Cubensis Z-Strain/Z-Cube

Z-strain has earned its reputation as one of the leading varieties in the modern mycological market. Impressive yields, colonization rates, and resistance to contamination allow the strain to be successfully cultivated by inexperienced ethnobotanist, and its iconic potency has attracted magic mushroom enthusiasts from around the world for decades.

Origin

The origin story of the Z-strain, as with any Psilocybe cubensis strain developed under laboratory conditions, is quite evasive. One of the versions attributes its authorship to the famous mycologist, entrepreneur, and advocate of mushroom culture, Paul Stamets. Although he never mentioned such an achievement, he did not deny it either... The second hypothesis mentions a semi-mythical mycologist, nicknamed the Guardian, who claimed to have personally isolated the Z-strain spores. It was later revealed that he was promoting existing varieties under a new name, which seriously tarnished his reputation in the mycological community. However, this fact has in no way affected the popularity of Z-Strain. It has already achieved cult status among connoisseurs due to its outstanding technical characteristics and potent effects that are entirely consistent with the myth of magic mushrooms.

Appearance

Z-Strain's mature fruiting bodies display the quintessential Cubensis characteristics, eliminating the question of which species the variety belongs to. The dense, slender stems 10-15 cm high, are crowned with caps 2-8 cm in diameter, which when mature change their color from brownish to creamy, sometimes with a dark center and faint whitish maculation. The high content of psilocybin in the mushrooms gives them the ability to turn blue at the site of damage.

Cultivation and Yields

The specific feature of the strain is its ability to form rhizomorphic spawn, which, unlike the classic felty type, has a higher colonization rate and increased immunity to external contaminants. This quality makes the Z-strain widely cultivated by novice mycologists who, with due care, can harvest up to 300 g of raw fruiting bodies per 1L of substrate from the first flush and up to 200 g from the two subsequent flushes. Particularly assertive growers rehydrate the blocks for the fourth and even fifth time, squeezing out the mycelium for up to 200 g of mushrooms cumulatively.

In terms of substrates, the strain prefers grains (oats, wheat, and barley) supplemented with straw and prepared manure. However, if there is a lack of experience, we recommend opting for pure grain. Thoroughly sterilize the substrate before inoculating to minimize the risk of mold contaminating. For rapid colonization of the growing medium, the mycelium needs a dark, dry place with a temperature of 25-30 °C. A relative humidity of 90%+ with a constant circulation of fresh air to displace the CO² "exhaled" by the mushrooms and a temperature of 22-25 °C are required for abundant fruiting in the fruiting chamber.

Effects and Dosages

A dosage of up to 1.5 g of dried mushrooms is optimal for the beginner, inviting him into a previously unknown world with the lowest risk of side effects. The psychedelic effect of magic mushrooms is fully achieved with 2-5g, and only advanced practitioners are able to consume more than 5g at a time, which is associated with the strongest internal transformations and requires solid travel experience.

Do not underestimate the importance of preparing yourself physically and mentally for your encounter with magic mushrooms. For a few days before the trip, go on a diet, reduce your content usage, and get in tune with yourself through meditation or breathing exercises. Consume mushrooms on an empty stomach. It is okay to eat them with a piece of dark chocolate to mask the specific flavor.

Within 1-1.5 hours after consuming magic mushrooms, the infinite vastness of the universe will open before your eyes, revealing its secrets and laws in a bizarre visual representation. Philosophical revelations will flourish in the crystal temple of consciousness, transforming your perception of the world, ultimately balancing inner contradictions, and bringing you into harmony with yourself.