Okie Footlong: A Legacy in the Making
The iconic photo shared by Captain Tripps that inspired the name “Okie Footlong”
Oklahoma might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of magic mushrooms, but thanks to the efforts of Oklahoma Fungi and Captain Tripps, the state has carved out its unique contribution to the world of mycology. Meet “Okie Footlong”, a Psilocybe cubensis variety isolated by Captain Tripps from "Oklahoma Wild”, originally found by Oklahoma Fungi in 2022.
How It All Started
The Okie Footlong is the result of a collaborative effort among 3 members of the Oklahoma mushroom community. It all began in 2022 when a mutual friend, Community Farmz, introduced me to a local researcher, Captain Tripps. I had been studying the "Oklahoma Wild" Psilocybe cubensis genetics for a little over a year but was eager to share them with someone who could help research their unique potential. Excited by the opportunity, I passed the genetics along through Community Farmz and hoped to hear back. This collaboration laid the foundation for what would become “Okie Footlong”. After a few months of research, Captain Tripps had isolated a unique variety that was growing incredibly tall with beautiful golden caps.
The Name Says It All
The name "Okie Footlong" was coined after seeing pictures of the mushrooms that Captain Tripps had been studying. These mushrooms can grow to be 8-13 inches tall with small to medium-sized caps. The name combines "Okie," a common nickname for Oklahomans, and "Footlong," reflecting their impressive height. When grouped together, these mushrooms resemble a unique bouquet of flowers. The stems bruise blue easily when touched and the caps produce purple spores.
Debuting the Footlong
The Okie Footlong was officially introduced to the community in August 2023 through posts from Captain Tripps and Oklahoma Fungi. Captain Tripps generously donated 100 spore swabs to the VIP Goodie Bags at the First Annual Oklahoma Mushroom Festival in October 2023 and followed up with 250 spore syringes for the second festival. These donations have helped hundreds of beginner mushroom researchers get clean genetics from a reputable, local source. Since then, Captain Tripps and I have worked together to promote Okie Footlong and giveaway genetics to those interested in learning more about our state’s native Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms.
What Makes It Unique?
Several features make the Okie Footlong unique. First, it is the only known magic mushroom variety native to Oklahoma, connecting it deeply to the state’s natural history. Its remarkable height of 8-13 inches and its genetic distinction from hybridized strains add to its allure. Beyond its physical traits, the Okie Footlong contributes to soil health by improving water retention, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity, making it a beneficial addition to any garden or farm.
Standout Features
The Okie Footlong’s appearance differs significantly from its predecessor, the "Oklahoma Wild" specimen. The original specimen was 3.15 inches tall with a cap width of 1.5 inches, with an orangish-brown hue fading to yellow, and minimal bruising. In contrast, the Okie Footlong stands 8-13 inches tall with a tan cap and exhibits significant blue bruising on its long, thin stem.
Size and Yield
This variety’s size is its hallmark, with mushrooms reaching heights of up to 13 inches. Its yield and potency are comparable to popular strains like Golden Teachers or B+, making it an excellent choice for beginner or intermediate researchers alike.
Analytical Testing Insights
The Okie Footlong has undergone rigorous testing by labs such as Tryptomics Labs, Altitude Consulting, and Magic Myco Labs. Certificates of Analysis have shown a potency range of 0.47-0.53% total active compounds per gram, on par with well-known varieties like Golden Teacher and B+. Captain Tripps even entered the Okie Footlong into the first-ever Colorado Psychedelic Cup, showcasing its genetic diversity and representing Oklahoma’s mushroom community on a national stage. Oklahoma Fungi and Captain Tripps traveled to Denver, CO to attend this event.
Photo taken at the First Annual Colorado Psychedelic Cup in Denver, Colorado
Growing the Footlong
Easy for Beginners
The Okie Footlong is highly beginner-friendly. Its adaptability to Oklahoma’s climate makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. Even if contamination occurs, the mushrooms can sometimes thrive outdoors, showcasing their resilience and the benefits of native genetics.
Best Growing Conditions
For best results, maintain temperatures between 72-75°F and use a manure-based substrate to mimic its natural habitat. Alternatively, a Coco Coir, Vermiculite, and Gypsum (CVG) blend also works well.
Speedy Growth
The Okie Footlong has a quick growth cycle, similar to Golden Teacher, but its ability to colonize manure-based substrates quickly sets it apart. Its outdoor genetic heritage equips it to grow fast and compete effectively with other organisms.
Potential Challenges
The primary challenge lies in accommodating its height. The Okie Footlong requires ample headspace, making it more suitable for monotub cultivation rather than smaller containers like shoe boxes. Growers should also ensure enough vertical headspace to prevent cap deformation as the mushrooms get taller near the lid.
Community Feedback
The Experience
Most people describe the Okie Footlong as offering a gentle, happy, and loving experience lasting 4-8 hours. Its effects are comparable to Golden Teacher, making it ideal for microdosing. Higher doses (3.5 grams or more) can produce vivid visual hallucinations and profound introspection. For many, the Okie Footlong is their go-to variety for microdosing. One friend shared how its calming effects helped manage anxiety, while others praised its smooth transition into a euphoric state. Despite its moderate potency, the Okie Footlong remains a favorite for those seeking introspection and connection with nature.
Certificate of Analysis provided by Altitude Consulting during the Colorado Psychedelic Cup.
How It's Been Received
The Okie Footlong has been met with enthusiasm. Hundreds of researchers and enthusiasts have benefited from its release, and its cultural significance continues to grow. Captain Tripps, Community Farmz, and I are proud to support the community with accessible information and high-quality genetics.
Spreading the Word (and Spores)
This variety has made its way across the country, with researchers in about 10 states studying its unique traits. Social media platforms like Instagram have been instrumental in spreading the word, with Captain Tripps, Community Farmz, and Oklahoma Fungi keeping followers updated on new developments.
Final Thoughts
The Okie Footlong represents a significant milestone for Oklahoma’s mushroom community. Its native origins, unique traits, and accessibility make it a standout addition to the world of Psilocybe cubensis. For those interested in exploring this variety, we recommend purchasing genetics from trusted sources like Oklahoma Fungi or directly from Captain Tripps!
Ultimately, the Okie Footlong is a testament to the creativity and innovation driving mushroom cultivation. It has the potential to become a staple for Oklahomans and a celebrated variety in the global mushroom community. By embracing its unique characteristics, we can continue to grow and share the magic of mushrooms with Oklahomans around our state!
Beautiful top view of our “Okie Footlong” mushroom caps growing and spreading their spores.