Penis Envy #3 (Psilocybe cubensis)
What is Penis Envy #3? A Complete Overview
Penis Envy #3, often abbreviated as PE #3, is a highly potent strain of the well-known psychedelic mushroom species Psilocybe cubensis. This strain is a refined and stabilized version of the original Penis Envy, developed to combine the monstrous potency of PE with the more consistent fruiting and faster colonization rates of traditional cubensis varieties. It features a thick, robust stem with a signature phallic shape and minimal cap development —sometimes not opening fully— creating its distinctive 'envious' appearance.
Originally selected and cultivated for genetic reliability, Penis Envy #3 strikes a balance between high-yield cultivation and its psychoactive strength. It maintains many of the visual distinctions of the original PE lineage, including the dense mycelial bodies, slow growth cycles, and small spore release. However, PE #3 is generally more forgiving in cultivation and more accessible for amateur growers without compromising its intensity in psychoactive content. This makes it a prominent feature in modern mycological research and among psychonaut communities exploring profound introspective experiences.
Taxonomic Classification
Origin and Traditional Use of Penis Envy #3
Penis Envy #3 traces its line from the infamous Penis Envy strain, which is deeply shrouded in psychedelic counterculture lore. The original Penis Envy is said to have been discovered in the Amazon by ethnobotanist and psychedelic pioneer Terence McKenna during his explorations. With enormous psychoactive strength and an unusual shape, PE gained instant popularity due to both its narrative origin and its unparalleled intensity.
PE #3 was bred and stabilized to address the cultivation challenges of the original PE strain, such as poor spore production and irregular fruiting. Mycologists and underground growers began experimenting to produce a more reliable genetic variant. This culminated in PE #3: a strain that is more consistent in flushes and colonization speed but still retains that extraordinary psychoactive punch synonymous with the Penis Envy name.
Though there are no traditional indigenous rituals directly tied to Penis Envy #3 —as it is a lab-manipulated variant— it embodies the continuity of ancient ceremonial mushroom use in a contemporary context. With increased global interest in psychedelic therapy and microdosing, strains like PE #3 are becoming part of modern ceremonial and introspective practices, echoing the historic use of Psilocybe species among Mazatec and other Mesoamerican peoples for spiritual revelation and healing.
How to Cultivate Penis Envy #3
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced - More complex than average cubensis strains, but far more manageable than the original Penis Envy.
Substrate Requirements:
- Sterilized milo grain bags (preferred nutrient-rich medium)
- CVG substrate (Coco Coir, Vermiculite, and Gypsum)
- All-in-one grow kits (simplified option for beginners)
- Avoid traditional BRF cakes (insufficient nutrient profile)
Environmental Conditions:
- Colonization Temperature: 70°F to 75°F (21°C–24°C)
- Fruiting Temperature: 70°F to 75°F (21°C–24°C)
- Humidity: 95% consistently required
- Air Exchange: Regular misting and fanning, or monotubs with proper airflow
- Lighting: Ambient light sufficient for pin formation
Timeline:
- Grain colonization: 3–4 weeks (slower than average cubensis)
- Substrate colonization: 1–2 weeks after spawning to bulk
- Fruiting: Slow but prolific fruiting timeline
- Harvesting: Multiple flushes possible with proper care
Important Note: PE #3 does not sporulate well. For culture propagation, rely on liquid cultures or tissue cloning rather than spore syringes. This will ensure genetic continuity and avoid issues related to weak spore availability. The strain is more forgiving than original PE but still requires attention to environmental stability throughout the growing period.
Where Does Penis Envy #3 Typically Grow?
As a human-designed variant of Psilocybe cubensis, Penis Envy #3 doesn't occur in the wild. However, its parent species' tendencies inform us of its idealized environmental habitat under cultivation. Psilocybe cubensis, the broad species umbrella under which PE #3 falls, traditionally thrives in warm, humid climates such as those found in subtropical and tropical regions.
In the wild, cubensis mushrooms grow predominantly in cow or water buffalo dung and nutrient-rich, decomposing organic matter. Regions like Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and parts of the southern United States (particularly Florida, Texas, and California) are all known for natural cubensis presence.
To emulate these conditions in a cultivated setting:
- Maintain high humidity (above 90%)
- Provide strong ambient light (not direct sunlight) to trigger healthy pin formation
- Ensure proper airflow to minimize CO₂ buildup
- Use nutrient-dense substrates that mimic natural decomposing matter
- Maintain environmental stability across the growing period
PE3's slow growth rate requires environmental stability across its growing period. Although PE3 is provided optimal conditions through sterile settings, its preferred habitat in cultivation still emulates low-light, nutrient-dense, warm, and humid ecosystems.
When is Penis Envy #3 in Season?
