It probably won’t surprise you to learn that the Enigma mushroom is one of the more mysterious species in the psilocybin family. As is often the case with rare and mysterious things, they are sought after, especially if they have strong psychedelic properties.
What is the Enigma Mushroom?
Enigma mushrooms are a mutated form of the popular mushroom Psilocybe cubensis. It’s quite a Frankenstein-esque origin, but technically it’s not a “species”. It is essentially the result of crossing two species of fungi that would not naturally reproduce together.
This results in Enigma being unable to produce spores, meaning it is sterile; It’s like breeding a horse with a donkey and eventually getting a mule. This means that there is only one generation of the Enigma mushroom: it can only be reproduced by cloning. A completely human intervention.
The origin of the Enigma mushroom
While the exact origin story of the mystery remains, fittingly, a mystery, there are still some rumors and legends in the mushroom community. Most agree that this mutation did not occur in a natural environment. It was indeed human intervention that created this fungus. Enigma’s mutation is due to external factors that most likely do not occur in nature.
This type of mutation is not only observed in P. cubensis but can also occur in other fungal species. Not a specially bred species, but a deliberate crossing or mutation of two mating types which, let’s say, naturally would never have “come together”.
Enigma is believed to be an isolated mutation of the “Tidalwave” Cubensis strain, itself the product of crossing the B+ and Penis Envy strains.
In general, different species, offshoots and varieties of P. cubensis are difficult to distinguish from each other based on appearance alone. But Enigma also embraces this trend. Possibly due to the natural incompatibility of their parents, this mutation is markedly different from the rest of the mushroom clan.
The properties of the Enigma mushroom
Enigma mushrooms are characterized by a lump-like shape reminiscent of lumpy, gray brain matter. It does not form a cap or spores and cannot form a viable fruiting body.
How effective is the Enigma mushroom?
Some claim that Enigma mushrooms have a higher potency than other species of P. Cubensis – even the coveted Penis Envy mushroom. However, it is not that simple. As with all psychedelic mushrooms, effectiveness depends on several factors, including growing conditions and the external environment.
The latest results from the Oakland Hyphae Cup Report, which compares and analyzes many fungal strains tested in the laboratory, include three different Enigma fungi.
A mushroom called Enigma B had an impressive strength of 9.3 milligrams of psilocybin per gram. Another, Enigma Tony, contained 8.4 milligrams of psilocybin per gram. Pretty intense mushroom, isn’t it? As evidence of the extent to which environmental and growth factors can affect potency, the second Enigma strain, called Enigma Revert, contains only 1.8 milligrams of psilocybin per gram.
How to Grow Enigma Mushrooms
Like other P. cubensis species, Enigma mushrooms have their likes and dislikes when it comes to growing conditions. Common factors affecting their growth include temperature, humidity, substrate and culture media.
As Harris explains, the preferred substrate for the Enigma mushroom contains gypsum and coconut. These materials provide the essential nutrients and environment in which the mycelium can colonize the substrate and thrive.
Enigma fungi are said to thrive best in a temperature range of 24–27 °C (75–81 °F) during colonization. During the harvest phase, they prefer a slightly lower 21-24°C (70-75°F). The optimum humidity for the early stages of cultivation is about 95-100%.
(As a side note, Enigma can even withstand slightly lower temperatures than most other P. cubensis varieties due to its accordion-like mutant form.)
According to Harris, on average the entire growing process takes about a month longer than the average cubensis variety. Enigma requires a bit more attention and patience. It can take growers between 6 and 8 weeks from the start of the inoculation process to harvest.
Bollinger adds that the Enigma Mushroom is usually a more volatile growth project than your standard Cubensis. It is not unusual to get different results. This can range from exciting to frustrating for farmers.
How are Enigma mushroom trips?
Enigma mushroom thrips are similar to other Psilocybe cubensis thrips, but there are some reported differences.
While some people claim that different strains produce different journeys, others believe that all strains produce the same results. Enigma mushrooms are known for their unusual growth habit and strange appearance, but Enigma mushroom thrips are not much different from other species of Psilocybe cubensis.
The effects of Enigma mushrooms are dose-dependent, meaning that lower doses can produce mood and thought changes without inducing hallucinations. Meanwhile, higher doses of Enigma mushrooms can cause some pretty wild hallucinations and an altered sense of reality.
In terms of altered moods, Enigma mushrooms can bring about feelings of euphoria and connection, but also the potential fear of a bad trip that can accompany any mushroom trip. Enigma mushrooms can also cause physical effects such as incoordination, nausea and vomiting.
How to take Enigma mushrooms?
A popular method of consuming Enigma mushrooms is to make mushroom tea. As already mentioned, you can also eat it dried or even pickled in honey.
Where to buy Enigma mushrooms?
The secrets of this mushroom remained hidden from the public for a long time. Enigma was run by a small group that required invitation-only membership to sample it and learn how to clone it.
Enigma is now more widely available online – if you live in Canada, check out Blue Goba.
Are Enigma Mushrooms Illegal?
Possession of Enigma mushrooms is illegal in most countries. There are exceptions Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms are legal in Jamaica. Growing and selling psilocybin mushrooms is also legal in the Bahamas, although psilocybin itself is a controlled substance.
Although possession of magic mushrooms is still illegal in the United States, some states have decriminalized their use for medicinal purposes. As public attitudes towards psychedelics continue to evolve, more countries will likely follow suit and legalize the use of magic mushrooms. more information
Enigma mushrooms look weird because they’re a mutant strain of another type of mushroom that needs to be cloned in order to be produced.
Do Enigma mushrooms produce different trips compared to other types of magic mushrooms?
For the most part, the trips are going to be the same compared to other strains of Psilocybe cubensis. However, it’s been reported that there are some minor differences when on an Enigma mushroom trip.
Mazatapec mushroom is one of the “OGs” in the world of psychedelic mushrooms, but you’ll find a few things about it online. These shrooms were the first shrooms discovered as psychedelic mushrooms – a mushroom that contains psilocybin and psilocin (two psychoactive and hallucinogenic compounds).
