Psilocybin and psilocin
The psychedelic substance psilocybin and psilocybin-containing truffles/mushrooms are becoming increasingly well-known due to the therapeutic properties of this substance. However, it is not psilocybin but psilocin that causes the trip. Psilocybin is converted into psilocin by (stomach) acid and the enzyme phosphatase.
The different dosages of psilocybin and psilocin
Mushrooms, truffles, psilohuasca, and psiloflora all contain psilocybin/psilocin and fall into the group of mind-altering and hallucinogenic substances. Mushrooms and magic truffles contain the same active compounds. The effects vary and depend, among other things, on your personal sensitivity, character, mood, the substance, and the dose. The active compounds psilocin and psilocybin closely resemble the body's own serotonin (the neurotransmitter). Our body converts psilocybin into psilocin. Psilocin can then mimic serotonin at the serotonin receptor, called the 5HT2a receptor. The effects of mushrooms arise from the increased stimulation of these receptors.
For more in-depth information about psilocybin, read our blog here: effects of psilocybin.
A serotonin deficiency causes depression, anxiety, restlessness, cravings for sweets (which further lowers serotonin), and other ailments. All of this creates a negative spiral in which you are susceptible to unhealthy addictions, and you can hardly escape this negative spiral unless you drastically change course.
For more in-depth information about serotonin, read our blog here: serotonin and happiness.
By undergoing a trip session with psilocybin mushrooms or magic truffles under guidance, you temporarily increase the stimulation of serotonin receptors, causing the negative feelings associated with a serotonin deficiency to fade into the background. The degree to which we increase this stimulation therefore influences your mood and experience. The intensity of this experience is divided into trip levels.
The first effects become noticeable after about half an hour. The senses begin to function better. Colors become brighter, sounds become more intense, and the perception of reality changes. Depending on the dosage chosen in consultation, more changes in perception will occur. The higher the dosage, the higher the trip level and the effects.
| Truffle ceremony | Trip level | Duration (h) | Suitability |
| Low dose | 1-2 | 2-3 | Beginner |
| Medium dose | 3-4 | 3-5 | Beginner |
| High dose | 4-5 | 4-6 | Psychedelic experience |
| Heroic dose | 5 | 5-8 | More experienced |
Read more here the trip levels of psychedelics