Psilocybin: guidelines and contra-indications

What is a mini-dose?

A mini-dose is a low dose of fresh psilocybin truffles, between 3 and 4 grams. How it affects you depends on your own sensitivity, and this varies widely from person to person. Some people sink into a state of deep rest; others have a light psychedelic experience, with stronger colours, sensations or images. Neither is better. The effects usually begin within an hour and fade within a few hours, so the evening closes with you feeling clear enough to go home. Taking the truffles is optional, and you decide how much of your portion you take.

What can I expect?

Truffles amplify what is already going on inside you. They can help you feel more deeply, see things from a new angle, or meet parts of yourself you haven’t looked at in a long time. Because of this, no two experiences are the same: what comes up is shaped by who you are and where you are in your life right now. This is also why we speak of truffles as medicine rather than as a recreational drug.

What surfaces can take many forms: a sense of peace or joy, deep rest, a release of emotions, or sometimes something old or uncomfortable. All of it is welcome. The evening is held by experienced guides, and you’re never left alone with what comes up.

Is psilocybin safe?

Psilocybin has low physical toxicity, and at low doses in a calm, guided setting the risks are small. It is still a powerful substance, and it is not right for everyone. That’s why we ask everyone to read the contra-indications below carefully and tell us honestly about their health before the evening.

When should I not take part?

Please don’t join the truffle part of the evening if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You take antidepressants, including SSRIs
• You use lithium
• You use MAO inhibitors
• You have a personal history of psychosis or bipolar disorder
• A parent, brother, sister or child has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, psychosis or bipolar disorder
• You have a serious heart condition or high blood pressure that isn’t under control
• You have epilepsy
• You are currently experiencing suicidal thoughts
• You are dealing with severe anxiety or paranoia right now

If you are unsure whether something applies to you, please contact us before booking. When in doubt, check with your doctor.

What should I let you know before the evening?

To keep the evening safe for everyone, Jantje and Lotte need to know about anything that could affect how the truffles work for you. Please email us at [teachertraining@denieuweyogaschool.nl] before the evening if you:

• take any medication or supplements
• have, or have had, physical or mental health conditions
• have a family history of psychosis, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
• have any doubts, even small ones

What you share stays confidential and is only seen by Jantje and Lotte. If you’d rather talk to one of them directly, let us know and we’ll put you in touch.

Based on what you share, the guides may sometimes advise you not to take the truffles this time. We know that can be disappointing. It isn’t a judgement of you, only a decision about what we can responsibly hold in one evening with a group. In that case, [you’ll receive a full refund].

Is this the right time for me?

Truffles can show us beautiful and deep insights, but the real work starts afterwards, when you bring what you experienced into everyday life. If you’re going through a turbulent period, ask yourself honestly whether you have the capacity, time and space to integrate what might come up. If you’re unsure, feel free to contact us to talk it through.

How do I prepare?

Your body

• Eat lightly and have your last meal about three hours before we start. On a full stomach, the ftruffles are absorbed more slowly and you’re more likely to feel nauseous. If you get hungry, a piece of fruit is fine. After the ceremony, there will be healthy snacks.
• Skip alcohol on the day itself. Alcohol dulls your senses and makes the effects harder to predict. It works against the clarity and sensitivity we’re inviting in.
• Wear comfortable clothes you can move and lie down in. You’ll spend much of the evening resting.
• Keep the next morning calm if you can. Experiences often keep settling after the evening ends, and a little quiet time gives them room.

Your intention
You don’t need to know exactly what you’re looking for, but it helps to arrive with a sense of why you’re coming. In the days before, you could sit with a few simple questions:

• What draws me to this evening?
• What would I like to listen to more closely, in myself or in my life?
• How am I arriving: tired, open, restless, curious?

Then let it go. The evening rarely goes the way we imagine, and that’s often where the most interesting things happen.

Are psilocybin truffles legal?

Yes. In the Netherlands, psilocybin truffles are legal to buy and use.