Amsterdam is one of the few places in the world where magic truffles — a natural psychedelic containing psilocybin — are legal to buy and consume. Since the ban on magic mushrooms in 2008, smartshops across the city have been selling truffles legally to adults. Whether you’re curious about what they are, where to buy them, how to use them safely, or what to expect from the experience, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Magic truffles are not actually truffles in the culinary sense. They are sclerotia — dense, underground masses of mycelium (the root network of a fungus) that the organism uses to store nutrients and survive harsh conditions. They are part of the same organism as psychedelic mushrooms, but grow underground rather than above it. This distinction matters legally, as we’ll explain below.
Like magic mushrooms, magic truffles contain the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. When ingested, these substances interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, altering your perception of reality, time, space, sound and colour. The experience typically lasts between 3 and 6 hours, though this varies considerably based on the dose, the specific strain, and the individual.
Until 2008, magic mushrooms were legally sold in Dutch smartshops. Following a series of incidents involving tourists — most notably the death of a French teenager in Amsterdam after reportedly consuming mushrooms — the Dutch government banned the sale of dried and fresh magic mushrooms.
However, sclerotia (magic truffles) were not explicitly included in that ban, as they were classified differently under Dutch law. As a result, smartshops pivoted to selling truffles as a legal alternative. Today, Amsterdam is the truffle capital of the world, with dozens of specialised smartshops selling various strains legally to adults.
To be clear on the legal situation:
People come to magic truffles from many different directions. Understanding why others use them can help you approach the experience more thoughtfully.
Many people, particularly tourists in Amsterdam, use magic truffles recreationally — for fun, shared laughter and an enhanced appreciation of music, art and their surroundings. At lower doses, truffles can create a warm, euphoric and sociable experience. Colours appear more vivid, music sounds richer, and the world around you takes on an almost cinematic quality.
At moderate to higher doses, many users report deeply introspective experiences — a sense of clarity about their own lives, emotions and relationships. Some describe it as months of self-reflection compressed into a single afternoon. This is one reason psilocybin has attracted significant scientific interest in recent years.
For centuries, indigenous cultures in Central America have used psilocybin mushrooms in spiritual and ceremonial contexts. Many modern users similarly describe a sense of connection — to nature, to other people, or to something larger than themselves. This is not universal and not guaranteed, but it is commonly reported at higher doses.
Please note: I am not a doctor and nothing on this page constitutes medical advice. The following reflects early-stage scientific research and my own personal experiences.
The scientific community has shown growing interest in psilocybin over the past two decades. Early research suggests it may have significant therapeutic potential, particularly for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD and addiction. Notable studies include:
This research is ongoing and psilocybin is not an approved medication anywhere in the world. We mention it here not to make health claims, but because it helps explain why so many people approach this substance with genuine curiosity and respect rather than treating it purely as a party drug.
Some users also report lasting positive effects after recreational use — reduced brain fog, enhanced mood, increased openness and creativity in the days or weeks that follow. These are anecdotal and vary significantly between individuals.
I want to be upfront about why I wrote this guide the way I did.
My first experience with psilocybin was as a teenager — curious, underprepared, and with far too high a dose of dried mushrooms, which are considerably more potent than truffles. It was confusing and overwhelming, not dangerous, but certainly not pleasant. Looking back, every mistake you could make, we made: wrong setting, wrong dose, no experience, no guidance.
Years later, I had a very different experience — outside on a warm day by a lake, with the right people, a much lower dose, and the knowledge of what to expect. I remember being completely absorbed by the beauty of what was around me — noticing things I would normally walk past. That experience taught me something that I now consider the single most important piece of advice for anyone considering truffles: give in to it, rather than holding on tightly to your normal sense of reality. The substance is going to alter your perception for a few hours regardless. Fighting it is what makes it unpleasant.
