The Origins of Penis Envy Mushrooms:
Uncovering the Full Story
At Basidium Equilibrium, we pride ourselves on providing unique, world-class genetics, including our Bas Original Penis Envy strain. Grown from spore, this strain is an attempt to recreate the original culture I first obtained in 2015. Back then, it came from a now-defunct vendor, Hawk Eyes, whose owner and I had the opportunity to discuss the deep, sometimes mysterious history of this iconic strain. What we’ve come to realize is that The Origins of Penis Envy Mushrooms strain’s story is far richer and more complex than most accounts suggest, with some key figures and events being left out of popular tellings, including the contributions of the Homestead Book Company and their role in creating the Melmac variety, also known as the original Homestead Penis Envy.
Penis Envy’s Mysterious Backstory
The origins of Penis Envy mushrooms are surrounded by intrigue, secrecy, and a wealth of half-truths and myths. In 2009, Hamilton Morris, in his article for Vice, took readers on a fascinating journey, pointing to renowned ethnobotanist Terence McKenna as the source of the Penis Envy strain’s story. McKenna’s 1971 trip to the Amazon was pivotal, as it gave him the opportunity to observe indigenous shamans using psychedelic substances, some of which were said to exude a blue substance when consumed.
During this trip, McKenna discovered a mutant form of Psilocybe cubensis growing from cattle dung. Realizing its potential, he collected spore prints and brought them back to the United States, eventually sending a sample to the renowned mycologist Steven Pollock.
The Cultivation of a Legend
When Pollock began cultivating McKenna’s spores, he was amazed by the size of the fruiting bodies that emerged—substantially larger than any known in the Western world at the time. Pollock dedicated years to experimenting and isolating the most robust specimens, aiming to create a mushroom with a distinct, penis-like shape. This work culminated in the creation of the Penis Envy strain, which gained notoriety for both its unique shape and its potent effects.
However, Pollock’s work was abruptly cut short under mysterious circumstances. In an unsolved crime, Pollock was murdered by unknown assailants, and his home was raided. In one of the most bizarre episodes in mycology history, nearly 1,800 jars of mushrooms were seized by the police and destroyed in a local landfill.
The Washington Connection: Richard Gee’s Role
As the story of Penis Envy mushroom cultivation moved forward, the question arose: who received the spores that Pollock had sent to Washington State before his death? This is where Richard Gee, a reclusive mycologist from the Pacific Northwest, enters the narrative. Gee is believed to have received these spores and spent the next decade perfecting the strain. However, the true extent of his involvement and how he came to possess these spores is still shrouded in mystery.
There were rumors that Gee had claimed McKenna was directly responsible for developing Penis Envy, a statement that was swiftly denied by those closest to McKenna. In 2021, an interview between Hamilton Morris and Richard Gee revealed some key revelations. Gee confirmed that McKenna had indeed discovered the strain and sent the spores, but not directly to Pollock or him. Instead, they were passed through a third party, Jules Stevens, who had obtained them from another source connected to McKenna.
This clarification added a layer of independence to Pollock and Gee’s work with the Penis Envy strain, confirming that their efforts were not directly tied to one another.
The Evolution of Penis Envy: The Birth of Melmac and Homestead Penis Envy
Perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of the Penis Envy story is the role played by the Homestead Book Company, an essential player in the early development of the Melmac variant of Penis Envy. While this strain has become better known under the Melmac name, many still refer to it as the Homestead Penis Envy. It was through the Homestead Book Company that this new version of Penis Envy was cultivated, offering a distinct phallic shape and enhanced properties. The Homestead strain has left a lasting legacy, creating even more variation in this potent mushroom’s history.
The Accidental Naming of Penis Envy
The name Penis Envy was coined almost by accident. During a casual encounter, some strippers observed the mushrooms and remarked that they resembled “donkey dongs.” Gee, in a playful response, jokingly asked, “Do you have penis envy?” The name stuck, and thus the now-iconic strain received its unmistakable title.
The Legacy and Variations of Penis Envy
Over the years, the Penis Envy strain has cemented its status as one of the most famous and potent varieties of Psilocybe cubensis. Its story is a tapestry woven with significant figures like McKenna, Pollock, Gee, and the Homestead Book Company. The strain’s potent effects and unusual shape have given rise to numerous sub-varieties, including:
– Penis Envy Uncut: Featuring a cap that remains unopened, offering a compact and dense appearance.
– Albino Penis Envy (APE): A leucistic version showcasing pale coloration while retaining the original potency.
– Old Dirty Penis Envy: Originally called outdoor PE coming from a garden bed. This mushroom has become synonymous
– PE6: A hybrid of Penis Envy crossed with another strain, offering unique growth patterns and properties.
The Continuing Fascination with Penis Envy
The Penis Envy mushroom’s journey is far from over. This strain has become a symbol of the underground mycology movement and the pursuit of deeper understanding in both the scientific and psychedelic communities. From its discovery in the Amazon to its cultivation in the United States, Penis Envy has continued to captivate enthusiasts, researchers, and curious individuals alike. The lore and legends surrounding it contribute to the growing fascination, making it a cornerstone in the study and cultivation of Psilocybe cubensis.
The Penis Envy mushroom remains a testament to the unique intersection of nature, human curiosity, and cultural evolution. Its origins, full of mystery, intrigue, and often untold stories, continue to fascinate the world. At Basidium Equilibrium, we take great pride in offering genetics that go beyond the surface, providing in-depth strain-specific details and a rich history that people can seek out for their own research and cultivation. Visit our site to explore these fascinating strains, and keep an eye on our Genetic Vault for more in-depth information on this and other iconic mushrooms.