What is psilocybin?
Psilocybin is a psychedelic substance that occurs naturally in certain mushrooms and truffles. The name is derived from the mushroom genus Psilocybe, but the substance is also found in other types of magic mushrooms that grow on almost every continent. The molecular formula is C12H17N2O4P.
Psilocybin itself is hardly psychoactive. Only after the body converts the substance into psilocin do the effects begin. This conversion happens quickly and causes the familiar changes in consciousness, perception, and mood for which psilocybin is known.
On this page, you can read about how psilocybin works, what it does, what scientific research says about it, and what the situation is like in the Netherlands regarding guided sessions with legal psilocybin truffles.
The metabolism of psilocybin
When you ingest psilocybin, your body converts the substance into psilocin almost immediately. This happens primarily in the liver, via the enzyme phosphatase. This enzyme removes the phosphate group from the psilocybin molecule, a process called dephosphorylation. The result is psilocin, the substance that is actually active in your brain.
Psilocybin itself hardly binds to the receptors responsible for the psychedelic effect. Once it is converted into psilocin, that changes immediately. Absorption takes place via the intestines, after which the substance is converted by the liver via the portal vein before entering the bloodstream.
The primary route of dephosphorylation is through the enzyme phosphatase. Phosphatase is a naturally occurring enzyme in the human body and is produced in the liver. This enzyme can hydrolyze the phosphate group, converting psilocybin into psilocin, the active psychoactive ingredient. Once psilocybin is absorbed through the intestines, it is first metabolized by the liver via the portal vein.
Acidic environments such as the human body and especially the stomach can also cause psilocybin to be converted to psilocin.
The activity of psilocybin and psilocin
The difference between psilocybin and psilocin lies in their activity. Psilocybin itself has little effect on the serotonin receptors responsible for psychedelic effects. Psilocin, the active form after conversion, binds strongly to these receptors.
The most important receptor in this is the 5-HT2A receptor. Its activation causes the characteristic changes in consciousness, perception, and thought. Additionally, psilocin also has some effect on the 5-HT1A and 5-HT2B receptors, although this contributes less to the psychedelic experience.
What does psilocin do on these 5-HT receptors?
5-HT1A
The 5-HT1A receptor is involved in regulating mood and anxiety. Psilocin partially activates this receptor, which may contribute to the relaxing and anxiolytic effects people experience during a session. Heart rate, body temperature and certain hormonal processes are also influenced via this receptor. Nausea and dizziness may be partly related to this.
5-HT2A
The 5-HT2A receptor is the key receptor behind the psychedelic effects of psilocin. Its activation leads to changes in consciousness, perception, and the experience of time. Visual and auditory experiences also stem from this. Research shows that stimulation of this receptor is also associated with increased production of BDNF, a protein involved in neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change and form new connections.
5-HT2B
The 5-HT2B receptor plays a role in the regulation of blood pressure and heart rate. Psilocin's contribution to this receptor is smaller than to the 5-HT2A receptor. The psychedelic effects are therefore primarily mediated via the 5-HT2A receptor, not via 5-HT2B.
The subjective experience
What you experience during a psilocybin trip varies greatly from person to person. The dosage plays a big role, but your mood at the time, your surroundings, and your personal sensitivity to psychedelics also determine how the experience unfolds. Two people taking the same amount can have a completely different journey.
Many people describe colours becoming more intense, objects appearing to move or breathe, and the perception of time changing. Hours can feel like an eternity, or conversely, like a flash. Music can resonate more deeply than usual.
Besides the sensory effects, there is often a strong emotional and introspective side. Thoughts and feelings that are normally in the background come to the surface. This can be liberating, but also confronting. It is not uncommon to cry, laugh, or both at the same time.
Some people describe spiritual or mystical experiences: a feeling of connection to everything around them, the dissolution of the separation between themselves and the world, or a deep stillness that is difficult to put into words. These types of experiences are also referred to as ego-loss or unity experiences.
At high doses, people sometimes speak of ego-death: self-awareness temporarily disappears almost completely. That sounds intense, and for some it is, but others experience it as liberating. A guide is of great value in such a case.
Ego death
Users who take large doses of psilocybin sometimes speak of ego death. Ego death primarily involves a diminished sense of self. The effects described in the video are those experienced by those on high doses of psilocybin.
It's also possible to experience ego death without using psychedelics, such as deep meditation, breathwork, or anything else that can help you get into the flow state. There are also many similarities with a near-death experience.
Psilocybin and science
Scientific research into psilocybin has grown enormously over the past two decades. Universities such as Johns Hopkins, Imperial College London and NYU are conducting extensive studies into the therapeutic possibilities of the substance. The results are promising, although the research is still largely in clinical trial phases.
