Dr. K Mandrake
- Dr. K Mandrake is an environmental scientist and mushroom advocate, and along with his co-author Virginia Haze wrote The Psilocybin Mushroom Bible in 2016, which has recently been reissued as an expanded second edition in 2024. The pair also wrote The Psilocybin Chef Cookbook (2020), both published by Green Candy Press. With a Ph.D. in environmental microbiology, Dr. K’s specific interests include fungal biology, naturally occurring psychedelics, environmental justice, and food sovereignty. As one of Doubleblind’s resident expert mycologists, Dr. K uses a science-led approach to teach others about mushrooms and other psychedelics, including how to safely grow and consume mushrooms. In between keeping on top of the latest research in fungal ecology and helping out aspiring growers on the DoubleBlind Discord server, Dr. K is equally likely to be found either out in the wild teaching others about local mushrooms, or in the kitchen whipping up a delicious meal. Dr. K and Virginia have a regular Substack newsletter, A Quickly Changing Kaleidoscope—a psychedelically-informed deep dive into science, culture, the environment and the mind. They are also active on Instagram @themushroombible where you can learn more about the work they do in the field of psychedelic mushroom cultivation and consumption. He has been featured as an expert by Merry Jane, Uproxx, Yahoo, Vice Magazine and others. You can hear him interviewed on The Mushroom Hour and Heritage Radio Network.
Latest Articles
Mycology
Pluteus americanus is Magic, but You’ve Probably Never Heard of It
Psilocybe aren't the only mind-bending mushies out there
FEATURES
Psilocybe Mexicana: History, Potency, Cultivation and More
Curandera Maria Sabina first introduced mycologists R. Gordon & Valentina Wasson to Psilocybe Mexicana in the 1950s, he shared his story with the world, and the rest is history.
FEATURES
Penis Envy Mushrooms: Murder & Conspiracy Behind the World’s Trippiest Shroom
Penis Envy mushrooms were encountered by ethnobotanist Terence McKenna in the Amazon...the story unfolds from there.
Health & Wellness
Want to Measure the Magic in Your Mushrooms? You Can Now Test Psilocybin Potency at Home
The miraculix test kit shows the percentage of psilocybin in your mushrooms.
FEATURES
Psilocybin Isn’t the Only Compound in Magic Mushrooms—Here’s What Else There Is
A survey of the alkaloids in psychedelic mushrooms
Mycology
How to Identify Psilocybe Cubensis Look-Alikes
It's easy to mistake other mushrooms for Psilocybe cubensis while foraging. Here's a breakdown on how to avoid getting fooled by fungi.
Mycology
How to Make Magic Mushroom Tinctures At Home
Curious about making a mushroom tincture at home? Here's everything you need to know about crafting your own Psilocybe and Amanita extracts.
Mycology
The Anatomy of a Mushroom: A Guide
Mushrooms take many different forms, some which might look quite unfamiliar.
Mycology
A Quick Guide To Blue Magic Gym (Gymnopilus aeruginosus)
It may be yellow. It may be blue—no matter. This mushroom will have a magical effect on you.
Mycology
Gymnopilus junonius: A Quick Guide To Big Laughing Gym
Reports say this mushroom is psychedelic—but the hunt for psilocybin remains illusive. Author Dr. K Mandrake searches for the truth about Big Laughing Gym.
Mycology
A Beginner’s Guide to Psilocybe zapotecorum
Is this wild mushroom among the world’s most potent? New results suggest it might be—with some caveats
Mycology
Yes, this Yellow Amanita is Psychoactive—But It’s Not Like A Magic Mushroom
And this mushroom is easier to mistake for deadly look-alikes
Mycology
Psilocybe baeocystis Was Once Mistaken As Deadly—It’s Just Psychedelic
Meet Oregon's forgotten shroom
Mycology
Psilocybe serbica and the Case of Mistaken Identity
No, this mushie isn't a con artist—it just has way too many names
Mycology
There’s A New Shroom Species—and It’s Named After Paul Stamets
Psilocybe stametsii pays homage to the world-famous mycologist—but we don't know if it's psychoactive yet
Mycology
It Turns Out Mushrooms Have a Language—And We’re Just Figuring Out How to Decipher It
Mushrooms generate electrical signals that bear a striking resemblance to human nerve impulses
Mycology
Psilocybe caerulipes is a Forager’s Delight—But Good Luck Finding It
The blue foot Psilocybe lurks on logs and stumps in the Northeastern United States—but spotting one is no easy task. (And be careful if you try.)
FUNCTIONAL MUSHROOMS
Trametes versicolor: A Guide to Turkey Tail Mushroom
This medicinal mushroom may not be psychedelic, but it performs some potent magic tricks of its own.
FUNCTIONAL MUSHROOMS
Hen of the Woods (Grifola frondosa): Finding & Growing Maitake
The “dancing mushroom” isn’t psychedelic—but it’s still pretty trippy.
Health & Wellness
A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
You can still grow lion's mane even if you usually kill all of your plants—we promise.
Mycology
Panaeolus cinctulus: Identification, Effects & More
Everyone thought this shroom was poisonous—and then they realized it was magic.
Health & Wellness
Reishi Mushroom: Benefits List, Cultivation, and More
Human beings have a millennia-long relationship with the "mushroom of immortality."
Mycology
Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata: The Ohio Valley Shroom Taking Over the World
Well, two continents at least—but is it a good thing?
Mycology
Psilocybe allenii: The Bay Area Shroom No One Can Recognize
Meet Psilocybe allenii, the mushroom that evaded even skilled mycologists for decades.
COLUMNS
Why You Should Grow Your Own Mushrooms
DIY mushroom cultivation will save you money, offer peace of mind, and strengthen your connection to nature.
FEATURES
Golden Teachers — Do They Actually Exist? Here’s What You Should Know About This Famous Mushroom
Golden teachers are a popular type of magic mushroom, but here's what you should know if you're choosing which spores to grow.