Golden Teacher is a very popular psychedelic mushroom strain, but there’s an air of mystery around it, as well. It’s relatively new as far as psilocybin mushroom strains are concerned and has gained a following among home growers.
But what are Golden Teachers, where do they come from, what do they look like, and what else do you need to know about them?
What are Golden Teacher Magic Mushrooms?
The Golden Teacher mushroom is a cultivar within the Psilocybe cubensis species. It’s a term that has been used to reference all Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms, but this is not accurate.
These mushrooms are medium strength and so they have been recommended for inexperienced users. You’ll often hear them referred to as a “gateway shroom” for this reason.
However, as with all psilocybin mushrooms, it depends on the dose, and in large doses, they can be just as potent as much stronger strains.
What is the History of Golden Teacher Mushrooms?
We know a surprising amount about the history of magic mushroom strains.
Lizard King mushrooms were discovered in northern Mexico and named for a legendary mycologist. Penis Envy has a long, complicated, and disputed story involving last words scribbled on paper, strippers, and more.
So, what about Golden Teachers? Were they discovered by a legendary shaman? Did adventurous foragers stumble upon them 100 years ago?
We don’t actually know. It’s agreed upon that they were discovered sometime during the 1980s, but the exact origins are unknown.
The name is believed to refer to the mushroom’s color and shamanistic properties, as it’s said that they can take you on a journey of discovery.
What Do Golden Teacher Mushrooms Look Like?
Golden Teacher mushrooms have golden caps and are much larger than most other magic mushrooms. The cap is curved and about 8cm in diameter.
The stipe of these mushrooms is hollow and tapers from the base to the top.
Golden Teacher Magic Mushroom Dosage
The recommended dose of Golden Teachers varies from between 1 and 2.5 grams, but it largely depends on whether you’re using fresh or dried mushrooms.
Magic mushroom newbies should stick with the lower end of those recommendations, as the experiences can vary from a euphoric and mildly psychedelic journey to intense ego death. If you’re not in the mood for the latter, keep those doses low.
Fresh Shrooms Dosage vs Dried Mushroom Dosage
When you see a dose recommendation of 1 or 2 grams, it’s for dried mushrooms. Dried mushrooms are more common and they are also preferred, as you need a smaller dose to achieve the desired effects and the mushrooms don’t spoil as easily.
If you’re using fresh magic mushrooms, increase by a factor of 10, which means that a 1g dose of dried mushrooms equates to a 10g dose of fresh mushrooms.
If you’re micro-dosing, take 10% of the recommended dose. It’s enough to trigger effects, but not enough to cause an intense high.
How Strong are Golden Teachers?
If we’re talking about dried mushrooms, the Golden Teacher is of moderate strength. This means that a low dose is anywhere from 0.25 to 1g, with even lower doses falling under the “micro-dose” bracket.
The medium level, as noted above, is around 1 to 2.5g. If you want a stronger experience, you can go as high as 5 grams.
The most intense experiences are provided with doses of more than 5g, but at this level, you really need to know what you’re doing and be prepared for an intense journey.
Effects of Golden Teacher Shrooms
The effects of magic mushrooms are more reliant on the dose, set, and setting than the magic mushroom strain. Focus less on whether the strain is right for you and more on getting the dose right and preparing both your mindset and environment.
Psychedelic drugs need to be treated with respect. They’re not like opiates or stimulants, drugs that will pretty much feel the same regardless of where you are or how you feel. The effects can vary greatly depending on whether you’re relaxed or anxious, scared or content.
To avoid a bad trip, start by choosing the right dose. If you don’t have any experience with psychedelics, consider micro-dosing.
After that, find a relaxing setting, preferably with friends that you trust and are comfortable with.
Of course, even the most optimal conditions won’t guarantee a great experience, but they will make a huge difference.
Some of the effects associated with Golden Teachers include:
- Visual and auditory hallucinations
- Euphoria
- Nausea
- Changes in perception
- Relaxation
- Muscle Weakness
- Creativity
- A deeper connection to your surroundings
All psychedelic experiences (particularly the spiritual effects) can vary from user to user. However, if you’re curious about the potential effects, you should look into experience reports. There is no shortage of these out there and they’ll give you an insight into the ideal dose and setting for your journey with Golden Teachers.
How Do Golden Teachers Grow?
If you’re thinking of growing Golden Teachers, first make sure that you’re actually getting what you paid for.
The concept of strains in the mushroom world is somewhat loosely defined, and while it’s easy to detect varieties like Penis Envy, Golden Teachers can be confused with other Psilocybe cubensis strains.
Growing mushrooms from spore to harvest takes around 6 to 8 weeks and requires a steady temperature of between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Check your local laws if you’re growing mushrooms, buying mushroom spores, or even consuming mushrooms found in the wild. The cultivation, sale, and use of magic mushrooms has been decriminalized in many countries and regions, but it’s still illegal in countless others.
How Much Do Golden Teachers Yield?
Let’s assume that you’ve checked the legal status, understood your position, and then grown your own Golden Teachers. What kind of yield can you expect?
Well, these mushrooms don’t fruit as abundantly as other strains of magic mushrooms, but they are much bigger, and this more than makes up for it.
The second flush is often the best and produces massive yields.
In that sense, it’s more about quality over quantity. The yield might be limited, but the size is immense.
Can you Buy Golden Teacher Spores in the United States?
Technically, magic mushroom spores are legal in most US states, and in many other countries. This is true even in locations where psilocybin mushrooms are illegal.
Why you ask? Well, it’s because spores don’t contain any psilocybin, the main hallucinogenic compound. This puts them firmly in a grey area and creates a loophole that means you can buy spores in many countries worldwide.
Summary: Golden Teacher Magic Mushrooms
Golden Teachers are a Psilocybe cubensis strain likely discovered sometime in the 1980s. They are far from one of the most potent strains, but they are very popular, nonetheless.
As with all magic mushrooms, Golden Teachers should be treated with respect. So, choose a dose that provides the kind of psychedelic experience you’re comfortable with, get the set and setting right, and enjoy the journey.