Psychedelics: A Journey Through Time, Science, and Consciousness
The use of psychedelics stretches back thousands of years. In many cultures, natural mushrooms containing psilocybin and psilocin were used, as well as other hallucinogenic substances such as ayahuasca or mescaline.
In recent history, the synthetic substance LSD was added to this list. Many users describe the effect as if the cognitive filters of our brain are removed. It is a highly conscious experience, one that leads to insights and expanded consciousness with yourself, others, and nature.
It is not a medicine, but a means to gain insights that you can work with yourself.
Because insight requires preparation, not just experience.
The history
From Antiquity to Today
There are theories suggesting that psychedelic mushrooms played an important role in human evolution. 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". And 6,000-year-old images found in Villar del Humo may represent mushrooms, possibly of 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 were valued for their supposed ability to connect with the afterlife, foresee the future, or access a higher reality.
The Sami of Siberia also had ancient shamanistic rituals involving ¨Amanita muscaria¨.
It is even suggested that in ancient Egypt, entheogenic mushrooms were so important 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 Mysteries of Eleusis.
In Europe, psychedelic mushrooms were likely used for many centuries, but this knowledge was largely lost or suppressed several hundred years ago.
Psilocybin and Psilocin
How Does It Work?
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, often called "magic mushrooms". After ingestion, psilocybin is rapidly converted into psilocin, the active substance responsible for the psychological effects.
Psilocin acts primarily on serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly 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 often experience intensified colors, shifting visual patterns, altered sense of time, and deeper introspection.
The effects typically begin within 20 to 60 minutes after ingestion, 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, particularly 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,
A New Gold Rush
Never before has so much research been conducted into psychoactive substances as in recent years.
One of the most renowned and 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,
What's Allowed, What's Not?
"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.
Since December 1, 2008, the sale and possession of magic mushrooms has been prohibited in the Netherlands.
Grow kits may still be legally sold for personal cultivation; 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 unauthorized claims.
This distinction is important for consumers.
It ensures that you know what is and is not allowed, and prevents confusion or unintended violations.
Results, What Can You Expect?
The psychedelic journey is the means, but what is the result?
That can vary from person to person, but in general, many people experience the following after the session:
- You feel very relaxed
- You are very clear-headed
- Your sense of empathy is very strong
- You are assertive and want to tackle things
- You are able to make choices and stick to them, for example, quitting smoking
- You feel balanced
This is also supported by a study from 2019 conducted by Natasha L. Mason, Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
What to expect?
The Experience in Detail
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 journey, 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, How to Ensure Safety?
The greatest risk is a "bad trip, which can be prevented through proper preparation, guidance, a safe setting, and avoiding combinations with other substances such as alcohol.
The use of psychedelics is not suitable for everyone, which is why we work with a selection procedure and thorough preparation.
