The Canadian market is awash with a variety of cubensis mushrooms, the result of extensive crossbreeding.
While well-known strains such as Penis Envy, Golden Teacher, and Blue Meanies are common, there’s a growing interest in lesser-known varieties like the Alacabenzi strain. This strain is particularly appreciated by those seeking a unique blend of subtlety and euphoria.
A Notable Mushroom Strain of Enigmatic Origins with Unique Features
The Alacabenzi mushroom strain is a hybrid, celebrated for its large size and visually attractive appearance. It’s a popular choice for its hallucinogenic effects, given that it’s a psilocybin mushroom with inherent psychoactive qualities. Consumers who seek a balanced psychedelic experience — not overly powerful yet not too gentle — favor it.
A Brief History
This strain is the outcome of crossbreeding Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms (Alabama cubensis) with Mexican cubensis.
Psilocybes are a species found in abundance in tropical and subtropical regions where they thrive in cow dung and other organic materials. The Mexican variety has a deep-rooted place in indigenous spiritual customs. The blend of these two strains resulted in a mushroom known for vigorous growth and significant psychedelic effects.
The Alacabenzi Psilocybe cubensis strain incorporates the best attributes from its progenitors – it’s straightforward to cultivate and delivers a profound psychedelic experience.
Cultural Significance
Mexico is home to a wide range of magic mushrooms that have served indigenous communities for thousands of years as tools for visionary and spiritual communication. The earliest documented use of these mushrooms is found in the records of the Tezozomoc. The Aztec Indians of South America referred to them as teonanacatl, meaning “flesh of the gods,” and used them in religious and healing rituals.
Physical Attributes
The Psilocybe mushrooms display sturdy and visually pleasing physical characteristics. They are sizeable and produce symmetrical mushrooms.
Caps:
- They feature large, golden-brown caps, similar to the Golden Teacher variety.
- They display a smooth surface that transitions from convex to flat as they mature.
- Preserves its size and shape, even after drying.
Stems:
- Thick, strong stems provide a sturdy foundation for the caps.
- The stems are white or off-white, featuring a slightly fibrous texture.
- They are easy to manage during both the growing and harvesting stages.
Gills:
- They have dense gills that change color from light gray to a deep purple-brown.
- The spore print showcases a dark purplish-brown color.
Potency and Effects
The potency of these mushrooms varies depending on the substrate materials and nutrient content, with the psilocybin content and strength affected by the diet of the cows. Alacabenzi magic mushrooms are moderately potent, making them suitable for beginners and those preferring a mellow mushroom experience.
A comparison of potency levels among different strains:
| Strain | Average Total Tryptamines | Average Psilocybin Content | Average Psilocin Content | Peak Tryptamine Content |
| Penis Envy | 1.15% | 0.96% | 0.15% | 2.90% |
| Amazonian | 1.36% | 1.12% | 0.20% | 1.85% |
| Golden Teachers | 0.73% | 0.66% | 0.05% | 1.35% |
| Blue Meanies | 0.75% | 0.67% | 0.05% | 0.87% |
| Alacabenzi | 0.68% | 0.67% | 0.02% | 0.68% |
When put side by side with the well-known Penis Envy mushroom, it has a significantly lower peak tryptamine content. It also lags behind other traditional strains from the Psilocybe cubensis family.
Physical and Psychological Effects
These magic mushrooms trigger both physical and psychological effects to different degrees. Psilocybin and psilocin produce alterations in perception, mood, and thought by interacting with serotonin receptors. This interaction induces feelings of joy, serenity, and a sense of spiritual oneness, accompanied by auditory illusions and visual phenomena.
Physical Effects:
- Pupil dilation.
- Slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate, especially at higher doses.
- Feeling of nausea
- Occasional instances of vomiting or diarrhea.
- Trembling, muscle discomfort, and a sense of imbalance.
Note: These physical effects are generally mild and do not significantly interfere with consumption. You can still enjoy the psychological benefits of the strain, provided you have sufficiently prepared for your journey.
Mental Effects:
- Altered perception where objects can change in size or shape, and colors may appear more vibrant or muted.
- Synesthesia – experiencing auditory or olfactory inputs as visual stimuli.
- Changes in patterns and textures, and surfaces may ripple or seem to breathe.
- Complex geometric figures like fractals or mandalas may appear to move or pulsate.
- Moving objects may leave trailing images or aftereffects.
High or Low: What’s the Better Fit for You?
For beginners, starting with a lower dose is a safer approach. However, some people prefer medium to high doses for their relative less intense psychedelic effects compared to other strains. Determining the right dosage is critical for a pleasant experience.
| Dose | Weight (g) | Psilocybin (mg) | Potential Effect |
| Micro | 0.05-0.25g | 2.5mg | Mood improvementIncreased focusEnhanced mental stamina |
| Low | 1mg | 10mg | JoyAmplified sensesDisorganized thought process |
| Medium | 1.75g | 17.5mg | Profound joyVisual DistortionsMild hallucinations |
| High | 3.5g | 35mg | Intense joyVisual aberrationsStrong hallucinationsAltered perception of reality |
| Heroic | 5g+ | 50mg+ | Extreme blissVisual anomaliesIntense hallucinationsDrastically altered perception of reality |
Regardless of the dose, the duration of the trip generally lasts between 4 and 6 hours, sometimes up to 8 hours for higher doses. After the peak, the effects gradually diminish, leaving you feeling normal after approximately 6 to 12 hours. However, the exact duration can vary based on your body’s metabolism and the dose consumed.
It’s worth noting that consuming a meal before taking the mushrooms can slow down the onset of the effects. Similarly, grapefruit juice can potentially extend the duration of the trip due to its ability to inhibit certain enzymes in your body.
Potential Risks and Safety Precautions
Like with any psychedelic substance, consumption of magic mushrooms carries potential risks. It’s crucial to be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions before embarking on a psychedelic journey.
Physical risks are relatively low with magic mushrooms, but they can cause discomfort, such as nausea and vomiting. In rare cases, individuals with a predisposition to mental health issues may experience adverse psychological reactions, including anxiety and paranoia.
It’s essential to start with a low dose, especially if you’re new to psychedelics. Always have a sober individual present during your trip, known as a ‘trip sitter,’ who can assist you if needed. Finally, make sure you’re in a safe, comfortable environment before consuming the mushrooms.
Remember, the goal of a psychedelic journey is not just to ‘trip’ but to explore your mind and gain insight. Be patient, take your time, and respect the power of the mushrooms.
Final Thoughts
Psilocybin mushrooms can provide a profound, transformative experience when used responsibly. Whether you’re seeking a gentle mood boost or a deep dive into the recesses of your mind, magic mushrooms can be a potent tool for self-exploration. However, as with any potent substance, it’s vital to approach your journey with respect and caution, ensuring your safety and wellbeing throughout the experience.