Lil Shop of Spores Blog

💘 Valentine’s Day Sale -- 15% OFF + New Isolates & Fresh Combos!

2/11/2026 @ 8:22pm

💘 Valentine’s Day Sale -- 15% OFF Storewide

Love is in the air… and so are the savings 😎💝

Use code VALENTINE for 15% off any order through February 16, 2026.

Code: VALENTINE
Sale Ends: Feb 16, 2026 ⏳


🧬 Now Available in Isolate Syringe

Premium isolate selections prepared under sterile laboratory conditions for research purposes 🔬✨


🎁 Fresh Combo Packs

New bundles are live and ready to ship 📦✨

Stock up and save while supplies last.


📩 Want the Best Deals First?

Get early access to sales, new strain drops, exclusive isolate releases, surprise freebies, and swag giveaways 🍄✨


SIGN UP NOW

Subscribers always get the best offers.

 

2/11/2026 @ 8:15pm

💘 Valentine’s Day Sale — 15% OFF

Love is in the air… and so are the savings 😎💝

Use code VALENTINE for 15% off any order through February 16, 2026.

Code: VALENTINE
Ends: Feb 16, 2026 ⏳


🧬 Now Available in Isolate Syringe


🎁 Fresh Combo Packs

New bundles are live and ready to ship 📦✨



📩 Don’t Miss the Good Stuff

Be the first to know about flash sales, new strain drops, exclusive isolate releases, surprise freebies, and swag giveaways 🍄✨


SIGN UP NOW

Subscribers get the best deals. Always.

 

Fresh Spore Syringe Combo Packs Now Available at Lil Shop 🍄

1/31/2026 @ 10:39pm

New Psilocybe cubensis Combo Packs 🧬🍄

Looking to expand your microscopy collection with fresh genetics and solid value? We just dropped several limited-run spore syringe combo packs featuring classic landrace strains, isolate favorites, and heritage Mexican varieties.

These bundles rotate monthly to keep our inventory fresh and our pricing competitive. Once they sell out, they are replaced with the next lineup.

Four for Forty Spore Syringe Combo

The Four for Forty Combo Pack is one of our most popular monthly deals. It features four proven Psilocybe cubensis research strains chosen for reliability, diversity, and long-standing reputation.

This month’s lineup includes Burma, Colombia, John Allen, and McKennaii. You receive one 10ml spore syringe of each strain for a flat $40.

View the Four for Forty Combo →

February Overstock Blowout

To keep everything rotating fresh, we occasionally run an overstock special. February’s blowout strain is the Blue Blanco Isolate Syringe, offered at a deep discount while supplies last.

Isolate syringes are known for their consistency and clean presentation, making this a solid pickup at a reduced price.

Grab the February Blowout →

Cinco de Mexico Combo Pack 🇲🇽

Our Cinco de Mexico Combo Pack celebrates the deep cultural and genetic roots of Psilocybe cubensis in Mexico. This seasonal bundle brings together five research strains inspired by classic Mexican lineages.

The combo includes Huautla, Mexico Dutch King, Mexi-Albino, Palenque, and Teonanacatl. You receive one spore syringe of each strain for $79.95.

Explore the Cinco de Mexico Combo →

Limited Quantities Available

All Lil Shop combo packs are availabe in limited quantities. Once a combo sells out, it is removed and replaced with a new monthly offering. If a particular lineup catches your interest, we recommend grabbing it while available.

Want the Best Deals First?

Our newsletter subscribers get early access to combo packs, exclusive discounts, sales, swag and freebies and first notice when new strains drop.

Subscribe to the Lil Shop newsletter →

Browse all current deals

 

Customer Reviews Update: Full Review History Linked Here

1/31/2026 @ 11:18pm

⭐ Customer Reviews Update: Why You May See Fewer Reviews (And Where to Find Our Full History)

We’re sharing a quick update about Lil Shop of Spores customer reviews, including why our on-site reviews recently reset and where you can read our decades of legacy reviews.

🔍 Quick note: This update relates to review platform functionality only. Our commitment to transparency and quality hasn’t changed.


🛠️ What changed with reviews on our website

For years, we collected reviews via email and published them on a dedicated customer reviews page. As our catalog expanded, we introduced an on-site review system so customers could leave feedback directly on product pages.

After updates to product names and item numbers, the on-site review system developed a bug that prevented some customers from submitting reviews successfully.

♻️ Why we reset the on-site review system

To fully resolve the issue and ensure reviews work reliably going forward, we made the decision to reset the on-site review system and start fresh.

