Z-Strain Spores
Psilocybe cubensis strain profile, reviewed June 2026
Z-Strain is a variety of Psilocybe cubensis collected for microscopy and research. An especially vigorous, aggressive-colonizing cubensis thought to be a Golden Teacher relative, often used as a fast reference specimen.
| Common name | Z-Strain |
|---|---|
| Type | Psilocybe cubensis variety |
| Origin / lineage | Unknown (cultivated) |
| Spore print color | dark purple-brown to blackish-purple |
| Sold for | Microscopy & research only |
Under the microscope
Under the microscope, Psilocybe cubensis spores are dark purple-brown, subellipsoid to ellipsoid, roughly 11.5 to 17 microns long by 8 to 11 microns wide, each with a distinct broad germ pore. Spore morphology is consistent across cubensis varieties, so strains are distinguished by provenance and the phenotype of the fruit body rather than by the spores alone. The spores themselves contain no psilocybin, which is why they are legal to study for microscopy and research in most U.S. states.
Shop Z-Strain spores →Z-Strain spore FAQ
What do Z-Strain spores look like under the microscope?
Under the microscope, Psilocybe cubensis spores are dark purple-brown, subellipsoid to ellipsoid, roughly 11.5 to 17 microns long by 8 to 11 microns wide, each with a distinct broad germ pore. Spore morphology is consistent across cubensis varieties, so strains are distinguished by provenance and the phenotype of the fruit body rather than by the spores alone. The spores themselves contain no psilocybin, which is why they are legal to study for microscopy and research in most U.S. states.
Are Z-Strain spores legal to buy?
Z-Strain spores are legal to buy and possess for microscopy and research in most U.S. states, because the spores contain no psilocybin. A few states (California, Georgia, and Idaho) restrict Psilocybe spores. See our state-by-state spore-law guide before ordering.
What is the spore print color of Z-Strain?
Like all Psilocybe cubensis varieties, Z-Strain produces a dark purple-brown to blackish-purple spore print.
Check spore legality in your state →
This page is general information for microscopy, taxonomy, and research, not legal or cultivation advice. Psilocybe spores contain no psilocybin and are sold for microscopy and research only; germinating them is illegal in most jurisdictions. Confirm your local law before purchasing.