About
Panaeolus cyanescens, commonly known as Blue Meanies, is a potent psychedelic mushroom species renowned for its high psilocybin and psilocin content. It is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions and is commonly found growing on dung, especially that of grazing animals. Its name "Blue Meanies" comes from the intense blue bruising it exhibits when handled and its powerful psychoactive effects, often considered stronger than those of Psilocybe cubensis.
History
This species has a long-standing use in indigenous and modern psychedelic traditions. It gained prominence during the psychedelic movement of the 1960s and 70s and remains popular in entheogenic circles today. Though not typically used in traditional rituals like other psilocybin species, it has found a place in personal spiritual practices, recreational use, and more recently, psychedelic therapy studies.
“Blue Meanies” is sometimes used to refer to a particularly potent Psilocybe cubensis variety, but taxonomically it refers specifically to Panaeolus cyanescens. The mushroom's extremely high alkaloid levels make it one of the most powerful naturally occurring psychedelic mushrooms.
Overview
Panaeolus cyanescens features thin, gray to whitish caps that often fade with age, measuring 1.5–4 cm wide. The gills are dark gray to black, and the stem is slender, often bruising blue when touched. It thrives in warm, humid environments and fruits rapidly after rainstorms.
Due to its high psilocybin content—often more than twice that of Psilocybe cubensis—users report intense visual, emotional, and cognitive effects. While it is sought after for spiritual and introspective experiences, caution is advised due to its potency. This mushroom is illegal in many countries and should be approached with respect and awareness of local laws and personal tolerance.
Physical Characteristics
Caps:
Conic to convex, expanding to broadly convex and eventually flat with age. Dark brown to light gray or whitish color.
Gills:
Adnate to adnexed or emarginate, close, broad; grayish to cinnamon brown.
Psychoactive Effects
Euphoric
Describing intense feelings of happiness or excitement
Perceptual
The change in the way things are perceived, including changes in time perception, spatial perception, and perception of one's own body.
Visuals
Blue Meanies are well known to induce heavy visuals that are often fractal and colorful in nature.
Helps With
Depression
Relieves symptoms of depression, improving mood and outlook
Anxiety
Helps to alleviate feelings of worry, fear, and unease
Addiction
Helps to overcome addiction and substance abuse
PTSD
Helps to alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
OCD
Helps to alleviate symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder
ADD ADHD
Helps to alleviate symptoms of attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Pain
Microdosing psilocybin has been shown to help with certain types of pain
Migraines
Research shows that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, has potential therapeutic benefits for migraines. A small-scale study conducted by Yale School of Medicine found that a single dose of psilocybin reduced the likelihood of having a migraine attack in two weeks.
Possible Side Effects
Nausea
A feeling of discomfort in the stomach with an urge to vomit
Medicinal Chemistry
Similar Species
Species: Panaeolus foenisecii
Edibility: inedible
Key Differences: Panaeolus foenisecii is generally smaller and less substantial than Panaeolus Cyanescens. It also tends to have a more conical cap, and does not blue as readily when bruised.
Species: Panaeolus foenisecii
Edibility: inedible
Mushroom Ratings
0.0
Based on 0 Reviews
5
★4
★3
★2
★1
★Share your thoughts
If you've consumed this mushroom, share your thoughts with our community
Related Mushrooms
TTBVI
Panaeolus Cyanescens
4
References
The mushroom was more alive and vibrant”: Patient reports of synthetic versus organic forms of psilocybin
Mushroom, Psilocybin
An Overview on the Taxonomy, Phylogenetics and Ecology of the Psychedelic Genera Psilocybe, Panaeolus, Pluteus and Gymnopilus
Effects and safety of Psilocybe cubensis and Panaeolus cyanescens magic mushroom extracts on endothelin-1-induced hypertrophy and cell injury in cardiomyocytes
Pilot study of psilocybin treatment for anxiety in patients with advanced-stage cancer
Interest in psychedelic research in the West is surging, however, clinical trials have almost exclusively studied synthetic compounds such as MDMA, ketamine, DMT, LSD, ibogaine, and psilocybin. To date, few clinical trials have utilized whole mushroom/plant material like Psilocybe mushrooms, Iboga, or Ayahuasca. Individuals participating in the Roots To Thrive Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for End of Life Distress program were administered synthetic psilocybin, whole Psilocybe cubensis, and mycological extract on separate occasions and post-treatment interview transcripts were qualitatively analyzed to discern themes and patterns. There was broad consensus that all three forms were helpful and similar, all generating visual and perceptual distortions, emotional and cognitive insight, and mystical experiences. However, synthetic psilocybin was said to feel less natural compared to organic forms, and the overall quality of experience of synthetic psilocybin was inferior to the organic forms. Research should be conducted with whole psychedelic mushrooms and extract in addition to synthetic psilocybin given this preliminary data, especially when considering that medicine keepers around the world have utilized whole mushrooms and plant material for millennia.
2024
Psilocybin and related compounds have been isolated from more than 150 species of mushroom but are primarily found in the following genera: Psilocybe, Panaeolus, Gymnopilus. The most commonly referenced literature are: Psilocybe cubensis, mexicana, cyanescens, semilanceata; Panaeolus foenisecii; Gymnopilus spectabilis; Psathyrella foenisecii.
2024
This review discusses species identification, taxonomy and classification, available DNA sequence data and psychedelic species in Psilocybe, Panaeolus, Pluteus, and Gymnopilus, as well as similar looking genera that could be harmful.
2023
This study examines the effects and safety of Panaeolus cyanescens extracts on endothelin-1-induced hypertrophy and cell injury in cardiomyocytes.
2020
Researchers conducted extensive investigations of hallucinogens in the 1950s and 1960s. By the early 1970s, however, political and cultural pressures forced the cessation of all projects. This investigation reexamines a potentially promising clinical application of hallucinogens in the treatment of anxiety reactive to advanced-stage cancer.
2010