Penis Envy #6 Mushroom (Psilocybe cubensis)
Visual Identification
What is Penis Envy #6 Mushroom? A Complete Overview
Penis Envy #6, often abbreviated as PE6, is one of the many variants derived from the now-legendary Penis Envy mushroom lineage. It is a potent psilocybin mushroom strain of Psilocybe cubensis renowned for its exceptional psychoactive intensity and mildly more beginner-compatible growth traits compared to original Penis Envy (PE). PE6 was reportedly created by combining genetics from the original Penis Envy strain with a regular, faster-sporulating Psilocybe cubensis variety.
The name 'Penis Envy' stems from the mushroom's phallic-like appearance, particularly its thick, bulbous stem and underdeveloped or sometimes absent cap. PE6 maintains some of these unique morphological traits but also includes more observable sporulation and consistent fruiting, making it more practical for both cultivation and sporulation research. The appearance of PE6 typically features pale to golden caps, thick white stems, and moderately classic cubensis spore prints.
Highly regarded in psychonaut circles for its strong visuals, philosophical introspection, and pronounced body effects, the PE6 strain continues to rise in popularity among cultivators and experienced users alike.
Taxonomic Classification
Origin and Traditional Use of Penis Envy #6
The story behind Penis Envy #6 is intimately tied to the genetics of the famously potent Penis Envy variety, which itself has an origin steeped in psychedelic lore. The original Penis Envy strain is often attributed to Terence McKenna, the ethnobotanist and psychedelic advocate, who allegedly obtained the culture from a wild Amazonian cubensis. Its unusually thick stem and cap-reduced morphology led to both the humorous name and an aura of mystery around its lineage.
Penis Envy #6 arose from intentional crossbreeding efforts meant to stabilize and enhance the Penis Envy line. Notoriously, PE mushrooms are challenging to propagate due to poor sporulation. As interest in detailed cultivation and genetics deepened in underground mycology communities, cultivators began creating PE crosses to retain the original's potency while aiding colonization and sporulation. PE6 was developed during the early 2000s or even late 1990s in these collectives. Reports suggest that it was most likely created by 'Workman', a known figure in the amateur mycology scene, by crossing the original PE with a vigorous Texas cubensis strain.
Culturally, PE6 holds a middle ground—bridging the accessibility of common cubensis and the elite stature of Penis Envy. It has achieved semi-iconic status in both microdosing communities and psychonaut retreats. Though not tied to indigenous sacred use (as with Psilocybe mexicana or azurescens), it is increasingly seen in ceremonial and intentional psychedelic experiences in modern spiritual contexts, such as guided mushroom ceremonies and holistic retreats across the Americas and parts of Europe.
How to Cultivate Penis Envy #6
Difficulty Level: Intermediate - PE6 represents a relatively grower-friendly evolution of the notoriously finicky Penis Envy strain. PE6 was designed to be easier to cultivate while maintaining high alkaloid concentrations. This hybrid tends to sporulate more reliably than the original PE, allowing for easier spore propagation and printing.
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: 72°F to 75°F (22°C–24°C)
- Humidity: 90%+ during colonization, 85–90% during fruiting
- Lighting: Indirect light, 12/12 hour cycle for initiation
- CO2 Exchange: Frequent fanning or monotube setups with proper ventilation
Timeline:
- Colonization: 2–3 weeks (faster than PE classic, slower than B+ or Golden Teacher)
- Fruiting: Multiple significant flushes possible
- Maturation: Slower than standard cubensis, requires patience
Important Note: PE6's robust stems and moderate cap development make it viable for both cake-based and monotub cultivation. Because the PE lineage matures slower and produces fewer fruits than other cubensis, patience and carefully managed sterility protocols are key. Second and third flushes often generate larger fruit bodies.
Where Does Penis Envy #6 Typically Grow?
Penis Envy #6 is a cultivated strain and is not found in the wild in its specific form. However, as a variant of Psilocybe cubensis, its genetic lineage originates from warm and humid tropical and subtropical environments.
Psilocybe cubensis naturally occurs in environments such as:
- Dung or manure-rich pastures (especially cow and horse dung)
- Warm, grassland regions
- Forest margins with periodic sunlight and high humidity
- Regions near the equator
PE6 does best when mimicking these wilderness conditions in commercial or home-based cultivation. The ideal temperatures mimic tropical climates (75–80°F), and moisture levels should emulate naturally humid soil microenvironments. In natural habitats, related cubensis strains are found in countries such as Thailand, India, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Cuba, and areas of Florida and the Gulf Coast in the U.S.
Due to its hybrid nature and selective breeding, PE6 has adapted well to confined environments and doesn't require exotic or rare conditions to thrive in cultivation. However, it lacks the resilience traits often shown by wild cubensis strains which can survive temperature and hydration fluctuations.
