Research-Grade Reference

The Potency
Index

An interactive encyclopedia of Psilocybe cubensis strains, potency data from Oakland Hyphae Cup lab results, experience profiles, and evidence-based harm reduction guidance.

33
Strains Profiled
HPLC
Lab-Verified Data
8
Effect Dimensions

Every Strain, Documented

Filter, sort, and explore detailed profiles for 33 Psilocybe cubensis varieties. Potency data sourced from Oakland Hyphae Psilocybin Cup HPLC lab results where available. Click any card to expand full details.

All
Low
Moderate
High
Extreme

Tryptamine Content by Strain

Total tryptamine percentages (psilocybin + psilocin + minor alkaloids) by dry weight. Data from Oakland Hyphae Psilocybin Cup HPLC analysis where available; community estimates otherwise. Competition samples are cherry-picked; typical results will be lower.

Low (<0.70%)
Moderate (0.70-1.00%)
High (1.00-1.50%)
Extreme (>1.50%)

Map Your Journey

Visualize how dose and strain potency shape the psilocybin experience over time. Based on clinical pharmacokinetic data from Holze et al. (2023) and Johns Hopkins research.

2.5g

Multi-Dimensional Effects Radar

Compare subjective effect profiles across 8 dimensions. Select one or two strains to overlay. Based on community reports and clinical observation data.

Strain A

Side by Side

Select any two strains for a detailed statistical comparison with visual difference indicators.

vs

Personalized Guidance

Evidence-based dose recommendations adjusted by strain potency and experience level. Research shows body weight does not significantly affect psilocybin response (Garcia-Romeu et al., 2021).

Note: Clinical research from Johns Hopkins confirms body weight does not significantly predict psilocybin response intensity. Dose by experience level, not weight.

Difficulty Matrix

All strains rated across five cultivation dimensions. Filled dots indicate better performance. Sorted by overall ease of cultivation.

Strain Contam. Resistance Colonization Speed Fruiting Reliability Substrate Versatility Clone Stability Overall

Safety First, Always

Evidence-based guidance informed by clinical research from Johns Hopkins, Imperial College London, and MAPS/Zendo Project protocols.

Drug Interactions
Stomach & Timing
Lemon Tek
Ginger Protocol
Set & Setting
If Overwhelmed

Drug Interactions

Based on systematic reviews and clinical trial data. Always consult a physician before combining any substances.

Critical Risk Absolute Contraindications

Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)

Risk: Seizures and delirium. Analysis of experience reports found 47% of lithium + psychedelic combinations involved seizures. 39% required medical attention. This is an absolute contraindication. Note: Lamotrigine does NOT carry this risk (0% seizure rate).

MAOIs (Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, selegiline patch)

Risk: Serotonin toxicity, hypertensive crisis. MAO-A inhibition blocks psilocin metabolism, potentially causing dangerous serotonin accumulation. Minimum 2-week washout for irreversible MAOIs, 2-3 days for moclobemide.

Tramadol

Risk: Seizures and serotonin syndrome. Tramadol has serotonin reuptake inhibition plus independent seizure risk. Combined with psilocybin's serotonergic activity, risk compounds. Avoid this combination.

Moderate Risk Use Caution

SSRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram, etc.)

Effect: ~50% of users report significantly weakened psilocybin effects due to 5-HT2A receptor downregulation. Serotonin syndrome has NOT been documented in clinical studies. Low acute danger but substantially reduced benefit. Never abruptly discontinue SSRIs.

SNRIs (venlafaxine, duloxetine)

Similar to SSRIs: likely blunted effects. Higher noradrenergic activity at higher doses adds theoretical complexity. Consult prescribing physician.

Cannabis

Can intensify and alter the experience unpredictably, potentially increasing anxiety. No controlled studies. Avoid during psilocybin experiences, especially for less experienced users.

Lower Risk Notable Interactions

Benzodiazepines (diazepam, lorazepam)

Used as first-line rescue medication in clinical trials (10-30mg oral diazepam). Reduces anxiety without fully blocking the experience. Low interaction risk; appropriate as safety medication.

Antipsychotics

Block or attenuate effects via 5-HT2A antagonism. Can serve as "trip killers" but not recommended routinely due to side effect profiles.

Stomach & Food Timing

Timing food intake relative to dosing significantly affects onset, intensity, and nausea.

Recommended Approach

Light meal 2-4 hours before dosing, then fast until ingestion. Best balance of reliable absorption, stable blood sugar, and reduced nausea risk.

Timing Comparison

FULL FAST (6+ hours)

Fastest onset (20-30 min). Strongest intensity. But paradoxically higher nausea risk.

LIGHT MEAL 2-4 HRS PRIOR (recommended)

Moderate onset (30-45 min). Strong intensity. Lower nausea. The recommended balance.

FULL STOMACH

Slowest onset (45-90 min). Reduced intensity. Fatty foods worst.

