Oregon's Emerging Psilocybin Therapy vs. Amsterdam's Magic Truffles
Why Oregon is Creating Something Completely Novel
Amsterdam, Netherlands 2022
Welcome to Amsterdam, the home of the "Magic Truffle."
Tourist from around the world flock to the home of the renowned Mushroom Truffle. Amsterdam is one of the most popular hubs for exploring the fringes of drug culture. From cannabis "coffeeshops" to medicinal mushroom retail stores, one simply has to have a few euro at their disposal to explore these novelties.
"Microdosing" is one of the most popular trends within modern mushroom culture. Taking a sub-threshold dose of "psilocybin," the active ingredient in 'magic mushrooms,' is currently on the rise as for its support for improving neural function, BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor), emotional wellness, depression and anxiety in some cases.* From microdose regimens to magic truffles, these options are legally available to the public at retail.
What is the Magic Truffle?
While most people are familiar with the common 'magic mushroom,' the 'magic truffle' is a bit less well understood...
Psilocybe Truffle
Many species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms such as Psilocybe Mexicana, Psilocybe Galindoi and Psilocybe Tampanensis produce "sclerotia." These hardened bodies are contained within the mycelium of the fungi within these species and contain a dense proportion of nutrients. In this, case, they contain a higher concentration of psilocybin (the active constituent in magic mushrooms) than the mycelium. Chaga mushroom is also actually a sclerotia that forms on many species of trees, such as Birch. Magic truffles (sclerotia) are slightly less potent than psilocybin containing mushrooms, and because they are not commonly dried, dosing is much higher in fresh truffles than dried magic mushrooms.
Mushrooms themselves are not actually available for retail in the Netherlands. Since truffles aren't technically a mushroom, it's a legal loophole. According to retailers within this location, which will remain anonymous, they are unable to process these products at all. They essentially package and sell fresh truffles.
What Makes Oregon Different?
A lot. Measure 109 was passed in Oregon to provide clients with an opportunity to receive a therapeutic session with psilocybin. Medical history and facilitation are both required along with several other regulations throughout the legislation. While tourists and locals in Amsterdam and throughout Holland can easily purchase psilocybin containing "truffles," Oregon is creating a completely different framework in how they offer it to the general public:
Psilocybe Cubensis will be the only species available for psilocybin therapy. This is the most
commonly cultivated psychoactive mushroom, grown safely and often easily on clean substrates indoors. Unlike Amsterdam's magic truffles, Psilocybe Cubensis mushrooms, mycelium and extracts will be made available specifically for therapeutic sessions.
Under measure 109, Oregon will not allow for any retailers to offer medicinal mushrooms over the counter to the public. Clients must be enrolled in a therapeutic session that involves screening and history.
While many argue the legislation in Oregon is a bit over-regulated, the primary intention is to uphold safety standards to minimize harm and risk while optimizing the therapeutic benefit. Recent studies have demonstrated psilocybin's ability to help condistions such as treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and others that are emerging within this shift towards greater mental health awareness within our communities.
Although safety regulations and standards will be in place, there will be a range of freedom with regards to how the therapeutic session will be conducted. From a personalized clinical setting to a ceremonial group gathering or even luxury mushroom retreats, Oregon's Measure 109 will look very different than anything that currently exists.
Psilocybe Cubensis, Source Unknown
In 2023, Oregon's Psilocybin Services will begin and it many are still holding their breath to see how this novel rollout will look.