Substance Encyclopedia

2C-B (4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine) is a synthetic psychedelic of the phenethylamine class. Known for its unique combination of psychedelic visuals and empathogenic effects, it is popular in the Netherlands nightlife scene. Effects are dose-dependent, ranging from mild euphoria to intense psychedelic experiences.

5-MeO-DMT is one of the most potent psychedelic substances known, found naturally in the venom of the Bufo alvarius toad and in several plant species. Unlike DMT, it produces less visual effects but more intense ego dissolution and non-dual consciousness experiences.

Ayahuasca is a powerful psychedelic brew traditionally used in South American shamanic ceremonies. Made from Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis leaves, it contains DMT and MAO inhibitors that produce intense visionary experiences lasting 4-6 hours.

Bacopa Monnieri is an Ayurvedic herb renowned for enhancing memory, learning, and cognitive function. It supports brain health by promoting neurotransmitter production and protecting against oxidative stress. A popular nootropic in Dutch smartshops for students and professionals seeking natural cognitive enhancement.

Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) is an ancient Egyptian plant known for its mild euphoric and relaxing effects. It contains aporphine alkaloids that interact with dopamine receptors, producing a gentle sense of calm and well-being. Popular in Dutch smartshops as a tea or extract.

Cannabis is the most widely used recreational substance in the Netherlands, legally available through licensed coffeeshops. It contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) and is consumed by smoking, vaping, or in edibles.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It has gained popularity for its potential therapeutic benefits including anxiety relief, pain management, and anti-inflammatory properties. CBD products are widely available in the Netherlands in various forms including oils, capsules, edibles, and topicals.

Delta-11 THC is a rare cannabinoid metabolite that occurs when Delta-9 THC is processed by the liver. It provides potent, long-lasting effects with a unique psychoactive profile. Emerging in Dutch smartshops as an exotic cannabinoid for experienced users.

DMT (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine) is one of the most powerful psychedelic substances known. It occurs naturally in many plants and animals, and produces intense but short-lived visionary experiences when smoked or vaporized. It is the active ingredient in ayahuasca.

Galantamine is a natural alkaloid found in snowdrop flowers, known for enhancing lucid dreaming and memory function. It works as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain. Popular in Dutch smartshops for dream enhancement and cognitive support.

HHC-O (hexahydrocannabinol acetate) is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid that's more potent than regular HHC. It provides strong psychoactive effects with a longer duration than traditional cannabinoids. Available in Dutch smartshops as an alternative to THC products with potentially different legal status.

Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a succulent plant from South Africa traditionally used for its mood-enhancing properties. It acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) and phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor. Available in smartshops as powder, capsules, or extract.

Kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant from the Pacific Islands. Its root contains kavalactones that produce anxiolytic, sedative, and muscle-relaxant effects. Popular as a natural alternative to alcohol and anti-anxiety medication.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with opioid receptors. At low doses, kratom acts as a stimulant; at higher doses, it has sedative and pain-relieving effects. It is widely available in Dutch smartshops and online shops.

Lactuca Virosa (Wild Lettuce) contains lactucarium, a milky substance with mild sedative and pain-relieving properties. Historically called 'opium lettuce' for its gentle relaxing effects without addiction potential. Sold in Dutch smartshops as dried leaves or concentrated extracts.

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a medicinal mushroom known for its neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties. It stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF) production and is popular as a natural nootropic.

Lysergic acid amide (LSA) is a naturally occurring psychedelic found in morning glory seeds (Ipomoea tricolor) and Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds (Argyreia nervosa). It produces LSD-like effects at a lower intensity, with more sedation and body load.

Magic mushrooms (paddos in Dutch) are psilocybin-containing fungi that produce psychedelic experiences. While fresh magic mushrooms were banned in the Netherlands in 2008 following several incidents, they remain culturally significant and are closely related to the legal psilocybin truffles (sclerotia) sold in smartshops.

San Pedro (Echinopsis pachanoi) and Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) are mescaline-containing cacti. Mescaline is a phenethylamine psychedelic producing visual, emotional, and spiritual experiences. San Pedro cacti are legally sold in Dutch smartshops as ornamental plants.

Microdosing involves taking sub-perceptual doses (typically 1/10th to 1/20th of a full dose) of psychedelics such as psilocybin truffles or LSD. Practitioners report improved focus, creativity, mood, and reduced anxiety without experiencing full psychedelic effects.

Mitragyna Speciosa (Kratom) extract is a concentrated form containing higher levels of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. It provides enhanced pain relief, mood elevation, and energy at lower doses compared to regular kratom powder. Popular for its potency and convenience in Dutch smartshops.

Mucuna Pruriens is a tropical legume containing natural L-DOPA, a precursor to dopamine. It enhances mood, motivation, and cognitive function while supporting healthy dopamine levels. Popular nootropic in Dutch smartshops for mood enhancement.

Nitrous oxide (N₂O), known as 'lachgas' in Dutch, is a dissociative gas that produces short-lived euphoria, dizziness, and altered perception. Once widely available in the Netherlands, it was banned for recreational use in 2023 but remains a topic of public health discussion.

Cambodia is a fast-growing psilocybin mushroom strain known for its moderate potency and reliable effects. It produces clear-headed psychedelic experiences with enhanced creativity and mild visual effects. Popular in Dutch smartshops for its consistent growing characteristics and balanced psychoactive profile.

Fresh Psilocybe Fantasia truffles are designed to stimulate imagination and creative thinking with their unique psychedelic profile. These truffles produce colorful visual effects and enhanced artistic perception, making them popular among creative individuals. Available fresh in Dutch smartshops with emphasis on set and setting preparation.

Psilocybe Philosopher's Stones are the original magic truffles, historically the first sclerotia sold in Dutch smartshops. They provide moderate psychedelic effects with enhanced philosophical thinking and wisdom-seeking experiences. These classic truffles remain popular for their reliable, contemplative journeys.

Psilocybin truffles (sclerotia) are the underground growths of psilocybin-containing mushrooms. They contain the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin, which produce altered states of consciousness, visual changes, and profound introspective experiences. In the Netherlands, truffles are legally sold in smartshops as they are not classified under the Opium Act, unlike dried mushrooms which were banned in 2008.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a medicinal mushroom used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Known as the 'mushroom of immortality,' it is valued for its immune-supporting, stress-reducing, and sleep-improving properties. Available in Dutch smartshops as capsules, powders, and extracts.

Salvia divinorum is a psychoactive plant from the mint family, native to Mexico. Its active compound, salvinorin A, is a potent kappa-opioid receptor agonist that produces intense but short-lived psychedelic experiences. It is one of the most potent naturally occurring psychedelics.

White Sage (Salvia apiana) is a sacred cleansing herb used for smudging and purification rituals. Known for its antimicrobial properties and ability to clear negative energy from spaces and minds. Widely available in Dutch smartshops for spiritual practices and aromatherapy.