Magic truffles

Magic truffles, scientifically called sclerotia, are compact underground structures formed by certain Psilocybe species. They contain the same psychoactive compounds as mushrooms: psilocybin and psilocin. Where mushrooms are the above-ground fruiting bodies that produce spores, sclerotia function as underground food reserves. The fungus forms these hardened mycelium masses to survive difficult conditions such as drought or forest fires. This makes truffles a kind of survival mechanism of the organism.

The discovery of the Philosopher's Stone

The history of magic truffles begins on September 3, 1977, in Tampa, Florida. While the Second International Mycological Congress was taking place in the same city, American mycologist Steven Hayden Pollock decided to explore a sandy meadow. There he discovered an unknown mushroom species. Back in his mobile laboratory, a converted camper van, he cultured the specimen on agar plates. To his surprise, the mycelium formed not normal mushrooms but hard, dense lumps, something he had never seen before.

Pollock tested the lumps on himself and discovered their psychoactive properties. He called them "the Philosopher's Stone", "Cosmic Camote" and "Rock of Ages". In 1978, together with Mexican mycologist Gastón Guzmán, he scientifically described the species as Psilocybe tampanensis, named after the location near Tampa. Pollock founded the company Hidden Creek in 1979 to sell the sclerotia by mail through advertisements in High Times magazine, making him the world's first commercial magic truffle seller.

Tragically, Pollock was murdered in his home laboratory in 1981. Police found more than 1,753 cultivation jars containing Psilocybe tampanensis. Despite warnings from Pollock's father about the potential medicinal value, the DEA destroyed everything. Fortunately, a specimen had found its way to a European fungus collection. All commercial Psilocybe tampanensis sold today descend from Pollock's original find in Florida.

Types of magic truffles

Only a handful of Psilocybe species produce sclerotia. The main ones are Psilocybe tampanensis, Psilocybe mexicana, Psilocybe galindoi (also known as Atlantis) and Psilocybe pajaritos. Recent genetic research suggests that Mexicana, Galindoi and Tampanensis may be the same species with minor variations. In practice, truffles are often sold under brand names that indicate strength or characteristics.

For beginners, Mexicana and Tampanensis are ideal due to their mild to medium potency. They produce a cheerful, slightly euphoric feeling with subtle visual effects. Pajaritos ("little birds") and Atlantis are more potent and give more pronounced visual and physical effects. Hollandia, Utopia and High Hawaiians are among the strongest varieties and are only suitable for experienced users seeking an intense, profound experience.

The potency of truffles varies not only by species but also by batch. Research shows psilocybin levels ranging from 0.31% to 0.68% of dry weight, depending on the growing medium and conditions. This generally makes truffles somewhat milder per gram than dried mushrooms, but the overall experience is comparable when the correct dosage is used.

Dosage and use

Fresh truffles contain approximately 50-70% water. A typical beginner dose is 5 to 10 grams of fresh truffles. With more experience, 10 to 15 grams is a standard dosage for a full trip. Strong varieties require lower doses: 7.5 grams of Hollandia can have as much effect as 15 grams of Mexicana. For microdosing, use 0.5 to 1 gram of fresh truffles to experience subtle effects without tripping.

Take truffles preferably on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. Chew them well so the active compounds are released, or make tea by steeping them in hot (not boiling) water for 15-20 minutes. The taste is bitter and somewhat nutty, similar to walnut. Some users mix ground truffles into yoghurt or honey to mask the taste. The lemon tek method, mixing truffles with lemon juice, can speed up absorption and intensify effects.

Effects of magic truffles

Effects begin 30 to 45 minutes after ingestion and reach their peak after 1 to 2 hours. A trip lasts an average of 4 to 6 hours, depending on dosage and individual sensitivity. Common experiences include vivid colours, visual patterns with closed eyes, altered time perception, profound thoughts and sometimes uncontrollable fits of laughter.

Set and setting, your mental state and physical environment, largely determine how the experience unfolds. In a familiar, calm environment with people you know, the chance of a positive experience is greatest. Don't trip if you feel anxious, stressed or depressed. Should you experience restless feelings during the trip, remember that these are temporary and will pass within a few hours. Drink water or fruit juice regularly; this doesn't affect the effects but keeps you hydrated.

After the trip, your body needs time to reset the 5-HT2A receptors. Tolerance develops that lasts about two weeks. A subsequent dose within this period will have less effect. There is also cross-tolerance with other psychedelics such as LSD. Physical addiction to psilocybin has never been scientifically documented.

Why truffles are legal in the Netherlands

From 1993 to 2008, fresh mushrooms were legally available in Dutch smart shops. After several incidents with tourists, including the death of a 17-year-old French tourist in Amsterdam in 2007, the Dutch government decided to ban them. In December 2008, more than 100 mushroom species were added to the Opium Act.

However, the legislator specifically banned "mushrooms" as fruiting bodies. Sclerotia, the underground form, were not explicitly mentioned in the law. Whether this was a deliberate loophole or an oversight remains unclear, but the result is that magic truffles have been legally sold as an alternative to the banned mushrooms since 2008. Smart shops quickly switched from mushrooms to truffles.

Fresh truffles are 100% legal to buy, possess and use in the Netherlands. Dried or processed truffles do fall under the Opium Act, as drying or processing is seen as producing the substance psilocybin. Grow kits for mushrooms are also legal. Note: legislation differs by country. We only ship to countries where this is permitted.

Storage and shelf life

Always store fresh truffles in the refrigerator between 2 and 6 degrees Celsius. In the unopened, vacuum packaging they can be kept for up to one month. After opening, consume them preferably within a few days. Always check the colour and smell before use; truffles that are mouldy or smell strange are no longer suitable for consumption.

For longer storage, you can freeze-dry truffles, although strictly speaking this is not legal in the Netherlands due to the drying process. An alternative is making a honey extract: grind the truffles finely and mix them into raw honey. In a sealed jar in the refrigerator, this mixture can be kept for months.

Safety and contraindications

Magic truffles are not suitable for persons under 18 years old. Do not use truffles during pregnancy or breastfeeding. People with a history of psychosis, schizophrenia or severe anxiety disorders should avoid truffles. Never combine truffles with alcohol, MAO inhibitors, SSRIs, amphetamines or other drugs. These combinations can be dangerous or make effects unpredictable.

Make sure you have the day after use free. Do not drive vehicles or operate machinery during the trip. Preferably have a sober person nearby as a "trip sitter" who can help if the experience becomes overwhelming. Don't resist difficult feelings; they are temporary and will pass. A Mushroom Stopper with valerian can help soften the effects if the trip becomes too intense.

Quality and service

Avalon Magic Plants has been delivering fresh, vacuum-packed magic truffles with discreet shipping since 2009. Our truffles come from certified Dutch growers who work according to strict hygiene standards. Each package states the type, weight and best before date. Do you have questions about dosage, varieties or use? Feel free to contact our customer service. More information about truffles and mushrooms can be found in our blog.

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