I started as someone who approached psilocybin out of teenage curiosity. Over time, I came to understand and respect it as a plant medicine. I’m not a doctor. I’m not a scientist. But I’ve learned — through experience, research and conversations — that the difference between a difficult experience and a meaningful one almost always comes down to preparation, respect and setting. That’s what this guide is about.
The best and safest place to buy truffles in Amsterdam is a reputable smartshop with knowledgeable staff. The advice you receive when buying matters. A good smartshop will ask about your experience level, help you choose the right strain and potency, and give you honest guidance on dosage. If a shop can’t do that, find a different one.
Below are the shops we personally recommend:
The Magic Mushroom Gallery is one of the oldest and most respected smartshops in Amsterdam. We’ve personally visited and worked with this shop, and we recommend it for a specific reason: it tends to be less crowded than shops in the Red Light District, which means the staff have more time to sit down with you, answer your questions properly, and help you make an informed choice. The employees are experienced, patient and genuinely knowledgeable. They carry a wide range of strains and will help you find the right one for your experience level. They have two locations in the city centre — one at the Flower Market and one on the Spuitstraat.
Kokopelli is located on the Warmoestraat, close to the Red Light District and only a 7-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. We’ve visited this shop personally and can vouch for the quality of their staff and products. It’s a beautifully decorated and atmospheric shop — worth visiting even if you’re not sure about buying. The staff are happy to answer questions.
A large, well-established smartshop located on the Leidseplein. Tatanka is one of the most popular smartshops in the city and also sells online, shipping throughout Europe. Well-known for competitive prices and a wide selection.
Several of Amsterdam’s most established smartshops now ship their products throughout Europe, so you can have a safe and legal experience without travelling to Amsterdam. We have personally vetted the following sellers:
1 – Microdosebros — Based in Utrecht, Microdosebros specialises in magic truffles and microdosing products. They are exceptionally knowledgeable, provide detailed guidance to their customers, and have an outstanding reputation backed by hundreds of positive Google reviews. We’ve worked with them for a long time and trust their quality and service. Use our exclusive discount code Amsterdam10 for 10% off your order.
2 – Tatanka — One of Amsterdam’s oldest and most popular smartshops, now also selling online with competitive prices.
3 – Headshop — A well-known Amsterdam institution since 1968, now delivering throughout Europe.
Please always verify that magic truffles are legal in your country before ordering. Laws vary significantly across Europe.
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Not all magic truffles are the same. Different strains vary significantly in potency, and choosing the right one for your experience level is important. Always discuss this with the staff at your smartshop — they know their products best. As a general guide:
Ideal for first-time users or those who want a gentle, manageable experience:
Suitable for those who have tried truffles before and are comfortable with the effects:
Only recommended for experienced users who are fully confident in their set, setting and dose. Treat these with genuine respect:
Strain availability varies between shops and changes regularly. Always ask the staff for their current selection and honest recommendation based on your experience level. That conversation is the most important part of your purchase.
Dosage is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Our strong advice: always start with less than you think you need, especially if it’s your first time or you’re trying a new strain. You can always take more next time — you can’t undo a dose that’s too high.
The correct dosage depends on three main factors:
These figures are indicative only and based on fresh truffles of average potency. Stronger strains require significantly lower doses.
| Body weight | Mild dose | Medium dose | Strong dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 kg | 5.6 grams | 7.8 grams | 13.2 grams |
| 80 kg | 7.5 grams | 10.4 grams | 17.6 grams |
| 100 kg | 9.4 grams | 13.0 grams | 22.0 grams |
| 120 kg | 11.3 grams | 15.6 grams | 26.4 grams |
Magic truffles are typically sold in 15-gram packages, priced between €20 and €35 depending on the strain and shop. For most first-time users, half a package of a beginner strain is a sensible starting point.
“Set and setting” is a concept popularised by psychedelic researcher Timothy Leary in the 1960s, and it remains the most important factor in determining the quality of a psychedelic experience. “Set” refers to your mindset going in — your mood, expectations and emotional state. “Setting” refers to your physical and social environment.
