Medicinal mushrooms in Washington state are becoming an increasingly popular consumer product. From the wild to the farm and into homes, these fungi have a lot to offer. This is especially true in Eastern Washington, with its abundant forests and a great climate for growing.
In fact, the region surrounding Spokane is sometimes referred to as one of America’s largest “mushroom farms.” There’s even a Spokane Mushroom Club that goes around hunting morels.
Equally important to know is that Washington state may be at the epicenter of psychedelic mushrooms. Seattle recently became the largest US city to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms. But other states have legal psychedelics, too.
In particular, medicinal mushrooms are being used in integrative medical treatment plans. And they’re not just for people with grave illnesses, but even those who are looking to simply improve their quality of life or prevent aging.
For those looking to begin cultivating psilocybin mushrooms commercially, you’ll have to wait. The decriminalization movement only decriminalized noncommercial activity surrounding the cultivation and sharing of these mushrooms.
But other medicinal mushrooms in Washington state are legal.
In this post, we cover some of the legal medicinal mushrooms, what we expect from the state regarding psilocybin mushroom legality, and more. Keep reading to learn more about what the present and future hold for shroompreneurs in Washington state.
Looking to grow your gourmet mushroom farm in Washington? Northstar is here to help!
Contact us now to speak with one of our experts about how we’ll scale your medicinal mushroom farm in Washington state.
Magic Mushrooms in Washington State
If you’re considering getting involved in the legal psilocybin marketplace, you’re likely wondering if psilocybin mushrooms are legal in Washington state. While it’s still not legal to cultivate psilocybin mushrooms in Washington, growing and sharing psilocybin mushrooms, among other hallucinogenic plants, is now legal in Seattle.
Personal use possession and cultivation, along with sharing, are legal activities in Seattle. The resolution came about because of the City Council’s desire to lessen opioid-related deaths. However, we believe this is an important step towards recreational magic mushroom legalization in Washington state.
We’re seeing these legalization efforts happen throughout the country. And as more cities and states decriminalize, we hypothesize that these cities and states will eventually legalize for medicinal and recreational use.
Eventually, we expect to see a legal, thriving magic mushroom marketplace in Washington state, along with other regions. Much the same way we believe in federal legalization for cannabis, we have high hopes for the medicinal value of magic mushrooms.
Despite the legality of magic mushrooms in Washington state, this region has plenty of psychoactive mushrooms that occur naturally.
Here’s the list of psilocybin mushrooms to look out for in Washington once the state legalizes magic mushrooms:
Gymnopilus sp.
This is just a small minority of the magic mushroom species found in this genus. These are “active,” and there hasn’t been much research on these mushrooms. Washington is home to four of these actives, including G. aeruginosus, G. braendlei, G. luteofolius, and G. viridans.
Panaeolus sp.
Also known as Mottlegills, Panaeolus mushroom spores mature and darken unevenly. This is why they’re characterized by dark spots on the mushrooms’ gills. These shrooms offer both active and inactive members. The active members are usually quite mild. However, others can be highly potent. In Washington state, there are four actives, including P. cinctulus, P. bisporus, P. olivaceus, and P. firmicola.
Psilocybe Mushrooms in Washington State
Psilocybe is likely the most famous of the psilocybin-containing genus options. This is likely due to the fact that the most infamous magic mushroom, P. cubensis, is in it. The P. cubensis mushroom is one that’s commonly used for microdosing. However, it does not grow in Washington – unless it’s an indoor cultivation operation. But there are eleven other psilocybin-containing mushrooms growing naturally in Washington state, including:
- Psilocybe azurescens
- Psilocybe baeocystis
- Psilocybe cyanescens
- Psilocybe cyanofibrillosa
- Psilocybe fimetaria
- Psilocybe liniformans va. americana
- Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata
- Psilocybe pelliculosa
- Psilocybe semilanceata
- Psilocybe silvatica
- Psilocybe stuntzii
Keep in mind, if you’re unfamiliar with mushrooms, it’s best to avoid picking them in the wild. Washington medicinal mushrooms are common. However, there are many poisonous mushrooms in Washington state, too.
Most Common Mushrooms in Washington State
Whether you’re foraging or considering starting a medicinal mushroom grow in Washington state, it’s crucial to remain familiar with the state’s legal medicinal mushrooms. Here’s a list of legal medicinal mushrooms Washington state offers:
King Bolete Mushrooms
King Bolete mushrooms grow throughout Washington state. These mushrooms are known for having thick caps, which can cover up to 15 cm across. They’re also called “Penny Bun” mushrooms.
These mushrooms produce vitamin D. While it’s not known for being a powerful medicinal mushroom, its high vitamin D content improves immune system response and aids with metabolism.
Chanterelles Mushrooms
Chanterelles mushrooms grow in Washington and many other regions in North America. These mushrooms are characterized by their true-to-life, bright yellow color. But the colors can also range from orange to purple and blue.
