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Whether you’re new or familiar with magic mushrooms, one strain you’ve probably come across is Penis Envy mushrooms. From users to growers, its curious phallic shape and potent psychedelic effects have psychonauts talking. Here is what you need to know about this infamous mushroom strain.

If you’re in the psychedelic mushroom community long enough, you’ll probably hear the saying “A cube is a cube.” While this might ring true for most magic mushrooms, this statement often does not apply to Penis Envy mushrooms. Why? Their potency is known to be stronger than the average magic mushroom, so you’ll have to exercise a certain amount of caution before taking them.
In this article, we’ll explore the history, effects, dosing recommendations, and much more to help you better understand the Penis Envy strain.
Key highlights of Penis Envy:
- Potency: 3-6 times stronger than most Psilocybe cubensis strains.
- Effects: Euphoria, intense visuals, profound realizations, and a deep sense of relaxation.
- Best for: Intermediate and advanced psychonauts due to its strength.
What are Penis Envy mushrooms?
Penis Envy mushrooms are a particularly potent strain of Psilocybe cubensis, a species of psychedelic mushroom that contains the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. They’re known for their higher-than-average potency, often delivering intense and mind-bending experiences even at lower doses. Unlike many other mushroom strains, Penis Envy mushrooms are famed for their distinct phallic shape and strong psychedelic effects.
History
The history of Penis Envy mushrooms is a bit of a mystery and remains unconfirmed to this day. It’s widely believed that this strain was first discovered by the renowned ethnobotanist Terence McKenna, who reportedly found the original sample in the Colombian Amazon during the 1970s. Some believe the sample McKenna collected was actually the Amazonian mushroom, but either way, he brought back the spore print to the U.S.

From there, a mycologist named Steve Pollock allegedly got his hands on McKenna’s spores and began isolating the strongest genetics, eventually developing what we now know as the Penis Envy strain. While Pollock’s life was cut short in 1981, his work lived on through fellow mycologists like Rich Gee (Richard Guitierrez). He managed to clone Penis Envy and share it with growers, which played a pivotal role in its growing popularity.
Appearance
As the name suggests, Penis Envy mushrooms have a distinctive phallic shape with thick, bulbous caps and stout stems. To be frank, they look like a penis. Many will have light-to-dark brown caps and a tendency to bruise blue due, which is a common sign of high psilocybin content. This bruising is a natural reaction of psilocybin to oxygen and is often seen during harvest or handling.
Types of Penis Envy mushrooms
While the classic Penis Envy mushroom strain is the most well-known, there are actually a few variations. They include:
- Albino Penis Envy (APE): This variety has a ghostly white appearance and is known to be even more potent than the original.
- Penis Envy Uncut: A rare mutation of the strain that features a unique cap shape that doesn’t open fully, giving it an “uncut” appearance.
- Trans Envy: A hybrid strain that combines Penis Envy with the South African Transkei strain, resulting in a slightly different appearance and lower potency.
- Penis Envy #6: A hybrid of Penis Envy and Texas P. cubensis, this strain was developed to increase spore production while maintaining a significant potency level.
- Albino Penis Envy Revert: A stabilized mutant strain of Albino Penis Envy, it’s a unique variation that showcases some genetic diversity within the PE family.
Are Penis Envy mushrooms strong?