Foods to Prefer

  • Light, easily digestible: toast, rice, banana, plain crackers
  • Small portions only
  • Stay well-hydrated throughout

Avoid Day-of

  • Heavy fats and greasy foods
  • Large meals close to dosing
  • Alcohol (dehydrating, impairs judgment)
  • Large amounts of caffeine (can increase anxiety)

Lemon Tek Protocol

A pre-digestion technique using citric acid. The theory is that lemon juice (pH ~2.0) facilitates dephosphorylation of psilocybin to psilocin outside the body. Mechanism plausible but unconfirmed in controlled studies.

Step-by-Step

1
Grind to Fine Powder

Use a coffee grinder to reduce dried mushrooms to the finest powder possible. Maximizes surface area.

2
Add Fresh Lemon Juice

Place powder in a glass. Squeeze 1-2 fresh lemons (enough to fully cover). Fresh juice preferred over bottled.

3
Soak 15-20 Minutes

Stir every 5 minutes. The mixture will darken. This is the conversion window.

4
Optional: Strain

Filter through cheesecloth to remove mushroom material. May further reduce nausea.

5
Drink Immediately

Consume entire liquid. Can mix with water, ginger tea, or honey to improve taste.

Expected Differences vs. Eating Dried

  • Faster onset: 10-20 minutes vs. 30-90 minutes
  • More intense peak: Compressed timeline concentrates effects
  • Shorter duration: 3-5 hours vs. 4-6+ hours
  • Reduced nausea for 50-70% of users
Reduce dose by 25-30% when using lemon tek. If your normal dose is 2.5g dried, try 1.7-1.9g via lemon tek.

Ginger for Nausea

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is well-established as an antiemetic. Active compounds (gingerols, shogaols) act as 5-HT3 receptor antagonists -- the same mechanism as ondansetron (Zofran).

Protocol

1
Take 30-45 Minutes Before Dosing

Allows ginger compounds to absorb and begin antiemetic action before mushroom ingestion.

2
Choose Your Form

Fresh ginger root tea: Slice/grate 1-2 inches, steep 10-15 min (best).
Ginger capsules: 500-1000mg standardized extract.
Crystallized ginger: Eat several pieces.
Ginger tea bags: Less potent but accessible.

3
Continue As Needed

Keep ginger tea or candied ginger on hand. Can consume more if nausea arises during the experience.

Pro Tip

Use fresh ginger tea as the liquid for lemon tek. Addresses nausea from two angles: ginger's antiemetic action plus lemon tek's faster absorption and chitin breakdown.

Set & Setting Checklist

Based on clinical protocols from Johns Hopkins (Johnson et al., 2008) and Imperial College London.

Environment (Setting)

  • Comfortable, familiar space -- not public
  • Living room feel, no clinical appearance
  • Comfortable seating/lying area with blankets
  • Temperature control available
  • Private restroom nearby
  • Sharp objects, glass, and hazards removed
  • Phone silenced and put away
  • Music playlist prepared, headphones available
  • Eyeshade available for introspective sessions
  • Water, light snacks, ginger tea accessible
  • No obligations for 8+ hours

Mindset (Set)

  • Emotionally stable baseline
  • Clear intention set
  • Accepted that challenging material may arise
  • No major stressors for 1-2 days after
  • Key mantra: "Trust, let go, and be open"
  • Understand what to expect (read Timeline section)

Support

  • Trusted sitter present (experienced, sober)
  • Sitter briefed on their role
  • Emergency contact identified
  • Integration plan (journal, someone to talk to)
  • No driving planned for remainder of day

If You Feel Overwhelmed

Based on the Zendo Project's Four Principles of Psychedelic Peer Support (MAPS). Remember: difficult is not the same as bad.

First: Breathe

Click the circle to start a guided breathing rhythm: 4 seconds in, 4 seconds hold, 4 seconds out.

Breathe

Core Reminders

  • "You took a substance. This will end. You are safe."
  • Effects will diminish within 2-4 hours
  • Difficult does not mean dangerous
  • Orient yourself: where you are, what time it is, who is with you

Grounding Techniques

PHYSICAL
  • Feel feet on the floor
  • Hold ice or cold cloth
  • Squeeze a pillow or blanket
  • Change position
  • Fresh air
SENSORY
  • Change the music
  • Adjust lighting
  • Remove headphones/eyeshade
  • Sip cool water
  • Touch a textured surface
EMOTIONAL
  • Name what you're feeling out loud
  • Approach difficulty, don't flee
  • "What is this trying to show me?"
  • "I chose this experience"
  • Let emotions flow -- crying is okay

What NOT to Do

  • Do NOT argue with the experience or try to logic your way out
  • Do NOT leave a safe environment
  • Do NOT take more mushrooms
  • Do NOT look at screens -- they often increase distress
  • Do NOT fight the experience -- resistance amplifies distress

For Sitters

  • Sit, don't guide. Be a calm anchor. Don't try to fix or direct.
  • Talk through, not down. Never say "it's just a drug" -- validate their experience.
  • Ask open-ended questions: "What are you experiencing?"
  • Offer hand-holding (with consent), cool cloths, water
  • Your calm is their anchor
  • If anxiety is severe and unresponsive: oral diazepam 10mg is clinical standard

Key Terms

Mycological, pharmacological, and cultivation terminology used throughout this guide.