PE7 (Psilocybe Cubensis)
Psilocybe Cubensis
Visual Identification
What is PE7? A Complete Overview
PE7 is a unique psychedelic mushroom strain, belonging to the Psilocybe cubensis species, and recognized as a hybrid descendent of the legendary Penis Envy lineage. This strain is known for its powerful psychoactive effects, robust physical structure, and distinct genetics that visually and experientially separate it from other cubensis varieties. PE7 mushrooms often exhibit thicker stems and smaller but dense caps compared to traditional strains. The cap color ranges from golden caramel to rust brown, and strong blue bruising appears upon handling—an indicator of high psilocin content. Beginners often succeed with all in one mushroom grow kits and monotub setups.
The 'PE7' name typically refers to the seventh stabilized generation of a Penis Envy cross, often incorporating genetics from more widespread cubensis strains such as Golden Teacher or B+. However, some growers define it differently based on phenotype. This makes PE7 classified under the genetically rich "PE Variant" category.
Though relatively new in comparison to traditional cubensis lineage mushrooms, PE7 has gained a cult following among psychonauts for its blend of potency, ease of cultivation (compared to original Penis Envy), and mature psychedelic experiences.
Taxonomic Classification
Origin and Cultural Significance of PE7
The PE7 strain is embedded in the modern history of psychedelic mushroom cultivation, rather than ancient ethno-mycological traditions. As a variant in the Penis Envy family, PE7 evolved through dedicated efforts of underground cultivators and geneticists looking to remedy the flaws of traditional Penis Envy mushrooms—specifically their difficulty to grow and inconsistency in sporulation.
The original Penis Envy strain became famous in the psychonaut community thanks to its reputed connection to Terence McKenna. PE7 appears to be a stabilization attempt selected over multiple generations—hence the '7' in its name—to balance the raw intensity of Penis Envy with some of the stability and growth traits seen in prolific cubensis strains like B+ or Golden Teacher. This blending of lineages has become representative of modern cross-cultural mycological movements, especially in online psychedelic forums and community labs.
Culturally, PE7 doesn't belong to indigenous shamanic rituals like Psilocybe mexicana or Psilocybe cubensis used by Mazatec healers. Its 'significance' comes instead from the DIY mycology culture, championing strain evolution through digital collaboration, amateur science, and citizen mycology. It serves as an artifact of a new psychedelic age—where knowledge sharing across Reddit threads, grow logs, and community experimentation brings forth novel bio-diversity in the psychedelic world.
How to Cultivate PE7
Difficulty Level: Intermediate - more forgiving than original Penis Envy but still requires attention to environmental conditions.
Substrate Requirements:
- CVG substrate (Coco Coir, Vermiculite, and Gypsum) recommended
- Sterilized milo grain bags for spawn
- All-in-one grow kits available for beginners
- Manure-based substrates (traditional but higher contamination risk)
Environmental Conditions:
- Incubation Temperature: 75°F to 78°F (24°C–26°C)
- Fruiting Temperature: 68°F to 72°F (20°C–22°C)
- Humidity: Above 85% RH during fruiting phase
- Air Exchange: Light FAE (Fresh Air Exchange) with high humidity
- Lighting: Indirect 6500K daylight spectrum LEDs
Timeline:
- Colonization: 3–4 weeks to colonize grain completely
- Pinning stage: 10–15 days to initiate pinning post fruiting conditions
- Harvesting: Produces fewer but meatier mushrooms per flush
Important Note: PE7 benefits from a stable, clean fruiting chamber with light FAE and high humidity. All-in-one grow kits containing sterilized milo grain and CVG substrate reduce contamination risk while simplifying the fruiting process for beginners.
Where Do PE7 Mushrooms Typically Grow?
As a cultivated hybrid, PE7 does not have a traditional wild habitat. However, its parent species, Psilocybe cubensis, is native to subtropical and tropical regions around the globe. PE7 mimics many of these habitat preferences when fruiting in controlled settings.
In the wild, cubensis strains—including potential forebears of PE7—are commonly found in humid grasslands, pastures, and agricultural zones rich in bovine or equine dung. Natural regions of growth may include:
- Southeastern United States (Florida, Georgia, Mississippi)
- Central and South America (Mexico, Brazil, Colombia)
- Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia)
- Northern Australia
These environments typically feature high temperatures (>75°F), consistent afternoon rainfall or high humidity, and nutrient-rich decomposing organic matter. In indoor cultivation, similar parameters are emulated through substrate choice (preferably CVG over manure), controlled temperatures, humidifiers, and scheduled air exchange. PE7 does especially well in still-air boxes or indoor greenhouses where environmental variables can be dialed in for optimal flushes.
When are PE7 Mushrooms in Season?
Year-round (indoors); Summer to early Fall in warm climates (outdoors)
Are PE7 Mushrooms Edible or Toxic?
