CBD mushrooms: What they are and how they differ

A neutral overview of CBD mushroom products, their ingredients and how they differ from magic mushrooms.

Pablo VegaBy Pablo Vega 5 min read Updated

In short

  • CBD mushrooms are products that combine CBD with functional mushrooms such as reishi, lion's mane or chaga.
  • They contain no psilocybin and are not psychoactive, so they have little in common with magic mushrooms apart from the name.
  • Choose products with independent lab reports, check local rules and talk to a doctor if pregnant or on medication.
CBD mushrooms

CBD mushrooms are getting more and more attention.

The term describes products that combine CBD with so-called functional mushrooms such as reishi, lion's mane or chaga.

Whether you are already familiar with CBD or just curious, in this article you will learn what these blends are, what they contain and how they differ from magic mushrooms.

What are CBD mushrooms?

CBD mushrooms are not a mushroom species. They are products that contain CBD extract together with extracts or powders of functional mushrooms.

Unlike magic mushrooms, they do not contain psilocybin, and CBD itself is not considered intoxicating.

Understanding CBD

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants.

It is one of more than 100 known cannabinoids. Unlike THC, CBD is not considered psychoactive.

For CBD products, the CBD is usually extracted from industrial hemp, a type of cannabis grown for its low THC content.

What are functional mushrooms?

Functional mushrooms, such as reishi, lion's mane and chaga, have been part of traditional cuisine and folk customs in many parts of the world for centuries.

Today they are mainly sold as powders, extracts, capsules or teas.

The term "functional" is a marketing term and does not mean that a product has any proven effect.

Key functional mushrooms in CBD products

Reishi

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a woody mushroom that grows on hardwood trees. In traditional Chinese culture it is often called the "mushroom of immortality".

It was considered a symbol of spiritual power and was reserved for royalty and the elite.

Because of its hard texture, reishi is usually dried and sold as a powder, extract or tea.

Lion's mane

Lion's mane mushroom

Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is named after its long, white spines, which look like a lion's mane.

It contains compounds called hericenones and erinacines, which are being studied by researchers.

In traditional Asian cuisine, lion's mane is often cooked in soups and stews or prepared as a tea.

Chaga

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) grows mainly on birch trees in cold regions such as Russia, Scandinavia and Canada.

It looks like a black, cracked lump of charcoal on the outside and is orange inside.

Like lion's mane, chaga is usually prepared as a tea. Its dried, hardened outer layers are boiled and consumed as a decoction.

What makes CBD mushrooms different?

CBD mushrooms combine two ingredients that are usually sold separately.

Functional mushrooms have become much more popular in recent years.

With the addition of CBD, a new product category has emerged.

Let's take a look at how these products differ from the familiar magic mushrooms.

How do CBD mushrooms differ from magic mushrooms?

The main difference is the ingredients. Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin.

Psilocybin is a psychoactive compound that is a controlled substance in most countries.

CBD mushrooms, in contrast, contain CBD and functional mushrooms, but no psilocybin.

So the two product types have very little in common apart from the word "mushroom".

CBD mushrooms vs. magic mushrooms

Here is a comparison between CBD mushrooms and magic mushrooms.

Aspect CBD Mushrooms Magic Mushrooms
Main components CBD, functional mushrooms (reishi, lion's mane, chaga) Psilocybin
Psychoactive No Yes
Origin CBD from industrial hemp, mushrooms from cultivation or wild collection Certain mushroom species that naturally contain psilocybin
Legal status Depends on national rules for CBD and food supplements, check your local law Controlled in most countries, check your local law
Common forms Capsules, tinctures, powders, gummies Dried mushrooms

What should you pay attention to?

If you are interested in CBD mushroom products, choose products from reputable sources.

Look for third-party lab reports that confirm the CBD content and show that the product is free of contaminants.

If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or take medication, talk to your doctor before using any CBD product.

Read more in our guide to magic mushrooms here.

Forms of CBD mushroom products

reishi mushroom powder

CBD mushroom products come in different forms.

Here is an overview of the most common ones.

Capsules, tinctures and powders

Capsules contain a fixed amount of CBD and mushroom extract per piece.

Tinctures are liquid extracts, usually in a bottle with a dropper.

Powders can be stirred into drinks or food.

How to choose a product

Check the label for the amount of CBD and the type of mushroom extract.

Look for a lab report from an independent laboratory.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the label.

Check out our CBD oil collections here.

Tips for beginners

  • Read the label: Check the CBD content and the ingredients before you buy.
  • Check lab reports: Choose products with independent lab analyses.
  • Check your local law: Rules for CBD and food supplements differ between countries.

The future of CBD mushrooms

Interest in CBD and functional mushrooms keeps growing.

Researchers continue to study the ingredients of both, and many questions are still open.

The market is growing as well. The global CBD market size was valued at USD 6.4 billion in 2022 alone.

The mushroom gummy market is also projected to be at USD 11.14 billion in 2024.

Functional mushrooms are sold in gummies, capsules and powders that can be mixed into drinks.

Read more about the future of CBD mushrooms here.

Conclusion

CBD mushrooms combine CBD with functional mushrooms such as reishi, lion's mane and chaga.

They do not contain psilocybin and have little in common with magic mushrooms apart from the name.

As with any product of this kind, do your research, choose products with independent lab reports and check the rules in your country.

Explore our range of CBD products today.

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