Indoors: Year-round under controlled conditions; Outdoors (warm climates): Late spring through early autumn
Is Penis Envy #3 Edible or Toxic?
Toxicity Information:
Penis Envy #3 contains high levels of psilocybin and psilocin, compounds which are non-toxic in a lethal sense but can cause intense physical and psychological effects that may feel overwhelming or distressing. Primary risks associated with PE3 arise from its extreme potency. Ingesting what would normally be a "standard dose" for regular cubensis could result in unexpectedly powerful hallucinations, confusion, panic attacks, or emotional vulnerability.
Physical Risks:
- Common short-term side effects: nausea, vomiting, balance disruption, drowsiness, or chills
- Psychological risks include trauma resurfacing, derealization, and increased anxiety
- Unsuitable for inexperienced users without trusted guidance
- Risk of misidentification with toxic species if cultivated improperly
Contraindications:
Users with a history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder should avoid any high-potency psilocybin mushrooms, including PE3. Always ensure proper substance identification, appropriate setting, and supervision before use. PE3's cap structure produces very few spores, so contaminated cultures may pose additional risks.
Always ensure substance, setting, and supervision before use. The extreme potency makes PE3 unsuitable for casual or inexperienced users.
What are the Medicinal Uses for Penis Envy #3?
While Penis Envy #3 is primarily revered for its intense psychoactive experiences, it shares many of the therapeutic potentials associated with high-psilocybin mushroom strains. Due to its overwhelming potency, even small doses can yield significant psychedelic and emotional effects, making it a candidate of interest in emerging mental health therapies.
Potential Benefits:
- Mental Health Applications: Recent studies suggest psilocybin has promising applications as a treatment for severe depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and addiction
- Neuroplasticity Enhancement: Promotes long-lasting psychological improvements by increasing neuroplasticity, restoring serotonin balance, and stimulating introspective emotional processing
- Microdosing Applications: While not universally recommended due to its strength, may enhance creativity, focus, and mood stability in very small doses with careful monitoring
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Linked to neuroprotective and anxiolytic properties through psilocybin's measured effects
Some biohackers and therapists are beginning to cautiously explore PE strains at micro levels with tight response tracking. However, more targeted research would be required to validate strain-specific medicinal profiles of PE3. Until then, the therapeutic reputation of PE3 rides on the broader umbrella of psilocybin's measured effects, with a clear emphasis on dose control given its high potency.
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 Penis Envy #3?
Interactions with Prescription Medications:
- MAO Inhibitors (MAOIs): Whether pharmaceutical (like isocarboxazid or phenelzine) or herbal (such as Syrian Rue), can intensify and prolong effects, potentially leading to overwhelming psychedelic states or serotonin syndrome. Strictly avoid unless under controlled supervision
- SSRI Antidepressants: SSRIs such as fluoxetine or sertraline may dull or completely negate the effects due to serotonin receptor interference
- Benzodiazepines: May suppress visual and emotional effects and are sometimes used to ease or terminate difficult trips
- Tramadol: May lower seizure threshold when combined with psychedelics
Other Substances:
- Recreational Serotonergic Drugs: MDMA, LSD, and certain amphetamines should not be combined due to unknown synergy and high potential for psychological overload
- Alcohol: While not contraindicated chemically, dulls introspective potential and increases nausea-related side effects
- Stimulants: Modafinil, Adderall may fuel anxiety or increase cardiac load during PE3 experiences
Important: Penis Envy #3's high psilocybin concentration significantly raises the importance of understanding potential drug interactions. Always consult a physician or psychedelic-knowledgeable practitioner before combining PE3 with ongoing therapies.
What Mushrooms Look Like Penis Envy #3?
Penis Envy #3 has distinctive features that make it difficult to mistake once experienced, but first-time cultivators may confuse it with other species or cubensis strains:
- Albino Penis Envy: Lacks pigmentation and exhibits similar phallic shape but is significantly lighter in color, occasionally showing bluish hues
- PE6 and PE Uncut: PE-variant strains that closely resemble PE3 but differ slightly in cap maturity and gill structure
- Galerina marginata: Most dangerous visual mimic - a deadly, brown-gilled mushroom that grows on wood rather than dung. Should be ruled out before any collection attempt
- Copelandia (Panaeolus cyanescens): Appears more slender but may seem similar in immature stages when bruised. Has distinct black spores and thinner cap
- Overly bulbous wild mushrooms: May bear resemblance to novice foragers, but PE3 is cultivated and rarely encountered wild
Safety Note: Never assume visual ID alone is sufficient. Since PE3 is cultivated and rarely encountered in the wild, stick to trusted suppliers when sourcing spores, cultures, or dried mushrooms. Use microscopy or DNA verification when certainty is needed.
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.
