Psychedelics are drugs that have hallucinogenic effects and can cause changes in perception, thoughts and emotions[1]. These substances have attracted increasing interest from people around the world in recent years.
Although these substances were once labelled illegal and associated with an underground culture, recent developments have led to an increasing acceptance and legalisation of certain psychedelic substances. This has led to a rise in legal psychedelics, with the Netherlands being a forerunner in this field.
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What are psychedelics and why are they interesting?
People often seek this experience to expand their thinking patterns, gain personal insights and remove emotional blockages. The potential of psychedelics as therapeutic tools for mental disorders, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is increasingly recognised by the medical community[2].
Changing attitudes towards psychedelics
In recent years, we have seen a shift in attitudes towards psychedelics. For a long time, these substances were seen as dangerous and illegal because of their association with the 1960s counterculture movement. However, recent scientific research has shown that psychedelics have great potential for therapeutic purposes. This has led to a change in legislation and a growing acceptance of these substances.
The legalisation of psychedelics
Several countries and states have started legalising psychedelics for medical use. One example is the state of Oregon in the United States, where psilocybin therapy has become legal for specific conditions[3]. This change in legislation has paved the way for clinical trials and research into the effectiveness of psychedelics as a treatment option.
Which psychedelics are legal in the Netherlands?
One of the legal psychedelics in the Netherlands are LSA seeds. LSA stands for Lysergic Acid Amide, a naturally occurring substance in Morning Glory seeds and Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds. These seeds contain ergine, a substance similar to LSD. Although LSA is less intense than LSD, users can still experience psychological and visual effects after consuming these seeds.
Magic Truffles
Another popular legal psychedelic substance in the Netherlands are magic truffles. Magic truffles are actually sclerotia, an underground mass produced by certain fungal species. They contain psilocybin and psilocin, the same active ingredients also found in magic mushrooms. Psilocybin truffles can produce similar effects to magic mushrooms, such as altered consciousness, visual hallucinations and heightened emotions. Although using magic truffles is legal in the Netherlands, you should make sure you only buy them from authorised sellers and follow the recommended dosage.
Home-grown mushrooms
Growing your own mushrooms is also legal in the Netherlands, as long as you do not sell or provide them to others. Growing mushrooms can be an interesting and educational experience, allowing you to witness the growth cycle of these special fungi up close. There are different types of mushroom spores and cultivation kits available in your favourite Headshop, again it is important to keep an eye on the legislation surrounding growing mushrooms. Feel free to contact us with any questions!
Sources:
[1] https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/psychedelics/
[2] https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(23)00068-8/fulltext