  • ✅ Improves review submission reliability
  • 🔗 Keeps reviews properly matched to the correct product listings
  • 🧼 Creates a clean foundation for new verified customer feedback

📚 Decades of customer reviews are still available

Even though the on-site review system is starting over, our long-term customer feedback history is still available. You can read decades of Lil Shop of Spores reviews on our legacy reviews page:

⭐ View Legacy Customer Reviews

These reviews were collected via email over many years and remain publicly available for full transparency.

🔗 Explore Lil Shop of Spores

🚀 What happens next

We’re rebuilding our on-site review system the right way. If you’ve ordered from us recently, we’d appreciate you leaving a review to help shape the next chapter of verified customer feedback. Simply head to a purchased item and be logged into your account. 

Thank you for your continued support and trust.

- Lil Shop of Spores Team 🍄 🫶

 

MLK Day Weekend Sale + Fresh Genetics Update 🍄 🫶 ✌️

1/15/2026 @ 7:18pm

MLK Day Weekend Sale + Fresh Genetics Drop 🍄

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we’re running a special weekend sale while rolling out fresh genetics and restocks you’ve been asking for.

🔥 20% OFF Everything

Take 20% off your entire order with code MLK20. Sale runs through January 19.


🧬 Fresh Genetics Drop

  • McKennaii
  • Mexico Dutch King (MDK)

Clean, lab-prepared genetics now available for microscopy research.

✅ Back in Stock

  • SG-30
  • John Allen
  • Acadian Coast

🚀 Coming Soon – Lil Shop Exclusives

  • Dutch Envy
  • Dutch Ape
  • Makilla Gorilla
  • Pearly Gates
  • Squat Mak

These exclusive drops are in final prep — newsletter subscribers will be the first to know.


📬 Stay in the Loop

Sign up for our newsletter to get early access to new drops, exclusive discounts, and special sales before they go public.

Join the Newsletter

All products are intended strictly for lawful microscopy research purposes.

 

Psilocybin Study Finds Anti-Aging Effects and Extended Cellular Lifespan 🍄🧬

1/11/2026 @ 9:03pm

Psilocybin Study Finds Anti-Aging Effects and Extended Cellular Lifespan 🍄🧬

Stylized DNA and telomere illustration inspired by psilocybin aging research

Stylized illustration representing DNA, telomeres, and emerging longevity research related to psilocybin.

New scientific research suggests that psilocybin — the naturally occurring compound found in certain mushrooms — may influence more than perception and mood. In a recent preclinical study, researchers observed signs that psilocybin’s active form, psilocin, could slow cellular aging and extend lifespan in laboratory models.

In controlled experiments, treated human cell cultures lived significantly longer than untreated cells and showed improvements in key aging markers, including reduced oxidative stress and preserved telomere length. Telomeres, often compared to protective caps at the ends of DNA strands, play an important role in cellular aging and longevity.

Researchers also observed promising effects in aged animal models, where periodic exposure was associated with improved survival rates and visible signs of healthier aging. While these findings are early and limited to preclinical settings, they suggest psilocybin may influence fundamental biological processes tied to healthspan and lifespan.

This study adds to a growing body of psychedelic research exploring how compounds like psilocybin may affect brain function, cellular health, and long-term wellbeing. Scientists emphasize that additional research — especially human clinical studies — will be needed to determine whether these longevity-related effects translate beyond the laboratory.

🔗 Read the full study summary from Emory University

⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or health advice.

 

This Psilocybin Study Shows Depression Relief Can Last for Years 🍄✨

1/11/2026 @ 8:47pm

🍄 Psilocybin Study Shows Depression Relief Can Last Up to 5 Years 🧠

New long-term follow-up research suggests that psilocybin-assisted therapy may offer lasting relief for people with major depressive disorder — not just short-term improvement, but benefits lasting up to five years after treatment.

In the study, a majority of participants who received psilocybin in a controlled clinical setting remained in remission years later, highlighting a striking contrast to traditional antidepressants that often require daily use and ongoing dose adjustments 💊.

These findings add to a growing body of psychedelic research exploring psilocybin’s potential to support mental health by temporarily increasing brain flexibility and neuroplasticity 🔄 — helping loosen rigid negative thought patterns and promote healthier emotional pathways over time.

🔗 Read the full study summary from The Ohio State University

⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

 

👇 📦 USPS Postmark Changes & What It Means for Your Lil’ Shop Orders

1/7/2026 @ 6:21pm

Updated: January 2026
Written by: Lil’ Shop of Spores 🍄🧬

If you’ve ordered from us lately, you might’ve noticed something weird: your USPS tracking doesn’t always update right away. 🤔 That’s because the USPS has updated how postmarks and scans are recorded — and especially in small, rural post offices like ours, that can mean delayed tracking scans until packages hit the big sort centers in Dubuque or Cedar Rapids, IA.

