Michael Davis
Amsterdam is known for its liberal drug policy, with \smart shops\ selling a range of psychedelic substances, including magic truffles. These truffles are the sclerotia of psilocybin mushrooms—underground roots that contain the hallucinogenic chemicals psilocybin and psilocin. While magic mushrooms were banned in the Netherlands in 2008, a legal loophole allows for the sale and consumption of psilocybin mushroom truffles, which have become popular among tourists seeking a psychedelic experience. These truffles can induce a colourful state of consciousness lasting up to six hours, with effects including enhanced serotonin activity, vivid colours and patterns, and a distorted sense of time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality in Amsterdam | Legal |
| Active substances | Psilocybin, psilocin, biocytin |
| Effects | Euphoria, relaxation, enhanced introspection and insight, enhanced vividness of colours and geometric patterns, distorted time perception, nausea |
| Duration of effects | 4-6 hours |
| Form of consumption | Tea, raw |
| Optimal consumption | On an empty stomach |
| Cost | €30 per 15g |
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What You'll Learn
Magic truffles are legal in the Netherlands
Magic truffles are indeed legal in the Netherlands, although magic mushrooms are not. Magic truffles are the sclerotia of psilocybin mushrooms, which are masses of mycelium that contain the hallucinogenic chemicals psilocybin and psilocin. They are not technically the same as mushrooms, but they are part of the same organism.
In October 2007, the Dutch authorities prohibited hallucinogenic or "magic mushrooms". The ban on mushrooms did not include the hallucinogenic species in sclerotium form, as authorities believed it to be weaker than the mushrooms. As a result, psilocybin truffles became the only legal option to produce and sell. Today, smart shops in the Netherlands offer magic truffles as a legal alternative to the outlawed mushrooms.
The active substances in mushrooms and truffles are prohibited, but truffles are not. This is because they contain substances that change the experience of reality, space, and time, and the way the brain works. The strength differs per species and per truffle, as it is a natural product.
In Amsterdam, magic truffles can be purchased in smart shops, and they can be ingested in various ways. Most people simply eat them, but they can also be made into tea or used as an ingredient in dishes. For example, there are chocolate bars with truffles incorporated, and some people add them to pasta. The effects usually begin around half an hour after ingestion, and the hallucinogenic trip can last up to 6 hours.
It is important to note that while magic truffles are legal in the Netherlands, other forms of psilocybin are not. The Netherlands has a more liberal view of drugs than most countries, but there are still some legal limitations.
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They are sold as substitutes for magic mushrooms
Truffles are sold as legal substitutes for magic mushrooms in Amsterdam. They are formed by the underground roots of magic mushrooms and contain the same active substances, psilocybin and psilocin, which cause hallucinations and change the user's experience of reality, space and time.
In 2007, the Dutch authorities prohibited the use of hallucinogenic or "magic mushrooms", but the ban did not include the hallucinogenic species in sclerotium form (truffles), as they were believed to be weaker than mushrooms. As a result, truffles became the only legal alternative to the outlawed mushrooms. They can be purchased in specialised shops called "smartshops", which are different from coffee shops.
Truffle trips are often milder than mushroom trips, which tend to be more intense and introspective. The strength of a truffle trip depends on the strength of the truffle, the user's mood and state of mind, and the dose. It is recommended to consume truffles on an empty stomach, and they can be eaten raw or made into tea.
While truffles are legal and widely available in Amsterdam, it is important to be well-informed and well-prepared if planning to use them.
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They contain the hallucinogenic chemicals psilocybin and psilocin
Truffles in Amsterdam are legal and widely available at 'smart shops'. They are sold as substitutes for mushrooms, which have been banned in the country since 2007.
The truffles contain the hallucinogenic chemicals psilocybin and psilocin, which are also found in magic mushrooms. These chemicals change the way the brain works, resulting in a different experience of reality, space and time. Users have reported feeling euphoric, relaxed, and at peace with the world, with enhanced introspection and insight. Colours and geometric patterns become more vivid, and sounds may flow into each other.
