Wiz Khalifa Launches Organic Mushroom Grow Kit Brand

As mushrooms hit the mainstream, an unexpected figure has entered the market with their own mushroom wellness brand — Grammy-nominated recording artist and rapper Wiz Khalifa. The new mushroom-forward wellness company, MISTERCAP’S, aims to promote a healthier lifestyle by allowing customers to access natural organic mushrooms through their grow-your-own-mushroom kits.

What is MISTERCAP’S?

Kalifa has collaborated with Canadian company Red Light Holland to launch his MISTERCAP brand. The Ontario-based company is already a present figure in the Netherlands, where they produce, grow, and sell psychedelic mushrooms. The new brand has introduced MISTERCAP magic truffles with naturally occurring psilocybin for their Dutch consumers. However, due to legal and regulatory restrictions, psychedelic at-home grow kits are unlikely to hit markets in North America, Canada, and the rest of Europe anytime soon. 

“We’ve been working with Wiz Khalifa and his team to collaborate and create a brand that encompasses our joint belief for the affordable and equitable access to naturally occurring psilocybin responsibly,” said Red Light Holland CEO and director Todd Shapiro.

Until psychedelic laws change, MISTERCAP’S primary market “is exclusively focused on culinary mushrooms at this time” since they are “the best way to increase the reach of mushrooms as a means of well-being,” according to MISTERCAP’S general manager, Philippe Chetrit in a statement to USA TODAY. “But the brand will keep its eyes on the legal landscape and re-evaluate as appropriate,” he said.

MISTERCAP’S already offers three distinct, yet popular mushroom varieties: a shiitake grow kit, a lion’s mane grow kit, and an oyster grow kit, all priced at $27.95. The premade kits make growing fresh mushrooms at home a brief and easy process. All users have to do is follow the simple directions for each mushroom’s requirements, keep their grow kit well-misted, and in less than two weeks, they’ll have fresh mushrooms growing in their own homes. 

“People love growing their own food,” said Khalifa in a press release with PR Newswire. “People know so little about Mushrooms, so my goal with MISTERCAP’S is to showcase its positive benefits, and bring them to a wider audience.”

Partnership with the Fungi Foundation

MISTERCAP’S is a proud sponsor of the Fungi Foundation, giving 2% of all proceeds to the world’s first organization dedicated to studying fungi and increasing knowledge of its importance and diversity for conservation efforts. With a shared goal in mind, MISTERCAP’S collaboration with the Fungi Foundation will help support the organization’s Fungi Education Curriculum, which is the first educational initiative aimed at introducing mycology studies into the classrooms of middle and high school students. Not only will the curriculum teach kids about the fascinating world of fungi, but will also serve as a means to teach the younger generations about the essential role fungi play in our ecosystems and the significance of conservation efforts to preserve these essential organisms.

A boom in the mushroom industry

In recent years, the mushroom industry has seen a rapid expansion driven by increased consumer awareness. 

Once limited to just button and portobello mushrooms on grocery store shelves, the mushroom landscape has transformed, offering a diverse range of unique varieties that are capturing the attention of consumers nationwide. According to a report published by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), specialty mushroom sales increased by a staggering 32% during the 2021-2022 growing season. The rise of specialty mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, and lion’s mane has significantly contributed to the industry’s growth, not only due to their unique flavors and textures but also because of their potential health benefits. For instance, research has found that lion’s mane mushrooms contain specialized compounds that boost nerve growth factor (NGF) and improve cognitive function. Similarly, shiitake mushrooms can potentially stimulate the immune system due to their high amounts of antioxidants and beta-glucans. 

Following this growing trend, MISTERCAP’S culinary mushroom kits allow consumers to cultivate their own specialty mushrooms at home so that they can have a deeper connection with their food and intimate access to their medicinal benefits. Wiz Khalifa’s involvement in the mushroom industry through MISTERCAP’S may further its popularity, as celebrity endorsements can increase public awareness about the unique world of mushrooms and their potential health benefits.

Khalifa, who also has his own cannabis brand, Khalifa Kush, envisions a broader impact on the mushroom industry beyond culinary ventures. He hopes that the psychedelic aspects of his brand can garner public support for psilocybin-related laws and initiatives as well. Brad J. Lamb, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Red Light Holland, explains, “Genuine brand recognition and celebrity social media reach will help Red Light Holland gain global awareness for recreational psilocybin as we all look forward to being a part of a positive change and ending stigmas.”