Let’s break it down so you know what’s up 👍


📮 What’s Changed with USPS Postmarks?

According to the new USPS Postmark Date System policy, the Post Office is adjusting how and when they record postmark dates and tracking scans. This means:

  • Your package may not get scanned at your local rural post office.

  • It might only show up in tracking once it reaches a bigger sort facility.

  • The official postmark date may shift later than when you actually handed it to USPS.

👉 Read the official USPS announcement here:
https://nstp.org/article/usps-announces-changes-postmark-date-system


🕵️‍♂️ So Why Aren’t My Scans Updating?

Here’s the deal:

Our local USPS branch is small and doesn’t always scan packages immediately at drop-off.
Under the new rules, they’re less likely to scan every item right away — especially in smaller offices.

Instead, USPS may delay that first scan until the package reaches a regional hub like:

  • 📍 Dubuque, IA

  • 📍 Cedar Rapids, IA

That means your tracking might show “Shipping Label Created” for longer than usual — even though your order is actually on the way.


📅 What This Doesn’t Mean

🚫 Your package isn’t lost
🚫 Your order wasn’t ignored
🚫 We didn’t forget to ship it

It just means the scanning process has changed — and rural post offices don’t always scan every package as soon as it’s dropped off.


📈 How This Affects You

Here’s what you might notice:

✔️ Longer delays before the first tracking update
✔️ Tracking jumps from “Label Created” → “In Transit”
✔️ First visible scan may come from a major USPS hub

So if it takes 24–72 hours for your first scan to appear — don’t panic! It’s often just the new USPS workflow doing its thing.


💡 Shipping Tips from Lil’ Shop

Want to feel extra confident about your order?

📌 Save your shipping receipt.
📌 Use the USPS Tracking number to check progress daily
📌 Remember: lack of a scan ≠ lost package

We’re here to help too — just reach out if you’re unsure!


✨ Final Thoughts

We love shipping your orders — seriously! 📦❤️
But between new USPS postmark rules and rural post office workflows, tracking updates might lag more than they used to. Hang tight, and know that most packages are on the move long before USPS officially posts that first scan.

Stay mushroom-powered,
Jason - Lil’ Shop of Spores 🍄🧪

 

🎆 New Year’s Day Giveaway Update - Watch the Drawing!🎉

1/1/2026 @ 5:01pm

🎉 Happy New Year! $200 Gift Box Giveaway 🎉

Thank you to everyone who entered our $200 Gift Box Giveaway! 🎁

The winner will be notified by email, so be sure to check your inbox 📬

We truly appreciate the continued support and enthusiasm from our amazing community.

Stay tuned for the next giveaway! 🍄✨

Happy New Year! 🎆

 

⏰ Last Chance Giveaway + New Strains Drop 🍄

12/31/2025 @ 2:48pm

⏰ There's Still Time to Get Entered in the New Year Giveaway + New Strains 🍄

Time is running out – this is your last chance to enter our current giveaway, and we didn’t want anyone to miss it.

Every qualifying order placed before the deadline 12:00am Central Time Jan 1, automatically earns an entry, giving you a shot at scoring some seriously awesome mycology gear and extras. If you’ve been on the fence, now’s the moment.

🎁 What’s Up for Grabs

  • Paul Stamets’ newest book – Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World
  • Genetics – Syringes and Spore Prints
  • Monotub kit with filters and thermometer
  • Lil Shop Super Secret LC Mix
  • Stickers, apparel, and more
  • Bonus surprises we think you’ll love

No extra steps required. Just place an order and you’re entered.

🍄 New Strains Just Landed

We’re excited to roll out new genetics, and a couple highly requested strains are now available:

  • ApeHilly Bumpkin – A unique hybrid with bold characteristics and strong visual appeal
  • White Golden Teacher – A clean, striking albino-style take on a classic favorite

More strains and restocks are right around the corner as we continue to expand the lineup. MDK (Mexico Dutch King) and McKennaii are coming next week.

📬 Want the Best Deals? Join the Newsletter

Our email subscribers always get first access to:

  • Exclusive discounts and sales
  • Early strain releases
  • Swag and freebies
  • Limited-time offers you won’t find anywhere else

We keep it simple and useful. No spam – just solid deals and important updates.

Thanks for being part of the Lil Shop of Spores community. Your support keeps us growing and bringing you carefully curated mycology research supplies. Feel free to comment on this post – we welcome input.

Stay curious
Lil Shop of Spores

 

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