When is Penis Envy #6 Mushroom in Season?
April to September in native tropical regions; can be grown year-round indoors
Is Penis Envy #6 Edible or Toxic?
Toxicity Information:
Penis Envy #6 is non-lethal and safe for human consumption in responsible doses. However, due to its potent psychoactive constituents—particularly high levels of psilocybin and psilocin—it does come with possible psychological risks and physiological reactions. Toxicity in this context refers more to overdose potential and mental health risk factors than tissue-level toxicity.
Short-Term Effects of Overuse Include:
- Intense anxiety or paranoia
- Confusion and loss of motor control
- Disassociation or ego dissolution (can be overwhelming)
- Nausea or vomiting (ingestion effect, not poisoning)
- Elevated heart rate and mild hypertension
Risk Factors:
Historically, no fatalities have been reported directly from PE6. However, irresponsible dosage (especially over 5g dried) can result in panic attacks or long-lasting psychological trauma in rare cases. Individuals with personal or familial history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or psychosis should avoid use since psilocybin may trigger or exacerbate those conditions.
PE6 may be visually similar to toxic Galerina or young Amanita species in early stages—but only via amateur identification mistakes. Always use lab-confirmed spore prints or verified sources for cultivation and ingestion to reduce risk of accidental poisoning from lookalikes.
What are the Medicinal Uses for Penis Envy #6?
Penis Envy #6, due to its high psilocybin and psilocin content, has received increased attention in the medical and psychotherapeutic communities for its potential mental health benefits. Even though Penis Envy strains are not traditionally used within medical systems, the heightened potency and cleaner effect curves of PE6 make it highly relevant to modern psychedelic therapy.
Potential Benefits:
- Depression and Anxiety: Recent clinical studies involving psilocybin have shown significant drops in depressive symptoms within one to three months post-treatment. The PE6 strain's strong psychoactivity likely provides a heightened introspective and emotional processing experience that mirrors the benefits observed in these studies
- Addiction Recovery: Ongoing trials and anecdotal reports suggest that psilocybin can help reduce addictive behaviors, especially with substances like nicotine, alcohol, and opioids. Because PE6 offers a deep, immersive psychedelic experience, it is sometimes preferred in settings aiming for spiritual breakthroughs that support lifestyle changes
- End-of-life psychological therapy: High-dose psilocybin sessions, akin to what PE6 can provide, have been proven effective for reducing death anxiety in terminal cancer patients, according to research conducted at institutions like Johns Hopkins University
- Neurocognitive Enhancement: Though more research is needed, microdosing psilocybin is associated with cognitive flexibility, enhanced creativity, and increased mindfulness. PE6 isn't often recommended for microdosing due to its high alkaloid ratio, but even in micro-amounts it could exert notable psychoactive modulation
Important: As always, therapeutic application must be measured, supervised, and context-driven. PE6, with correct dosage and intention, could become a highly effective mental wellness agent.
What Drugs Interact with Penis Envy #6?
Medications to Avoid with PE6:
- MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors): Combining psilocybin with an MAOI can amplify and prolong effects dangerously. This can result in serotonin syndrome or hypertensive crisis
- SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): May dull or inhibit the effects of PE6, reducing desired outcomes or causing erratic serotonin responses
- Benzodiazepines: Used to abort a trip, but can cause conflicts in metabolism and lingering sedation post-peak
- Antipsychotics or Lithium: Known to unpredictably alter the psychedelic experience and, in rare reports, may induce seizures
Substances that synergize (with caution):
- Cannabis: Intensifies visionary aspects, but may also boost anxiety for some users
- Kava, Ashwagandha, Valerian: These adaptogens may lower trip anxiety and smooth onset
Important: Combining PE6 with alcohol is discouraged due to liver load and loss of cognitive focus. Psychedelic poly-drug use should only be done under the guidance of skilled professionals or facilitators.
What Mushrooms Look Like Penis Envy #6?
Although Penis Envy #6 is a cultivated variety with unique morphological traits, novice foragers and mycologists might confuse it with other mushroom species if found in improper growth stages or dried form:
- Psilocybe cubensis (classic varieties): Very similar, but with thinner stems and larger caps; differentiating based on color tone and spore density may help
- Galerina marginata: Deadly poisonous species with a brownish cap and growth on wood—resembles Psilocybe only superficially at early stages
- Conocybe spp.: Small, tan, bell-shaped caps may appear mushroom-like but are toxic and not psychoactive
- Young Amanita muscaria or A. pantherina: Can resemble some Psilocybe traits when buttoned but are dangerous to consume
Safety Note: For identification, spore print color (dark purple-brown in cubensis), habitat (manure/substrate-grown vs. soil/wood debris), cap shape on maturity, and bruising reaction (Psilocybes bruise blue) are critical safety indicators. Always use proper identification methods and obtain from verified 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.
