Blue Pulaski is a strain name for Psilocybe cubensis. It is not a separate species. Earlier versions of this page called it “Pulaskia azurea” and described it as a culinary mushroom; neither is correct, and “Pulaskia azurea” is not a recognised scientific name.
No published record explains who first grew Blue Pulaski or where. “Pulaski” may refer to a place, as many cubensis names do, but that is speculation. This is common across the hobby: a 2025 review notes that strain names are mostly informal, and that cultivars sold under one name by different suppliers are often not genetically similar (Kurzbaum et al., 2025).
Blue Pulaski mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of Psilocybe cubensis, the same species as Golden Teacher. They contain psilocybin, which the body converts to psilocin, the compound behind the psychedelic effects (NIDA). Our Blue Pulaski dried mushrooms are sold by weight.
The “Blue” in the name refers to bruising. When cubensis flesh is cut or handled, enzymes convert psilocybin to psilocin and then oxidise it into blue compounds (Lenz et al., 2020). Every cubensis does this to some degree. Heavy bluing shows that psilocin was present where the tissue was damaged, but it is not a reliable way to estimate how strong a batch is or how much to take.
Blue Pulaski is sometimes confused with Blue Meanies, another name built around bluing. Blue Meanie can refer either to a cubensis strain or to a different species, Panaeolus cyanescens, so the two are not interchangeable. Blue Pulaski is always a cubensis.
Sellers often describe it as visual and fairly strong, but there is no published lab data comparing it with better-studied strains such as Harlequin or Golden Teacher. Our magic mushroom strains guide explains what can and cannot be compared between strains.
Without strain-specific lab results, the honest answer is that Blue Pulaski’s potency is whatever the batch in front of you contains. A 2026 study that grew 14 cubensis strains under the same conditions found total tryptamines varied more than 7.8-fold between strains, and psilocybin varied 13% to 23% between individual mushrooms of the same strain (Sharchaton et al., 2026).
Commonly cited harm-reduction reference points for dried cubensis are roughly 0.1 to 0.3 grams for a microdose, 1 to 2.5 grams for a moderate experience, and 3.5 grams or more for a strong one. Our dosage chart and microdosing guide explain how those ranges are used. They are general reference points, not medical advice.
Effects usually start within 15 to 45 minutes and last four to six hours (Health Canada). Reported effects include altered colours and patterns, mood changes and introspection, all of which depend on dose and context. NIDA notes that expectations, surroundings, dose, potency and biology all shape whether an experience feels positive or frightening (NIDA).
Psilocybin can raise heart rate and blood pressure and cause nausea, confusion or anxiety. Anyone with a heart condition, a personal or family history of psychosis, or who takes psychiatric medication faces higher risk.
Research guidelines stress preparation, a safe and quiet setting, screening for psychotic disorders in the person or their family, and a supportive companion during the session (Johnson et al., 2008). Our guide to trip sitters explains how to apply that at home.
Use a 0.01 g scale, start low with each new batch, and avoid alcohol, cannabis and other drugs, since Health Canada warns that combining substances raises the risk of serious side effects (Health Canada). Do not drive until the effects have fully passed.
Psilocybin and psilocin are controlled substances in Canada. Health Canada states that the production, sale and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal unless authorised, for example through an approved clinical trial, a section 56 exemption, or a practitioner’s request through the Special Access Program, which has accepted psilocybin requests since 2022. Municipal non-enforcement policies do not change federal law. If you are unsure about your own situation, check current Health Canada guidance or get independent legal advice.
No. Blue Pulaski is a strain of Psilocybe cubensis. “Pulaskia azurea” is not a recognised species name.
The “Blue” refers to the blue bruising that all cubensis show when handled. The origin of “Pulaski” is not documented.
Not reliably. Bluing shows that psilocin was present where the tissue was damaged, but it cannot tell you the potency of a batch or the right dose.
No. Blue Meanie can mean a cubensis strain or a different species entirely, while Blue Pulaski is always a cubensis strain.
Related reading: Compare all magic mushroom strains · Blue Meanie strain guide · Harlequin strain guide