Toxicity Information:
PE7 is considered non-toxic when consumed in reasonably dosed amounts, primarily delivering its effects through the active compounds psilocybin and psilocin. However, like all psychedelic mushrooms, misuse or high-dose consumption can result in overwhelming psychological responses, anxiety, panic reactions, or latent psychosis triggering in vulnerable individuals.
Physical Risks:
- Higher potency than standard cubensis strains requires careful dosing
- Common side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort and nausea
- Risk of accidental poisoning if misidentified in nature
Psychological Considerations:
Because PE7 is more potent than standard cubensis strains, the threshold for overwhelming experiences is lower. Although not fatal through direct toxicity, consuming large quantities can induce delirium, extended psychedelic episodes, or 'serotonin syndrome' when combined with SSRIs.
Always consume in a controlled, safe setting, ideally supervised by a sober guide or integration-trained provider. Individuals with a personal or family history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or panic disorder should avoid high-potency mushrooms like PE7 altogether unless advised by a healthcare provider.
What are the Medicinal Uses for PE7?
While PE7, like all Psilocybe cubensis strains, has not been approved as a medical treatment, its primary psychoactive ingredient—psilocybin—has been the subject of substantial research for its potential therapeutic value. The Penis Envy lineage, of which PE7 is a variant, contains unusually high concentrations of psilocybin and psilocin, making it one of the most potent strains available.
Potential Benefits:
- Mental Health Applications: Scientific studies have shown that psilocybin may play a role in alleviating symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and anxiety disorders
- Neuroplasticity Enhancement: The distinguishing characteristics of PE7—such as its dense psilocybin concentration—could potentially make it well-suited for research into microdosing protocols or high-dose guided therapy sessions
- Therapeutic Experiences: Anecdotal reports suggest that PE7 provides deeply introspective, emotionally cathartic experiences with enhanced visual acuity and synesthesia
- Research Applications: PE7 might influence neuroplasticity and serotonergic function in ways comparable to other high-potency cubensis strains
These qualities make it a compelling candidate in the burgeoning field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Although not formally recognized in clinical protocols, more peer-reviewed, controlled trials are needed—especially to confirm distinctions between types like PE7 and regular cubensis—in terms of long-term mental health benefits.
Important: Medical applications are still under study, and current regulatory frameworks vary globally. Always consult healthcare professionals before considering therapeutic use.
What Drugs Interact with PE7?
Interactions with Prescription Medications:
- SSRI Antidepressants: SSRI medications (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline) can blunt PE7's effects due to downregulation of serotonin receptors
- MAO Inhibitors (MAOIs): Ingesting PE7 during an MAOI regimen can dangerously intensify the experience and potentially trigger hypertensive crises or serotonin syndrome
- Lithium & Antipsychotics: Individuals on lithium, benzodiazepines, or antipsychotic medications should avoid PE7 entirely without medical consultation
Other Substances:
- Stimulants & Alcohol: Mixing PE7 with cocaine, amphetamines, or alcohol increases heart rate and blood pressure and may elevate risk for panic attacks or cardiovascular strain
- Cannabis: Cannabis—especially high THC strains—can amplify visuals and emotional changes during a PE7 trip, which may overwhelm less experienced users
- Other Psychedelics: Combining PE7 with LSD or DMT can create synergistic effects but poses risks of dissociation, nausea, or loss of time anchors
Important: PE7's interaction with drugs mirrors that of other psilocybin-containing mushrooms, with some specific cautions due to its unusually high potency. Always avoid combining with other substances when possible.
What Mushrooms Look Like PE7?
PE7 may be confused with other thick-stemmed cubensis varieties, but toxic wild mushrooms pose the greatest identification risk for foragers mistakenly believing they've found a PE7 specimen outdoors. However, as an artificially cultivated variant, PE7 is rarely encountered in the wild.
- Penis Envy (PE Uncut, PE6, Albino PE): These strains share similar thick stems and small caps due to shared genetic lineage
- B+: Due to its genetic linkage in PE7, the larger cap and bruising patterns might resemble PE7 under poor lighting
- Galerina marginata (Deadly Galerina): Brown spore print and cap resemblance in early stages. Fatal due to amatoxins
- Pholiotina rugosa: Similar in stature with rust-brown caps but is highly toxic
- Gymnopilus species: Orange caps and gilled structures may confuse collectors, though they are bitter and not typically consumed
Safety Note: Physical characteristics that help positively identify PE7 under lab or indoor cultivation conditions include cap-to-stem ratio, pronounced blue bruising, slow sporulation (compared to standard cubensis), and mycelial rope growth on substrate. Never consume wild mushrooms based solely on appearance.
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 ingest any mushroom. Do not message asking if we sell cultures or spores, all requests will be ignored. Always respect your local laws.