Laura Smith
Amsterdam is known for its liberal attitude towards soft drugs, with its coffee shops selling marijuana and hashish, and its museums dedicated to cannabis and mushrooms. While magic mushrooms were banned in 2008, a legal loophole allows for the sale, possession, and consumption of psilocybin mushroom truffles. These truffles are a popular reason for psychedelic tourism in the city, with many people visiting Amsterdam to indulge in these hallucinogenic goodies. If you're considering taking mushrooms in Amsterdam, it's important to be respectful of the locals and keep a low profile, as there has been a push to curb the flow of tourists who visit solely to party. It's also crucial to be well-informed and well-prepared, as the effects of truffles can be intense and vary depending on the dosage and the species of truffle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality | While magic mushrooms are banned in the Netherlands since 2008, a legal loophole allows the sale, possession, and consumption of psilocybin mushroom "truffles." |
| Dosage | For serious psychedelic effects, a 7.5 g dose of Pandora truffles is good for new users. For stronger effects, 10 g should be enough. For a complete immersion, 15 g should suffice. |
| Precautions | Truffles are a potent hallucinogen and should be used with caution as the effects can turn into very intense negative experiences. |
| Purchase Locations | Truffles can be purchased in specialised smartshops in Amsterdam. |
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What You'll Learn
The legality of mushrooms in Amsterdam
While the active substances in mushrooms, such as psilocin and psilocybin, are prohibited, these substances are also present in truffles, which are legal. Truffles are widely available in Amsterdam and can be purchased from "smart shops" scattered throughout the city. These shops have a similar vibe to weed or head shops but with a focus on truffles. It is recommended to choose a smart shop with knowledgeable employees who can provide information and guidance to customers.
The strength of truffles varies by species and individual truffle, as it is a natural product. Popular truffle varieties in Amsterdam include Pandora and Atlantis, with recommended dosages ranging from 7.5 grams for beginners to 15 grams for a stronger experience. It is important to approach truffles with caution, as they are potent hallucinogens, and the effects can turn into intense negative experiences or "bad trips."
While Amsterdam is known for its liberal drug policies, it is important to note that other psychedelic substances, such as LSD, DMT, cocaine, and MDMA, are illegal and may result in confiscation and fines if caught by the police. Additionally, there has been a recent push by locals to curb the flow of tourists who visit solely to party and create disturbances.
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Where to buy mushrooms
The sale and use of psilocybe cubensis mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, became illegal in the Netherlands in December 2008. Prior to this, magic mushrooms were widely available in legal smart shops in Amsterdam, with one source citing Mushroom Galaxy as a shop that sold them.
Despite the illegality of magic mushrooms, magic truffles are still legal in the Netherlands and can be purchased in smart shops. One such shop is The Magic Mushroom Gallery, where a reviewer on TripAdvisor purchased Atlantis 25g truffles.
Smart shops selling magic truffles can be found in Amsterdam's city center, with the well-connected Centraal Station providing easy access to the shops via tram.
It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms and truffles carries risks, and individuals should exercise caution and follow instructions provided by shop owners when consuming these substances.
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Recommended doses
Since the ban on mushrooms in 2008, truffles are sold as substitutes. Truffles are legal and contain the same active substances as mushrooms, psilocin and psilocybin, which alter your experience of reality, space, and time. The strength differs per species and per truffle, so it is recommended to buy them from a specialised smartshop with knowledgeable employees.
If you are a beginner, a 7.5 g dose of Pandora truffles is recommended. For stronger effects, you can increase the dose to 10 g. For a complete immersion in the mystical psychedelic experience, 15 g should be enough. Atlantis truffles follow a similar dosage: 7.5 g for beginners, 10 g for a medium effect, and 15 g for a strong effect.
It is important to remember that truffles are a potent hallucinogen, and the effects can turn into very intense negative experiences (referred to as a "bad trip"). Therefore, caution is advised, and it is recommended to start with a lower dose to understand how it affects you.
While small quantities of some types of recreational mushrooms are tolerated, the most powerful types of "magic mushrooms" containing psilocybin were made illegal in 2008. However, authorities have stated that they will not prosecute individuals possessing very small amounts.
