Can Magic Mushrooms Get Moldy?

Yes, magic mushrooms can get moldy. Even though they’re often used in dry form, they’re still organic, just like fruit, bread, or cheese. And just like those foods, they can spoil if they’re not dried and stored properly. Whether you’re curious or just want to learn, here’s what you need to know about how mold grows, how to spot it, and why it matters.

Why Mold Happens

Magic mushrooms are a type of fungus called Psilocybe. Like other mushrooms, they’re full of natural moisture when fresh. If that moisture doesn’t get removed, or if it comes back during storage, mold and bacteria can grow fast.

Here are the main reasons mold shows up:

Not fully dried: Mushrooms need to be “cracker dry.” That means they should snap in half with a clean break. If they bend or feel soft, they still have moisture inside, which makes them a target for mold.
Bad storage: Plastic bags trap moisture. So do containers that aren’t airtight. Humid air encourages mold to grow.
Dirty growing conditions: If the mushrooms were grown in contaminated soil or handled without care, they may already have mold spores before drying.

Mold vs. Bruising: How to Tell the Difference

Sometimes magic mushrooms get blue or green spots, and that’s normal. It’s called psilocybin bruising, and it happens when the mushrooms are bumped, cut, or pressed. But mold looks very different and can be dangerous.

Here’s how to tell them apart:

Feature	Psilocybin Bruising (Safe)	Mold (Not Safe)
Color	Blue or blue-green (flat)	White, black, grey, green, or orange (fuzzy or patchy)
Texture	Part of the skin; not raised	Fuzzy, slimy, or powdery
Smell	Earthy or neutral	Sour, rotten, musty, or like ammonia
Touch	Doesn’t rub off	May smear or release dust

If you’re ever unsure, try the Snap Test. Bend the mushroom stem. If it snaps clean like a cracker, it’s dry. If it bends, it still has moisture, which means mold might already be growing, even if you can’t see it yet.

Common Molds That Grow on Mushrooms

Not all molds look the same. Here are a few common ones found on spoiled mushrooms:

Trichoderma (Green Mold): Starts as white fuzz but turns dark green. It spreads quickly.
Aspergillus and Penicillium: Blue-green or yellowish powder. Often looks like dust on the surface.
Neurospora (Orange Mold): Bright orange and fluffy. Grows very fast.
Black Mold: Sooty, dark spots. Always a danger sign.

These aren’t just gross; some are toxic.

What Happens If Someone Eats Moldy Mushrooms?

Eating spoiled mushrooms isn’t just unpleasant, it can be risky. Here’s what might happen if someone eats moldy magic mushrooms:

Breathing problems: Some molds release spores into the air. Breathing them in can irritate your lungs or cause allergic reactions.
Stomach problems: Mold can cause strong nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, much worse than the normal stomach upset some people get from mushrooms.
Toxins: Some molds make chemicals called mycotoxins. These can damage your liver or kidneys if enough is eaten.
“Bad trips”: Feeling physically sick while under the effects of psilocybin can lead to panic, confusion, or fear. A bad trip isn’t just mental; it can start with how your body feels.

This is why appearance and smell matter so much. It’s not worth the risk.

How to Store Dried Mushrooms the Right Way

If someone is storing mushrooms for research, analysis, or photography, these steps help prevent mold:

Dry them completely. Use a food dehydrator at 95–105°F (35–40°C) until they break like a cracker. Don’t rely on air-drying; it’s not enough.
Use airtight containers. Glass jars with screw-top lids work best. Avoid plastic bags or containers that can let air in.
Add desiccant packs. These are little packets filled with silica gel that absorb leftover moisture. Use food-safe ones.
Store in a dark, cool place. Light and heat break down psilocybin and can also speed up mold growth. A cupboard or pantry works well.

One Simple Rule: When In Doubt, Throw It Out

This is the golden rule. You can’t cut the mold off a mushroom the way you might trim a bad spot off cheese or bread. Mold spreads inside the mushroom tissue before you ever see it. Even one fuzzy patch means the rest might be infected, too.

If something looks off, the color, the texture, the smell, it’s safer to toss the whole thing. Mold and mushrooms don’t mix. Whether you’re curious, learning, or just storing them for personal study, know the signs and take care with how they’re kept. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.