Magic Mushroom Droplets Become Amsterdam’s Newest Nightlife Craze

Amsterdam’s nightlife is experiencing a shroom boom. As inflation is pushing drink prices, the psychedelic drug is increasingly becoming party-goers’ alternative to alcohol. Called “paddodruppels” in Dutch and considered illegal, magic mushrooms droplets cause hallucinations and euphoria. 

A new addition to the Dutch drug market, magic mushroom droplets are a liquid substance that contain hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin. Because the psychedelic drug is illegal and production is unregulated, its precise contents are unknown.

Prices for the small droplets bottles can range from €120 to €150. They contain about 130 drops, and sometimes, one drop is enough for the user to get high. 

A shroom droplets user told NL Times that the “one euro for one drop” ratio makes the hallucinogenic drug cheaper than other substances – not to mention alcohol. He claimed that most Amsterdam party-goers use the drops when clubbing as a budget-friendly option. 

But addiction and substance use expert Tom Bart points out that magic mushroom droplets don’t go hand in hand with nightlife settings. Psycho-active substances are usually ingested in quiet settings, such as the comfort of one’s home or the forest. 

Taking them in a loud environment with a lot of people might make the user feel overstimulated and anxious, according to Bart. 

“Overdosing in a setting where it’s difficult to control your trip can lead to feelings of anxiety or traumatic experiences. Make sure your friends know what you’re taking, so they can guide you if you go bad. Or go to the emergency room. If you wait a long time, the anxiety can increase.”