Terms of Service

1. Service Description

Cynic & Spore Labs LLC (“Company,” “we,” “us”) sells physical sterile cultivation media (substrate blocks, grain bags, liquid culture broth) and associated documentation. By placing an order, you agree to these Terms.

Products are sold strictly for legal gourmet mushroom cultivation and microscopy purposes only. Any indication of illegal cultivation will result in immediate order cancellation, a full refund, and a permanent ban from our services.

2. Altitude Compensation Disclaimer

Our sterilization protocols are explicitly designed for operation at 4,984 ft elevation (Longmont, CO). At this altitude, 15 PSI gauge pressure produces a chamber temperature of 118.3°C, not the 121°C achieved at sea level. Hold time is set per product and batch configuration, and is validated through thermal integration to achieve a lethality of F₀ ≥ 120, equivalent to the internationally recognized standard for overkill sterilization.

The F₀ calculation is performed using continuous thermocouple data and the standard thermal death kinetics formula:

F₀ = ∫ 10^((T − 121) / 10) dt

This is a physics-based claim derived from measured data. It is not a generic marketing statement. Batch F₀ values are published on the Digital Birth Certificate linked from each unit's Manifest Card QR code.

3. Product Quality & Claims

We guarantee that all products ship sterile (F₀ ≥ 120) at the time of packaging, as documented by the batch record. Sterility cannot be guaranteed after the customer opens or inoculates the product. Contamination following inoculation may result from operator technique, environment, or non-sterile introduction of culture material — none of which are within our control.

Physical Manifest Cards bear an archival ink signature and are sealed with wax at time of packing. A broken wax seal upon receipt may indicate tampering; contact us before using the product.

4. Limitation of Liability

Cynic & Spore Labs LLC is not liable for crop failure, contamination outcomes after inoculation, or any consequential damages arising from use of our products. Our liability is limited to the replacement of defective products (sterile seal failure, documented contamination at time of packaging) or a full refund.

5. Refund Policy

Physical goods may not be returned once the sterile seal is broken. If you receive a product that is visibly contaminated upon arrival (prior to your opening the outer bag), photograph the contamination and contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will replace the product or issue a full refund at our discretion.

Refunds are not issued for contamination occurring after the customer opens or inoculates the bag, regardless of the time elapsed.

6. Shipping & Physical Goods

All products ship from Longmont, CO. Shipping times are estimates only. We are not responsible for carrier delays, lost packages after confirmed delivery, or damage caused by improper storage during transit in extreme temperatures. Products should be stored in a clean, cool, dry environment upon receipt.

7. Intellectual Property

The Cynic Protocol, Manifest Card design, Digital Birth Certificate system, and all associated documentation are proprietary to Cynic & Spore Labs LLC. You may not reproduce, redistribute, or commercially use our documentation or data formats without written permission.

8. Enforcement, Reporting, and Appeals

We may refuse service, cancel orders, or permanently block access where we detect suspected illegal use, fraud, abuse, harassment, chargeback misuse, or attempts to bypass stated policy controls.

To report policy violations, email lab@cynicandspore.com with subject line “Compliance Report” and include the relevant order ID, tracking details, or supporting context.

If enforcement action affects your order, you may request a policy review through the same contact channel. Review outcomes are determined at our sole discretion and may include reinstatement, modified fulfillment, or permanent refusal of future service.

9. Contact

Terms questions: lab@cynicandspore.com