Psychedelics
The use of psychedelics dates back a long time. In various cultures, natural mushrooms containing psilocybin and psilocin were used, as well as other substances with hallucinogenic effects such as ayahuasca or mescaline.
In recent history, the synthetic substance LSD was added to the list of psychedelics.
Many users describe the effect of taking psychedelics as if the cognitive filters of our brain are being removed. It is a highly conscious experience that leads to insights and a confrontation with who we are and the world in which we live. One experiences a stronger connection with ourselves, others, and nature.
It is not a medicine, but it is a means to gain insights that you can work with.
The history
There are theories suggesting that psychedelic mushrooms played a significant role in human evolution. In particular, R. Gordon Wasson and Terence McKenna were among the first to publish and popularize these ideas. Rock art from Tassili n'Ajjer in the Sahara depicts figures interpreted as “mushroom shamans.” Additionally, 6,000-year-old images found in Villar del Humo may represent mushrooms, possibly belonging to the species Psilocybe hispanica.
Among indigenous peoples of Central and South America, the hallucinogenic properties of Psilocybe mexicana have been known for thousands of years.
These mushrooms are valued for their supposed ability to allow users to connect with the afterlife, foresee the future, or access a higher reality. The Sami of Siberia also have ancient shamanistic rituals involving the use of the Amanita muscaria.
It has even been suggested that in ancient Egypt, entheogenic mushrooms were of such importance that cultivation techniques were developed for Psilocybe cubensis.
Psychedelic substances were also known in ancient Greece. Much speculation surrounds the composition of kykeon, a drink believed to have had hallucinogenic properties and used during the Mysteriën van Eleusis.
In Europe, psychedelic mushrooms were likely used for many centuries, but this knowledge was largely lost or suppressed several hundred years ago.
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, often referred to as “magic mushrooms.” After ingestion, psilocybin is rapidly converted by the body into psilocin, the active substance responsible for its psychological effects. Psilocin interacts primarily with serotonin receptors in the brain, especially the 5-HT2A receptor, which plays an important role in mood, perception, and cognition.
These interactions can lead to altered sensory perception, enhanced emotional awareness, and changes in thought patterns. Users may experience intensified colors, shifting visual patterns, altered sense of time, and deeper introspection. The effects typically begin within 20 to 60 minutes after consumption and usually last between 3 and 8 hours, though the subjective experience may feel longer due to time distortion.
Psilocin is the active psychedelic compound that results when psilocybin is metabolized in the body. After ingestion of psilocybin-containing mushrooms or truffles, enzymes quickly remove a phosphate group from psilocybin, converting it into psilocin. This transformation allows the compound to more easily cross the blood–brain barrier and interact directly with the brain.
Psilocin primarily acts on serotonin receptors, especially the 5-HT2A receptor. By influencing this system, psilocin can alter perception, mood, cognition, and sensory processing. People may experience enhanced colors, visual distortions, changes in thought patterns, and a heightened sense of introspection. Emotional responses can also become more pronounced, ranging from feelings of calm and connectedness to moments of confusion or sensitivity.
Science and research
Never before has so much research been conducted into psychoactive substances as in recent years. One of the best-known and most dedicated researchers is Paul Stamets. He has made it his life's work to encourage science to conduct more research into the effects of mushrooms. In recent years, he has succeeded in getting various major international universities to initiate research, and the results are promising.
Legal in the Netherlands
"Paddo" is the collective name that became popular in the Netherlands and Flanders during the 1990s for psilocybin containing mushrooms, which naturally contain substances primarily known for their hallucinogenic and psychedelic effects.
The use of magic mushrooms gained prominence in the Netherlands in the 1990s, partly due to sales in smartshops. The sale and possession of magic mushrooms has been prohibited in the Netherlands since December 1, 2008. Grow kits may still be legally sold for cultivation for personal use; use is tolerated.
Fresh truffles, on the other hand, are legally available for purchase in smartshops.
Dutch legislation makes a clear distinction between magic mushrooms and magic truffles. Magic mushrooms fall under the Opium Act and have been prohibited since 2008. Magic truffles do not fall under this act, because they are not classified as magic mushrooms. This means that magic truffles may be sold legally, as long as they comply with regulations and do not make claims that are not permitted.
This distinction is important for consumers. It ensures that you know what is and is not allowed, and prevents confusion or unintended violations.
Guided Magic Truffles Experience therefore do not sell truffles or other psychedelic products. We advise our clients to purchase these themselves from a trusted smartshop.
What to expect?
The effects of magic truffles are complex and vary by person, dosage, type of truffle, and the set & setting (mental state and environment). The experience usually lasts 4 to 6 hours and has a wave-like character, peaking between 2 and 4 hours after use.
Psychological and Cognitive Effects
The action of psilocybin, the active substance in truffles, leads to a temporary change in brain activity, resulting in profound mental changes.
Altered Consciousness
Users experience an actual perception of reality, in which the boundary between the self and the environment blurs (ego dissolution). This can lead to a sense of oneness with everything and spiritual or mystical intelligence.
Intensification of Emotions:
Existing feelings are amplified. A positive mood can culminate in euphoria and ecstasy, while negative emotions can lead to a fear of paranoia (a "bad trip").
Creativity and Introspection:
Thought processes become associative, and cross-connections between brain regions are established. This can lead to surprising changes, reflection on personal problems and traumas, and a sense of inner wisdom.
Time Distortion:
Time appears to expand significantly, minutes can extend to the maximum of hours, and in extreme cases, time seems to stand still.
Visual and Sensory Perceptions
Although true hallucinations (seeing things that are not there) are rare, changes in the meaning of existing features are very striking.
Visual Distortions:
Colors appear more intense and vivid; surfaces (such as carpets or walls) appear to ripple or move. Objects may appear abnormally large or small.
Geometric Patterns:
Users often see complex, kaleidoscopic patterns, fractals, or colorful shapes, especially with eyes closed.
Amplified Senses:
Sounds, especially music, become a much more intense and richer experience. Smells and tastes can also be enhanced.
Physical Effects
In addition to the mental experience, there are also direct physical reactions.
Pupil dilation:
Dilated pupils are a common effect.
Changes in heart rate and blood pressure:
A slight increase may occur.
Maneuvering:
Sometimes a feeling of weak legs and some balance problems arise.
Digestion:
Nausea is an interesting side effect, especially at the beginning of the trip. An empty stomach can cause this.
Other sensations:
Users may experience tingling, chills, or a dry mouth.
Therapeutic Potential and Afterglow
After the trip, a period of afterglow may follow, during which users feel relaxed, tired, but also clear and reflective.
After the experience:
The feeling of connectedness and clarity can last for days. Vivid dreams are often the result.
Therapeutic use:
Under supervision, truffles are being investigated for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The experience can help process trauma and gain new perspectives on life. This is highly specialized and is therefore not offered by Guided Magic Truffles Experience, you can find more information about the criteria on our site.
Risks
The greatest risk is a "bad trip," which can be caused by proper preparation, guidance, a safe setting, and avoiding combinations with other substances such as alcohol.
The use of psychedelics is not suitable for everyone; therefore, we work with a selection procedure and thorough preparation.