Magic truffles and magic mushrooms both contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin. Therefore, they share many similarities in terms of their effects. However, there are also some key differences to consider. We explore why truffles and shrooms are not the same and whether one is better than the other.
Magic Truffles vs. Magic Mushrooms
| Magic Truffles | Magic Mushrooms |
|---|---|
When thinking about fungi, most people’s minds immediately turn to mushrooms. However, magic mushrooms are only one part of a much larger organism. Below the ground, countless interconnected strands known as hyphae come together to form a solid mass of mycelium.
Mycelium is responsible for extracting nutrients from the environment to provide energy for the fungus. Sometimes, it forms hard lumps known as sclerotia or truffles. Truffles store nutrients so the fungus can survive for long periods, even when environmental conditions are not ideal. Magic truffles also store psilocybin, giving them their psychedelic effects.
Meanwhile, mushrooms are the part of the fungus that grows above ground. Their role is to produce spores, the fungal equivalent of seeds. Magic mushroom spores can travel long distances on the wind or animals’ fur. When they settle in a suitable environment, they germinate and produce hyphae, forming new mycelium and continuing the life cycle.
So, the main difference between magic truffles and mushrooms is that truffles grow beneath the ground while mushrooms grow above it. However, there is more to consider in this debate.
Effects
Magic truffles and magic mushrooms share the same psychoactive compound, psilocybin. Therefore, their effects are comparable, assuming the same amount of psilocybin is consumed.
Unfortunately, calculating this is not an easy task. Some people say that mushrooms are stronger than truffles, so a 1-gram dose of shrooms will contain more psilocybin than the same weight of truffles. However, others have suggested that the reverse is true. The fact is that both truffles and mushrooms are natural products, and their potency can vary significantly from one to the next.
Anyhow, the most common effects of both magic truffles and magic mushrooms include the following:
- Altered mood, thinking patterns, and perception
- Visual, auditory, or sensory hallucinations
- Euphoria
- Arousal
- Increased sense of connectedness to the self, others, and nature
- Rapidly shifting thoughts and emotions
- Anxiety, paranoia, or fear
- Ego death (a blurring of the boundaries between “self” and “non-self”)
Adverse side effects are more likely to occur at higher doses with either truffles or shrooms. Therefore, it is helpful to know their potency before consuming them. This is where truffles may have a slight advantage over mushrooms due to their legal status.
Legality
Psilocybin is a controlled substance; therefore, magic truffles and mushrooms are illegal in many places. Although there is a steadily growing trend toward decriminalization in the United States, this is not the same as legalization.
Prohibition is a significant issue because it means that most people obtain truffles and mushrooms illegally and have no idea how much psilocybin they contain. This makes it challenging to calculate an appropriate dose and minimize the risk of side effects.
There is no such problem in The Netherlands, where magic truffles are completely legal. Although magic mushrooms were banned in 2008, a legal loophole means truffles are still widely available.
The market is well-regulated, and truffles are packaged in pre-measured doses and labeled with their psilocybin content. This helps users to determine how potent their trip will be and stay safe throughout the experience. In this sense, many consider truffles a better option than shrooms.
That said, magic mushrooms are legal or at least tolerated in several other countries worldwide. Oregon also recently legalized the use of psilocybin for personal development, and sales are due to begin in early 2023.
This is a huge step forward and ensures that more people will have safe and legal access to magic mushrooms and truffles.
Summary:
These are two different parts of a fungus that both produce psilocybin. Although their effects are similar, there are differences in their potency and legal status.
It is also noteworthy that not all magic mushroom species produce truffles. Some examples of those that do include:
- Psilocybe Atlantis
- Psilocybe Galindos
- Psilocybe mexicana
- Psilocybe tampanensis
Anyone considering trying magic mushrooms or truffles should check the laws in their area before proceeding. It is also advisable to seek guidance from a trained professional before using psilocybin for the first time.