Chanterelle mushrooms contain an antioxidant that assists with cardiovascular health and promotes digestive system health. Some studies have shown that chanterelle mushrooms may also help the immune system as well as fight cancerous cells in the body.
These mushrooms are high in vitamin C, zinc, and B-complex vitamins. They’re also rich in amino acids such as glutamic acid and theanine.
Hedgehog Mushrooms
Hedgehog mushrooms in Washington state are popular for eating and their aesthetic is quite unique. These have spines under their caps as opposed to pores or gills. These don’t usually grow in North America. However, there are several Hedgehog species found throughout the region.
Washington’s Hedgehog mushroom species seem to include H. washingtonianum and Sweet Tooth (H. oregonense). Some believe that it’s possible to use these mushrooms for their anti-microbial activity and anti-tumor activity.
Repandiol is the isolated substance from these mushrooms that shows impressive anti-tumor activity in vitro. However, more research is needed.
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms in Washington state have medicinal uses, too. These have been traditionally used to treat infections, cancer, and diabetes. They’re also said to lower cholesterol.
Some lab experiments outline Oyster mushrooms as having anti-fungal, anti-tumor, and cholesterol-lowering properties. However, more studies in human subjects are necessary to prove their efficacy.
Morel Mushrooms
Morel mushrooms are native to Washington state. They are common in the pine forests, which are their natural habitat. These are known for having wrinkled caps and hollow stems.
These mushrooms have antioxidants that also aid in immune system function. Besides being immunostimulatory mushrooms, the research has shown that morel mushrooms offer anti-tumor properties, as well.
Western Cauliflower Mushrooms
Western Cauliflower mushrooms are also Washington state natives. They’re also called “Pear Mushrooms”. However, they grow in a variety of colors such as orange and young mushrooms can be white or light brown.
Cauliflower mushrooms are best known for containing sparassol, a nutrient that has been known to exhibit antibiotic and anti-fungal properties. These mushrooms also have beta-glucans, which are an immunity-boosting dietary fiber that reduces cholesterol and promotes heart health.
Medicinal Mushrooms in Washington State FAQ
What mushrooms are safe to eat in Washington state?
While you should never experiment with wild mushrooms you’re not able to positively identify, there are some mushrooms that are safe to eat in Washington state. These mushrooms include the following:
- Spring King Bolete
- Pacific Golden Chanterelle
- Stump Puffball
- Rosy Gomphidius
- Glistening Ink Cap
- Hedgehog Mushrooms
- Pig’s Ears
- Bear’s Head
- Scaly Hedgehog
- Oyster Mushroom
- Toothed Jelly Fungus
- Fat Jack
- Chicken of the Woods
- Amethyst Deceiver
- Deceiver
- Gem-Studded Puffball
- Black Landscape Morel
- King Bolete
- Orange Peel Fungus
- Shaggy Parasol
- Thick Stemmed Morel
- Winter Chanterelle
- White Chanterelle
- Meadow Mushroom
- Lobster Mushroom
- Shaggy mane
- Slimy Spike Cap
- Club Coral
- Inky Cap
- Fairy Ring Mushroom
- Short-stemmed Slippery Jack
- Wester Cauliflower Mushroom
- Western Painted Suillus
- Angel’s Wings
- Sweet Tooth Mushroom
- Deer Mushroom
What are the most common mushrooms in Washington state?
Some of the most common mushrooms one can find in Washington state include:
- Spring King Bolete
- Pacific Golden Chanterelle
- Rosy Gomphidius
- Glistening Ink Cap
- Hedgehog Mushroom
- Pig’s Ears
- Bear’s Head
Do I need a permit to pick mushrooms in Washington?
Anyone 18 years of age or older must obtain a permit before harvesting mushrooms to sell. So, if you plan to pick, possess, or transport more than a gallon of wild mushrooms in Washington, it’s best to get the proper permit.
Concluding on Medicinal Mushrooms in Washington State
Medicinal mushrooms in Washington state can be quite a lucrative business. While they grow wildly throughout the state, it’s also possible to cultivate them outdoors.
For shroompreneurs interested in getting into the mushroom farming business, they can consider signing up for mushroom cultivation courses online or in person as some universities offer these learning opportunities.
Washington is part of the Pacific Northwest region that’s rich in natural resources and has an abundant variety of mushrooms. With these mushrooms growing in abundance, consumers in the state are ready for these products to hit the market, as well.
Keep in mind, while magic mushrooms are still technically illegal in Washington state, it’s likely only a matter of time before they become legal. With this being the case, getting involved in legal medicinal mushrooms in Washington state is a good way to prepare for the transition to magic mushrooms once they become legal.
Looking to scale a mushroom operation in Washington state? Northstar is here to help!
Contact us now to speak with one of our experts about how we’ll scale your business with the right financial insights.
