Please note: the information on this page applies to the Netherlands. We will soon offer more information on global legality.
Is microdosing legal?— it’s a very frequently asked question about microdosing. However, the answer is not that simple. The Netherlands (where Microdosing Institute is headquartered) is an exception when it comes to the legality of microdosing substances, making it one of the few countries in the world where you can microdose completely legally as an individual. Webshops and smart shops offer psilocybin-containing truffles, better known as magic truffles. Other psychedelics that are eligible for microdosing, such as LSD are listed on Schedule I List of the Opium Act, meaning that possession and sales are strictly forbidden.
Why are magic truffles legal in the Netherlands?
Long story short: Dutch policymakers are not very familiar with this matter. Some years ago, mushrooms were considered a public health risk, and the government banned all psychoactive mushroom species. However, they didn’t realize some species with the active ingredient fall in the category of truffles. In the eyes of the law, they don’t qualify as mushrooms and thus are legal. As often the case, policymakers are more likely to be led by populism and incidents than by research and figures-based risks. This is certainly also the case with Dutch drug legislation.
It’s allowed to sell fresh magic truffles in the Netherlands. However, the sale of dried truffles is forbidden. Psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) may not be extracted from the truffle and mushroom and processed. Mechanical drying and processing of magic mushrooms are not allowed. For commercial purposes, drying, encapsulating, and extracting is therefore punishable. Having said that, when does it do for personal use, it shouldn’t lead to problems.
The situation is not necessarily better in other countries, as all the substances listed below are prohibited. Nonetheless, scientific research with prohibited substances is permitted in some countries. For example, research with psychedelics is currently being carried out on LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA at renowned institutes and universities in the US and Great Britain.
Legal microdosing in the Netherlands
- Psilocybin-containing Truffles—Better known as magic truffles. The truffle varieties can differ slightly in strength. For microdosing, it’s best to use the most potent species.
- Caapi Vine—This Amazonian vine, also known as one fo the ingredients in ayahuasca is also used for microdosing, oftentimes as an aid with the integration process after attending a ceremony or retreat. This teacher plant offers a subtle effect, think of it in terms of inner guidance. It does not contain DMT or other tryptamines and is therefore legally available in many countries.
- LSA (morning-glory seeds)—The seeds from the Morning glory plant (Ipomoea tricolour) are a natural tryptamine, called Lysergic Acid Amide (LSA), which is related to the substance LSD. Seeds containing LSA are also used in shamanism and cause a visionary, reflective and meditative state of consciousness at high doses. LSA is not ideal for microdosing because unprocessed causes mild nausea. The only way to prevent that, is by making an extraction from the seeds (more info).
- 1P-LSD & 1cP-LSD—1P-LSD & 1cP-LSD are substances that has been on the market as a research molecule since 2015. 1P-LSD is referred to as a pro-drug of LSD because after ingestion, it is converted in the liver into LSD yielding the same effect. In the United States, there have already been two lawsuits against 1P-LSD vendors, but possession of 1P-LSD is not yet punishable. In most European countries, the use for research and possession of 1P-LSD is also still allowed. Because it has only been on the market since 2015, not much is known about the long-term risks.
Non-legal options for microdosing
- Psilocybin mushrooms—all types of mushrooms containing psilocybin or psilocin are on the list of prohibited substances to sell. But you can get them by growing them yourself. Smartshops (in the Netherlands) sell ready-made culture kits, which are legal because they do not contain mushrooms yet. So for personal use, possessing and processing mushrooms doesn’t cause any legal problems.
- LSD—LSD is a Schedule 1 drug, there are no legitimate markets for it anywhere in the world. Owning and/or trading this substance can lead to problems with justice.
- Mescaline—Mescaline is also a prohibited drug. Although, there are cacti for sale that contain this substance in low concentrations. To microdose the mescaline-containing cactus, advisable to process them into powder. Possession of these cacti is not punishable. Processing for personal use will not lead to problems with justice.
- Iboga(ine)—Iboga is a powerful plant medicine from West Africa. The active ingredient, ibogaine, is prohibited under the Medicines Act.
Disclaimer
The content on this website and the other Microdosing Institute channels is for informational and educational purposes only, and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultation with healthcare professionals. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnose, or treatment, we advise you to consult a medical professional or healthcare provider. Equally, we cannot help with the sourcing of illegal substances.