If you’ve ever questioned what the actual difference is between magic mushrooms and magic truffles, you are not alone. In fact, it’s one of the most frequently asked questions we receive. So what is the difference, and why do people sometimes interchange the two products? We will tell you all about it in the following article!

So what’s the difference?

To put it quick and straight: there are and aren’t a lot of actual differences between magic mushrooms and magic truffles. Sounds confusing? Well, it kind of is. This is because while there are some fundamental differences between the two, the way they work and the kind of substances that are inside, are very similar. Both magic mushrooms and magic truffles contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin, which turns into psilocin in our body, which is turn is responsible for the well known psychedelic effects. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound that is present in more than 200 types of mushrooms, but also in 'truffles' - which are not actually truffles, but rather sclerotia that grow underground.

In short: both magic mushrooms and truffles contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin. In some aspects the effects of psilocybin can be compared to those of other psychedelic substances like LSA, Mescaline and DMT. Psilocybin induces visual and mental hallucinations, changes in perception, a disturbed sense of time and a euphoric feeling. Whether you consume magic mushrooms or magic truffles, both trips will be fairly the same. A mushroom or truffle trip usually start with intense euphoria, followed by hallucinations and feelings of unity.

The same organism

The three biggest differences between magic mushrooms and magic truffles are the way they look, taste and grow. While mushrooms grow above the ground and can be harvested by hand, truffles need to be unearthed first, as they grow below the ground near the place where the mushrooms are growing. In fact, both the mushrooms and the sclerotia are parts of the same organism. Sclerotia are the fruits of the psilocybe mushrooms, which grow underground as a defense mechanism of the fungus when they feel environmentally pressured due to a lack of oxygen, water and nutrients.

Another misconception is that magic truffles are less potent than magic mushrooms. Some people even call magic truffles ‘light magic mushrooms’. However, both the truffles and the mushrooms contain exactly the same active ingredients and psychoactive alkaloids - namely psilocybin, psilocin and beocistin. It should be clear that magic truffles are not at all weaker than normal psilocybe mushrooms. This depends fundamentally on the variety and quantity consumed, but in general we could say that both are equally powerful.

Legality

Another big difference between magic mushrooms and magic truffles is the legality of the products. While magic truffles can be purchased directly in a lot of countries, magic mushrooms can’t. That doesn’t mean there’s no way to get magic mushrooms, it will just take a little more time. Because while magic mushrooms are not sold directly, it is legal to purchase mushroom cultivation kits, also called magic mushroom growkits. With these easy to use grow kits, you can grow your own magic mushrooms.

Should I try magic mushrooms or magic truffles?

Are you in doubt which one you should try? Well, why not try them both? While the active ingredients for both mushrooms and truffles are the same, people claim the effects can differ. Do you want to know more about magic mushrooms or magic truffles? Just keep reading our blogs!

Have you noticed any difference between magic mushrooms and magic truffles? We would love to hear and maybe share your experiences! You can get in touch with our editors by mailing us at editor@avalonmagicplants.com.