Explore Six Must-Have Psilocybe Cubensis Strains from Mycology Now
The world of amateur mycology is experiencing a surge of interest, and one of the safest and most fascinating ways to explore it is through microscopy kits. Designed for scientific observation only, these kits allow hobbyists, students, and researchers to legally study the microscopic features of Psilocybe cubensis spores without violating local laws. If you’re new to microscopy or expanding your spore library, Mycology Now provides some of the best-quality kits on the market—all under $50.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll take a detailed look at the top six microscopy kits available from Mycology Now, explain what makes each strain unique, and help you decide which one is best suited for your scientific curiosity.
What Is a Microscopy Kit?
A microscopy kit is a tool designed to help you observe and document fungal spores—specifically cubensis varieties—under a microscope. These kits are used for educational and taxonomic purposes and typically include:
- A 10ml sterile spore syringe
- A sterile needle
- A sealed alcohol prep pad
- Clear labeling with strain information
- Instructions for proper use and storage
Mycology Now packages each of these components in a professional, contamination-free setup. Their syringes are produced in clean lab environments with industry-standard sterilization protocols, ensuring consistent, observable spore samples.
Why Study Cubensis Spores Under a Microscope?
The value of microscopy goes far beyond novelty. Educational value is one of the main attractions. Microscopy allows students, amateur scientists, and mycology enthusiasts to learn fungal taxonomy, morphology, and the life cycle of spores in a hands-on, visual way. In most U.S. states, possessing cubensis spores for microscopy is legal (with exceptions—always check your local laws). This makes spore microscopy one of the safest and most accessible ways to engage with fungi.
There’s also the thrill of pattern recognition. Under magnification, spores show subtle structural differences such as wall thickness, pigmentation, and cluster behavior. For those into scientific photography or data journaling, microscopy opens up endless opportunities to create slide images for portfolios, science fairs, or educational content.
Strain Comparison: Best Spore Kits Under $50
Let’s explore six of the top Psilocybe cubensis microscopy kits from Mycology Now—all budget-friendly and packed with fascinating mycological features.
1. Penis Envy Microscopy Kit
Penis Envy is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive and rare cubensis strains. Known for its dense fruiting bodies and slow-growing nature (if cultivated, which is illegal), this strain produces spores that are just as unique.
Microscopy Features:
- Typically smaller than other cubensis spores
- Less frequent spore production in natural settings
- Unusually dense spore clusters with thick outer walls
- Spore color ranges from dark purples to deep browns
Ideal For:
Experienced microscopists who want to challenge their identification and documentation skills. Due to the sparsity of spores, this is a fantastic choice for precision work and careful examination.
Fun Fact:
Because of its hybrid origins and unique fruiting structure, Penis Envy spores can show asymmetric wall formations, especially when hydrated on slides.
2. Golden Teacher Microscopy Kit
Golden Teacher is the gold standard in microscopy. It’s consistently one of the most studied cubensis strains due to its reliable spore output and easily recognizable structure.
Microscopy Features:
- Large, ellipsoid spores with high contrast
- Medium-thick walls and clearly defined separation
- Easy to spot under both brightfield and darkfield settings
- Spores tend to cluster evenly, offering clean views
Ideal For:
Beginners and educators. This strain is widely used in classrooms and training workshops due to its predictability and ease of visualization.
Fun Fact:
Golden Teacher’s name comes from the golden hue of its cap in natural settings—though you won’t see the cap under a scope, the spores still reflect its elegant genetic stability.
3. B+ Microscopy Kit
The B+ strain is celebrated for its adaptability and robust spore prints, making it another great candidate for reliable microscopy. B+ spores are often used in comparative studies.
Microscopy Features:
- Symmetrical spore formation and consistent size
- High spore count per slide
- Strong purple-black coloration, ideal for photography
- Often found in double spore pairs (unique to B+)
Ideal For:
Microscopists who want to conduct side-by-side strain comparisons. B+ makes for a great “control” sample due to its consistency.
Fun Fact:
Under a microscope, B+ spores tend to settle into tight geometric patterns, making them aesthetically pleasing and suitable for slide documentation.
