TAT - True Albino Teacher (Psilocybe Cubensis)
Psilocybe Cubensis
Visual Identification
What is TAT? A Complete Overview
TAT, short for "True Albino Teacher," is a unique and highly respected strain of Psilocybe cubensis known for its strikingly pale white appearance and spiritual potency. Unlike typical albino mutations that often still exhibit some pigment, TAT is a true albino variant lacking melanin entirely, resulting in ghostly-white caps and stems with notable blue bruising when handled. The caps are medium-sized and rarely open fully like other strains, remaining somewhat bulbous and closed, contributing to their mystique. Optimal growing conditions are maintained in all in one mushroom grow kits and monotub containers.
TAT originated as an albino version of the renowned Golden Teacher strain, hence the 'Teacher' in the name. Though genetically related to Golden Teacher, TAT offers distinct visual and experiential differences. The stems are dense and thick, often twisted, and the veil remnants cling tightly to the cap. As a potent strain, TAT produces a reliable trip that is praised for its visual clarity, introspective depth, and spiritual resonance. It's a preferred option for experienced psychonauts seeking visionary journeys.
This distinctive mushroom is a cultivar, meaning it has been propagated within mycology circles rather than found in the wild. Highly valued by collectors and growers alike, TAT is often cloned and stabilized for further breeding purposes, spawning multiple subtypes including TAT Syndicate and TAT Smurf, each with their own subtle variances.
Taxonomic Classification
Origin and Cultural Significance of TAT
TAT's cultural significance stems from its lineage—being derived from the Golden Teacher strain, which has long held a mystical place in the modern psychedelic movement. Golden Teacher earned its name from its ability to guide users through reflective, spiritual, and philosophical thoughts. When the True Albino mutation was stabilized from this lineage, it garnered immediate attention in the underground mycological community for being one of the rare true albino mushroom cultivars.
While TAT is a modern cultivar and not known to have a historical presence among ancient cultures or indigenous tribes, its reverence comes from the new-age psychedelic ceremony and retreat communities. These communities, often practicing in legal jurisdictions like Jamaica or the Netherlands, have used TAT in ceremonial group trips due to its consistent strength and reportedly gentle onset followed by emotionally profound trips.
Online forums such as The Shroomery and Reddit's r/Mycology have chronicled the strain's evolution since its introduction around 2017–2018. It is considered a symbol of modern mushroom breeding excellence—a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary mycological science. Breeders in the mycological underground sometimes refer to the TAT strain as a "genetic artifact," preserving the best of classic spiritual psilocybin experiences in one albino phenotype.
How to Cultivate TAT
Difficulty Level: Moderately challenging - slower colonization speeds and sensitivity to environmental fluctuations, particularly humidity levels.
Substrate Requirements:
- Pre-sterilized milo grain bags for spawn (preferred for superior nutrient absorption)
- CVG substrate (coco coir, vermiculite, and gypsum blend)
- Traditional manure-based composts (acceptable alternative)
- All-in-One grow kits available for beginners
Environmental Conditions:
- Colonization Temperature: 75°F to 78°F (24°C–26°C)
- Fruiting Temperature: 68°F to 72°F (20°C–22°C)
- Humidity: 85%–95% consistently required
- Air Exchange: Regular fresh air exchange through automated fruiting chamber or monotub setup
- Lighting: Natural day-night cycle preferred
Timeline:
- Colonization: 3–4 weeks from spore inoculation to first flush
- Pinning stage: Small but potent pinsets with heavy bruising
- Harvesting: Handle carefully due to significant bluing potential
Important Note: Avoid the PF Tek (BRF) method as it often yields subpar results for TAT. The strain's slower growth and environmental sensitivity require patience, but serious cultivators appreciate the dense, albino flushes with significant bluing that indicates high psilocybin content.
Where Does TAT Typically Grow?
As a man-made cultivar, TAT does not naturally grow in the wild. However, understanding its parent strain's ecological preferences helps recreate optimal artificial conditions. Golden Teacher, the parent of TAT, was originally associated with tropical and subtropical climates, thriving in semi-open areas rich in decaying organic matter. These include meadows, cattle pastures, and forest edges at low to moderate altitudes under humid, warm conditions.
For indoor growers replicating TAT's ideal habitat, key environmental features include:
- High humidity (85%–95%)
- Moderate warmth (72°F–78°F during incubation, slightly cooler during fruiting)
- Low light exposure with natural day-night cycle
- Minimal air contaminants
- Substrates rich in cellulose, such as hydrated coco coir and vermiculite
These conditions mimic the nutrient-dense environment of decaying forest matter. While wild analogues don't exist for TAT due to its albino nature and laboratory origins, its artificial growing environment mirrors the ecological conditions of similar wild Psilocybe cubensis strains found in Southeast Asia, Central America, and parts of the southern United States.
