John Miller
The Netherlands has long been admired for its liberal drug policies. However, in 2008, the Dutch government made changes to its drug laws, including tighter restrictions on how people buy, cultivate, and use various substances. One of the biggest changes to Dutch drug policy came in 2008 when the sale of hallucinogenic magic mushrooms was banned. The decision to outlaw mushrooms was made after a 17-year-old French girl jumped to her death from an Amsterdam canal bridge, with the Justice Ministry stating that it was impossible to estimate what amount would have what effect.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of ban | 2008 |
| Reason for ban | Death of a teenage girl and other adverse reactions |
| Target of ban | Sellers |
| Type of mushroom banned | Psilocybin mushrooms |
| Type of mushroom still legal | Magic truffles |
| Number of "doses" sold annually | 500,000 |
| Number of emergency calls due to bad reactions | 148 |
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What You'll Learn
The suicide of an intoxicated teenage girl
In 2007, the Netherlands announced a ban on the sale of hallucinogenic mushrooms, tightening the country's liberal drug policies. This decision came in the wake of the suicide of an intoxicated teenage girl, along with other adverse reactions to the drug.
The active chemical in these so-called "magic mushrooms" is psilocybin, which has been illegal under international law since 1971. However, fresh mushrooms continued to be sold legally in the Netherlands prior to the ban, along with herbal medicines. This was due to the theory that it was impossible to determine the amount of psilocybin in a given mushroom, and thus the effect it would have on the user.
The suicide of the intoxicated teenage girl is not an isolated incident. Studies have found evidence of a link between classic psychedelic use and increased suicidality. In one review, 11 deaths were presumed to be suicides that could be linked to classic psychedelic use, including one individual who was also intoxicated with alcohol.
While the Netherlands' ban on magic mushrooms was a response to the tragic suicide of a teenage girl, it is important to note that the relationship between psychedelic use and suicidality is complex. Some studies have found that psychedelic use can lead to self-reported remission of suicidality. Furthermore, psilocybin has been found to alleviate depression for at least five years after a single dose, suggesting that it may have therapeutic benefits for those struggling with mental health issues.
Despite the potential benefits of psilocybin, the Netherlands' decision to outlaw magic mushrooms was likely influenced by the unpredictable nature of the drug's effects. By banning the sale of hallucinogenic mushrooms, the government aimed to protect its citizens from the potential risks associated with their use.
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Backlash against the country's liberal drug policies
The Netherlands has long been admired for its liberal drug policies, which have been in place since the late 1970s. However, in recent years, there has been a backlash against these policies, with some arguing that they have negative consequences.
One consequence of the liberal drug policies is that the Netherlands has become one of the largest exporters of synthetic drugs. According to a study, synthetic drug production in the country generates €19 billion ($20.8 billion) in a year, with most of the drugs exported to the United States and Australia. This has led to the emergence of organized criminal gangs, which have found the Netherlands to be a paradise for drug production and trade.
Another consequence of the liberal drug policies is that the Netherlands has become a major producer and exporter of other drugs, including cannabis, ecstasy, methamphetamines, cocaine, and heroin. Dutch authorities believe that Dutch criminals rake in at least €900 million of the €19 billion made from drug sales, with the rest of the money leaving the country along with the drugs.
There has also been a public backlash against the liberal drug policies, with middle-class perceptions of drug users as an unsightly nuisance. This backlash has resulted in a tightening of the country's drug laws, with stricter restrictions on how people can buy, cultivate, and use various substances. For example, the number of marijuana-selling coffee shops has been reduced by refusing to renew licenses to stores near schools.
The Dutch government has also banned the sale of hallucinogenic "magic" mushrooms, which were previously legal under the theory that it was impossible to determine how much psilocybin any given mushroom contains. The ban was in response to several highly publicized adverse reactions, including the suicide of an intoxicated teenage girl. Despite the ban on magic mushrooms, magic truffles with similar effects remain legal in the Netherlands.
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It's impossible to estimate what amount will have what effect
The Netherlands has long been known for its liberal drug policies. However, in 2008, the Dutch government made changes to its drug laws, including tighter restrictions on the buying, cultivating, and use of various substances. One of the biggest changes was the prohibition of magic mushrooms.
The Justice Ministry spokesman, Wim Van der Weegen, stated that the problem with mushrooms is that "it's impossible to estimate what amount will have what effect". This is because the amount of psilocybin and psilocin (the chemicals with psychoactive properties) contained in any given magic mushroom is unknown and varies greatly. This makes it very hard to tell the length, intensity, and type of "trip" someone will experience. While some people may have a mild trip, feeling drowsy or relaxed, others may have a frightening experience marked by hallucinations, delusions, and panic. In some cases, magic mushrooms have even been known to cause seizures.
The effects of magic mushrooms also depend on the user's mood, personality, expectations, and environment. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety before using magic mushrooms may result in a bad trip. Being in a good state of mind, with trusted friends, and a safe environment can reduce the risk of a bad trip.
