Are magic truffles legal?

If you live in Europe or have made a humble visit to the city of Amsterdam to ‘‘see the culture’’, you’ve probably heard of magic truffles. While they are widely known across many western European countries, the story of how they came about isn’t as commonly acquired. In this article, we will go over the basics of magic truffles for those who are new to the topic, followed by the reasoning for the unexpected legal status of these little bundles of mystical mycelium. 

What are magic truffles?

Magic truffles are a form of fungus called sclerotia. A sclerotium is a dense mass of hardened fungal mycelium, which contains food reserves. Essentially, magic truffles are compact masses of mycelium that grow underground. Perhaps a better name for it would be magic mycelium instead of magic truffle. They are harvested under the ground, as well. One role that sclerotia plays in the universe is to survive environmental extremes on planet Earth. Another role is to offer the psychedelic experience to human beings. 

One way that you could look at magic truffles is this: an underdeveloped version of the magic mushroom. It is basically a magic mushroom that doesn’t get enough nutrients and lacks water contents, making it bunch up and remain underground. However, there is one thing magic truffles and magic mushrooms both have in common; psilocybin.  

Just as the magic mushroom does, magic truffles contain psilocybin, which converts to psilocin upon ingestion. This chemical conversion is what provides the famous magic mushroom high, which mirrors the magic truffle high. However, due to the contents of truffles vs mushrooms, magic truffles contain much less psilocybin than magic mushrooms do. That being said, you need to up your dose of magic truffles in order to experience the same potent experience you would from ingesting magic mushrooms. 

In regards to taste and physical aspects, magic truffles differ from magic mushrooms. When dried, magic truffles are small, round and surprisingly heavy. They typically sport a dark, lumpy and brown exterior. Their taste is sour, bitter and sometimes slightly acidic, specifically with truffles of higher psilocybin potency. In my opinion, their taste is nowhere near as foul as that of magic mushrooms. However, I still do not enjoy the taste. Oddly enough, some of my friends claim that they enjoy the taste of magic truffles… Must be nice!

Although magic truffles are an excellent substitute for magic mushrooms considering the effects are identical when dosed properly, there is one major difference; legality.

The story of the Dutch and their famous truffles

Believe it or not, magic mushrooms were totally legal in the Netherlands until 2007. Before that, anyone could legally grow, sell, possess and consume them without fear of lawful consequences. 

Back in those days, magic mushrooms were sold in the same fashion that magic truffles are sold today. They were available in shops, many of which were located in (you guessed it) Amsterdam. Dutch magic mushroom sellers tried to push sales for years, specifically to tourists. However, they never really took off and the word of legal mushrooms in Amsterdam only made its way into a small majority of ears. 

Nonetheless, the Dutch mushroom growers were satisfied with their careers and many saw growing mushrooms as their livelihood. That is, until the day of the ban. In April of 2007, the Netherlands prohibited the production, sale, possession and consumption of magic mushrooms. This left the Dutch mushroom growers lost and directionless as they had been sustaining themselves and their families for years through their well-developed art of growing magic mushrooms. 

When the prohibition happened, the growers were left to find a new route, which is how the magic truffle market was birthed. Technically speaking, truffles are not mushrooms. Mushrooms and truffles are entirely different from one another in terms of the scientific study of the Mushroom Kingdom. Moreso, truffles are protected by European law, which clearly states all species of truffles fall into the category of ‘‘luxury food’’. You can most likely predict what happened when the Dutch realised that all truffles are legal and conveniently enough, a handful of them contain psilocybin… Jackpot! 

It really didn’t take the Dutch growers long before they made the somewhat swift shift from growing magic mushrooms to growing magic truffles. Due to their years of operating as experts in the field, they were able to translate some of the knowledge they gained over the years of growing mushrooms into growing truffles. The best part of it all? The government and lobbyists could not stand in their way. 

While magic mushrooms didn’t get ‘‘mush’’ attention while they were legally being produced, sold and consumed, the word of magic truffles got out fast. It didn’t take long before tourists were travelling to Amsterdam to have a naughty holiday filled with top-shelf legal Cannabis and psychedelic truffles! 

So does that mean they are legal? Not entirely. Or should I say, not globally? In the Netherlands, they are indeed totally legal. Considering that truffles are protected by law across the European Union, they are legal in other EU countries, as well. 

However, the Netherlands is the only producer of magic truffles in the World, meaning individuals wanting to get in on the magic need their truffles to be shipped via mail services. Although they are legal, some customers in certain European countries do not like them, occasionally seizing them at customs to inspect them, before being sent on their way. To be fair, if I were a customs agent and I saw a package coming from Amsterdam, I would probably have a peak, as well! Being known as ‘‘the city of experiments’’ means outside judgement is expected.

As far as countries outside of Europe, sadly, you are out of luck. Magic truffles are not legal in any way, shape or form outside of the EU! But hey, if you want to give the magic truffle experience a go without worrying about the law, feel free to come to Amsterdam and see what all the fuss is about! We will welcome you with open arms. 

Closing thoughts

Whether you are microdosing with magic truffles or are seeking to meet God himself (or become him), magic truffles are a fantastic alternative for those located in the EU. Although it is crazy to many fellow psychedelic lovers that these naturally occurring compounds are classed as dangerous to the public, hopefully, we can look at progressive places, such as the Netherlands or other EU countries, as an example of the positive role that psychedelics can play in modern day society. Although that is likely simply not enough for money-grabbing lobbyists, maybe the fact that psychonauts will happily pay a 21% tax on their legal psychedelics is enough to make a change in the future of drug laws.

While some of this story is black and white, it is always important to remember that stories revolving around law changes, psychoactive substances and governments are never as straightforward as they are portrayed by the media. A lot happens behind closed doors and a lot of facts get intentionally twisted along the way. As always, keep your mind open!