McKennaii mushrooms are named after Terence McKenna, the well-known writer and advocate for psychedelics.
No one knows where the strain actually came from. Some think it was found in his spore collection. Others say it was created later and just named after him.
Either way, McKennaii mushrooms have built a reputation for being strong. People say the trip starts slow and then hits hard all at once. It’s similar to Golden Teacher but more intense.
So, how strong are McKennaii mushrooms? Let’s take a closer look.
Where Did McKennaii Mushrooms Come From?
No one knows for sure. One theory is that someone found the spores in McKenna’s collection after he died in 2000.
Another theory is that a Dutch grower created the strain and named it after him, either to honor him or to sell more spores.
Who Was Terence McKenna?
Terence McKenna was a writer, speaker, and one of the most well-known psychedelic advocates of the 20th century.
He believed mushrooms could help people better understand themselves, reality, and even the universe.
He also co-wrote one of the first mushroom grower’s guides, making it easier for people to learn how to cultivate psilocybin mushrooms at home. So, putting his name on a strain made it stand out.
Lab analysis shows that McKennaii is nearly identical to Golden Teacher, which suggests it may have been renamed rather than discovered.
What Do McKennaii Mushrooms Look Like?
McKennaii mushrooms look a lot like Golden Teachers, and that’s not a coincidence—they’re probably the same thing, just renamed.
- Cap: Medium to large, usually golden brown or tan. Some are darker in cooler conditions, while warmer temps make them lighter or more golden. The caps often have a smooth dome shape with a slight bump in the middle.
- Stem: Thick and sturdy, usually white or light brown. Like other cubensis mushrooms, the stems are fibrous and bruise blue when touched.
- Gills: Dark brown to purple underneath the cap. They get darker as the mushroom matures.
- Spores: Dark purple-brown, typical of Psilocybe cubensis.
- Bruising: They bruise blue. That confirms it’s a psilocybin mushroom.
They’re not flashy or weird-looking like Penis Envy or Enigma, but they still grow big and strong.
What Does a McKennaii Trip Feel Like?
It starts slow, then hits you all at once. You might feel like nothing’s happening, and then suddenly, everything is.
The visuals come on fast. Colors look deeper, patterns start moving, and ordinary things feel unfamiliar. Your thoughts can speed up or loop. It’s not just in your head. You can feel it in your body, too, with tingles, tension, or energy waves.
Emotionally, McKennaii can take you deep.
It can bring up memories, emotions, or sudden realizations. One moment, you’re laughing, the next, you’re reflecting on your life. If you’re in a good place, it can feel meaningful. But if your head’s messy, it might get intense.
How long does it last?
A McKennaii trip lasts around 4 to 6 hours. The first hour is quiet. Then, around the 90-minute mark, things peak. The peak lasts about two hours before it starts to come down. After the 4-hour mark, things slow down, but you might still feel spacey or tired for a while.
How Strong Are McKennaii Mushrooms?
McKennaii mushrooms are stronger than average. Compared to Golden Teacher, they usually hit harder mentally and visually.
Is it the strongest cubensis strain out there? No. Strains like Penis Envy or Trinity Mushroom still top the charts. But McKennaii isn’t far behind. It’s one of the more intense cubensis strains.
Lab tests suggest McKennaii can have around 1% to 1.5% total tryptamines (the combined amount of psilocybin and psilocin), which puts it in the high-mid range.
That number can shift depending on how it’s grown—things like temperature, substrate, and even how long it takes to fruit can all affect potency. Two grows from the same spores can feel totally different if the conditions aren’t the same.
So while McKennaii isn’t the absolute strongest, it’s strong enough that most people don’t need much to feel a solid trip. For microdosing, it’s a bit too powerful so it’s better to start low and take more later if needed.
What’s the Right McKennaii Dosage?
If you’ve never tripped before, don’t go in heavy.
For a light trip, stick to 1 to 1.5 grams dried. You’ll feel it, but you’ll still have your feet on the ground. Enough for visuals and some deep thinking—without getting completely lost.
A standard microdose is around 0.1 to 0.3 grams. That’s small enough to stay clear-headed and feel focused and energy.
How Much for a Deeper Trip?
If you want something stronger, here’s the general idea:
- 2 to 2.5 grams – You’re in full trip territory. Expect strong visuals, time distortion, and a change in how you think and feel.
- 3 to 3.5 grams – Deeper introspection, stronger body load, intense visuals, and possibly ego-level stuff.
- 4 grams or more – Don’t take this lightly. You’re not just tripping—you’re entering a whole different space. If your mindset isn’t right, it can get heavy fast.
Important: McKennaii takes a while to kick in. The first 45 minutes might feel quiet, but when it hits, it hits hard. Don’t re-dose too early just because you think it’s not working. Give it at least 90 minutes before even thinking about more.
And whatever your dose—have a plan. Set, setting, and timing matter more than people think.
Can You Grow McKennaii Mushrooms at Home?
Yes. It’s a good strain for home growers. It’s not too tricky, but not the easiest either. If you follow the steps, it grows well.
- Start with spores and sterilized grain jars.
- Mix the colonized grain with a bulk substrate like coco coir and vermiculite.
- Put it all in a tub or fruiting chamber.
- Keep it warm (75–80°F) for colonizing. Drop to 70–75°F when fruiting.
- Give it light, fresh air, and keep humidity high.
Pins show up in about 2–3 weeks. Mushrooms are ready a few days later. You can get two or three flushes from one tub.
What Should You Know About McKennaii Spores and Pins?
McKennaii spores are sold by most online spore shops. They usually come in syringes or prints, and they’re easy to use if you’re familiar with basic cultivation steps.
What conditions help McKennaii thrive?
- Temp for colonization: 75–80°F
- Temp for fruiting: 70–75°F
- Humidity: 90–95% when fruiting
- Light: Indirect daylight or a basic LED light on a 12/12 schedule
- Airflow: Not too much, not too little. You want some fresh air exchange but keep humidity high
They’re not the most sensitive strain, but they still need care. Clean setup, steady temps, and patience—that’s the recipe.
How Can You Trip More Safely with McKennaii?
Set and setting matter. Pick a quiet, safe place where you feel relaxed. Clear your schedule, turn off your phone, and have water nearby. Eat light, wear comfy clothes, and tell someone you trust what you’re doing—just in case you need them later.
Can you do it alone? If you’re experienced and in a good mindset, yes. But McKennaii hits hard, and the trip can shift fast.
If it’s your first time or you’re going deep, it’s better to have a sober friend nearby or someone you can call if things get weird.
What helps reduce anxiety during the trip?
- Deep, slow breathing
- Grounding yourself with touch (hold a pillow, a blanket, etc.)
- Putting on soft music or nature sounds
- Reminding yourself, “This is temporary. I’ll be okay.”
- Changing the lighting or moving to another room
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, shift your focus. Look at something calming. Close your eyes. Sip water. And remind yourself—this will pass.
Conclusion
McKennaii has a reputation for being strong—and it lives up to it. The trip builds slowly, then hits like a wave. It’s deep, visual, and emotional. Not the best choice for a casual first trip, but for people who want to go deeper, it’s one to try.
It’s not the easiest strain to grow, but if you’ve got a few grows under your belt, it’s definitely worth it. Just treat it with respect, keep your setup clean, and start with a low dose.
