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Truffles and magic mushrooms both contain psilocybin — but they're not the same. In the Netherlands, the difference is also legally significant.
| Aspect | Truffles | Magic Mushrooms |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical | Sclerotia (underground tubers) | Fruiting body of the mushroom |
| Legal status NL | Fully legal | Banned (Opium Act, List I) |
| Psilocybin content | Slightly lower per gram | Higher per gram (dried) |
| Taste | Nutty, earthy | Mushroom-like |
| Availability NL | Smartshops and online | Illegal |
| Use in ceremonies | Standard in NL | In other countries |
In the Netherlands you use truffles — they're legal, safely available, and their psilocybin content is comparable to a reasonable mushroom dose.
Magic mushrooms are used outside the Netherlands, in countries where they're legal or decriminalised. In the Netherlands, you stick with truffles.
Anyone working with truffles for the first time often wonders: are truffles and magic mushrooms the same thing? The answer: biologically they're closely related, but not identical — and in the Netherlands the legal difference is crucial.
Truffles are sclerotia: underground storage organs of the same fungus that also produces the well-known magic mushroom. They contain psilocybin and psilocin, just like the mushroom itself. The main difference is concentration: dried mushrooms typically contain slightly more psilocybin per gram than fresh truffles. But fresh truffles are well standardised in practice, and an experienced facilitator knows exactly what amount is needed for a ceremonial dose.
The legal difference is significant. In 2008 the Netherlands banned dried magic mushrooms (the fruiting body), but truffles fell — and still fall — outside the Opium Act. They're legal, professionally cultivated and sold, and form the basis of every legitimate truffle ceremony in the Netherlands. Magic mushrooms, dried or fresh, are banned in the Netherlands.
In practice, this means every serious ceremony provider in the Netherlands works with truffles. Providers advertising 'mushrooms' in the Netherlands operate in a legal grey — or outright illegal — zone, a risk you don't want to take as a participant, especially if you're already in a vulnerable place.
At Stars Frequencies we work exclusively with certified, freshly grown truffles from a trusted Dutch grower. Quality and psilocybin content are consistent, and we always calibrate the dose during the intake call — body weight, experience level and intention all factor in.
Fresh truffles contain slightly less psilocybin per gram than dried mushrooms, but in practice the difference is easily compensated for with the right dosing. A ceremonial dose of truffles (typically 15–25 grams fresh) gives an experience just as deep as a comparable dose of mushrooms. The effect profile is nearly identical.
In 2008, the Dutch government banned dried magic mushrooms after a number of incidents. Truffles — the underground sclerotia of the same fungus — were overlooked in that ban and fall outside the Opium Act. They've been legal since and are sold openly in smartshops.
No, that's illegal in the Netherlands. Both fresh and dried magic mushrooms are banned. Importing falls under the same law. For a legal, safe ceremony in the Netherlands, you use truffles only.
Yes. Common species include Psilocybe tampanensis, Psilocybe atlantis and Psilocybe galindoi (also known as Philosopher's Stones). They differ slightly in psilocybin concentration and flavour profile, but the quality of the experience is comparable. We work with the species best suited to ceremonial purposes and consistent in quality.
The dose is always calibrated during the intro call. Factors include: body weight, sensitivity (first time or not), intention and any medication. A ceremonial dose typically ranges between 15 and 35 grams of fresh truffles. We dose conservatively and safely — the facilitator is always present to adjust if needed.
Truffles are legally available in Dutch smartshops. Using them yourself at home without preparation, intention and guidance is risky, though — set, setting and guidance matter at least as much as the substance itself. For a deep, therapeutic experience, a professionally guided ceremony is the responsible choice.
For a ceremony in the Netherlands, truffles are the only responsible and legal choice. Stars Frequencies works exclusively with certified, legal truffles.
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