Magic Truffles & Chocolate | Cacao & Psilocybin

Cocoa contains small amounts of substances that can prolong and deepen a psychedelic trip. For this reason, combining chocolate or ceremonial cocoa with mushrooms or magic truffles is popular. In this article, we will explore the effects, dosage, and the risks associated with the combination of cocoa and psilocybin.

In this article

Quick refresh: Mushrooms and Magic Truffles

Both mushrooms and magic truffles contain psilocybin, a potent hallucinogenic substance that, when ingested orally, can cause a psychedelic trip lasting 4-6 hours. The strength and duration of the trip largely depend on the dosage.

Psilocybin is converted in the liver to psilocin after ingestion. It is this substance that ultimately affects the brain. This conversion takes about 20 minutes. That’s why it takes a little time before you start noticing the first effects.

Once psilocin reaches the brain, the cleaning service kicks in. After a few hours, the trip is typically over. We need to know more about this cleaning service before we talk about chocolate.

What is MAO and what is an MAO inhibitor?

MAO stands for Monoamine Oxidase, an enzyme in your brain that helps break down various neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. Think of it as a sort of cleaning service. When certain substances are no longer needed in your body, MAO breaks them down to maintain balance. MAO also clears psychedelics. And that’s a good thing because it keeps us from staying in the trip forever.

MAO-I

When you take an MAO inhibitor (or more precisely, an MAO inhibitor), this cleaning service is temporarily slowed down or halted, allowing neurotransmitters to stay active longer, and the effects of psychedelics can be intensified. You might also see MAO-I, where the I stands for inhibitor.

For taking DMT orally, an MAO inhibitor is even essential for it to be effective because DMT is cleared faster than it can have an effect. This is how ayahuasca was created: a combination of plants containing DMT and MAO inhibitors.

Banisteriopsis caapi, an ingredient in ayahuasca, contains among other things harmine, tetrahydroharmine, and harmaline; powerful MAO inhibitors.

Be cautious with MAO inhibitors

With an MAO inhibitor, depending on the dosage, it is possible to experience a longer and more intense psychedelic trip. At Dutch-Headshop, we always recommend being cautious with MAO inhibitors. Even natural variants, like those in raw cacao or in Banisteriopsis caapi. They can cause stronger effects and interactions with medications.

Cocoa as an MAO inhibitor

If you are more familiar with the effects of mushrooms or magic truffles, it might be interesting to start with a lower dose of cocoa. Cocoa contains various active substances. Theobromine, phenylethylamine (PEA), and small amounts of MAO-inhibiting components.

The duration or intensity of a psilocybin experience can be stronger if you consume cocoa with truffles or mushrooms. However, it’s important to emphasize that even raw cocoa is relatively weak compared to pharmaceutical MAO inhibitors or an extract of Banisteriopsis caapi. The extent to which cocoa has a noticeable effect on the action of magic truffles or mushrooms can vary significantly from person to person.

What to expect from psilocybin and chocolate together?

When you consume cocoa and psilocybin together, the experience may sometimes be more intense than when you only take psilocybin. Cocoa can have a warm, heart-opening effect and may deepen the sense of empathy and connection for some. Moreover, the mild MAO-inhibiting effect of cocoa may cause the psilocybin to come through a bit stronger or last a little longer. However, don't expect a huge extension or extreme intensification; most people experience it as a subtle but pleasant enhancement of the trip.

Chocolate or ceremonial cocoa?

Regular chocolate typically contains sugar, milk, and other additives, which in a way "dilute" the pure cocoa. Ceremonial cocoa, on the other hand, is often raw, unprocessed, and much higher in active substances like theobromine. This form is traditionally used in rituals and ceremonies in Central and South America. If you're specifically interested in the potential MAO-inhibiting and heart-opening effects of cocoa, you might consider using ceremonial cocoa.

Step-by-step: Combining cocoa and psilocybin

1. A common way to combine cocoa and psilocybin is to first prepare and drink the cocoa (in the case of ceremonial cocoa, see the recipe below), or eat a piece of dark chocolate. The cocoa usually starts working after about 15 to 30 minutes.
2. Then, you can take the magic truffles, mushrooms, or mushroom drops. By timing it this way, you can observe if the cocoa already has a certain physical or mental effect. Some people mix their (ground) truffles or mushrooms directly into melted chocolate or a warm cocoa drink. However, note that heat can break down psilocybin, so let the drink cool a bit before adding the mushrooms.

Recipe for ceremonial cocoa drink

Ingredients (for 1 person)

• 25-40 grams of ceremonial cocoa (depending on your intention and desired effect)
• 200-250 ml of warm water or plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk)
• Optional: a sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or dates

Preparation

1. Heat the liquid - Heat the water or milk to about 60-70°C (do not let it boil to preserve the effect of the cocoa).
2. Chop the cocoa - Cut the ceremonial cocoa into small pieces so it melts more easily.
3. Add the cocoa - Add the chopped cocoa to the warm liquid and stir well with a whisk or spoon. For an extra creamy texture, you can use a blender or milk frother.
4. Drink with intention - Take a moment to set your intention, breathe deeply, and enjoy the cocoa. This is also highly recommended for mushrooms.

Dosage: How much cocoa per gram of truffles or mushrooms?

There is no fixed guideline for the ideal ratio of cocoa to psilocybin. This is because each ingredient contains varying proportions of active substances.

• Ceremonial cocoa: The recommended ceremonial dose typically ranges between 25 and 40 grams per person. If you want to combine this cocoa with an average amount of truffles (e.g., 10 to 15 grams of fresh truffles), you can use the full ceremonial dose. Prefer to start cautiously? Then begin with 10 to 20 grams of cocoa.
• Dark chocolate: If you prefer to use dark chocolate (e.g., 70% or higher), take about 20 to 30 grams of chocolate in combination with your usual dose of truffles or mushrooms. This is enough to experience a noticeable chocolate 'boost' without it being too heavy on the stomach.
• Adjusting: Everyone’s body reacts differently. If you notice that you are sensitive to cocoa (e.g., heart palpitations or restlessness) or psilocybin, start with a lower dose. You can always increase gradually in a future session.

Keep in mind that chocolate often contains sugar. Sugar is a very good way to come out of the trip faster; the opposite of what you want. That's why we always recommend taking truffles or mushrooms on an empty stomach. If you do opt for chocolate, choose chocolate without sugar or sweeteners.

Risks

Note that both cocoa and psilocybin can raise your heart rate and blood pressure. When combining these substances, it is advisable to pay attention to your physical condition.

As always with psychedelic advice, we pay attention to set, setting and dosage. Make sure you are in a comfortable, safe environment and do not participate in risky activities like driving. We strongly advise against using mushrooms or magic truffles at a party.

MAO inhibitors, and therefore cocoa, interact with certain medications. If you are taking medication, it is advisable to carefully read the leaflet. When in doubt, do not do it!

Lastly, we also wrote about "psilohuasca", which often uses a stronger MAO inhibitor in combination with mushrooms. Due to the increased concentration, it can be riskier for the reasons mentioned above.

The combination of cocoa and psilocybin is seen by many psychonauts as a special and natural way to deepen the magical experience. Whether you choose raw ceremonial cocoa or a bar of dark chocolate, it’s worth trying.