When is TAT in Season?
Year-round (indoors cultivation only); N/A wild - as a laboratory-developed cultivar, TAT is available whenever cultivation conditions are maintained indoors.
Is TAT Edible or Toxic?
Toxicity Information:
TAT is not toxic under normal dosages and responsible use; however, as a hallucinogenic edible, it carries physiological and psychological risks similar to other high-dose psilocybin strains. Side effects can include nausea, tremors, anxiety, and in rare cases, prolonged states of confusion or panic. TAT is reported to have a strong come-up phase, sometimes accompanied by disorientation or unsettling derealization.
Physical Risks:
- High-dose experiences ("heroic doses" greater than 3.5g dried) can be overwhelming
- Risk of ego-dissolution requires psychological readiness
- Improper cultivation can introduce pathogens or allergens
- Always discard yields with unusual odors, green/black discoloration, or slimy textures
Contraindications:
TAT reacts negatively in individuals with underlying psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Though non-addictive and pharmacologically safe in most cases, avoid mixing with stimulant drugs or MAOIs to reduce complications. Users should always ensure trips are taken in a safe, supervised space with low external stimuli.
What are the Medicinal Uses for TAT?
Though largely prized for its psychedelic effects, TAT is increasingly discussed in the context of potential therapeutic and medicinal applications—many derived from its species, Psilocybe cubensis, and extrapolated from modern research on psilocybin. Clinical studies on psilocybin have yielded promising results for depression, anxiety (especially in cases of terminal illness), PTSD, and substance addiction.
Potential Benefits:
- Mental Health Applications: Alleviation of treatment-resistant depression and interrupting patterns of addiction (nicotine, alcohol, opioids)
- Emotional Wellness: Reduction of existential anxiety and grief, enhanced openness and long-term mood elevation
- Therapeutic Journeys: TAT's reportedly smoother emotional trajectory makes it suitable for self-guided therapeutic trips in legal jurisdictions
- Microdosing Applications: Viable for microdosing protocols, though lower-than-average amounts (~0.05–0.075g dried) are recommended due to high potency
While specific clinical trials have not been conducted exclusively for the TAT strain, its high psilocybin concentration makes it a compelling candidate for therapeutic applications. Reported anecdotal experiences describe emotionally cathartic and introspective journeys that can foster neural flexibility and emotional resilience through default mode network derestriction.
Important: Therapeutic applications are still under study. Always consult healthcare professionals before considering medicinal use.
What Drugs Interact with TAT?
Dangerous Interactions:
- SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): May dampen the effects of psilocybin by blunting serotonin receptor activity, leading to unpredictable or diminished trips
- MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors): Extremely dangerous - can amplify effects dangerously, increasing risk of serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening
- Lithium: Extremely hazardous - known to elevate risk of seizures, mania, and psychosis when combined with psilocybin
- Tricyclic antidepressants & antipsychotics: Can increase side effect risks such as disorientation, confusion, and cardiovascular strain
Other Considerations:
- Benzodiazepines: Often used to abort trips but can downregulate trip intensity - should be used with discretion
- Lion's Mane: May support neurogenesis when combined with microdoses of TAT
- CBD: Used by some to calm trip anxiety, though reports are varied
- Niacin: Occasionally used in stacking formulas but should be administered carefully
Important: Always avoid poly-drug use with psychedelics unless under medical supervision or therapeutic guidance in legal settings. Mixing substances with TAT in recreational environments raises risk factors significantly.
What Mushrooms Look Like TAT?
Although TAT is a cultivated albino strain typically grown in sterile indoor environments, if found outside or poorly labeled, it could potentially be confused with other pale or white mushrooms:
- Leucocoprinus birnbaumii (Yellow Houseplant Mushroom): Though yellow instead of full albino, young specimens may initially appear pale. Non-toxic but not edible
- Amanita species (Destroying Angel): Deadly toxic and stark white in appearance. Despite broader caps and volvas, careless identification might confuse them for TAT when young
- Entoloma species: Some pale Entoloma fungi are toxic and grow in fields or lawns. Their convex caps and pink gills differ subtly once mature
- Albino Coprinus species (Ink Caps): Some inkcaps appear white initially but are not psychoactive or edible
Safety Note: TAT mushrooms bruise blue at points of handling—a key identifier for psilocybin-rich mushrooms. However, the absence of this bruising or presence of a volva, ring, or white spore print should serve as a red flag. TAT should not be foraged in the wild. Cultivation from known spore syringes or clones is the safest and only reliable method of acquisition.
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.