Studies show positive results, particularly for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety in severe illnesses, and addiction. Participants often describe long-lasting improvements in mood, increased self-compassion, and a renewed sense of meaning in life, even months after a single session. However, psilocybin is not yet a recognised medical treatment in the Netherlands, and clinical research is also limited in availability here.
Below is an overview of the areas of focus for ongoing research:
- Alcoholism (AUD, alcohol use disorder)
- Smoking addiction
- Opioid addiction
- Major depression (depressive disorder Major)
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Anxiety complaints
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Body Dysmorphic Disorders (BDD)
- Anorexia
- Alzheimer
- Parkinson
- Migraine
- Cluster headaches
Psilocybin therapy in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, psilocybin itself is a prohibited substance. However, there's an exception that is convenient for our customers: Psilocybin-containing truffles are legal. Truffles contain the same active substances as magic mushrooms, but are legally outside the Opium Act. Guided sessions with psilocybin truffles are therefore possible and are offered by us in the Netherlands.
However, these are not medical treatments in the clinical sense of the word. Health insurers therefore do not reimburse these sessions. We therefore offer guided sessions as a coaching programme, focusing on preparation, the session itself and integration afterwards.
This makes a guided truffle ceremony or truffle session in the Netherlands accessible to many interested in psilocybin. Read more about what such a session looks like with us via the button below.
FAQ psilocybin
Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions about psilocybin: what it is, how it works, whether it is legal, and what to expect from a guided session. Is your question not listed? Ask it via the contact form or the Q&A forum.
What does psilocybin do to you?
Psilocybin is a substance found in magic mushrooms and is almost non-psychoactive. Psilocybin only becomes psychoactive after being converted to psilocin.
After being converted into psilocin, psilocybin has various effects on the user, including hallucinations, altered perception, increased sensitivity to sensory input, and changes in the sense of time and space. It can also lead to altered emotions and mood, introspection, and spiritual experiences.
The effects of psilocybin vary depending on dosage, individual sensitivity, and environmental factors. Psilocybin use can also carry risks, such as confusion, anxiety, or panic attacks, so it's essential to exercise caution and be mindful of the potential consequences.
How do I get psilocybin?
In the Netherlands, you can only buy psilocybin by purchasing magic truffles. Magic truffles contain psilocybin and psilocin, but are not illegal in this form. Eating the truffles effectively ingests psilocybin.
What are psilocybin drops?
Psilocybin drops are liquid extracts containing psilocybin. The origin of these drops is unknown. They are often used as an alternative way to take psilocybin because they are easy to dose and consume. The effect of psilocybin drops is similar to that of eating psilocybin-containing mushrooms. It can lead to altered perceptions, hallucinations, and an altered state of consciousness. However, the use of psilocybin drops is illegal in the Netherlands.
Is psilocybin banned?
Yes, psilocybin is prohibited in the Netherlands. It's listed as a prohibited substance under the Opium Act. Possessing, selling, cultivating, or trading psilocybin-containing mushrooms is a criminal offense.
Can I microdose psilocybin?
Yes, you can take psilocybin microdosing. Microdosing refers to taking very small amounts of a substance, such as psilocybin, to experience subtle effects without a full-blown psychedelic experience. It's often done to elevate mood, increase creativity, and improve concentration.
Is psilocybin therapy already possible?
Yes, psilocybin therapy is already a medical treatment in Australia. In the Netherlands, psilocybin therapy is not yet considered a medical treatment, but it is used in certain clinical trials for the treatment of certain mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psilocybin therapy using psilocybin-containing truffles is legal, but it is not a medical treatment.
Do health insurers reimburse psilocybin treatment?
No, in the Netherlands, health insurers do not cover psilocybin treatment because it is not yet recognized as a medical treatment. For now, psilocybin sessions are considered coaching under the influence of a stimulant.
How does a guided psilocybin trip work?
The exact course of a guided psilocybin session can vary depending on the guide/therapist and the individual's specific needs. Generally, the session takes place in a calm and comfortable environment, such as our location or your own home. The therapist will inform you beforehand about what to expect and answer any questions you may have.
During the session, you'll take a dose of psilocybin (in the form of magic truffles). The therapist will guide you through the effects of the psilocybin, supporting you in exploring your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. They may conduct conversations, offer guided meditations, or use other techniques to help you gain insight and process any issues.
The goal of a guided trip session is to enhance therapeutic effects, such as increasing self-awareness, exploring repressed emotions, reducing anxiety or depression, and promoting personal growth and well-being. A therapist or guide also ensures physical safety and assists with preparation and integration.
