What’s the Difference Between Magic Truffles and Magic Mushrooms?

There are quite a few myths relating to magic mushrooms and magic truffles. To the uninformed, these are seemingly different items altogether. This assumption is often based on differing appearances between truffles and mushrooms, as well as differing legalities.

In reality, there are many more similarities between magic mushrooms and magic truffles than differences. In fact, mushrooms and truffles come from the same living organism; one grows above ground (mushrooms), while the other grows below ground (truffles).

Both magic mushrooms and magic truffles offer psychedelic effects. You can expect a very similar psychedelic experience from both. Still, there are fundamental differences between them, such as how they are harvested, their moisture content, and their size. In this article, we perform a complete magic truffles vs magic mushrooms overview.

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What Are Magic Truffles?

Psilocybin truffles aren’t ‘truffles’ at all, at least not in the culinary sense that most people are familiar with. Culinary truffles are part of the Tuber genus, while magic truffles (and magic mushrooms) come from the Psilocybe genus. The difference is that magic truffles come from the sclerotium (below ground) part of the mushroom, while magic mushrooms come from the fruiting body, which grows above ground.

The sclerotium (plural sclerotia) is a bundled-up mycelium mass rich in oils and food reserves for the mushroom. Sclerotia allow mushrooms to grow and survive for several years in harsh conditions that offer little to no organic material for the mushroom to feed on.

In terms of different types of magic truffles, several psilocybin species produce sclerotia. Oddly, Psilocybin cubensis, one of the most common types of magic mushrooms, is not one of them.

Here are some of the best-known species of psilocybin mushrooms that produce magic truffles:

• Psilocybe mexicana
• Psilocybe atlantis
• Psilocybe tampanensis
• Psilocybe galindoi

Difference Between Magic Truffles and Magic Mushrooms

We must point out a few differences in the great magic mushrooms vs. magic truffle debate. As truffles are at a different development stage to mushrooms, there are a few obvious differences in how they look.

Truffles grow underground, which means a difference in how they are harvested. It is possible to pick fresh mushrooms that are visible above ground. In contrast, you must dig truffles from the dirt since they are subterranean dwellers.

There is also a significant difference in moisture content. Truffles have a moisture level of just 5-10%, well below that of mushrooms. As a result, you can dry truffles significantly faster. Moisture content is also the reason why truffles feel rugged and hard. Mushroom fruiting bodies, on the other hand, tend to have a flexible and soft feel, even when dried.

Once you harvest and dry truffles, you’ll notice a variance in their shape and size compared to fruiting bodies. Truffles tend to have a small and condensed shape. Once you dry them, they shrivel to an even smaller size. Mushrooms, on the other hand, are capable of growing to a range of sizes.

In terms of potency, each batch of mushrooms contains variable levels of psilocybin. In general, magic truffles provide a more consistent dose. Again, though, this is variable.

It’s also worth pointing out that special truffle grinders on the market enable you to grind them down into easy-to-consume pieces.

Safety and Legality

The difference in magic truffles’ legality also has an impact on safety. The legality of psilocybin in the USA and worldwide is limited to a handful of states and nations respectively. In general, the best one can hope for is the decriminalization of shrooms rather than outright legality.

In a global sense, most countries view mushrooms and truffles as the same. This is mainly because they both contain psychedelic compounds. At the time of writing, only the Netherlands makes a distinction. It is one of the few countries that permits the possession and use of small amounts of psilocybin.

The Netherlands famously outlawed the use of magic mushrooms in December 2008. Now, possessing dry and fresh mushrooms is illegal, although there is no criminal charge involved with small amounts.

However, there is a legal loophole that doesn’t prohibit psychoactive mushrooms in sclerotium form. As a result, there was a rapid spike in the sale and use of magic truffles. Rather than doubling down on prohibition, the Dutch government went the other way. Since September 2019, magic truffles have been legalized and are now fully taxed in the Netherlands.

Safety Issues

The slightly more accessible legal status of truffles has led to better regulation. As a consequence, one can buy psilocybin truffles in boxes with labels.

This lets you know precisely how much psilocybin is in each batch, which is not usually the case with whole magic mushrooms.

Research into psychedelics is relatively limited. However, Johns Hopkins’s Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research is now exploring the effects of psychedelics, currently focusing on psilocybin. So far, it has been found to be overwhelmingly safe and non-addictive.

Is There a Difference in Trip Experience and Intensity?

Some have suggested that the psychedelic mushroom trip is longer and more intense than that of truffles. Others suggest that the complete opposite is true, that truffles are more potent in terms of psilocybin content than the fruiting body. However, there is little scientific evidence to support either claim.

What is true is that as long as the same milligram amount of psilocybin is consumed, the effects of magic truffles may be very similar to those of magic mushrooms. Regardless of which part of the mushroom is being utilized, however, be sure to practice proper set and setting for the safest experience possible.

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Magic Truffles or Magic Mushrooms, Which One to Choose?

There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer here. It all depends on your expectations, desires, experience, and tolerance for psilocybin. In the magic truffles vs magic mushrooms debate, truffles have a clear advantage in terms of legality in the Netherlands. It is also easier to find truffles online, and you can find them dry or fresh.

In contrast, magic mushrooms are not legally sold online. You can buy ready-to-grow kits and spores and try to find them in the wild. However, please note that both the consumption and possession of mushrooms are illegal in most places.

All in all, psychedelics novices are likely better served trying magic truffles. There is an element of regulation when buying them from a reputable seller in the Netherlands, and one can have a reasonable idea of how much psilocybin is in a truffle. In contrast, the level of the drug may vary significantly in wild mushrooms.

Either way, please note that these are powerful, illegal substances, and the information here is provided only to educate – not to suggest or promote their use or possession.