Which Smartshop Products Are Legal in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands holds a unique position when it comes to smartshops. As the only country in the world, you can legally purchase a wide range of psychoactive natural products here. But what exactly can you buy and use? In this article, we list all legal smartshop products.
What is a Smartshop?
A smartshop is a store that specializes in selling psychoactive substances, primarily of natural origin. The difference from a coffeeshop is clear: no cannabis is sold in a smartshop. Smartshops operate entirely legally under Dutch consumer protection law and are supervised by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).
To purchase products in a smartshop, you must be at least 18 years old. The products sold do not fall under the Opium Act and are therefore legal to sell and possess.
Magic Truffles: The Most Popular Smartshop Products
Magic truffles, also known as sclerotia, are by far the most popular product in Dutch smartshops. They contain the psychoactive substances psilocybin and psilocin, the same active compounds found in magic mushrooms.
Why are truffles legal and mushrooms not?
In 2008, fresh magic mushrooms were banned and added to the Opium Act. However, truffles fell outside this legislation because they are technically considered a by-product of the mushroom. The Coordination Point Assessment and Monitoring of New Drugs (CAM) of the RIVM concluded that the number of health incidents related to truffles is very low, which is why they remained legal.
Popular truffle varieties include:
- Mexicana - ideal for beginners with mild visual effects
- Tampanensis (Philosopher's Stones) - a rare variety with deep introspective effects
- Atlantis - stronger than Mexicana with powerful visual trips
- Hollandia - one of the strongest truffles available
- High Hawaiians - known for intense visual experiences
You can consume magic truffles directly or choose a truffle grow kit to grow them yourself.
Magic Mushroom Grow Kits: Legally Growing Magic Mushrooms
Although fresh magic mushrooms are prohibited, possessing mushroom grow kits is completely legal in the Netherlands. These kits contain fully colonized mycelium from which you can grow your own magic mushrooms at home.
The legislation works as follows: as long as the mushrooms are growing in the kit, there's no problem. It's the harvest and possession of fresh mushrooms that technically fall under the Opium Act, but enforcement rarely occurs for personal use at home.
Popular grow kits include:
- Golden Teacher - wise, visual trips
- McKennaii - intense and philosophical
- B+ - reliable and suitable for beginners
- Ecuadorian - balanced and versatile
Grow kits are available in various sizes, from mini 600cc to XL 2100cc.
Microdosing Products
Microdosing involves taking very small, sub-perceptual doses of psilocybin to experience cognitive and emotional benefits without hallucinogenic effects. In the Netherlands, this is completely legal with magic truffles.
A typical microdose is approximately 0.5 to 1 gram of fresh truffles. Users report improved focus, creativity, and mood. Maastricht University is currently conducting scientific research into the effects of microdosing.
Salvia Divinorum
Salvia divinorum is a Mexican herb with powerful hallucinogenic properties. It was traditionally used by the Mazatec Indians in sacred rituals. The active compound is salvinorin A, a potent kappa-opioid agonist.
Salvia is legally available in the Netherlands as:
The effects of salvia are short but very intense, typically lasting 5 to 30 minutes. Users often experience strong visual distortions, the feeling of being an object, or time travel sensations.
Mescaline Cacti
Mescaline cacti such as Peyote and San Pedro are legal to purchase in the Netherlands. While the isolated substance mescaline is prohibited under the Opium Act, the cacti themselves fall outside this legislation. The Supreme Court has ruled that unprocessed cacti are not "preparations" of the prohibited substance.
The most popular mescaline cacti are:
- Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) - the most famous and powerful
- San Pedro (Echinopsis pachanoi) - fast-growing and popular
- Peruvian Torch (Echinopsis peruviana) - similar to San Pedro
Mescaline trips last 8 to 12 hours and are characterized by intense visual hallucinations and deep spiritual experiences.
Kanna
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a South African succulent traditionally used against anxiety and depression. It contains the active substance mesembrine, a serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
Kanna is available as:
- Dried leaves for chewing or smoking
- Powder for sublingual use
- Extracts in various strengths
The effects are mildly mood-enhancing and anxiety-relieving, without hallucinogenic properties. Kanna is not addictive and can safely be combined with other activities.
Kratom
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree from Southeast Asia. The leaves contain mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, substances with both stimulating and sedating properties, depending on the dosage.
Kratom is legal in the Netherlands but is closely monitored by authorities. It is available in various varieties:
- Bali - sedative and pain-relieving
- Maeng Da - strong and stimulating
- Borneo - balanced
- Malay - long-lasting effects
At low doses, kratom works as a stimulant and mood enhancer. At higher doses, the effects become sedative and comparable to opioids.
Ayahuasca Ingredients
The ingredients for ayahuasca are legally available in the Netherlands. This includes:
- Banisteriopsis caapi (the MAO-inhibiting vine)
- Mimosa hostilis (DMT-containing root bark)
- Peganum harmala (Syrian rue)
- Psychotria viridis (Chacruna leaves)
Although DMT itself is prohibited, the plants containing it are legal to sell as botanical specimens. Preparing and consuming ayahuasca exists in a legal grey area.
What is NOT Legal?
To avoid confusion, here's an overview of what cannot be sold in smartshops:
- Fresh magic mushrooms - on List II of the Opium Act since 2008
- Synthetic drugs - such as 2C-B, MDMA, LSD
- Cannabis - only through tolerated coffeeshops
- Designer drugs/NPS - new psychoactive substances without approval
Responsible Use
All legal smartshop products are powerful substances that deserve respect. Some tips for responsible use:
- Start low, go slow - always begin with a low dose
- Set and setting - ensure a safe environment and positive mindset
- Trip sitter - have a sober person nearby during strong trips
- Contraindications - don't use psychedelics with mental health conditions or medication
- Recovery - give your body at least 3 days of rest between trips
Conclusion
The Netherlands offers a unique opportunity to explore psychoactive natural products in a legal and safe manner. From magic truffles and mushroom grow kits to mescaline cacti and salvia, the choice is extensive.
Smartshops like Avalon Magic Plants offer not only the products but also the necessary information about safe use. By educating yourself and using responsibly, you can benefit from the special properties of these natural products.
Do you have questions about our products or would you like advice on what suits you? Contact us - we're happy to help.