Yes, Penis Envy mushrooms are widely regarded as one of the strongest Psilocybe cubensis strains available. In fact, they are estimated to be 3 to 6 times more potent than the average magic mushroom. This is due to their higher concentration of psilocybin and psilocin, the active compounds responsible for the psychedelic effects. Because of this, Penis Envy shrooms are recommended primarily for intermediate to advanced users who are comfortable with intense psychedelic experiences.
For those looking for a stronger experience, Penis Envy mushrooms are definitely a go-to strain. However, beginners should approach them with caution and start with lower doses to avoid being overwhelmed by their effects.
Effects of Penis Envy mushrooms
The effects of Penis Envy mushrooms can be incredibly powerful and overwhelming, especially if you’re unprepared. Some of the most common Penis Envy mushroom effects include:
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Euphoria
- Sound distortions
- Heightened emotions
- Deep introspection
- Time dilation
- Nausea
- Ego death
- Spiritual feelings
The onset of effects typically begins about 30 to 60 minutes after consumption and can last anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. Keep in mind that the onset and duration will depend on your dose, metabolism, and tolerance. In addition, your mindset (set), environment (setting), and expectations can influence the type of experience you’ll have with PE mushrooms.
How to dose Penis Envy mushrooms
Because Penis Envy mushrooms are more potent than other strains, it’s important to be mindful of your dosage. While a moderate dose of another strain might be a casual experience, the same amount of Penis Envy shrooms can lead to a much more intense trip. Below is a general guide for dosing Penis Envy mushrooms:
- Microdose: 0.05g – 0.25g
- Mini-dose: 0.25g – 0.75g
- Moderate dose: 2.0g – 3.5g
- Heroic dose: 5.0g +
If you’re new to Penis Envy mushrooms, start with a lower dose and gradually work your way up to avoid an overwhelming experience or a bad trip.
Microdosing with Penis Envy mushrooms: is it a good idea?
Microdosing with Penis Envy mushrooms can be a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, the subtle benefits of microdosing, like enhanced creativity, improved mood, and increased focus, are appealing. But because Penis Envy mushrooms are significantly more potent than most other strains, microdosing them requires extra care.
What might be a perfect microdose with another strain could hit much harder with Penis Envy. To avoid overdoing it, it’s a good idea to start with a small amount—between 0.05g and 0.25g—and adjust based on how your body responds. Finding your personal threshold is key, so it’s worth working your way down until you find that sweet spot where the benefits are noticeable, but the psychedelic effects are not.
Potential therapeutic benefits of Penis Envy mushrooms
Recent research and anecdotal evidence suggest that Penis Envy mushrooms, like other magic mushroom strains, may offer a range of therapeutic benefits. These include:
- Alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression: Studies have shown that psilocybin can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, particularly in individuals who have not responded to traditional treatments.
- Reducing PTSD symptoms: Some research indicates that magic mushrooms could be helpful in managing the symptoms of PTSD by allowing individuals to process trauma in a new way.
- Promoting personal growth and introspection: Many users report life-changing insights and emotional breakthroughs during their experiences with Penis Envy mushrooms.
Potential risks and side effects of Penis Envy mushrooms
As with any psychedelic substance, there are potential risks associated with taking Penis Envy mushrooms. These include:
- Bad trips: Taking too high of a dose or having a negative mindset going into the experience can result in anxiety, paranoia, or disturbing thoughts.
- Nausea: Some users report feeling nauseous, especially during the onset of the trip.
- Flashbacks: In rare cases, individuals may experience flashbacks to their trip days or weeks after the experience, known as Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD).
Best ways to take Penis Envy mushrooms
There are several ways to consume Penis Envy mushrooms, but it really comes down to personal preference. The most straightforward option is to eat them dried—just chew them thoroughly to help break down the tough cell walls and aid absorption. If you’re not a fan of the earthy taste, you can mask it by making mushroom tea, which is easier on the stomach and offers a quicker onset of effects.
Another popular choice is mushroom edibles–mix them with honey, peanut butter, or chocolate to make it taste better. Some people also grind the mushrooms into a fine powder and pack them into capsules for a precise and more convenient dose. Whichever method you choose, remember that the Penis Envy mushroom strain is potent, so careful dosing is key.
How to safely trip on Penis Envy mushrooms
When preparing for a trip with Penis Envy mushrooms, it’s important to consider your “set and setting” — your mindset and the environment where the trip will take place. Be sure to:
- Choose a comfortable and safe location.
- Block out time to trip without distractions.
- Have a sober trip sitter present, especially if you’re new to psychedelics.
- Prepare for your trip by setting intentions and planning out any activities.
- Avoid mixing mushrooms with alcohol or other substances.
Where to buy Penis Envy mushrooms?
Thanks to its high psilocybin content, Penis Envy remains one of the most sought-after strains for psychonauts. Because of that, it’s generally available in physical and online mushroom dispensaries. However, if you’re uncomfortable with making a trip to a physical store, visit our online dispensary, Terra Astra. We offer premium dried mushrooms at competitive prices. Buy Penis Envy magic mushrooms and get discreet shipping all across Canada!