The Origins of the Z Strain

The Z strain is a Psilocybe cubensis variety originally designed in San Diego, California. This isolation was developed by one of the highest-paid mycologists in the U.S., known on the Shroomery forum as “Lipa”.

Lipa, whose real name is Sam, has contributed over 100 pages of articles to the mycology community. He is a pioneer in mushroom cultivation and a respected figure in the industry. When he’s not innovating bulk production techniques for Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, and Reishi farming, he enjoys mountain climbing and hockey with his son.

The Shroomery forum has long been a hub for groundbreaking mycologists, including notable figures like:

• Alan Rockefeller
• Robert Hess
• Paul Stamets

What is the Z Strain?

The Z strain is a hybrid of two landrace varieties:

1. Thai Lipa Yai (Thailand)
2. Mazatapec (Mexico)

This combination resulted in a strain that produced dark spore prints within just a few hours of sporulation.

Mazatapec: The Sacred Mushroom of Mexico

The Mazatapec strain originates from Mexico, where it has been traditionally used by Mazatec shamans in spiritual and healing rituals.

• First introduced to Western culture by Maria Sabina, a renowned shaman.
• Featured in Gordon Wasson’s 1970 article “Drugs: The Sacred Mushroom” in The New York Times.
• Known for its tall, slender stems and caramel-colored caps.
• Produces thick, rhizomorphic mycelium, which makes it an excellent choice for cultivation.
• Heat-resistant, making it a great option for warm climates.

Thai Lipa Yai: A Tropical Powerhouse

The Thai Lipa Yai strain was first collected on Koh Samui by John Allen, also known as “Mushroom John”.

• Produces smaller mushrooms with tightly grouped fruiting bodies.
• Features a unique sombrero-like cap structure.
• Thrives in hot and humid environments, making it an ideal strain for summer growers.

Mazatapec X Thai Lipa Yai: Understanding the Hybrid

Both Mazatapec and Thai Lipa Yai are P. cubensis strains. Traditionally, Psilocybe cubensis varieties are named after their country of origin, such as:

• Ecuadorians from Ecuador
• Cambodians from Cambodia
• Brazilians from Brazil

While these strains exhibit minor phenotypic differences (size, cap structure, and spore production), they remain genetically similar. This led to the popular saying on Shroomery forums:

“Cubes are cubes.”

This phrase suggests that most P. cubensis strains are relatively similar, but modern cultivation techniques have challenged this assumption.

The Evolution of Psilocybe Cubensis Strains

In the past 4-5 decades, mycologists have been:

✅ Collecting spores from wild mushrooms
✅ Domesticating strains for indoor cultivation
✅ Enhancing potency and growth characteristics

Traditional strains have mostly remained consistent—caramel caps, slender stems, and heavy spore production. However, modern isolation techniques have created:

• Strains with translucent or zero spores
• Mutant varieties with extreme potency
• Blobs and unique formations with high psilocybin content

Comparing Z Strain to Enigma TW2

Z Strain Potency: 0.5% – 1%

• Mild to moderate psilocybin content.
• Reliable spore production.
• Easy to cultivate and heat-resistant.

Enigma TW2 (Tidal Wave 2) Potency: 2% – 3.5%

• One of the most potent cubensis strains in existence.
• Produces mutated, blob-like fruiting bodies.
• Does not produce spores, requiring cloning for propagation.

Final Thoughts

The Z strain is an excellent beginner-friendly variety, offering stable genetics, high spore production, and resilience to heat. While it may not have the extreme potency of newer mutant strains like Enigma TW2, it remains a classic choice for cultivators looking for a reliable and productive cubensis strain.

As mycology continues to advance, the idea that “cubes are cubes” is being redefined. With new spore isolations and genetic modifications, the future of Psilocybe cubensis cultivation is more exciting than ever.