A truffle session takes most of a day once you count the waiting, the effects and the slow return, so plan it as the main event of that day and nothing else. Jellinek gives 30 to 60 minutes until the effects start, four to six hours in total, with the most intense part in the first two hours (Jellinek). On a short city break that is a large block of time, and the plan below is built around it.
First: is this the right trip for it
Some people should skip truffles altogether, also on holiday. Dutch public health sources name these groups:
- People who have had a psychosis, or who have it in the family. Truffles can trigger a psychosis in people who are susceptible (Jellinek).
- People who are not feeling well mentally. DRUGSinfo writes that people with depression, anxiety or psychotic symptoms run a much higher risk of a bad experience and are better off not using truffles (DRUGSinfo).
- People who take lithium. In an analysis of online reports, 47% of 62 accounts of lithium combined with a psychedelic described a seizure (Nayak et al., 2021).
- Anyone under 18. Shops do not sell to minors.
Dutch-Smart's product pages add that truffles should not be combined with SSRIs, MAO inhibitors, lithium or cannabis. Never stop prescribed medication for a trip; ask your doctor first.
Choosing the day
- Not the arrival day. Travel, a new room and a late night are a poor start.
- Not the departure day. You need a clear head for check-out, luggage, trains and airports.
- A day with nothing booked. Museum slots, dinner reservations and boat tours do not mix with a trip. Jellinek also advises keeping the day after free (Jellinek).
- Your room for the whole day. Check that you will not have to leave the room for cleaning or check-out in the middle of the afternoon.
A late morning or early afternoon start works for most visitors: the strongest part falls in daylight and you are back to normal by the evening.
Food, drink and the room
Shops advise an empty stomach for the most predictable effect. In practice that means a light breakfast several hours before and nothing heavy afterwards. Put these within reach before you start:
- Water, fruit juice and something sweet.
- Light food for later: fruit, bread, soup.
- A blanket and a place to lie down, curtains that close, music you know.
- Phones charged, on silent, with the address of your stay written down.
Leave alcohol and cannabis out. Dutch-Smart warns that cannabis can make the effects of psilocybin stronger and unpredictable, also when smoked during the comedown.
A sober sitter
Jellinek notes that a sober trip sitter can help keep a trip on track (Jellinek). On a trip abroad that person matters even more: they know the address, speak to reception or neighbours if needed, and can call the right number. The sitter takes nothing, stays in the room and keeps the doors and windows closed.
If everyone in the group wants to take truffles, agree beforehand that one person sits this one out. On a longer stay you can take turns on different days.
Weighing and waiting
Split packs on a small scale instead of by eye, so everyone knows exactly what they took. Then follow two rules:
- Take the amount you decided on beforehand, at the low end of the shop's advice for that strain (choice guide).
- Wait at least an hour. The first effects often come with yawning, cold hands or a heavy stomach, and they can take a while. Do not take more on the same day.
Amsterdam XXX Scale 100 x 0.01 g
View at Dutch-Smart
Mildshop description (1+1) Mexicana Magic Truffles
View at Dutch-Smart
During the session
Stay in. The first hour can bring nausea and restlessness; some people find it easier lying down with their eyes closed. Music, a window with a view and simple conversation are enough. If a moment gets difficult, change the setting: another room, dimmer light, different music, a glass of juice. Jellinek notes that the difficult parts become easier as time goes on.
If someone needs more than that, the page on afterwards and getting help lists what to do and whom to call in Amsterdam.
When it wears off
After four to six hours most people feel tired and hungry. Eat, drink water and keep the evening quiet. Going out for a short walk is fine once the effects have clearly faded, with a sober friend, away from canals and busy traffic (where). Cycling waits until the next day.