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Effects of mushrooms
While the sale, possession, and consumption of psilocybin mushroom "truffles" are legal in Amsterdam, it is important to understand the effects of magic mushrooms before consuming them. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours. The duration of the effects also depends on the user's size, the dosage consumed, and any other drugs taken concurrently.
Magic mushrooms have hallucinogenic effects, causing perceptual changes such as visual and auditory hallucinations and distortions. They can also alter one's emotions and perception of their environment, objects, and people. The experience varies from person to person, with some users reporting feelings of euphoria, while others experience anxiety, paranoia, or short-term psychosis.
The dosage plays a significant role in the intensity of the effects. A higher dosage can lead to unpredictable behaviour, excessive laughter, fixation on certain things, heightened emotions, or paranoia. It is important to note that the active substances in mushrooms can interact with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications, leading to unpredictable and dangerous consequences. Mixing magic mushrooms with drugs like ice, speed, or ecstasy can increase the chances of a "bad trip" and lead to panic.
Regular use of magic mushrooms can lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. Additionally, there is a risk of experiencing flashbacks, which are typically visual distortions involving changes in emotions or perception. These flashbacks can occur weeks, months, or even years after the drug was last taken and can be triggered by stress, tiredness, or exercise.
It is crucial to exercise caution when consuming magic mushrooms, as they may resemble certain types of poisonous mushrooms. Ingesting the wrong type of mushroom can result in poisoning and, in severe cases, require medical attention. While magic mushrooms are not considered addictive, there is ongoing research in this area.
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Mushroom picking and foraging workshops
- Know the Law: Understand the legal boundaries of mushroom foraging in the Netherlands. While picking small amounts for personal consumption is usually accepted, harvesting large quantities is illegal. Respect the laws and the environment to avoid any issues.
- Safety First: Mushroom foraging can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Some mushrooms are highly poisonous, and consuming the wrong variety can lead to serious health issues or even death. Always go foraging with an expert or a seasoned mushroom hunter who can help identify safe and edible mushrooms.
- Start with a Workshop: Consider joining a guided mushroom foraging workshop or excursion. These are often led by mycology experts like Mark Janssen, who can teach you how to identify edible mushrooms, avoid poisonous ones, and make delicious meals from your finds. Hollandsche Rading is a popular destination for such workshops, offering an educational and immersive experience in the Dutch forests.
- Locations: When it comes to locations for mushroom picking near Amsterdam, there are a few options to consider. The Amsterdam Bos is known for having a variety of edible mushrooms, but be cautious and respectful of local sentiments, as some Dutch people may be uncomfortable seeing large baskets of mushrooms. Other locations include Hilversumse Heide, Veluwse Bos, and the forests in Baarn or Rotterdam.
- Timing: The best time to look for mushrooms is after a rainy spell with a good sunbreak. Fall is generally considered a good season for mushroom hunting, as the weather conditions are favourable for their growth.
- Respect Nature: Remember that leaving mushrooms untouched allows them to release more spores and reproduce. While picking mushrooms for personal consumption is allowed, be mindful of taking only what you need and leaving some behind for others to enjoy and for the ecosystem's balance.
- Preparation: Before consuming any foraged mushrooms, ensure you properly identify and prepare them. Some mushrooms may be edible but not very tasty, so learning to distinguish between varieties can enhance your culinary experience.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the most powerful type of "magic mushrooms", containing psilocybin, were made illegal in the Netherlands in 2008. However, a legal loophole allows for the sale, possession, and consumption of psilocybin mushroom "truffles".
The best and safest place to buy magic mushrooms in Amsterdam is in a specialised smartshop. Choose a smartshop with knowledgeable employees that take their time to inform their customers well.
Dosing is the key to intensifying effects. If you are a new user, a 7.5 g dose of Pandora truffles is good for starters. For stronger effects, 10 g should be enough. For a complete immersion in the mystical psychedelic box, 15 g should suffice.
Mushroom picking is illegal in the Netherlands, but if you want to go mushroom hunting, try the Amsterdam Bos, 's-Graveland, or Voorsterbos in Flevoland.
