Psilocybin Mushroom Shelf Life and Tips To Extend It

Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, have gained significant attention in recent months and years.

You have a close friend that recently began treatment with a local facilitator to manage some mental health symptoms and are curious to understand all the elements of use, storage, and potential risks. Is this something that would also be beneficial to manage your own past trauma and mental health concerns?

Psilocybin therapy can be helpful to many people treating a variety of concerns, but understanding the shelf life of the mushrooms and proper storage is crucial for safety and effectiveness if you are choosing to NOT ingest mushrooms at an Oregon licensed service center. Licensed service centers in Oregon are required to only serve psilocybin mushrooms that have been grown in a licensed manufacturing facility, tested for potency in a licensed lab and packaged with an expiration date clearly noted. 

Read further to understand psilocybin shelf life, proper storage, and what may happen if they are not stored and handled appropriately, if you are choosing to ingest mushrooms via an ‘underground’ method.

Can Psilocybin Mushrooms Go Bad?

Yes, psilocybin mushrooms can spoil and pose a serious risk of illness depending on what has changed their composition.

Old or compromised mushrooms don’t only taste bad; they can interfere with your treatment or experience. When mushrooms get older, they become less potent, and therefore the psychedelic experience may not be as powerful.

As psilocybin breaks down over time, the power of magic mushrooms diminishes, reducing their desired effects. In addition to reduced potency, some psychoactive compounds may remain in the mushroom, and it is a gamble — and potentially risky — to know what experience you will have.

To ensure the safety of consumption, test kits are available to determine the potency of your mushrooms prior to use.

4 Signs That Your Psilocybin Mushrooms Are Spoiled

Visual Signs

Before using your mushrooms, look for visual changes.

Visual changes that may indicate spoilage:

• Black or dark spots
• Fuzzy growth
• Unusual color
• Diminished vibrancy of color
• Shriveled appearance

Odors

Mushrooms are grown from the soil and plant debris, so they may already smell like the earth, and detecting unusual odors indicating spoilage may be challenging.

However, musty or rotten smells may be an indicator that your mushrooms have gone past the optimal shelf-life.

If you detect any unusual odors, it is probably wise not to use that batch.

Texture

When you obtain your mushrooms, take a good peek at their original texture.

Changes in the feeling or texture of the mushroom may indicate they have gone bad, such as:

• Slimy texture
• Extreme dryness
• Shriveled
• Crumbles when handled
• Fuzzy areas

Signs of Mold

Mold can grow on almost anything if warm or humid conditions are present.

Be sure to check your mushrooms for any signs or symptoms of mold such as green, black, or white growth or spots. Err on the side of caution and discard the mushrooms if you suspect any mold growth.

How Long Can Psilocybin Mushrooms Last?

How long psilocybin mushrooms can be stored and utilized is dependent upon many factors.

Storage

Just like any other food or perishable items, some storage is better than others based on the product.

So what are the best storage methods for mushrooms?

• Keep away from sunlight.
• Glass containers or paper bags are preferred over plastic.
• Use food-grade desiccant packs to reduce moisture.
• Maintain consistent temperature in the storage area.
• Store dried mushrooms in an airtight container at room temperature (65-75°F) in a dark place.
• Fresh mushrooms should be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than five days between 35-40°F.

Temperature, humidity, and light exposure significantly impact mushroom preservation Excessive moisture accelerates deterioration and promotes mold growth.

Proper storage not only extends shelf life but also ensures safety. While these preservation methods are important, it’s crucial to understand that any substance use carries risks.

Dried Vs. Fresh

Your mushrooms can last from a few days to over a year, based on whether they are fresh, dried, or frozen.

Fresh mushrooms have a short shelf-life, typically lasting only a few days in the best conditions.

In contrast, dried mushrooms may last months or even years if stored appropriately. Drying mushrooms removes moisture, which in turn reduces the likelihood of spoilage and microbial growth on them.

Other Miscellaneous Factors

Things like extreme temperatures, moisture, sunlight, and storage mediums can all play a huge role in the shelf-life of your psilocybin mushrooms. If you want them to last as long as possible and produce the desired effects, be sure to keep all the suggestions in mind.

Mushrooms stored in mason jars usually have a shelf-life of six to twelve months. If they are stored in vacuum-sealed bags, they can last for up to two years.

Chocolate and honey also make for great mediums to store mushrooms. In chocolate, they can last between six to eighteen months, and in honey, they may last upwards of 18 months.

Tips To Extend the Psilocybin Mushroom Longevity

• Minimize exposure of your mushrooms to moisture, light or temperature fluctuations.
• Handle mushrooms with care to avoid contamination and spoilage.
• Proper storage and handling of mushrooms are critical to maintain their potency and safety.
• Mushroom-infused products are also susceptible to spoilage; be sure to check all products prior to use.

Risks of Using Psilocybin Mushrooms That Are Past Their Prime

Consuming spoiled or contaminated mushrooms can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even more severe illnesses. Along with physical symptoms, they may lead to bad trips, as the altered state of mind can exacerbate discomfort and anxiety during the experience.

Moldy mushrooms or compromised mushrooms can be dangerous for consumption due to the mycotoxins that may be present.

Conditions that may occur if moldy mushrooms are used:

• Respiratory or allergic reactions
• Salmonella
• E. Coli
• Aspergillus

Always be cautious, and when in doubt, discard any mushrooms that show signs of spoilage.

If you are concerned about substance use or experiencing adverse effects, reach out to your facilitator for guidance.

Learn How To Choose and Use the Best Psilocybin Mushrooms With Facilitator Training at Clinical Cognitive Training

​​Clinical Cognitive Training is leading the platform for psilocybin facilitator training in Oregon, positioning ourselves to train our students in the most comprehensive, cost-effective, and scientific manner.

Learn how to effectively assist clients with psilocybin therapy with the potential to help them improve their overall quality of life and possibly heal from past hurt and trauma.

If you think becoming a psilocybin facilitator might be right for you, contact us for more information. Our advisors can talk with you about our application, answer any questions, and schedule a tour.

We are here to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to assist with psychedelic therapy in Oregon and Colorado, contact us today!