​Koh Samui Super Strain

The Koh Samui Super Strain (KSSS) is a captivating type of psilocybin mushroom originating from Thailand. This strain was discovered by famous magic mushroom pioneer John W. Allen, also known as "Mushroom John," in the 90s during his expedition to Koh Samui island. However, it's believed that this particular mushroom was used in Thai medicine long before Allen discovered it.

What is Koh Samui Super Strain

The Koh Samui Super Strain is a strain of Psilocybe cubensis mushroom that is rapidly gaining popularity among psychonauts and cultivators. In the wild, KSSS is known for producing short, stout mushrooms in dense clusters, often yielding higher quantities. Apart from being slightly shorter than other P. cubensis strains, these mushrooms are not exceptionally distinctive having a brownish cap and a stem that ranges from pure white to beige. KSSS is known for its high yields, slightly above-average potency, and resistance to contamination. 


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History of Koh Samui Super Strain

The story of Koh Samui Super Strain starts with Mushroom John Allen. In the early 1970s, John Allen became intrigued by the psychoactive properties of certain mushroom species, especially those in the Psilocybe genus. 

This fascination spurred extensive travels across Southeast Asia, South and Central America, and the South Pacific, where he documented and collected various psilocybin-containing mushrooms. His explorations led to the discovery of several new species, one of these species is Koh Samui which was discovered in 1990 growing out of the dung of local cattle. John Allen collected the spores and brought them back to the United States where he introduced the West to the new P. cubensis strain.

It's believed that Koh Samui Super Strain was developed from the original Koh Samui classic strain from Thailand, although the specific creator of KSSS genetics remains unknown, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to its origins. 

Koh Samui Super Strain Potency

Koh Samui is a popular strain of magic mushrooms, prized for its fast-growing and contaminant-resistant mycelium. These mushrooms fruit quickly and colonize rapidly, resulting in thick, robust growth. Although they tend to be short, Koh Samui mushrooms often proliferate in dense clusters.

Quantitative analysis indicates that this mushroom strain has an average psilocybin content of approximately 0.59%, with total tryptamine levels averaging around 0.7%. For comparison, the average Psilocybe cubensis mushroom contains between 0.5% and 0.9% total tryptamines by dried weight.

While Koh Samui Super Strain is not potent as Tidal Wave and Penis Envy, for example, it offers a different unique experience that shouldn't be disregarded. 

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Koh Samui Effects

In traditional Thai medicine, Koh Samui mushrooms are used to treat various ailments, including fatigue and anxiety, and are also believed to enhance cognitive function and memory. Users report that the high from these mushrooms is potent but not overwhelming, often causing strong visual hallucinations and a high-energy, euphoric experience that can be confusing or disorienting.

Generally speaking, Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms produce similar effects due to their active alkaloids Psilocybin and Psilocin which can include mood changes, insights, hallucinations, and sometimes less pleasant effects like nausea or pre-trip anxiety.  The debate among psychonauts about differences between strains is ongoing, as the experience is heavily influenced by factors like set, setting, and dosage, making it challenging to determine the impact of the specific strain.

For instance, many people find a Koh Samui Super Strain to be particularly enjoyable due to its moderate potency. KSSS is reported to have a sudden onset and is considered more mental than physical in its effects.

How to Grow Koh Samui Super Strain Mushrooms

Koh Samui mushrooms can be successfully cultivated using substrates such as wild bird seed (WBS), rye grain, and a pasteurized mixture of dung and straw. To grow Koh Samui Super Strain using a WBS tek you will need to soak the seed mixture and let it hydrate by soaking them in water overnight. After the grains are hydrated, drain them out using a strainer. Fill the jars with the WBS mix, leaving at least 2 inches of space at the top. Then, sterilize the jars in a pressure cooker at 15 PSI for 60 to 90 minutes.

Inoculate the Jars

Equipment

    • Sterilized WBS Jars

    • Koh Samui Super Strain spore syringe

    • 70% Isopropyl alcohol

    • Paper towels

    • Latex gloves

Take the Koh Samui Super Strain spore syringe and shake it well for a couple of minutes to break up the clumps of spores that may form during storage.

Using paper towels and isopropyl alcohol wipe the jars, paying attention to the lid part as it will be partially opened during inoculation.

Prepare the spore syringe by removing the cap making sure that the needle doesn't touch any hard surface in your working area. If you are using an old spore syringe make sure to flame sterilize the needle before use.

Quickly open the jar lid making enough space for the needle to pass through and squirt 3-4 ml of spore solution.

    • Close the lid and give the jar a light shake.

Leave the jars in a warm dark place with a temperature ranging between 75.2 and 78.8 °F (24 and 26 °C) for the next 14 to 20 days, checking occasionally for contamination.

Grain Spawn to Bulk Substrate Transfer

Equipment

  • Monotub
  • Mushroom substrate mix (Coco coir, vermiculite, and gypsum)
  • Dark trash bags or plastic sheet
  • 70% Isopropyl alcohol
  • Paper towel
  • Spoon

Lye the trash bag over the mono tub and wipe it with isopropyl alcohol using a dampened paper towel. 

Sanitize the spoon with isopropyl alcohol, open the grain spawn jar, and scoop it out into the monotub. 

Repeat the process until you have an even layer of grain spawn in your monotub, depending on the size of your tub you might need three to four 850ml jars. 

Inspect every jar before placing the spawn into the monotub. If you notice any strange odors or colors discard the jars. 

Using your hand break up the big clumps of mycelium and spread it out evenly.

Add the substrate mix until you get a depth of about 10cm in the monotub. If the growing medium is too shallow you will get fewer flushes. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the substrate is evenly distributed with the mixture, which will promote uniform colonization. 

Add around 1-2 cm of casing layer on top, covering any exposed grains. The casing layer is a plain mushroom substrate mix that will help maintain proper moisture levels and protect the mycelium, creating an ideal microclimate for its development. Gently pat everything down, pushing the edges to the lining plastic sheet. 

Trim the excess dark plastic sheet and give the substrate a generous misting using a spray bottle. Close the lid, of your monotub and let the substrate colonize for about 10 to 15 days. 


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Fruiting

After the mycelium has fully colonized the substrate inside of your monotub, you want to introduce it to fresh air as that will trigger the fruiting process. The perfect timing for the fruiting is when pins start to appear on the casing layer. 

Depending on what type of monotub you are using, you can either open the air vents and let the air circulate inside of it. The other more simpler option is to take the lid off and just place it upside down leaving free space for air circulation. Mist the monotub regularly to increase the humidity levels. After approximately a week you will have your first flush of Koh Samui Super Strain Mushrooms. If you need KSSS spores, mushrooms, or growing equipment, search Fungi Maps to find reputable vendors that will satisfy your needs!