A+ Mushroom (Psilocybe cubensis)
What is A+ Mushroom? A Complete Overview
The A+ strain of psychedelic mushrooms is a widely recognized and popular variant of Psilocybe cubensis, known for its unique pale coloration and traditional characteristics associated with higher visual clarity experiences. Distinguished by its often ghostly-white stems and lightly caramel to tan-colored caps, this strain sometimes expresses leucism, giving rise to nearly albino-looking specimens without being genetically albino. Visually striking, the A+ strain typically features strong rhizomorphic mycelium and develops large flushes under proper conditions.
Originally stabilized from a mutation, the A+ strain has gained popularity within the mycology community for its resilience and aesthetic appeal. Though not the most potent cubensis strain, its well-balanced alkaloid profile makes it a go-to choice for those seeking visual and mental effects without the overwhelming intensity of varieties like Penis Envy. Cultivators and psychonauts alike cherish A+ for its ease of cultivation, average fruiting time, and substantial yields.
Owing to its lineage from the established Psilocybe cubensis species, the A+ strain inherits many typical cube features but remains distinct due to its pale coloration and stable genetics. These characteristics have earned it a respected place in the psychedelic mushroom landscape.
Taxonomic Classification
Origin and Traditional Use of A+
The A+ strain doesn't have a deeply rooted ethnobotanical history in the same way as indigenous wild Psilocybe species like Psilocybe mexicana or Psilocybe cyanescens. Unlike these ancient psychoactive fungi, A+ is a laboratory-stabilized leucistic variety bred by modern mycologists to enhance both yield and aesthetics, catering to home-grow hobbyists and the underground culture of mushroom cultivation.
Despite its recent introduction and man-made origins, the A+ strain has cultivated a significant reputation in 21st-century psychedelic culture. It represents the modern psychonaut's drive to experiment not just with altered states of consciousness, but with biology and strain selection. Online forums such as The Shroomery and Reddit's r/shrooms have been crucial in disseminating cultivation knowledge, trip reports, and admiration for A+.
Rather than being mythologized through centuries of ritual use, A+ carries a legacy forged in internet culture and DIY exploration. Within this context, the strain holds cultural significance for ushering in a new age of enthusiasts turning toward controlled, mindful experiences, often linked to microdosing, spiritual wellness, and therapeutic self-discovery. It's not uncommon for the A+ strain to be paired with modern intentional-use practices, such as guided journeys, personal development retreats, or ceremonial use, although its utility remains strongly personal and nuanced.
How to Cultivate A+
Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate - relatively easy cultivation, making it a favorite among beginner and advanced mushroom growers, though leucistic expression requires slightly more care.
Substrate Requirements:
- CVG (Coco Coir, Vermiculite, and Gypsum) - recommended for cleaner, odor-free cultivation
- Sterilized milo grain spawn for superior nutrition
- Traditional manure/hay substrates (also suitable)
- All-in-one grow kits available for convenience
Environmental Conditions:
- Colonization Temperature: 75°F to 80°F (24°C–27°C)
- Fruiting Temperature: 70°F to 75°F (21°C–24°C)
- Humidity: Above 90% relative humidity
- Lighting: 12 hours of indirect light daily
Timeline:
- Colonization: Typically occurs over a two-week period
- Features thick, rhizomorphic mycelium that grips substrates aggressively
- Often outperforms other cubensis strains in colonization speed
- Produces medium to large fruits with dense, thick stems
Important Note: The pale coloration of stems and caps may require gentle misting to prevent discoloration. Cloning the densest or most visually leucistic specimens can help maintain the strain's distinct ghostly appearance over subsequent generations.
Where Does A+ Typically Grow?
As a domesticated strain of Psilocybe cubensis, the A+ mushroom is not naturally occurring in the wild but rather maintained through selective indoor cultivation. However, understanding its lineage can offer insight into potential habitats, particularly because Psilocybe cubensis originates from tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
In the wild, Psilocybe cubensis thrives in humid, grassy areas with rich soil and abundant manure—often found in cattle pastures and farmlands. Countries such as Thailand, Mexico, Brazil, India, and parts of the southeastern United States provide ideal climate zones for wild cubensis varieties.
Ideal environmental conditions include:
- Regular rain and high organic material presence
- Warmth and stable humidity
- Fresh air exchange and moisture spikes followed by slight drying periods
- Substrate that mimics manure-rich soil
For cultivators, simulating a natural habitat during indoor or greenhouse setups includes providing fresh air exchange, stable humidity, and a substrate that mimics manure-rich soil, such as a mix of compost, straw, or vermiculite with added nutrients. Due to its laboratory-bred leucistic phenotype, A+ is less equipped for competition in natural ecological systems and may not fare well without human intervention and controlled environmental support.
