McKennaii spore print

The McKennaii is one of the most talked-about Psilocybe cubensis strains in the world. Named after Terence McKenna — philosopher, ethnobotanist and tireless advocate for the exploration of consciousness — this variety pairs a powerful reputation with a distinctive, almost sculptural appearance. Its dark-toned caps, irregular shapes and potent character have earned it a devoted following, particularly within the European mushroom community.

A Tribute to Terence McKenna

The origins of the McKennaii strain are wrapped in mystery and legend. It first appeared in Dutch smartshops shortly after Terence McKenna's death in April 2000, and one popular story claims that spore prints found among his personal belongings were used to bring the strain into cultivation. A more likely explanation is that a Dutch mycologist created or selected this potent cubensis hybrid and named it after McKenna as a tribute to his life's work. Regardless of which version is true, the name could not be more fitting. Terence McKenna, together with his brother Dennis, pioneered home cultivation techniques for Psilocybe cubensis in the 1970s and spent decades championing the philosophical and spiritual potential of psilocybin mushrooms — most famously through his "Stoned Ape" theory, which proposed that psilocybin played a role in the evolution of human consciousness.

Visual Characteristics of McKennaii

• Cap: Medium-sized, dark caramel to deep brown, often developing an irregular, wavy or twisted shape at maturity — giving it a sculptural, almost alien appearance that is instantly recognisable.
• Stem: Thick and sturdy, white to off-white, frequently curved. Bruises strongly blue when handled, indicating high psilocybin content.
• Overall appearance: Compact, dark and characterful. McKennaii fruits look unlike most other cubensis varieties — their odd shapes and deep colouration give them a raw, untamed aesthetic.

Potent, Fast and Full of Character

McKennaii has built its reputation on intensity. It is consistently cited as one of the strongest cubensis strains available, often compared favourably even to Copelandia cyanescens (the "Hawaiian") in terms of potency. Beyond its strength, the strain is valued for its fast colonisation speed and generous flushes — it grows eagerly on a range of common substrates and rewards collectors with plentiful, dense fruits. The spore deposits are dark purple-brown to nearly black, producing rich, clearly defined prints. For collectors and microscopists, the irregular cap morphology and pronounced bluing reaction offer interesting features that set McKennaii apart from more uniform varieties.

How to Use a Spore Print

Not sure where to start once your spore print arrives? We have put together a detailed guide that walks you through the entire process, from scraping spores off the print to preparing them for microscopy or long-term storage. Read our step-by-step instructions here: How to Use a Spore Print.

Why Add McKennaii to Your Collection

If you are building a diverse Psilocybe cubensis collection, McKennaii fills the role of the modern powerhouse. Its combination of potent genetics, striking dark appearance and deep cultural connection to one of the most influential figures in psychedelic history make it a strain with genuine meaning and presence. Whether you appreciate the legacy of Terence McKenna, the distinctive twisted caps, or simply want one of the strongest cubensis lines in your library, McKennaii is a variety that demands a place in any serious collection.