Jack Frost is a cultivated strain of Psilocybe cubensis. As the strain’s name implies, it is white, a true albino, and while it is a comparatively new strain and not much is known about it, those who have tried the strain speak very well of it. Although its original cultivator isn’t known (even rumors crediting a certain person known only by pseudonym are not substantiated), Jack Frost is reputed to be a cross between Albino Penis Envy and True Albino Teacher, two well-known and highly popular strains. Jack Frost does not have a penis-like shape, despite its parentage. It does have a thick steam and a heavy, meaty cap, but the cap opens widely, even turning upwards at maturity. Spore production is copious but the spores are white, suggesting a sprinkling of snow. The gills are blue, and unusual feature thought by many to indicate very high psilocybin content—actually, though blue bruising does indicate the presence of psilocybin, that doesn’t mean potency can be estimated from the readiness to bruise. And in any case, the color of the gills may or may not be psilocybin-related. Regardless, this is a pretty mushroom.Jack Frost does bruise blue when handled roughly, and for that reason dried specimens are often quite blue. Those who prefer a truly white mushroom need to ensure gentle handling. Effects The effects of Jack Frost are almost certainly the same as those of any other cube—even if biochemistry varies from one strain to another, the distinction between strains is probably swamped by other factors that can also alter the course of a trip, such as the user’s mindset and setting. What definitely can vary between strains is potency, and since the effects of psilocybin vary with dosage, it’s quite likely that users are taking more than they expect, and thus getting stronger, more visual trips, with the more potent strains. Potency and Dosage Is Jack Frost a potent strain? That’s actually not clear. The two times it was tested, it came up with only a high-average psilocybin concentration—but based on anecdotal reports, it sounds as if the strain must be well above average. Most probably, Jack Frost varies in potency, and the two samples tested were simply not the best this strain can do. Now, an unusually potent mushroom translates to a dose that is larger than its physical size would suggest. Since unexpectedly large doses are a major risk factor for unpleasant or even dangerous side effects, users should therefore be even more cautious than usual about dosing. Err on the side of taking too little, then take more if needed.
