About Psychedelics & Psilocybin
Psychedelics & psilocybin
Psychedelics are known to induce profound, meaningful, and often transformative experiences when approached with the right mindset and within a safe, supportive environment. During our retreats, participants have the opportunity to work with psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in so-called magic mushrooms.
When ingested, psilocybin is converted in the body into the active compound psilocin, which binds to serotonin receptors in the brain. Typical effects are heightened senses, profound introspection, vivid imagery, altered time perception, and moments of spiritual or emotional renewal.
Psychedelic truffles
In the Netherlands, psychedelic truffles (sclerotia) are used, which are the underground structures of certain psilocybin mushrooms. These truffles contain the same active compounds as the more familiar mushroom caps and stems, offering equally profound and transformative experiences.
Legal under Dutch law, they are available in specialized stores and form the heart of many guided retreat programs, where they can be explored in a safe and supportive setting.
Modern research and rediscovery
After a decades-long pause, scientific interest in psilocybin has re-emerged with increasing momentum. Research from institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, Imperial College London, the Karolinska Institute, and Uppsala University suggests that, under controlled and professionally guided conditions, psilocybin may hold therapeutic potential for conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, existential distress related to end-of-life care, and substance use disorders.
Importantly, studies highlight the significance of the mindset and the surrounding environment as key factors influencing the nature and outcome of the psychedelic experience. This understanding has fueled a growing interest in structured, legally sanctioned psilocybin retreats that emphasize preparation, safety, and integration.
Psilocybin in therapeutic contexts
The legal status of psilocybin is changing quickly as research shows promising results. In several places around the world, it is now legal to use psilocybin in therapeutic contexts under professional supervision. In the Netherlands, psilocybin is legal in the form of psychedelic truffles (sclerotia), sold in specialized shops and used in professionally guided retreat programs that combine therapeutic support, intention setting, and integration.
Oregon legalized psilocybin for therapeutic use in 2020, allowing licensed facilities to offer guided sessions to adults over 21. Colorado followed in 2022, focusing on treatment, personal growth, and trauma recovery.
Since July 2023, Australia has allowed psychiatrists to prescribe psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression under strict supervision. Germany introduced a compassionate use program in July 2025, offering psilocybin therapy for treatment-resistant depression in carefully assessed individual cases.