Psilocybe tampanensis is the species behind the nickname Philosopher's Stones. It's one of the rarest psilocybin mushrooms in the world, and yet one of the best-known magic truffles. How does that work? In this post you'll learn where the species comes from, what the truffles contain, how to grow your own with a grow kit and what to watch out for if you use them.
What is Psilocybe tampanensis?
In 1977 the American mycologist Steven Pollock found a single mushroom in a sandy meadow near Tampa, Florida. Together with the Mexican mycologist Gastón Guzmán he described the species in 1978 and named it Psilocybe tampanensis after the place it was found. After that, it wasn't found in Florida again for decades. Guzmán did report a find in a similar sandy meadow in Mississippi in 1996.
Pollock kept cultivating the mushroom and discovered that it forms sclerotia: hard, tuber-like clumps of mycelium underground. Those sclerotia are what we call magic truffles. In 1981 Pollock was granted a US patent on a method to grow them. The tampanensis truffles on sale today trace back to his find.
Mushroom or truffle?
The mushroom itself is small: a yellow-brown cap of at most 2.4 cm (about 1 in) on a thin stem up to 6 cm (2.4 in), with a purple-brown spore print. Damaged flesh bruises blue. In shops, though, you'll almost only find the sclerotia. They look like knobbly, light brown to ochre pebbles, hence the nickname Philosopher's Stones.
| Truffle species | Origin | Notable fact |
|---|---|---|
| Psilocybe tampanensis | Florida, USA (1977) | One wild find, all cultures trace back to it |
| Psilocybe mexicana | Mexico | Albert Hofmann isolated psilocybin from it in 1958 |
| Psilocybe atlantis | Georgia, USA | Named after the city of Atlanta |
What does it contain?
Tampanensis truffles contain psilocybin and psilocin. Your body converts psilocybin into psilocin, which acts mainly on the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor in the brain. In measurements of sclerotia, psilocybin content ranged from 0.31 to 0.68 percent of dry weight, depending on the substrate they grew on. Fresh truffles are largely water, so the content per gram of fresh truffle is lower.
Users describe tampanensis as moderately strong, with both visual and introspective effects. According to our product information, you usually notice something after 30 to 60 minutes and a trip lasts about 4 to 6 hours. How strong it is for you depends on the amount, your body, your mood and your surroundings.
Which form suits you?
| Product | Form | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Tampanensis magic truffles | Fresh truffles, vacuum-packed | When you want fresh truffles right away |
| 2X Growkit Tampanensis | Two 565 ml grow tubs | When you want to harvest your own, 20 to 80 grams per tub on average |
Also browse the other species in our magic truffles range, or first read what magic truffles actually are.
Growing tampanensis with a grow kit
A truffle grow kit is a sealed tub of colonised substrate. You don't need to sterilise or inoculate anything, just be patient.
- Give the kit a fixed spot. Room temperature, ideally 21 to 23 °C (70 to 73 °F), out of direct sunlight.
- Avoid temperature swings. Not next to a radiator or a draughty window.
- Leave it alone. Don't open the tub in between. After a few weeks you'll see the truffles growing in the substrate.
- Choose when to harvest. You can harvest after at least 4 weeks, or let them grow for up to 20 weeks.
- Harvest and rinse. Empty the tub into a colander and rinse with tap water. Gently rub the substrate off with your hands.
Storage
Keep fresh truffles in the fridge. Home-grown truffles keep for at least two weeks but are best in the first few days. Store bought, vacuum-packed truffles at 4 to 8 °C (39 to 46 °F) and use them within a month.
Common mistakes
- Putting the kit in the sun or by a heater: too much heat or changing temperatures slow growth.
- Opening the tub repeatedly: it lets in mould spores and bacteria.
- Harvesting too early: before 4 weeks the truffles are still small.
- Leaving fresh truffles out of the fridge: they spoil quickly.
- Guessing the amount: read the product page and start low, especially the first time.
Safety
- Set and setting: only take truffles when you feel good, in a calm, familiar place. A sober trip sitter is a good idea, especially the first time.
- Combinations: don't combine with alcohol, cannabis or other substances. On lithium, MAO inhibitors (such as Syrian rue or ayahuasca) or antidepressants? Don't use without talking to a doctor.
- Mental health: if you or a close family member have had psychosis or bipolar disorder, don't use psilocybin.
- Driving: don't drive until you've fully recovered, including the next day if you don't feel clear yet.
- Pregnancy: do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Avalon doesn't give personal usage advice, and all our products are for adults aged 18 and over only. Read our detailed magic truffles guide, and see Erowid or Shroomery for more background.
Is tampanensis legal?
In the Netherlands, magic mushrooms have been on List II of the Opium Act since 2008, but that ban doesn't cover truffles. That's why magic truffles can be sold there. In most other countries, including Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, the UK and the US, psilocybin is a controlled substance and truffles fall under that too. You are responsible for the rules in your own country.
Frequently asked questions
Why is tampanensis called Philosopher's Stones?
The sclerotia look like little pebbles, and the nickname refers to the legendary philosopher's stone. Users also link it to the philosophical, introspective side of the trip.
Is tampanensis strong?
It's usually described as moderately strong. Actual strength varies by batch and depends on how much you take.
How long does a tampanensis trip last?
According to the product information, about 4 to 6 hours, with first effects after 30 to 60 minutes.
Does tampanensis still grow in the wild?
It's extremely rare. After the 1977 find near Tampa, only one more find has been described, in Mississippi in 1996.
How long does it take to grow tampanensis?
With a grow kit, at least 4 weeks, and you can let the truffles grow for up to 20 weeks.
Where can I buy tampanensis truffles?
At Avalon you'll find fresh tampanensis truffles and the tampanensis grow kit to grow your own.
Sources: Guzmán & Pollock (1978) Mycotaxon, Stamets "Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World" (1996), Wikipedia "Psilocybe tampanensis", Erowid Psilocybin Mushrooms Vault.
