Is the truffle ceremony the same as a magic mushroom ceremony. If not, what's the difference between the two?
Is the truffle ceremony the same as a magic mushroom ceremony. If not, what's the difference between the two?
In practice the two are almost identical, because both magic mushrooms and truffles contain the same active substances: psilocybin and psilocin. These are what create the psychedelic effects like visual changes, deep introspection, and emotional release. The actual journey, insights and therapeutic potential are therefore the same.
The main difference lies in the form and legal status:
Magic mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of the psilocybe fungi. Since 2008, they have been banned in the Netherlands, so they cannot be sold or legally used in ceremonies.
Truffles (sclerotia) are the underground parts of the same fungi. They are legal in the Netherlands and that’s why professional providers use them during ceremonies.
So when you see a provider offering a mushroom ceremony, in the Netherlands this always means they are actually working with truffles. The name is often used because it’s more familiar internationally, but technically it’s a magical truffle ceremony.
In short: the experience is the same, the difference is legality.