Hero Magic Mushrooms

Hero is a variety of Psilocybe cubensis that grows large and sturdy, with thick stems and rich brown caps. Its name is a nod to the idea of the hero's journey, and it has a following among people who like a strain with character.

Hero is usually described as bold and adventurous, a common next step for people who have tried a classic strain such as Golden Teacher and know how they respond. As with every strain, those descriptions are subjective and potency varies by batch. Sold whole and dried by weight, from 1 g up to 28 g.

Dried mushrooms are the most traditional way to take psilocybin. Some people eat them as they are, others grind them and steep the powder in hot water as a tea, and some fill their own capsules for easier portioning. Many find that a light meal a few hours beforehand, rather than a full stomach, makes for a smoother start, and that ginger or lemon helps settle any queasiness.

Begin with a small amount, especially with a new batch. Psilocybin levels in dried mushrooms vary naturally, even within a single strain, so a cautious first session tells you how this particular bag affects you. Allow at least two hours before considering more, and plan for an experience that can last four to six hours.

Store your mushrooms in an airtight glass jar, ideally with a food-safe desiccant packet, somewhere cool, dark and dry. Keep the jar out of direct sunlight and away from the stove, and avoid the fridge, where condensation can form. Properly dried mushrooms should snap rather than bend; if they become soft, smell musty or show any sign of mould, discard them.

For your safety: choose a comfortable setting, keep a sober friend close for anything beyond a small amount, and never mix with alcohol or other drugs or drive afterwards. Psilocybin is not suitable for anyone under 19, pregnant or breastfeeding, with a personal or family history of psychosis or bipolar disorder, or taking lithium or antidepressants without medical advice. Store securely, away from children and pets.

New to this? Start low and go slow. Read our safety guide before you dive in.