Shrooms, Truffles and Functionals: Key Differences Explained

With so many fungi out there, it’s easy to get confused about what’s safe, what’s tasty, and what’s psychedelic. Even mycologists struggle to keep track, given that thousands of species exist.

Current estimates suggest there may be between 2.2 million and 3.8 million species of fungi worldwide. However, as of 2020, only about 155,000 species have been formally described by taxonomists and mycologists. All we know is that there is SO much more to learn.

So let’s start with the basics.

What’s the difference between mushrooms and truffles? Are they all psychoactive? Dangerous? Edible? Each type of mushroom and truffle has its unique characteristics and uses.

In this blog, I’ll break it all down clearly, so you’ll know exactly what’s what. That way, you’ll confidently source from reputable suppliers, use them safely, and enjoy every step of the journey.

Culinary Mushrooms

These are the mushrooms you likely know and love: button mushrooms, portobello, shiitake, and chanterelle.

Paul Stamets sparked controversy about the Portobello mushroom during a conversation with Joe Rogan. Curious what that was about. I’ve written about the Portobello Controversy but, spoiler alert, we still don’t fully understand the fuss.

If you have insights, please do everyone a favour and share your thoughts in the comments below!

Magic Mushrooms: Expanded Consciousness

Magic mushrooms, or “shrooms,” contain psychoactive compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, dramatically influencing perception and consciousness.

Psilocybin research has surged over the past decade, finally overturning decades of the stigma that Nixon’s policies initiated. His political strategy had consequences for decades and generations to come

Whether you’re somewhere like Oregon or Jamaica, where these mushrooms are legal, responsible and respectful use is critical. 

If you’ve joined our coaching calls or spoken with me personally, you’ll know my mantra is always: Each One, Teach One.

We have a responsibility to understand and share proper practices around these powerful substances. 

Reckless use like someone taking a “hero dose” while streaming on social media is not only disrespectful to the potential of these compounds but also risk stricter regulation, potentially setting back years of progress made by citizen scientists thus far.

When it comes to these potent compounds we must proceed thoughtfully and responsibly. 

Gourmet Truffles

Gourmet truffles grow underground and are genuinely harvested by pigs or specially trained dogs. True story.

These aromatic spheres come in white and black varieties and are prized worldwide for their strong, luxurious scent and flavour. 

These edible delicacies are non-psychoactive and legal globally, but do come with a hefty price tag IF your wallet allows can absorb the shock!

Psychoactive Truffles

Magic truffles are the underground are the counterpart to magic mushrooms, they do contain similar psychoactive ingredients but at a fraction of the potency.

Truffles contain less moisture and lowered psychoactive potency making them especially suitable for microdosing.

Disclaimer, they don’t taste as good as the gourmet truffles.

In my opinion, they taste like dirt, but let’s remember that these types of truffles are seldom consumed for the flavour.

Functional Mushrooms

Functional mushrooms are not psychoactive. Some are edible, others not so much.

Most are adaptogens used primarily as part of daily rituals;

– Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) – Edible and commonly included in culinary dishes and powdered blends

– Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) – Not edible, often used in teas and tinctures as part of evening rituals

– Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) – Not edible, typically brewed as a tea for its earthy flavour

– Cordyceps (Cordyceps species) – Not edible, typically used food and beverage products, often consumed around physical activity

Navigating Choices Responsibly

Legal and Cultural Context

Laws about mushrooms and fungi vary worldwide:

– Magic mushrooms (above-ground) are largely prohibited globally.

– Psychoactive truffles can be legally accessed in specific regions.

– Gourmet truffles are globally loved and legal.

– Functional mushrooms are widely available and increasingly popular.

Street Smart

With the psychedelic renaissance booming, please proceed with great cautious when sourcing mushrooms, truffles and/or functional mushrooms.

Always confirm the legitimacy and reputation of your supplier. Be sure to request a Certificate of Analysis (COA).

As COA is a third-party verification of product purity which ensures that functional mushroom extracts are dually extracted for maximum bioavailability. 

To learn more on the importance of bioavailability, check out my previous article on the importance of dual extraction.

Flowing Forward

If you’re looking for a fascinating book to read that is non-fiction, but feels like science fiction, then I highly recommend Merlin Sheldrake‘s book Entangled Life. 

It’s an absolutely riveting and spell-binding book that will change how you look at fungi and every aspect of the world we live in. 

If you feel ready to microdose, you can order your Starter Pack here.

If you want to incorporate functional mushrooms into your life, our Mushroom Essentials Complex is our unique blend of dually extracted, high-potency and organic Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Reishi and Cordyceps extracts. 

As always,

Shine bright. Do good. Flow strong.

Asha ✨

Asha Sultana

I believe in the power of mushrooms and in the innate intelligence of our bodies. Fungi support human health like none other. Personally, I have used a wide variety of mushrooms to restore my health from heavy metal poisoning and its consequences. Currently living in Cape Town while raised in Canada and born in Romania. My travels have deepened my connection to natural medicines and my commitment to balanced living.