B+ Mushroom (Psilocybe cubensis)
Visual Identification
What is B+ Mushroom? A Complete Overview
B+ is one of the most well-known and widely cultivated psychedelic mushroom strains belonging to Psilocybe cubensis, a species famous for its moderate to high psilocybin content. The B+ strain is notable for its large, caramel-capped mushrooms and thick white stems. What sets it apart is its versatility—it thrives in a variety of growing conditions and substrates, making it ideal for beginner cultivators and commercial growers alike.
B+ offers a balanced psychoactive experience that is often described as euphoric, spiritual, and tranquil, with more pronounced visual effects compared to some milder cubensis variants. As such, B+ has grown in popularity within the psychedelic community for both recreational and introspective use. Though its exact creator remains debated, B+ has become symbolic of reliability, consistency, and quality in the mycology sphere.
Visually, B+ mushrooms can reach impressive sizes under optimal conditions, with mature specimens exhibiting a long, thick stipe and a bell- to convex-shaped cap with cinnamon to golden brown coloring. Its spores are dark purple-brown, and its mycelial growth is typically rapid and vigorous, contributing to its celebratory status among psychedelic cultivators.
Taxonomic Classification
- Kingdom:
- Fungi
- Division:
- Basidiomycota
- Class:
- Agaricomycetes
- Order:
- Agaricales
- Family:
- Hymenogastraceae
- Genus:
- Psilocybe
- Species:
- cubensis
- Type:
- Classic
- Cross:
- None
Origin and Traditional Use of B+
The B+ strain of Psilocybe cubensis does not have as long of a historical or indigenous record as some of its wild counterparts like Psilocybe mexicana or Psilocybe azurescens, which were used extensively in Mesoamerican spiritual practices. However, its more contemporary relevance in psychedelic communities is immense. B+ is widely believed to have originated in Florida, USA, during the 1980s or early 1990s. Although the exact breeder is unconfirmed, many attribute the strain's initial global popularity to a cultivator going by the name Mr. G.
Unlike indigenous strains that were often centered around traditional shamanic rituals, B+ owes its cultural significance to the modern psychedelic renaissance and the rise of home cultivation movements. In psychedelia forums, literature, and conference talks, B+ is frequently referenced as a 'beginner-friendly' mushroom not just for cultivation but also for experiencing psilocybin. This association with a gentle yet profound trip has contributed to its use in spiritual retreats, therapeutic experimentation, and recreational exploration.
The strain's name, B+, adds to its enigmatic identity. It's positioned as a positive, gently transformative entity—'B positive'—a notion repeatedly referenced in online communities and anecdotal accounts. Such semiotics enhance its desirability among newer psychonauts and support its place as a staple among mushroom kits worldwide. While B+ lacks the ancient ceremonial lineage of some wild mushrooms, its rise parallels new-age movements focusing on mindfulness, introspection, and DIY psychospiritual growth.
How to Cultivate B+
Difficulty Level: Beginner - widely regarded as one of the more accessible endeavors for beginner mycologists due to strong resistance to contaminations, adaptability to various substrates, and reliable fruiting behavior.
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 81°F (24°C–27°C)
- Fruiting Temperature: 70°F to 75°F (21°C–24°C)
- Humidity: 90%+ during pinning, 85–90% during subsequent flushes
- Lighting: Indirect light, 12/12 hour cycle using daylight spectrum LEDs or natural light
Timeline:
- Colonization: 10–14 days depending on temperature
- Pinning stage: Variable with proper conditions
- Multiple flushes: Often delivers robust second and third flushes
Important Note: B+ often produces large mushrooms even under less-than-ideal conditions, making it forgiving for novice growers. Its low maintenance and high yield characteristics make B+ an ideal candidate for hobbyists as well as micro-commercial growers.
Where Does B+ Typically Grow?
In its natural environment, B+ is thought to originate from subtropical regions, notably from southern parts of the United States such as Florida. Like most Psilocybe cubensis strains, B+ thrives in humid, warm climates and is often found growing in cattle pastures or heavily manured landscapes.
The species characteristically colonizes cow dung, enriched soils, or decomposing plant and grass matter. When found in the wild, it typically appears after periods of rain, using the moisture and organic content to rapidly reproduce and establish new colonies. Natural elevation where B+ is found usually ranges from near sea-level to about 1,200 meters.
