and psilocin. Keep in mind the state of California criminalizes the sale of spores of Psilocybe spp.

The state of Oregon voted in an initiative on November 3, 2020 to legalize psilocybin for mental health treatment at licensed centers and decriminalize the possession of small amounts of all drugs [10]. Washington, D.C. passed an initiative to decriminalize the cultivation and possession of “entheogenic plants and fungi” on the same day[11].

In 2021, the City Councils of Somerville, Northampton, and Cambridge, Massachusetts [12] voted for decriminalization. California is currently in the process of reviewing bill SB-519, which would decriminalize many psychedelics, including psilocybin.

Canada

In Canada, both dry and fresh psilocybin-containing mushrooms are illegal. As in the US, purchasing spores with the intent to cultivate is illegal, but buying spores for research and collection purposes is allowed. Most mushroom spores in Canada are sold over the internet as spore prints or in spore syringes. Mushroom grow kits are legal and sold openly on the internet.

Psilocybin and psilocin are classified as Schedule III under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act [13] and illegal to possess, obtain, or produce without a prescription or license. Online dispensaries exist that openly sell microdoses to Canadian patients with medical prescriptions [14]. Police tolerate the activity, stating that they focus instead on pursuing harmful criminal drug activities.

The Netherlands

In the Netherlands, psilocybin-containing fungi are legal as “magic truffles”. The outlawing of psychoactive mushrooms permits truffles, as they are mycelium, not “mushrooms”, through a legal loophole. Magic truffles are sold in smart shops throughout the country, and as of September 2019, they are fully taxed and legalized [15].

Both dry and fresh psychoactive mushrooms were available from Dutch cafés, but the possession of dried magic mushrooms was criminalized in 2005 and fresh mushrooms in 2008. Possession of minor amounts (less than 0.5g dried or 5g fresh) is allowed and will not lead to a criminal charge [16].

The UK

In the UK, psilocybin-containing fungi are listed as a Class A drug, making the possession, cultivation, use, and supply of psilocybin-containing mushrooms illegal. This includes both fresh and “prepared” mushrooms–e.g., mushrooms that have been dried, cooked, or made into a tea.

Before implementing the Drug Act 2005 [17], fresh mushrooms had been widely available, including sales in shops. Section 21 of the Act now makes these an illegal product.

Spores do not contain psilocybin and are therefore not regulated under the Act.

Australia

In Australia, psilocybin and psilocin are listed as Schedule 9 drugs, making the possession, cultivation, use, and supply of psilocybin-containing mushrooms illegal. Australia is geographically isolated, and access to spores is limited; therefore, importation is quite common. This is at the risk of the individual, as spores are classed as an illegal import.

At a federal level, Psilocybe spores are quarantine prohibited via the Australian Criminal Code Regulations 2002. The whole genus, Psilocybe, is listed in the Criminal Code Regulations 2002 Schedule 5E ‘Border Controlled Plants’, part 7 stating, “Any plant of the species Psilocybe”. This is entirely unambiguous. All parts of the organism are covered regardless of drug content.

Psilocybe spores are also customs prohibited through the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956. The Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations Act 1956, schedule 4, part 214 states, “Psilocybine, including all fungi that contain psilocybine”. Any plants (or parts of plants, including seeds), fungi (or parts of fungi), and plant products that are prohibited under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 that biosecurity officers find will be referred to the Australian Customs Service. Therefore, importation of any part of the plant, including parts that do not contain psilocybin, is deemed illegal.

Within Australia, the state laws are more ambiguous, and spores sit in a grey area because they do not contain any psilocybin or psilocin. Spores are often sourced through connecting with someone who knows someone. Many online forums and Facebook groups facilitate communication with those who trade or may be willing to sell spores.

FAQs on Buying Psilocybin Mushrooms

Are Psilocybin Mushroom Spores Legal?

The legal status of psilocybin mushroom spores varies depending on the jurisdiction. In many parts of the world, including the United States, the sale and possession of psilocybin mushroom spores is legal, as they do not contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin. However, the cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is illegal in most countries, and possessing spores with the intent to grow mushrooms may be considered a criminal offense.

It is important to note that the laws regarding psilocybin mushrooms and spores are constantly evolving, and individuals interested in purchasing or possessing psilocybin mushroom spores should research the laws in their area and seek legal advice if necessary.

How Much Do Shrooms Cost?

The cost of shrooms can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including location, availability, and the type of mushroom. In general, psilocybin mushrooms can range in price from $20 to $40 per eighth of an ounce (3.5 grams).

However, prices can be higher or lower depending on the quality and potency of the mushrooms, as well as the availability and demand in a particular area.

How Do You Feel After Taking Shrooms?

The effects of magic shrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the potency and dose of the mushrooms, the individual’s tolerance and sensitivity, and the setting in which they are taken. However, in general, taking magic mushrooms can produce a range of physical, emotional, and psychological effects.

Some individuals may experience a sense of euphoria, enhanced sensory perception, and altered thinking and perception, while others may experience anxiety, confusion, and paranoia. Some physical effects of psilocybin mushrooms can include nausea, increased heart rate, and dilated pupils. The effects of psychedelic mushrooms can last for several hours, and some individuals may experience a “comedown” period afterward, which can include feelings of exhaustion and emotional vulnerability.

The Best Alternative to Buying Psilocybin Mushrooms

Psychedelics fit within a variety of narratives and are used for spiritual, therapeutic, and recreational purposes. Until the laws change or low-cost accessibility becomes possible for therapy, for most people the use of psilocybin will remain non-clinical.

If you choose to use psilocybin, it is essential to do so responsibly. This means keeping in mind factors like set and setting, and going into the psychedelic experience with intention. If you haven’t experienced psychedelics before, ask someone to be a sitter for your first time. Start low and be aware of the dose and what to expect from it. Psilocybin, while having the potential to be a potent therapeutic agent, can also trigger long-hidden emotions or memories that the user and the sitter may be unprepared for.

Until a market has been developed for the legal sale of magic mushrooms, buying them remains legally risky. The available options are either finding someone you trust, either in person or online, from whom you can purchase mushrooms, or growing your own. Regardless of your choice, be safe, and don’t be afraid to question, as you do with any other product, the manufacturing.

Increase your odds of success by purchasing a mushroom growing kit today from Third Wave. The future of your trip is in your hands!

And please keep in mind: we’re providing this information for educational purposes only. Third Wave does not encourage or condone the use of illegal products where it is against the law.

With regular news stories touting the benefits of psilocybin therapy, there is growing curiosity around how to access psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Should you ask someone you know? Can you buy them online? Or should you consider growing mushrooms yourself?

To help you make an informed decision, this guide takes a look at your various options. However, no matter which route you choose, it’s important to remember that psilocybin remains a scheduled drug in most countries. As such, you may want to familiarize yourself with the law in your region, so you know the right questions to ask before you start asking around.