When is A+ Mushroom in Season?
Year-round indoor cultivation; wild relatives fruit during spring to early fall in tropical climates
Is A+ Edible or Toxic?
Toxicity Information:
A+ mushrooms, like other Psilocybe cubensis strains, are not considered toxic when used responsibly and in correct dosages. They are hallucinogenic rather than poisonous, due to their high content of psilocybin and psilocin psychedelics, which aren't known to cause organ damage. However, psychological risks and side effects are important considerations.
Physical and Psychological Risks:
- Commonly reported adverse effects include temporary nausea, anxiety, confusion, or paranoia
- Acute psychological distress or latent psychotic episodes may occur in rare cases
- Particularly concerning for individuals with predispositions to mental health conditions
- Long-term use can cause psychological dependence if used excessively
Risk of Misidentification:
Visually similar mushrooms, such as Galerina marginata and some Inocybe species, pose severe toxicity risks in the wild. Although A+ is cultivated, misidentification during wild foraging for other cubensis types can be lethal. Always ensure spores or grow kits come from a trusted vendor.
What are the Medicinal Uses for A+?
Research into Psilocybe cubensis strains, including the A+ variety, continues to grow in the fields of psychiatry and psychedelic science. While no specific clinical studies have analyzed the medicinal effects of A+ alone, compounds present in this strain — primarily psilocybin and psilocin — are known to exhibit interesting therapeutic properties.
Potential Benefits:
- Mental Health Applications: Psilocybin acts on the serotonin 2A receptor and is being studied for treating major depressive disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction
- Clinical Trial Results: Studies at institutions like Johns Hopkins University and Imperial College London have demonstrated long-lasting mood improvement from professionally administered sessions
- Microdosing Benefits: A+'s balanced potency makes it manageable for microdosing (0.1–0.3g dry weight), reportedly fostering increased focus, reduced social anxiety, and elevated empathy
- Enhanced Creativity and Emotional Clarity: Many anecdotal reports point to enhanced creativity, emotional clarity, and reduced anxiety when used in controlled settings
Important: A+'s balanced potency makes it a manageable candidate for beginners exploring mushrooms for therapeutic self-healing or creative inspiration. However, it's important to remain cautious with dosage and setting, particularly without medical oversight.
What Drugs Interact with A+?
Interactions with Prescription Medications:
- SSRI Antidepressants: Medications like fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft) may diminish psilocybin's hallucinogenic effects or alter the experience unpredictably due to serotonin pathway competition
- MAO Inhibitors (MAOIs): Combining with MAOIs can dangerously amplify psychedelic intensity, duration, and side effects, including hypertensive crises or serotonin syndrome
- Blood Pressure & Mood Medications: Users on blood pressure medications, lithium (used in bipolar disorder), or benzodiazepines should avoid unsupervised psychedelic use
Other Substances:
- Alcohol: Can unpredictably influence A+ effects and elevate risks of psychological confusion or nausea
- Cannabis: May unpredictably influence effects and elevate risks
- Stimulants: Combining with amphetamines raises cardiovascular risks
Important: Both synthetic MAOIs and plant-based ones like Syrian Rue or ayahuasca components (harmaline) can create dangerous interactions. Discontinuing SSRIs abruptly to enhance psychedelic effects can lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
What Mushrooms Look Like A+?
The A+ strain is cultivated and therefore unlikely to be confused in a home growing environment, however, amateur foragers might mistake wild Psilocybe cubensis or similar-looking mushrooms with toxic species in the wild:
- Galerina marginata (Deadly Galerina): A deadly mushroom that grows on deadwood and resembles cubensis in cap shape during certain developmental stages. Unlike A+, Galerina has rusty-brown gills and does not bruise blue
- Inocybe species: Many contain muscarine and are highly toxic. These mushrooms can share similar tan caps and small profile, particularly when immature
- Other Psilocybe species: Psilocybe mexicana or Psilocybe tampanensis may visually resemble A+ when dried but differ in growth environment and alkaloid ratio
Safety Note: Since A+ is a leucistic strain, it may occasionally be confused with albino varieties like Albino A+ or Ghost, though genetic testing or detailed observation of cap pigmentation is needed for differentiation. Avoid wild collection unless trained, and purchase spores or cultures from certified microscopy sources.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational, taxonomy, and research purposes only. Always consult a trained professional before attempting to identify any mushroom. Always consult a trained healthcare professional before attempting to injest any mushroom. Do not message asking if we sell cultures or spores, all requests will be ignored. Always respect your local laws.
