Golden Teacher Spores

Golden Teacher History and Origins:

The Golden Teacher (also known as GT, golden tops, yellow tops, and sometimes simply "goldens") is a popular strain of magic mushrooms that is known for it's "teacher" effect, meaning that they can induce a more introspective and contemplative trip that may lead to insights and realizations.

Here is a brief overview of its history and origins:

The exact origin of the Golden Teacher strain is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It was first identified in the late 1980s, and quickly gained popularity among mushroom enthusiasts due to its unique appearance and potent effects.

The name "Golden Teacher" is said to come from the mushroom's ability to teach and enlighten its users, as well as its golden-colored caps.Golden Teachers are known for their unique and visually striking appearance. Their caps are usually a golden or caramel color, with speckles of darker color, and they have long, slender stems. Like all mushrooms, Golden Teachers are fungus and are not actually plants. They belong to the family Hymenogastraceae and their scientific name is Psilocybe cubensis.

While the Golden Teacher strain is not as old as some of the more traditional psilocybin-containing mushrooms, it has become a popular variety due to its unique characteristics and profound effects. Golden Teachers are a favorite among cultivators because they are relatively easy to grow and have a fast colonization time. It continues to be cultivated and studied by researchers and enthusiasts alike.

Genus: Psilocybe
Species: Cubensis
Variety: Golden Teacher
Spores: Dark purplish brown
Habitat: Bovine, Equine Dung and Enriched Soils
Climate: Subtropical
Cap: 50+ mm in diameter, convex to broadly convex to plane at maturity.
Stem: 125+ mm in length, yellowish. Flesh bruising bluish green where injured. Persistent membranous annulus (ring) from partial veil that becomes dusted with purple brown spores at maturity.
Gills: Attachment adnate to adnexed. Grayish coloration in young fruit bodies becoming nearly black in maturity.

Are Golden Teacher spores legal to buy?

In the UK Golden Teacher spores are legal but cultivation is not. The legality of buying Golden Teacher spores may vary depending on your location and local laws. In some countries, it is legal to purchase spores for research purposes, but illegal to cultivate them. In other places, it may be illegal to possess or purchase spores altogether.

It's important to check your local laws and regulations regarding the purchase and possession of spores before making any purchases. Additionally, it's important to note that Golden Teacher spores are often associated with psilocybin mushrooms, which are classified as illegal substances in many countries.

How do I store Golden Teacher spores?

Golden Teacher spores should be stored in a cool, dark and dry environment. You can also store spores in the fridge. Make sure the syringe is in a clean zip-lock bag such as the packaging the spores are sent in.

Can I freeze my Golden Teacher spore syringe?

DO NOT allow Golden Teacher spores to freeze. This is not because it's a bummer to have to wait for your syringe to defrost before viewing your spores under the microscope. The issue is that the spore cells will burst as the water expands on freezing.

How long can I keep my Golden Teacher spores before using?

Golden Teacher spore syringes should be used as soon as possible. If stored correctly the spores should be fine for 6 months. The longer you leave the spore syringe the more chance of contamination being present when viewing under the microscope.

Can I reuse my Golden Teacher spore syringe if I have some spore solution left?

Yes! The best thing to do is leave the needle on and flame sterilise before storing with the needle cover put back on. DO NOT remove the needle to put the syringe cap back on as this will allow an opportunity for contamination to occur. When you come to use your spore syringe again please flame sterilise again before pushing a small amount of the spore solution out of the needle. You are now able to carry on your microscopic studies.

I can't see any Golden Teacher spores in my syringe with the naked eye?

Each Golden Teacher spore syringe has literally millions of Golden Teacher spores in a 10 ml spore syringe. Individual Golden Teacher spores are not visible to the naked eye. When you can see Golden Teacher spores without using the microscope you are looking at a clump of spores. We homogenise our spore solutions to give an even distribution of Golden Teacher spores in the syringe. This can make it hard to see the spores as the clumps are broken up. The vast majority of our spore syringes have very visible clumps of spores even after homogenisation. If you can't see any spores without the microscope there is no need to worry!

How do I get my Golden Teacher spore syringe ready for the microscope?

The aim of the game when viewing Golden Teacher spores under the microscope is cleanliness. This means:

1) you need to be as clean as possible

2) your environment needs to be as clean as possible and

3) your equipment needs to be as clean as possible.

For you to be as clean as possible have a shower, wear clean clothes, and give your hands a good clean with 70% isopropyl aclohol (or wear sterile gloves).

To work in a clean environment ideally you will be using a Still Air Box (you can see how to make one here) or a flow hood. If you do not have access to this equipment then the next best thing is to work in a clean and draft free room. We are trying to eliminate the possabllity of something landing on your slide other than your selected spores. Give your equipment a good clean with 70% isopropyl alcohol. At this point you are ready to re-clean your hands with the alcohol wipe, remove the syringe cap and attach the supplied sterile needle.

How do I view my Golden Teacher spores under the microscope?

Please see instructions below.

Can I purchase Golden Teacher spores in print form?

Yes you can purchase Golden Teacher spore prints here.

Legal Information

It is currently illegal to cultivate Psilocybe Cubensis spores in the UK and many parts of the world. To learn more about the legality of Psilocybe Cubensis spore syringes please read  Are Spore Syringes Legal?. To read more about the law regarding Psilocybe Cubensis in different countries you can check this wiki page out.