Potency varies by harvest
Lab tests of dried P. cubensis measured psilocybin from 0.14% to 1.98% of dry weight. Differences between flushes of one strain were often larger than differences between strains.
Facts & data
Psilocybin, by the numbers.
What psilocybin is, why potency varies, how long it lasts and where the law stands in Canada, with every figure sourced.
A sourced fact sheet: what psilocybin is and how the body converts it to psilocin, why potency varies between strains and batches, typical timing, its legal status in Canada and the Canadian research behind it. Every figure links to its source at the bottom of the page.
- ~1%psilocybin in dried cubensis
- Sourcedevery figure
- 5 minread
Quick answer
Psilocybin is the naturally occurring compound in “magic mushrooms”; the body converts it to psilocin. Dried Psilocybe cubensis averages about 1% psilocybin by weight, with a typical range of 0.5–2%[2]. In Canada, psilocybin is a controlled substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act[1].
By the Fungi Delivery team · Updated · 5 min read
What psilocybin is
Psilocybin is a tryptamine compound made by more than 200 species of mushroom[1]. After it is swallowed, the body converts it to psilocin, the form that acts in the brain. Health Canada notes that many psilocybin mushrooms are hard to tell apart from poisonous species, which is why foraged mushrooms are a real risk[1].
Why potency varies
Psilocybin content is natural, so it differs between species, strains and even single mushrooms. Researchers put the average for dried Psilocybe cubensis at about 1% by weight, and the usual range at 0.5–2%[2]. That spread is the reason we file every strain in a potency class and show it on one strain index.
Timing and effects
According to Health Canada, effects usually begin within 15 to 45 minutes and last about four to six hours. Reported short-term effects include changes in perception and mood, as well as anxiety or paranoia, a faster heart rate and higher blood pressure. Health Canada also notes that no studies have yet looked at the long-term effects of repeated use[1].
If you take other medication or have a health condition, talk to a doctor. Fungi Delivery does not make medical claims.
Legal status in Canada
Psilocybin and psilocin are controlled under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Health Canada states that the production, sale and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal in Canada[1].
Health Canada lists three routes for regulated access: clinical trials (the route it prefers), the Special Access Program, and individual section 56(1) exemptions[1]. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Research in Canada
Health Canada describes clinical trials as “the most appropriate and effective way” to advance psilocybin research[1]. Research is ongoing, and study results are not a basis for self-treatment. For news from our cities, see Local News.
Quick answers
What is psilocybin?
A naturally occurring tryptamine found in more than 200 mushroom species. The body converts it to psilocin.
How much psilocybin is in dried magic mushrooms?
Dried Psilocybe cubensis averages about 1% psilocybin by weight, typically between 0.5% and 2% depending on species and batch (MacCallum et al., 2022).
How long do effects last?
Health Canada says effects usually start within 15–45 minutes and last about 4–6 hours.
Is psilocybin legal in Canada?
It is a controlled substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Health Canada lists clinical trials, the Special Access Program and section 56(1) exemptions as the regulated access routes.
Why do strains differ in strength?
Psilocybin content varies naturally. Fungi Delivery files each strain Low–Mid, Mid–High or High+ so they can be compared.
Sources
Research, summarised
What the studies found.
Caps vs stems, and storage
Caps held about 1.03 wt% and stems 0.52 wt%. Dried material stored dark at room temperature decayed least; fresh mushrooms frozen at −80 °C decayed most.
Microdosing and placebo
A self-blinding study of 191 people found similar improvements in microdose and placebo groups.
Microdosing, observational
Over 30 days, 953 microdosers showed larger mood and mental-health gains than 180 controls. The design can’t rule out expectancy.
Clinical depression trial
24 adults received two psilocybin sessions with psychotherapy. At 4 weeks 71% had a 50%+ symptom drop and 54% were in remission. This was a supervised clinical setting.
How often things go wrong
In the Global Drug Survey, 19 of 9,233 users (0.2%) sought emergency treatment. Most-cited factors: wrong mindset (47%), wrong place (37%), mixing substances (37%).
Lithium is a red flag
In 62 online reports of lithium combined with a classic psychedelic, about 47% described seizures. Reports involving lamotrigine described none.
Why mushrooms bruise blue
Injury lets enzymes convert psilocybin to psilocin, which oxidises into blue compounds. Blueing shows psilocin breaking down, not how strong a mushroom is.
Research summaries are for education. They are not medical advice or a recommendation to use psilocybin.
Questions
Quick answers.
Where can I ask a question?
In the community hub, which also collects every answer we have published.
How much psilocybin is in dried mushrooms?
Dried Psilocybe cubensis averages about 1% by weight, typically 0.5–2%. Sources and detail on psilocybin facts.
Which strains are the gentlest?
The Low–Mid strains on the strain index, such as Golden Teacher and Shakti.
Are there tools for comparing prices?
Yes: price per gram, bundle savings and a weight converter on tools & calculators.