Lil Shop of Spores Blog

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

 

🎅Christmas Sale! 20% Off + Free Machine Elf Isolated Syringe 👽🍄

12/16/2025 @ 2:44pm

Lil Shop of Spores Christmas Sale

🎄🍄 Christmas Sale Is Live at Lil Shop of Spores 🍄🎄

Ho ho ho, fungi friends 🧪✨ Our Christmas Sale is officially live and it’s stacked with holiday savings, a killer freebie, and some extra end-of-year magic.

🎅 Christmas Sale Details

From now through December 31, 2025, enjoy the following holiday deal:

  • 🎁 20 percent off any order with code SANTA
  • 👽 FREE Machine Elf Isolated Spore Syringe with every order $100 or more

🎄 Just enter code SANTA at checkout to unwrap 20 percent off your entire order.

No complicated steps. No waiting. Just festive savings and clean lab goodness 🍄✨

🎁 Christmas & New Year Giveaway

This sale also stacks perfectly with our Christmas and New Year Giveaway.

Every order placed between December 16 and December 31, 2025 automatically receives one entry into our giveaway.

On January 1, 2026, we’ll draw 5 winners. Each winner will receive a $200 prize pack loaded with genetics, Lil Shop shirts, stickers, monotub filters, digital in out thermometers, and other awesome surprises 🎉

🔁 Back in Stock & New Product Drops

If you missed our last update, we’ve recently restocked several customer favorites and released a lineup of brand-new isolated spore syringes.

Back in Stock varieties include Fiji, Burma, Jedi Mind Fuck, and Blue Magnolia. New Product Drops include Machine Elf, Bluey Blanco, Hill Billy, Jedi Mind Fuck isolated syringes, and more.

Holiday traffic moves fast, so availability may be limited 👀

📬 Get the Best Deals First

Want early access to sales, discounts, new product drops, giveaways, and surprise freebies?

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and stay ahead of the crowd 🧪🍄

Thank you for supporting Lil Shop of Spores. Wishing you a Merry Christmas, a happy New Year, and an awesome end to 2025 🎄✨

 

🎁 Christmas & New Year Giveaway! 5 Winners, $200 Prize Packs 🍄

12/16/2025 @ 2:42pm

Christmas and New Year's Giveaway at Lil Shop of Spores!

🎄✨ Christmas & New Year Giveaway at Lil Shop of Spores ✨🎄

The holidays just got a whole lot better 🍄🎁 To say thank you to our amazing community, Lil Shop of Spores is running a special Christmas and New Year Giveaway.

📅 Giveaway Dates

Starts: December 16
Ends: Midnight Central Time on December 31, 2025

🎟️ How to Enter

It’s simple 👇
Every order placed during the giveaway period automatically receives one entry into the drawing.

No extra steps. No forms. Just place an order and you’re in.

🏆 Prize Drawing

On January 1, 2026, we’ll randomly select 5 winners.

Each winner will receive a $200 prize pack loaded with awesome gear and goodies.

🎁 What’s in the Prize Pack?

Each prize pack may include a mix of the following:

  • 🍄 Genetics and microscopy research items
  • 👕 Lil Shop of Spores t-shirts
  • 🖼️ Stickers and swag
  • 🛢️ Monotub filters
  • 🌡️ Digital in/out min/max thermometer
  • 🎁 Other surprise goodies and cool stuff

Lil Shop OG MushHead Logo T-Shirt  Monotub Filters

In/Out Min/Max Thermoter  Glass

📬 Want the Best Deals and Free Stuff?

Don’t miss out on future giveaways, exclusive discounts, new product drops, and surprise freebies.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop and get first access to the good stuff 🧪🍄

This giveaway is our way of saying thank you for supporting Lil Shop of Spores. We appreciate every order, every message, and every curious mind in this community.

Good luck, happy holidays, and cheers to an awesome New Year 🎉🍄

 

🍄✨Back in Stock + New Drops Are Live at Lil Shop of Spores 12/15/25

12/15/2025 @ 7:43pm

🍄 Back in Stock & New Product Drop at Lil Shop of Spores

Big news, lab rats 🧪✨ We’ve restocked some of our most requested Psilocybe cubensis spore varieties and just dropped an exciting lineup of brand-new isolated spore syringes. If you’ve been waiting, now’s the moment.

🔁 Back in Stock Spores

These classics are officially back and ready for microscopy research:

Each variety is prepared with care in an ISO7 Clean Lab Environment and intended strictly for microscopy and research purposes.

🧪 New Isolated Spore Syringe Drops

We’re also rolling out several new isolated spore syringes, perfect for researchers looking for refined genetic material and consistency.

Quantities on new drops are always limited, so don’t sleep on these 👀

🛠️ Need Mycology Supplies?

If you’re looking for quality mycology supplies, substrates, or lab gear, be sure to check out our trusted friends at BoomingAcres.com. Solid gear from solid folks 🤝

💳 Important Ordering Info

Before placing your order, please take a moment to Review Our Payment Instructions. Following them carefully helps ensure smooth processing and faster order handling.

As always, thank you for supporting Lil Shop of Spores

Stay curious, stay weird, and happy researching

🍄🫶✌️

 

🍄 Small Business Saturday + Cyber Monday ale!

11/28/2025 @ 8:31pm

 

20% Off Sitewide + New Products + Restocks

Use Code: TBFCM20 • Ends 12/1/25

It’s one of our favorite weekends of the year - Small Business Saturday through Cyber Monday  and Lil Shop is running a 20% off sitewide sale for everyone!

From now through December 1st, 2025, take 20% off any order with code:

🔥 TBFCM20

And that's not all  we've also dropped new isolates and restocked several fan favorites just in time for the sale.


New Products This Weekend

Fresh isolates just hit the shelves:

  • Machine Elf - Isolated Syringe
    A clean, dialed-in isolate for collectors who like things a little cosmic.

  • Blue Magnolia - Isolated Syringe
    Smooth, consistent, and one of the prettiest isolates we’ve brought in.

Grab them while they’re in stock - these will absolutely move during the sale.


🔁 Back in Stock!

We just refilled inventory on several highly requested classics:

  • Burma

  • Plantasia Mystery

  • Fiji

  • Huautla

  • Mazatapec

  • Jedi Mind Fuck

If you’ve been waiting for any of these heavy hitters, this is the perfect time to restock.


🛍️ 20% Off Through 12/1/25

Take 20% off your entire order with code TBFCM20.
Offer expires at 11:59 PM on December 1st, 2025.


🧪 Need Supplies?

For lab gear, sterilization tools, agar, and more - check out our friends at:

👉 www.BoomingAcres.com

Stock up on mycology supplies there, spores here - the perfect combo.


🚀 Final Note

New isolates, restocked classics, and 20% off everything - this is one of our biggest weekends of the year. Load up while the shelves are full!

Happy Small Business Saturday & Cyber Monday from the Lil Shop Crew 🍄✨

 

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