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WHAT ARE PSILOCYBIN TRUFFLES?

Last updated on: 11 February 2026

Psilocybin truffles are legal psychedelic products in the Netherlands that contain the active compound psilocybin. This substance is converted in the body into psilocin and causes temporary changes in perception, emotions, and consciousness. In this complete guide, you will read exactly what truffles are, how they work, what effects you can expect, how dosing works, and what the risks are.

Psilocybin truffles are underground sclerotia of a fungus that contain psilocybin. The effects begin after 20–60 minutes, last on average 3–8 hours, and depend on dosage, mindset, and environment.

What is psilocybin?

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic substance. In the body, this substance is converted into psilocin, which affects the serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain^[1]. This temporarily changes communication between brain regions.

This can lead to:

Altered perception of color and shape
Deeper emotional experiences
Changed sense of time
Introspective thoughts

What are psilocybin truffles?

Psilocybin truffles are the underground storage structures (sclerotia) of a fungus. Unlike mushrooms, they grow underground as compact masses of mycelium.

Fresh psilocybin truffles (sclerotia)

Why do people use psilocybin truffles?

People use psilocybin truffles for various reasons. The experience can be introspective and is often associated with reflection, creativity, and breaking habitual thought patterns. What someone experiences differs from person to person and strongly depends on set & setting, dosage, and intention.

The reason someone uses truffles is personal, but the experience is almost always strongly influenced by set (mindset) and setting (environment).

Effects of psilocybin truffles

1. Psychological effects

More intense colors and visual patterns
Sense of connectedness
Deep insights
Ego dissolution at higher dosages

2. Physical effects

Slight increase in heart rate^[2]
Dilated pupils
Mild nausea at onset

Important: The experience is strongly influenced by your mindset (set) and your environment (setting).

Set & Setting: why environment and mindset are crucial

With psilocybin truffles, set (your mental state) and setting (your environment) play a major role in how the experience unfolds. Two people with the same dosage can have completely different experiences.

Set: your mood, expectations, intention, and mental stability
Setting: the physical environment, people around you, music, light, and comfort

A calm, safe, and familiar environment reduces the likelihood of a difficult experience. Stress, conflicts, or an unsafe environment can contribute to anxiety or confusion during a trip.

Dosage of fresh truffles

Indication for adults

Light: 5–7 grams
Moderate: 7–15 grams
Strong: 15–22 grams

Are you a beginner? Start low.

What do light, moderate, or strong mean in practice?

A light dosage can produce subtle changes in perception, such as more vivid colors and a mildly euphoric feeling. Many people experience this as accessible and manageable.

A moderate dosage usually leads to clear visual effects, altered thought patterns, and deeper emotional experiences.

A strong dosage can result in ego dissolution, more intense visual distortions, and a profoundly altered sense of reality. This requires experience, preparation, and a safe setting.

Want to read more about low dosages? See our guide: Microdosing for beginners.

Fresh psilocybin truffles (sclerotia) on wooden table with natural background

Phases of a trip

Come-up (0–60 min): physical sensations, mild tension
Peak (1–3 hours): more intense visual and emotional effects
Comedown (3–6 hours): gradual decrease, reflective phase

Integration: what do you do after the experience?

The period after a psychedelic experience is often underestimated. Integration means taking time to process insights and apply them in daily life.

This can be done through:

Writing or journaling
Reflective conversations
Meditation
Adequate rest

Integration helps process the experience constructively and prevents insights from being lost.

Safety and risks

Do not combine with alcohol or other drugs
Do not use in cases of psychotic or bipolar vulnerability
Do not use during pregnancy
Avoid use with antidepressants (SSRIs) without medical advice
Preferably use with a tripsitter
Do not participate in traffic

When is use discouraged?

Use of psilocybin truffles is discouraged in cases of:

A history of psychosis or schizophrenia
Bipolar disorder
Severe anxiety disorders without supervision
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Use of certain medications such as SSRIs or MAO inhibitors

Unsure about your situation? Always consult a doctor or professional before using psychedelic substances^[3].

Legislation in the Netherlands

Since 2008, psychedelic mushrooms have been banned under the Opium Act. Psilocybin truffles, however, remain legally available through Dutch smartshops such as 24High.

Psilocybin truffles vs mushrooms

Mushrooms: grow above ground (prohibited)
Truffles: grow underground (legal in NL)
Active compound: both contain psilocybin

Frequently asked questions

Which option suits you?

Truffles vary in potency and character. Beginners are advised to start low and prepare well. Experienced users more often choose a more intense experience, but even then, set & setting and safety remain decisive.

Beginner: start low and choose a calm setting
Moderate experience: plan enough time and ensure guidance
Experienced user: higher dosages require extra preparation and integration

View the assortment via: Magic Truffles.

Sources

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or legal advice. Always use psychedelic substances responsibly and check the legislation in your country.

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