Furthermore, tolerance develops quickly with regular use, meaning that a person will need to consume more of the drug to achieve the same effect. This can be especially risky as consuming a large amount can result in overdose symptoms, such as nausea, excessive yawning, and in rare cases, death.
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Magic truffles are still legal
The Netherlands has long been admired for its liberal drug policies. However, in 2008, the Dutch government made some changes to its drug laws, tightening restrictions on how people buy, cultivate, and use various substances. One of the biggest changes to Dutch drug policy came in 2008 with the prohibition of magic mushrooms. Psilocybin, the main active chemical in so-called "magic mushrooms," has been illegal under international law since 1971. However, fresh mushrooms continued to be sold legally in the Netherlands before the ban, along with herbal medicines in so-called "smart shops," based on the theory that it was impossible to determine how much psilocybin any given mushroom contains.
The ban was enacted after the suicide of an intoxicated teenage girl, in response to her death and other highly publicized adverse reactions involving the fungus. The Justice Ministry decided that the previous measures did not go far enough to prevent these adverse reactions, as it is impossible to estimate what amount of mushrooms will have what effect. According to a study published in January by Amsterdam's health services, the city's emergency services were summoned 148 times to deal with bad reactions to mushrooms between 2004 and 2006. Of those 148 cases, 134 were foreigners, with Britons forming the largest group.
Despite the ban on magic mushrooms, magic truffles are still legal in the Netherlands. If you've been to the Netherlands recently, you may have noticed coffeeshops and smart shops selling magic truffles. Magic truffles differ from magic mushrooms, and understanding these differences is crucial in comprehending why truffles remain legal in the country. While the specific reasons for the continued legality of magic truffles in the Netherlands are not explicitly stated, it can be assumed that the Dutch government considers them distinct enough from magic mushrooms to warrant separate legislation.
The Netherlands remains a major player in the European mushroom industry, known for its self-sufficiency, sustainability, and innovation. The sector generates an impressive €1.5 billion in annual turnover and produces over 1 million kilograms of mushrooms. White and brown mushrooms dominate the market, with white mushrooms accounting for 75% and brown mushrooms (chestnut varieties) making up the remaining 25%. Dutch growers offer a wide array of products that meet consumer expectations for quality and environmental responsibility. The country is also a leader in sustainability and efficiency through circular agriculture and vertical farming practices.
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Amsterdam emergency services were summoned 148 times for bad reactions to mushrooms
The Netherlands has long been known for its liberal drug policies. However, in 2007, the Dutch government announced a ban on the sale of hallucinogenic "magic" mushrooms, which came into effect in 2008. This decision was made in response to several adverse reactions to the drug, including the suicide of an intoxicated teenage girl, and the death of a French teenager who jumped from an Amsterdam bridge after consuming the hallucinogenic fungus.
The active chemical in these mushrooms, psilocybin, has been illegal under international law since 1971. However, fresh mushrooms continued to be sold legally in the Netherlands prior to the ban, along with herbal medicines in so-called "smart shops". This was due to the theory that it was impossible to determine how much psilocybin any given mushroom contains, and therefore, the amount needed to induce a hallucinogenic effect.
The unpredictable nature of psilocybin mushrooms was a key factor in the decision to ban them. According to Wim Van der Weegen, a spokesman for the Justice Ministry, "it's impossible to estimate what amount will have what effect." This uncertainty surrounding dosage and effects led to numerous incidents of bad reactions to the drug. Indeed, Amsterdam's emergency services were summoned 148 times to deal with bad reactions to mushrooms between 2004 and 2006, with 134 of those involving foreigners, and Britons forming the largest group.
The ban on psilocybin mushrooms in the Netherlands was part of a broader trend of tightening drug laws and moving away from the country's previous "anything goes" image. This shift in policy also impacted the sale of marijuana and other substances, as the government sought to address concerns around drug-related incidents and public health.
Despite the ban on mushrooms, magic truffles, which contain the same active ingredient, remain legal in the Netherlands. This is because the psychoactive compound in truffles is naturally occurring, and they are not considered a "drug" under Dutch law.
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Frequently asked questions
The Netherlands outlawed psilocybin mushrooms in 2008 after the suicide of an intoxicated teenage girl. The government banned the sale of hallucinogenic mushrooms, tightening the country’s liberal drug policies.
Yes, the ban was also in response to other highly publicized adverse reactions to the drug. According to a study, Amsterdam’s emergency services were summoned 148 times to deal with bad reactions to mushrooms between 2004 and 2006.
Psilocybin, the main active chemical in the mushrooms, has been illegal under international law since 1971. However, fresh mushrooms continued to be sold legally in the Netherlands until 2008, along with herbal medicines in so-called “smart shops”.
Magic truffles are similar to psilocybin mushrooms in their effects. They are legal in the Netherlands, despite the ban on mushrooms. This is because truffles differ from mushrooms in their form and how they are consumed.