The trip can last anywhere between four and six hours, but time is often distorted while tripping. The strength of the trip depends on the strength of the truffle, the user's mood or state of mind, and the dose. It is recommended to consume truffles on an empty stomach, and they can be eaten raw or made into tea. Most people describe the taste as foul.
While truffles are legal, it is important to note that the active substances in truffles and mushrooms are prohibited. It is also worth mentioning that, while physical addiction to magic truffles has never been documented, the potential for psychological addiction or dependence on any substance should not be ruled out.
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A truffle trip can last between 4 and 6 hours
Magic truffles, which are sold legally in smart shops in Amsterdam, contain the hallucinogenic chemicals psilocybin and psilocin. They are masses of mycelium, which are the underground roots of magic mushrooms. When ingested, they trigger a hallucinogenic trip that can last between 4 and 6 hours. The trip's intensity and duration depend on several factors, such as the dose, the potency of the truffles, and the user's sensitivity to psilocybin.
It's important to note that the effects of magic truffles can vary from person to person and can be unpredictable. The trip can be influenced by factors such as the user's mood, surroundings, and expectations. It is also worth mentioning that the effects of magic truffles can linger even after the trip itself has ended. Some people report feeling woozy and weird for up to 12 hours after consuming truffles.
While magic truffles are legal in the Netherlands, it is essential to purchase them from specialized smart shops with knowledgeable employees who can provide information and guidance to consumers. The quality and potency of truffles can vary, and it is important to be well-informed and well-prepared before consuming them.
Additionally, it is worth noting that while physical addiction to magic truffles has never been documented, tolerance to psilocybin is a well-understood concept. Repeatedly higher doses of psilocybin may be needed to achieve the same effects due to the down-regulation of 5HT2A receptors. There is also documented cross-tolerance between psilocybin and LSD, where higher doses of these substances may be required when consumed frequently.
In summary, a truffle trip can last between 4 and 6 hours, but it is important to approach this experience with caution and responsibility. The effects of magic truffles can be intense and unpredictable, and it is always advisable to be well-informed and prepared when consuming any substance that alters the state of consciousness.
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They are proven to have profound healing effects
Magic truffles, which are sold legally in smart shops in Amsterdam, are the sclerotia of psilocybin mushrooms. They contain the hallucinogenic chemicals psilocybin and psilocin. When ingested, psilocybin is converted by the body into psilocin, which attaches to and activates serotonin receptors in the brain. Psilocybin has been used for thousands of years in religious rituals and traditional ceremonies.
Psilocybin is currently being studied for its potential therapeutic effects. Research suggests that it may be useful in treating various psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. A 2022 review indicated that psilocybin may help regulate the brain's reward system in people with depression or suicidal ideation. Additionally, a 2023 study found that adults who took a single 25mg dose of psilocybin with psychological support experienced a significant reduction in depressive symptoms compared to those who took a placebo.
Psilocybin has a low toxicity level and is not considered addictive. However, it can cause unpleasant side effects, such as extreme fear, anxiety, panic, or paranoia, known as a "bad trip." The risk of these negative experiences may be higher with higher doses or pre-existing mental health conditions.
Overall, while more research is needed, psilocybin shows promise as a potential treatment for mental health disorders, and its therapeutic benefits are being increasingly recognised.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, truffles are legal in Amsterdam.
Yes, truffles in Amsterdam contain psilocybin, which is the substance that causes psychedelic effects.
Truffles can be bought from specialised shops called "smart shops", which are different from coffee shops.
Truffles can cause hallucinations, a sense of euphoria, relaxation, and enhanced introspection and insight. They can also distort one's perception of time and enhance the vividness of colours and geometric patterns.
The effects of truffles typically last between four and six hours, but the duration can vary depending on the strength of the truffle and the individual's state of mind.
