Frequently Asked Questions

MegaShrooms is an educational and informational catalog of functional and psilocybin mushrooms. We catalog the most searched species and cultivars with research summaries, active compound profiles, potency ratings (for psilocybin), and direct citations to peer-reviewed literature.

Our potency ratings (1–5 scale) are based on published tryptamine assay data from peer-reviewed academic literature and community science programs such as the Psilocybin Cup organized by Oaksterdam University. We do not use community forum reports or anecdote as the basis for ratings. Each rating is accompanied by the source data cited in the entry. A rating of 1 represents mild potency (e.g. Psilocybe mexicana at ~0.25% psilocybin by dry weight); a rating of 5 represents very high potency (e.g. Psilocybe azurescens at up to 1.78%).

No. MegaShrooms does not make therapeutic or health claims. All statements referencing research findings are attributions — 'Researchers found X' or 'A study published in Y found Z' — not assertions that any mushroom causes a health outcome. Users are responsible for interpreting research with appropriate scientific literacy. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice.

Psilocybin is the prodrug form — it is not psychoactive itself but is converted to psilocin in the body by the enzyme alkaline phosphatase. Psilocin is the active form that binds primarily to serotonin receptors (particularly 5-HT2A), producing the psychedelic effect. Most analytical potency testing measures both compounds separately and reports a combined 'total tryptamine' percentage. Some species (e.g. Panaeolus cyanescens) have an elevated psilocin-to-psilocybin ratio, which is associated with faster onset of effects.

Functional mushrooms are species consumed for potential health benefits beyond basic nutrition, typically through bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans, triterpenes, and cordycepin. They are not psychoactive. Common functional mushrooms include Lion's Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Shiitake, and Maitake. Many are available legally in Canada as food or natural health product supplements. MegaShrooms covers the top 20 by Canadian search volume.

The Research Collection (the cart icon in the top right) lets you bookmark mushroom entries you want to revisit. It functions like a reading list — not a purchase order. When the collection is developed further, it will include external procurement links for legal functional mushroom products and resources for authorized psilocybin research contexts in Canada.

We prioritize primary literature published in peer-reviewed journals — PubMed-indexed studies, Cochrane reviews, and registered clinical trials where available. We also cite key books (e.g. Stamets) and government sources where appropriate. Community science data (Psilocybin Cup) is cited as such and distinguished from peer-reviewed literature.

Use the contact form. Include the entry name, the specific claim in question, and the source you believe contradicts it. We review all corrections and update entries when errors are confirmed. Accuracy is the core value of this resource.