Strain Highlight: Psilocybe cubensis 'B+'
Psilocybe cubensis 'B+' is a popular strain among both cultivators and psychonauts, and for good reasons. Known for its versatility in cultivation, substantial size, and well-balanced psychedelic effects, B+ has become one of the most widely recognized and grown Psilocybe cubensis strains worldwide.
History and Origins
The B+ strain has been circulating in the cultivation community for decades, but its exact origins remain somewhat of a mystery. Despite the uncertainty of its lineage, this strain has secured its reputation for consistent performance and substantial yields, leading to its enduring popularity.
Physical Characteristics
B+ mushrooms are known for their sizeable fruiting bodies. Mature caps can span anywhere from 25 mm to over 50 mm in diameter, making them one of the larger cubensis strains. The caps often start as a conical shape in the young mushrooms and flatten out with maturity, taking on a light golden or caramel color.
The stems are typically sturdy, often long and thick, displaying a whitish or light yellowish hue. As with many psilocybin-containing species, the stems will bruise a blueish color where they have been damaged or handled.
The gills are densely spaced and start as a light gray, progressing to a dark purplish-black or almost black as the mushroom matures and the spores develop. The spore print, like other Psilocybe cubensis strains, is a dark purple-brown.
Cultivation
B+ is often recommended to novice cultivators due to its adaptability and robustness. It colonizes substrates quickly and is known for its resistance to many common contaminants. It can thrive on a variety of substrates, including grain, manure, straw, and coir-based mixtures, making it a versatile choice for various cultivation methods.
One notable feature of B+ is its ability to produce sizable flushes under optimal conditions. Its adaptability extends to fruiting environments as well, with B+ known to fruit well in both lower and higher temperatures compared to other cubensis strains.
Effects
Like all Psilocybe cubensis strains, B+ contains the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin, which can induce a variety of effects. These can include visual distortions, enhanced sensory experiences, a sense of time dilation, introspective insights, and various psychological and emotional shifts.
Users often report the B+ strain as offering a balanced, well-rounded psychedelic experience. It's commonly described as inducing a sense of euphoria, deep introspection, and a heightened appreciation for sounds, colors, and textures, which makes it a popular choice for those seeking both recreational and therapeutic effects.
Dosage
Typical dosages for dried B+ mushrooms range from 1-2.5 grams for beginners, 2.5-5 grams for intermediate users, and 5 grams or more for experienced users. As potency can vary between individual mushrooms and growing conditions, it's always recommended to start with a lower dose and increase slowly in subsequent experiences.
Final Thoughts
The Psilocybe cubensis 'B+' strain has earned its place in the mycological and psychedelic communities due to its reliable cultivation characteristics and balanced psychedelic effects. Whether you're a novice cultivator looking for a forgiving and robust strain to start with, or a psychonaut seeking a well-rounded and introspective experience, B+ may be an excellent choice.
As always, it's important to remember that the cultivation and possession of Psilocybe cubensis, including the B+ strain, may be illegal in certain jurisdictions. Be sure to understand your local laws before cultivating or consuming these mushrooms. Safety and respect for the power of these
substances should always be prioritized, and consider the set (mindset) and setting (environment) when planning a psychedelic experience.