Science

Everything to Know About Cambodian Magic Mushrooms

When people talk about magic mushrooms, a specific kind of mushroom comes to mind. Many might not know that the term “magic mushroom” covers an entire span of different types of fungi.

Magic mushrooms, a.k.a. psychedelic mushrooms, pertain to various genera of mushrooms containing psychoactive substances. This psychoactive substance is responsible for the psychedelic effects of these fungi. This substance is known as psilocybin.

People usually have one type in mind when they talk about shrooms. However, magic mushrooms can be any psychedelic mushroom species. Unfortunately, they’re on the Psilocybe cubensis mushroom when talking about magic mushrooms.

People commonly refer to the Psilocybe cubensis strain because it’s the most common. If you come across a psychedelic mushroom, no matter where you are, there’s a big chance that it’s a P. cubensis.

This strain of mushrooms is the most commonly occurring mushroom. This is due to their growing capabilities. These shrooms can grow in a variety of different environments. These can also grow in significant quantities in such a small time span. So, it would make sense that this species of mushrooms can be found all over the globe.

However, P. cubensis mushrooms may differ in specific ways. This would depend on where they’re found. As a result, you have an even wider variety of cubensis strains. One perfect example of this can be found in Cambodia.

About the Cambodian cubensis mushrooms

Cambodia is a country in South East Asia known for several things. First, there’s the rich history that the country has. Then, together with the history, one cannot forget about the country’s culture. However, when one thinks of Cambodia, one thing usually comes to mind immediately.

Cambodia has one notable characteristic for those familiar with the Tomb Raider movies. This country is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Angkor Wat.

The Angkor Wat is found in the northwest region of Cambodia. This is a temple complex with extraordinary architectural capabilities of the Khmer Empire. But another fantastic piece of Cambodia is found in the same place as the Angkor Wat. However, this Cambodian treasure is much smaller.

Aside from the temples, one other fantastic find is its psilocybin mushrooms. This Cambodian cubensis is one of several different strains. 

These Cambodian shrooms are known to be more potent. As a result, many psychonauts seek out this strain to experience it firsthand.

The Appearance of a Cambodian Mushroom

dried magic mushrooms top view

While the Cambodian cubensis may differ in potency, they don’t differ in appearance. Much like their Psilocybe relatives, these mushrooms have that signature golden cap.

 Its cap has a gold color. The caps of these shrooms also are typically flat to convex in shape. When you find these mushrooms, the caps are usually small. It ranges from half an inch to three inches in diameter. Underneath the cap would be gills, typically narrow and gray.

Of course, the mushroom cap would sit atop of a stem. The stems of these mushrooms are characteristically white and hollow. They’re typically two to six inches tall and about half an inch thick.

Sometimes, you might also notice that they have blue bruises. These are normal and signify that these mushrooms do contain psilocybin. Usually, psilocybin-contain mushrooms are known to stain blue when “injured.”

History of the Psychedelic Cambodian Mushrooms

There is no doubt that they have been part of ancient Cambodian practices. This is due that these shrooms have been around for quite some time. You’d be surprised to know that they’ve only been identified as a unique strain quite recently.

In the world of mushrooms, John W. Allen happened to be one of the most notable figures. John Allen is an ethnomycologist who can identify certain shrooms you’d find around. 

As the story goes, John Allen was filming mushrooms in the area of the Angkor Wat temple. He spotted one of these Cambodian magic mushrooms. Allen then took a sample of them back to the US. This was how they could identify the mushroom and learn more about it!

Of course, legend also has that he and his crew tried these mushrooms out themselves. This is how they also figured out that this mushroom was a much stronger stain than what they were used to.

It’s worth noting that while stories say he found them in the area of the Angkor Wat temples, the truth is different. Instead of seeing them around the temples, John Allen found them in the Siem Reap area. This is where the temple can be located.

Effects and Dosage

There will be a list of common things between all the shroom trips people have when it comes to the effects. For example, psilocybin mushrooms are known to induce a psychedelic trip. This means that people may have some sensory hallucinations. Usually, these are of the visual type.

However, aside from the hallucinations, there is also the elevation of your state of mind. You might begin to feel yourself having thoughts you wouldn’t usually have on a typical day. These thoughts may seem a little outlandish sometimes. But they’re sometimes also very profound.

Sometimes you might find yourself in a more calm and meditative state. This can help you have some time for some introspection. You could also have an out-of-body experience. This is where you drift along with your thoughts and let them take you wherever.

lady lying on the grass

Another characteristic effect that psychedelic trips have would be the “body high.” This entails being relaxed but having heightened bodily senses. So, you might end up feeling more intense sensations than you’re used to.

However, these effects may differ in intensity based on how many shrooms you take. If you take a small dose, you’re typically only going to feel these effects by a little bit. However, the more you take, the more intense and pronounced the effects are.

Given that the Cambodian cubensis strain is more potent, you may have to be more mindful of your dosage. So, you might want to take a little less than your usual dosage and then gauge it from there. Whatever the dosage, these mushrooms are said to give you a mellower psychedelic trip.

Whatever the case may be, it’s always good to be mindful of your consumption. Be responsible and avoid giving yourself a bad trip by taking too much. If anything, start low and work your way up if you feel the need to do so. There’s no shame in taking it easy, especially with a potent strain.

Final Thoughts

When someone thinks about a magic mushroom, they don’t know that it’s not one specific kind of mushroom. There are various genera of magic mushrooms. Each shroom has its unique characteristics. They usually pertain to the Psilocybe cubensis mushroom when they think of shrooms.

The P. cubensis is one of the most common psychedelic mushrooms found worldwide. It makes sense that this is what most people associate with shrooms. However, even the P. cubensis mushrooms have varieties, each with unique characteristics.

Cambodian magic mushrooms are a perfect example of a strain of P. cubensis that are unique. The Cambodian cubensis is a more potent psychedelic compared to other strains. As such, more people tend to seek these out to see just how potent the strain is.

Try looking for these shrooms if you want to make the most out of your trip to Cambodia. First, of course, make sure it’s completely legal. While you want to have a good time, you might as well make sure you’re not going to get in trouble for it. Otherwise, it’s not going to be worth the trip.

Show More
Back to top button