In practical terms, this means:
Mindset (set):
Environment (setting):
My own most memorable positive experience was outdoors on a warm day by a lake — relaxed, surrounded by nature, with people I trusted. Small details became extraordinary: the way light moved on the water, a lobster emerging from a rock to feed. That quality of attention — that genuine sense of wonder at ordinary things — is something I hadn’t experienced since childhood. It’s one of the most genuinely valuable things a psilocybin experience can offer.
That experience was as different from my first, chaotic teenage experience as it’s possible to imagine — and the difference was almost entirely down to set and setting, dose, and knowing what to expect.
Magic truffles can be consumed in several ways:
Eating them directly — The most common method. Chew them thoroughly before swallowing. The taste is earthy and somewhat bitter — not pleasant, but manageable. Effects typically begin 30–60 minutes after ingestion.
Truffle tea — Chop or grind the truffles, steep them in hot water (not boiling — temperatures above 70°C can degrade the psilocybin) for 15–20 minutes, then strain and drink. Effects may come on slightly faster and feel somewhat smoother than eating them directly.
With food — Mixing truffles into yoghurt, juice or a light snack can mask the taste. Note that a full stomach will delay and potentially reduce the effects. Most people prefer to eat lightly beforehand.
Onset and duration:
No two experiences are identical — this is one of the things that makes psilocybin genuinely difficult to describe. The effects vary based on dose, strain, individual sensitivity and setting. Here’s an honest overview of what you might encounter.
One of the most reliable early signs that the truffles are kicking in is a wave of uncontrollable laughter — not because anything is particularly funny, but because the shift in perception itself is so unexpected and absurd. If you’ve ever smoked cannabis for the first time, you’ll recognise the feeling: a giggly, slightly overwhelmed euphoria that comes out of nowhere. Many users also notice a distinctive “funky” sensation in the stomach around the same time — a kind of fluttery, unsettled feeling that typically passes within the first hour as the experience settles in. Neither of these is cause for concern; they are simply the body and mind registering that something has changed.
The effects come in waves. One moment can feel more intense than the next. This is normal. The overall arc typically moves from the initial onset, through a peak, and gradually settles.
This is the section most guides get wrong. They give long lists of clinical advice that nobody remembers in the middle of a difficult moment. So let’s start with the only thing that really matters:
You are fine. Nothing is going to happen to you. You are under the influence of a natural substance, and the effects will pass. That is all that is happening.
A difficult experience — what people call a “bad trip” — is almost always caused by resistance. The mind panics, tries to claw back to normal, and the struggle itself amplifies the discomfort. The single most effective thing you can do is stop fighting it. You cannot think your way back to sobriety. What you can do is let the experience move through you.
From my own early experience: the worst part wasn’t the effects themselves — it was the anxious effort to get things back to normal, to make decisions, to be in control. Once you stop trying to be in control, things almost always become more manageable.
1. Change the environment — Move to a different room, go outside (if safe), change the music or turn it off. A small change of environment can shift the experience significantly.
2. Grounding techniques — Focus on physical sensations. Hold something cold or textured. Put your feet flat on the floor. Breathe slowly and deliberately. Name five things you can see.
3. Vitamin C — High-dose Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is widely reported in the psychedelic community to reduce the intensity of a psilocybin experience. The scientific evidence is limited, but many experienced users swear by it. Having orange juice or Vitamin C tablets available is a sensible precaution.
4. Reassurance — If someone is struggling, the most helpful thing you can do is stay calm, speak slowly and softly, and remind them that they are safe, the effects are temporary, and that you are with them. Do not panic yourself.
5. The trip sitter — Ideally, any truffle experience — particularly a first experience or a stronger dose — should include at least one sober, trusted person whose role is simply to be present and calm. They don’t need to do anything dramatic. Just having someone grounded in normal reality nearby makes an enormous difference.
