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Science & Nature • Fungi

Psilocybe cubensis

Psilocybe cubensis is a species of psilocybin mushroom in the family Hymenogastraceae.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Psilocybe cubensis is a species of psilocybin mushroom in the family Hymenogastraceae. It is one of the best-known psychoactive mushrooms because it is widely distributed and relatively easy to cultivate. Its principal active compounds are psilocybin and psilocin.

Taxonomy

Psilocybe cubensis belongs to the family Hymenogastraceae and the order Agaricales. It was formerly known as Stropharia cubensis.

Description and chemistry

Psilocybe cubensis contains the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. It is generally described as a moderately potent psilocybin mushroom.

Distribution and habitat

Psilocybe cubensis is a pan-tropical species reported from the Americas, parts of Asia, Australia, and some Pacific islands. It commonly occurs in humid pasture environments and on herbivore dung, particularly cattle dung.

Use and recognition

Psilocybe cubensis is one of the best-known psilocybin mushrooms because of its broad distribution and ease of cultivation. It is frequently referenced in discussions of psychedelic fungi. Although primarily a tropical species, it may be encountered in Canadian discussions of psychedelic fungi, cultivation, and drug policy.

Key facts

  • Psilocybe cubensis is a psilocybin-containing mushroom with moderate potency.
  • It is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, often growing on cattle dung.
  • It is one of the most widely recognized and cultivated psilocybin mushrooms.
  • It was previously classified as Stropharia cubensis.
  • Its principal active compounds are psilocybin and psilocin.
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Canadian context

There is no major Canada-specific association in the provided sources; Psilocybe cubensis is mainly documented as a tropical and subtropical species, though Canadian readers may encounter it in discussions of psychedelic fungi, cultivation, and drug policy.

Frequently asked questions

What is Psilocybe cubensis?
It is a species of psilocybin mushroom known for containing psilocybin and psilocin, compounds responsible for its psychoactive effects.
What family does it belong to?
It is placed in the family Hymenogastraceae.
Where does it grow?
It is found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions and often grows on cattle dung, horse dung, or rich pasture soil.
What was its former name?
It was previously known as Stropharia cubensis.
Why is it well known?
It is widely recognized because it is distributed across many regions and is relatively easy to cultivate.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybe_cubensis
    Supports: Taxonomy, common names, former name, active compounds, and broad distribution
  2. GBIF — https://www.gbif.org/species/113537487
    Supports: Distribution, habitat, family, and common names
  3. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/science/psilocybin-mushroom
    Supports: Psilocybin mushrooms including P. cubensis and their psychoactive compounds
  4. PubMed Central — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11856550/
    Supports: P. cubensis as a widely recognized and cultivated psilocybin mushroom; coprophilous habitat