4. Jesus Christ Super Strain Microscopy Kit
Bold name aside, the Jesus Christ Super Strain (JCSS) is one of the most enigmatic and powerful-looking strains available for microscopy. It has gained a reputation for producing spores that appear unique even to trained observers.
Microscopy Features:
- Variable size and density—each slide tells a different story
- Spores sometimes show multi-ringed wall patterns
- High pigmentation and color saturation
- Excellent for experimentation with different lighting/staining techniques
Ideal For:
Intermediate to advanced users who want to experiment with slide prep methods like Gram staining or phase contrast lighting.
Fun Fact:
Mycology Now sources their JCSS genetics from a carefully maintained lineage, meaning you’ll be observing spores with a cult-following pedigree.
5. Lizard King Microscopy Kit
The Lizard King strain was reportedly named after the mycologist who found it while exploring the Mexican desert. It’s considered one of the more naturally wild cubensis variants.
Microscopy Features:
- Irregularly shaped spores that may show wrinkling or asymmetry
- Reddish-brown or chestnut-toned coloration
- Spores cluster unevenly, mimicking natural dispersal
- Thin outer walls make them highly reactive to lighting changes
Ideal For:
Those seeking a more organic and unfiltered observation experience. The variability in spore shape makes Lizard King an ideal strain for artistic slide documentation.
Fun Fact:
Lizard King often exhibits spores with dual-core centers, which is rare among cubensis varieties.
6. Cambodian Gold Microscopy Kit
Cambodian Gold is a hybrid strain believed to originate from Southeast Asia. Its spores exhibit high viability and density, making them especially rewarding to observe under high magnification.
Microscopy Features:
- Uniform size and structure
- Vibrant pigmentation—often visible even in unstained water mounts
- High clarity under 400x and 1000x magnification
- Responds well to both halogen and LED light sources
Ideal For:
Beginners and intermediate users. Cambodian Gold is a versatile workhorse in the lab, good for photography, video, and long-term slide storage.
Fun Fact:
Cambodian Gold spores are sometimes used as baseline samples for digital image calibration due to their consistent profile.
Microscopy Best Practices
If you’re new to studying spores under a microscope, here are a few pro tips to help you get the most from your Mycology Now kits:
- Always use clean slides and coverslips to prevent contamination or false structures.
- Label each slide with the strain name and date for proper cataloging.
- Start with lower magnification (100x) to locate the spore clusters, then move to 400x or 1000x for detail.
- Use immersion oil sparingly—only for high-magnification shots with oil immersion objectives.
- Don’t touch the needle or syringe tip to any non-sterile surface.
- Store unused syringes in the refrigerator in their sealed bags to preserve integrity.
Is It Legal to Order Microscopy Kits?
In most U.S. states, yes. Psilocybe cubensis spores are legal to possess and study for microscopy. However, there are exceptions in states like California, Georgia, and Idaho. Always check your state laws before ordering. Mycology Now adheres to all federal and state regulations and clearly prohibits cultivation. These products are strictly for microscopy, education, and research only.
Final Thoughts: Which Strain Is Best for You?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| User Type | Recommended Strains |
|---|---|
| Total Beginner | Golden Teacher, Cambodian Gold |
| Intermediate Hobbyist | B+, Lizard King |
| Artistic Observation | Jesus Christ Super Strain, Lizard King |
| High-Contrast Imaging | Penis Envy, Golden Teacher |
| Side-by-Side Studies | B+, Cambodian Gold |
| Rare or Unique Features | Penis Envy, Jesus Christ Super Strain |
Whether you’re documenting spores in a digital log, preparing slides for a research project, or simply exploring the wonders of cubensis biology, Mycology Now’s spore microscopy kits offer affordable, high-quality access to the fungal kingdom’s most fascinating strains.
Explore the Full Collection
Looking to build your own spore library? Browse the full range of kits at Mycology Now and start exploring today.
Disclaimer: These microscopy kits are intended for educational and research purposes only. Cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms is illegal in many jurisdictions. Always follow your local laws.
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