In the vast majority of cases, a difficult experience resolves on its own with time, calm and reassurance. However, seek medical help if:
Magic truffles are generally considered to have a low toxicity profile — psilocybin is not toxic to organs in normal doses and is not physically addictive. However, irresponsible use can lead to harm, and some people should not use them at all.
Do not use magic truffles if:
Additional precautions:
On addiction: Psychological dependence on psilocybin is considered very unlikely. The nature of the experience — its intensity, its duration, the preparation it requires — means that very few people use it frequently. There is no physical addiction mechanism comparable to alcohol, nicotine or opioids.
Yes. There is no residency requirement. Any adult can walk into a smartshop and purchase magic truffles legally in the Netherlands.
We strongly advise against it. While Dutch law does not explicitly prohibit exporting truffles, and EU mutual recognition principles create a legal grey area, the reality is that importing psilocybin-containing products violates local drug law in many European countries — including France, Germany and Belgium. Outside the EU, the risks are considerably higher, with some countries imposing severe penalties. Laws vary widely and can change. Our advice is simple: enjoy them in Amsterdam, and don’t pack them. If in doubt, check the specific laws of your destination country before travelling.
Typically 3 to 6 hours — but here’s the thing: because psilocybin significantly distorts your perception of time, it can feel much, much longer. An hour can feel like an entire day. Some people describe a 4-hour experience as feeling like a full weekend has passed. This is completely normal, and knowing it in advance makes it far less unsettling when it happens. Plan your day accordingly, make sure you have nothing important to do the following morning, and do not check the clock obsessively — it will only make the time feel slower.
Both contain psilocybin and psilocin. Mushrooms grow above ground; truffles (sclerotia) grow underground. Mushrooms are illegal in the Netherlands; truffles are legal. Dried mushrooms tend to be more potent gram for gram than fresh truffles.
Yes, it is possible. The risk is significantly reduced by choosing the right dose, the right setting, the right people, and the right mindset. First-time users should always start with a mild dose of a beginner strain.
No. Psilocybin is not physically addictive and psychological dependence is considered very rare.
Eat a light meal 2–3 hours before. Avoid a completely empty stomach (can increase nausea) and a very full one (delays and dulls effects).
This is a common question. The short answer: standard drug tests do not screen for psilocybin. The five- and ten-panel tests used by most employers, courts and law enforcement look for substances like cannabis, cocaine, opiates and amphetamines — psilocybin is not on that list. Specialised tests do exist, but they are expensive, rarely used, and would need to be specifically ordered.
Psilocybin is also metabolised unusually quickly. Once ingested, the liver converts psilocybin into psilocin, which is what causes the effects. Psilocin is cleared from the blood within approximately 5–15 hours. In urine, traces can typically be detected for 24–48 hours, and up to 72 hours with higher doses or slower metabolism. After that, it is essentially undetectable by standard methods. The exception is hair follicle testing, which can in theory detect traces for up to 90 days — but hair testing for psilocybin is extremely rare and not part of any routine screening.
Yes. Microdosing — taking very small sub-perceptual doses regularly — has become increasingly popular. If you’re interested in microdosing rather than a full experience, Microdosebros has excellent resources and products specifically for this purpose.
Amsterdam’s truffle culture is unlike anything else in the world — a rare combination of legal access, genuine expertise and a long tradition of harm reduction. Used with care, respect and preparation, magic truffles can be a genuinely meaningful experience. Used carelessly, they can be overwhelming.
I’ve been on both sides of that line. The difference, almost every time, comes down to the same things: the right dose, the right environment, the right people, and the right attitude. Not a white-knuckle grip on reality, but a willingness to let go of it for a few hours.
If you’re planning to try truffles in Amsterdam, visit a good smartshop, ask honest questions, start with less than you think you need, and make sure you have someone you trust with you. The experience will be what it is — and if you approach it with respect, there’s a good chance it will be something you remember for a long time.
Do you have questions about magic truffles in Amsterdam? Leave them in the comments below!
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