When discussing magic mushroom strains, we’re referring to subgroups within a given species differing in phenotypes or growth patterns. This may include differences in the color, size, and potency of active compounds.
Crossing strains entails mixing the DNA of two different mushroom cultures within the same species by isolating the monokaryotic culture of the desired strains. These monokaryotic cultures only have one set of DNA, so it’s unable to reproduce fruiting bodies on their own. It produces dikaryotic mycelium that grows mushrooms only when it’s introduced to another group of monokaryotic cultures. This process doesn’t always make a reliable new strain, and the process is often repeated to create stable genetics.
The Tidal Wave strain is part of the Psilocybe cubensis species and was reportedly the only strain with a higher tryptamine and psilocybin content than the famed Penis Envy. A sample submitted by Magic Myco Farm in the Spring 2021 cup contained a whopping 3.82% total tryptamines. This record has yet to be broken.
Tidal Wave is a fast-fruiting strain with an above-average potency for a magic mushroom, which makes sense, having genetics from Penis Envy — a strain known to contain up to 100 percent more psilocybin than the average Psilocybe cubensis.
Potency & Psilocybin Content
Tidal Wave mushrooms are notoriously potent — but while they hold the record for the highest psilocybin and psilocin content ever tested in 4 years of the Psilocybin Cup — the averages spread across 9 samples over 2 years is actually quite a bit lower.
The psilocybin average for this strain is 0.87%. The psilocin average is 0.27%. The total tryptamine average is 1.17%.
These figures are certainly above average, but they’re nowhere near the peak achievement registered at 3.8% total tryptamines.
What this means is that you can expect these mushrooms to be pretty strong overall — but they’re not likely to achieve the nearly 4X potency reported by the current record holder.
Tidal Wave Mushrooms Effects & Characteristics
Magic mushrooms grow in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Tidal Wave mushrooms get their color, size, and overall cap shape from the B+ parent strain but have thick white bodies with tightly packed gills that resemble Penis Envy.
The wavy edges on the cap give it an otherworldly look; these characteristic waves are where the strain gets its name. Another unique quirk of the Tidal Wave strains is that they sometimes grow a little white ball on the top of their caps.
The effects of the Tidal Wave strain are similar to Penis Envy, causing heavy visual hallucinations with intense euphoria during the initial stage while maintaining a sense of mental clarity.
Tidal Wave is known to produce feel-good sensations in the body, so many users find Tidal Wave mushrooms helpful in combatting depression and other mood disorders. This is why it’s also a popular strain in microdosing formulas for general mood elevation.
How to Dose Tidal Wave Magic Mushrooms
Although Tidal Wave mushrooms can have an extremely high psilocybin content, their effects are manageable, offering clear-headed effects, interesting visual hallucinations, and a body high — but you should still tread lightly when dosing.
Dosing magic mushrooms is a personal affair as the perfect dose will depend on your age, genetics, weight, and the type of experience you’d like with your mushrooms.
If you’ve never dosed before, here’s a general guide—it’s always best to start with smaller doses and work your way up gradually, as the effects of magic mushrooms can be overwhelming for someone with no experience.
Dose guide for Tidal Wave Mushrooms:
- Microdose — 0.25 – 1 gram
- Medium Recreational Dose — 1 – 2.5 grams
- Strong Recreational Dose — 3 – 5 grams
- Heroic Dose — 5+ grams (not recommended)
Related:Â Check out our handy magic mushroom dosage calculator.