Ideal environmental conditions include:
- Temperature: 75°F–90°F (24°C–32°C)
- Consistently high humidity levels
- Grassy areas away from direct sunlight
- Breezy, shaded regions that retain moisture well
- Nitrogen-rich environments from decomposition
B+ tends to fruit heavily after thunderstorms, especially when increased nitrogen in the environment accelerates decomposition and microbial activity. Because of this widespread habitat versatility and adaptability to both artificial and natural environments, the B+ strain has become ubiquitous among outdoor mushroom foragers and cultivators alike.
When is B+ Mushroom in Season?
Spring through Autumn (typically most prolific during humid months: April to October)
Is B+ Edible or Toxic?
Toxicity Information:
B+ mushrooms themselves are not toxic when consumed in moderate, informed doses by healthy individuals. However, their psychoactive compound, psilocybin, does carry mental and physiological risks in certain scenarios. Overconsumption of B+ can result in acute psychological distress, including panic attacks, paranoia, disorientation, or psychotic-like symptoms, especially in those with a predisposition to mental illness.
Physical Risks:
- Physical toxicity is considered low, but large doses can induce extreme nausea, vomiting, and loss of motor coordination
- Behavioral risks due to altered state of awareness (e.g., accidents during a trip)
- Users under medications such as SSRIs or MAOIs may experience unpredictable interactions like serotonin syndrome
Risk of Misidentification:
Another critical toxicity issue is misidentification. Some non-psychoactive mushrooms closely resemble B+ and may be either non-edible or dangerously toxic. Therefore, wild foraging of B+ or its lookalikes requires proper spore print analysis and expert identification.
What are the Medicinal Uses for B+?
While B+ mushrooms are primarily recognized for their psychoactive effects through the presence of psilocybin and psilocin, emerging research and anecdotal reports suggest potential medicinal benefits associated with their consumption. Psilocybin, the active compound found in B+ and other Psilocybe cubensis strains, has been studied for its therapeutic effects in mental health contexts.
Potential Benefits:
- Depression, Anxiety & PTSD Relief: Clinical trials have demonstrated psilocybin's effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and even end-of-life existential distress in terminally ill patients
- Microdosing Applications: B+ mushrooms, by virtue of their moderate and approachable potency, are often selected for microdosing regimens that may promote increased emotional resilience, focus, creativity, and mood stabilization
- Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity: Psilocybin has shown promise in promoting neurogenesis (the growth of new neurons) and neuroplasticity
- Neurodegenerative Diseases: Potential applications in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
Important: Although B+ lacks specific proprietary medicinal credentialing, it falls within the broader umbrella of psilocybin-containing mushrooms whose health applications are gaining increased scientific credibility.
What Drugs Interact with B+?
Interactions with Prescription Medications:
- MAO Inhibitors (MAOIs): B+ should not be taken in combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, as this can magnify and prolong the effects of psilocybin significantly, possibly leading to an overwhelming or unsafe experience
- SSRI Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may dull the psychedelic effects of psilocybin, resulting in a reduced experience or contributing to serotonin syndrome when taken in improper dosages
- Mood Stabilizers, Anxiolytics & Antipsychotics: These tend to dampen the overall experience, sometimes making the session emotionally numbing or physically uncomfortable
Other Substances:
- Stimulants: Amphetamines or caffeine when consumed alongside B+ may exacerbate anxiety and raise heart rate undesirably
- Alcohol: Generally discouraged as it interferes with introspective clarity and heightens body load
- Cannabis: Caution should be taken as it can amplify visuals and either smooth or complicate the trip depending on tolerance, strain, and psychological setting
Important: This includes both synthetic MAOIs and plant-based ones like Syrian Rue or Banisteriopsis caapi. Always consult with healthcare professionals before combining substances.
What Mushrooms Look Like B+?
Several mushrooms can resemble B+, especially in the early stages or to the untrained eye:
- Galerina marginata (Deadly Galerina): A highly toxic mushroom often mistaken for Psilocybe cubensis due to its brown cap and habitat similarity. It contains amatoxins and can be fatal if ingested
- Panaeolus foenisecii (Lawn Mower's Mushroom): Often found in grassy areas and mistaken for Psilocybe due to similar spore coloring. However, it is not psychoactive and may cause stomach discomfort
- Conocybe spp. (e.g., Conocybe filaris): Thin-stemmed and light brown caps, found in manure or open grassy conditions—contain lethal toxins
Safety Note: To differentiate, B+ typically has bluish bruising at the base (an indicator of psilocybin oxidation), a thick white stipe, and a slightly gelatinous veil. Performing a spore print (dark purple-brown in B+) is key in confirming identity when foraging. Misidentifying B+ with a toxic species can have severe consequences, so caution, documentation, and expert consultation are critical in any wild foraging context.
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.
