Tired of that hangover feeling at breakfast after a night out? Fed up with synthetic drugs like ecstasy and speed? No wonder. Alcohol gives you a hangover. Using street drugs isn’t without risk, and most of these substances are also illegal. But there’s good news: there are great alternatives. More natural, legal, and effective. You can buy them at a smart shop.
What exactly is a smart shop?
A smart shop is a specialty store, just like the bakery around the corner. But instead of croissants and tiger buns, you buy products for your mental well-being and consciousness. No spelt rolls or raisin bread, but stimulants, psychedelics, aphrodisiacs, and herbs to help you relax. Substances with psychoactive effects, and when you buy them at a smartshop, they’re almost always natural.
The name “smart shop” is derived from so-called smart drugs: dietary supplements and herbs believed to support cognitive function. These days, the selection is much broader. In a modern smart shop, you’ll find everything from energy boosters and truffles to CBD oil and cacti.
The history of the smart shop
Smart shops are a typically Dutch phenomenon. The first official smart shop opened its doors in Amsterdam in the late 1980s, founded by Hans van den Hurk under the name Conscious Dreams. In the beginning, the shop mainly sold cognitive supplements such as Memory Fuel and Fast Blast, along with art by local teenagers. It wasn’t until dried magic mushrooms appeared on the shelves that the concept really took off.
In the 1990s, the number of smart shops grew rapidly. At its peak, there were more than a hundred in the Netherlands. In 2002, dried magic mushrooms were banned, and a complete ban on magic mushrooms followed in December 2008. Many smart shops had to drastically adjust their product range. The solution came from an unexpected source: sclerotia, also known as magic truffles. These underground tubers are not covered by the magic mushroom ban and are still legally available for purchase.
What does a smart shop sell?
A smart shop’s product range is surprisingly diverse. Let’s go through the main categories.
Magic truffles and grow kits
Magic truffles are among the best-selling products in every smart shop. They are natural sclerotia containing psilocybin, the same active ingredient found in magic mushrooms. Beginners often opt for milder varieties like Mexicana, while experienced users go for stronger strains like Hollandia or Valhalla. Would you rather grow your own? Then grow kits and truffle grow kits are a popular choice.
Energizers and herbal stimulants
Natural alternatives to energy drinks and stimulants. Think of products based on guarana, ginseng, and caffeine-containing herbs. They’re often used for extra focus while studying, working, or going out for the evening. You’ll find a wide selection in our energizers category.
Herbs and plant extracts
A major category within the smart shop. Kratom from Southeast Asia is versatile: stimulating in low doses, relaxing in higher ones. Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is known for its mood-enhancing properties. Salvia divinorum is a powerful hallucinogenic herb traditionally used by the Mazatecs in Mexico. Ayahuasca is a traditional drink from the Amazon region, made from at least two plants.
Cacti
Everyone has heard of cacti that “do something.” Well-known examples include peyote and San Pedro. The indigenous peoples of North and South America have been using these cacti for centuries in spiritual rituals. The active ingredient is mescaline. In our cactus category, you’ll find various varieties.
CBD products
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the hemp plant and has become extremely popular. You’ll find it in various forms: oil, capsules, cosmetics, and edibles. It’s used for relaxation, sleep, and general well-being. Check out the full CBD range to explore the possibilities.
LSA seeds
LSA (lysergic acid amide) is a naturally occurring compound found in the seeds of certain plants, such as Hawaiian Baby Woodrose and Morning Glory. The effect is comparable to a mild psychedelic experience. LSA seeds are legally available in the Netherlands.
Medicinal mushrooms and supplements
Lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps, and chaga: medicinal mushrooms are traditionally used to support the immune system, focus, or energy. They are not psychoactive and are often sold in capsule or powder form. Our supplements category also includes vitamins and herbal extracts that can support recovery after a night out.
Headshop items
At a good smartshop, you don’t just buy psychoactive products. In the headshop category, you’ll find accessories such as grinders, rolling papers, water pipes, and vaporizers. Vaporizers, in particular, are becoming increasingly popular because they vaporize active ingredients rather than burning them.
Smartshop, headshop, growshop, or coffee shop: what’s the difference?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but there are clear differences. A smartshop primarily sells natural psychoactive products such as truffles, herbs, and supplements. A headshop focuses on accessories for smoking, such as bongs, grinders, and rolling papers. A grow shop sells supplies for growing plants, often focused on cannabis. A coffee shop is a tolerated retail outlet for cannabis and hashish for recreational use. Coffee shops are not allowed to sell alcohol or hard drugs, and smart shops are not allowed to sell products containing THC.
Many modern stores combine these functions. At Dutch-Smart, you’ll therefore find both the smart shop assortment and an extensive head shop selection under one roof.
Online smart shop versus physical store
Smartshops with a physical store still exist, especially in major cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. But online smartshops have been gaining ground for years. The advantages are clear: a wider selection, often lower prices due to reduced overhead costs, discreet shipping, and the ability to read product information at your leisure before making a choice. Dutch-Smart has been operating as an online smartshop since 2011 and ships orders daily throughout the Netherlands and Europe.
How do you recognize a reliable online smartshop?
Not every webshop that calls itself a smartshop is equally reliable. Keep the following points in mind when choosing a provider:
- HACCP certification and NVWA registration for products intended for consumption
- Membership in the VLOS (National Association of Smartshops)
- A quality seal such as Webwinkelkeur or Kiyoh with independent reviews
- Clear information on dosage, effects, and safety for each product
- Strict age verification (18+)
- Accessible customer service via email or contact form
Are smart shops legal in the Netherlands?
Yes, smart shops are legal in the Netherlands, but within clear legal frameworks. The Opium Act specifies which substances are prohibited. Since December 2008, magic mushrooms have been banned, but truffles (sclerotia) remain legal because they are legally classified as a different product. Salvia divinorum, kanna, kratom, and most cacti are legally available.
As of July 1, 2025, the NPS Act (New Psychoactive Substances) will take effect. This law bans entire groups of synthetic substances at once, rather than on a per-substance basis. For regular, naturally derived smart shop products, little will change, but it will make it more difficult for parties attempting to bring synthetic analogs to market.
All products in a smart shop may only be sold to individuals 18 years of age or older. A reputable smart shop always verifies this, online via age verification and in-store via ID.
Safe use and harm reduction
Natural does not automatically mean harmless. Smartshop products can also interact with medication or cause unexpected effects when combined with alcohol or other substances. A few practical principles:
- Start low. For any new product: begin with the lowest recommended dose and wait for the full effect to set in before taking more
- Set and setting. Especially with psychedelics, your mental state and environment are crucial. Choose a quiet place and reliable company
- Do not combine. Avoid mixing with alcohol, medication, or other drugs
- Test what you take. For those who use more than just smart shop products, drug testing can help verify purity
- Support your recovery. Products from the after-party category can help you recover from a night out
Frequently asked questions about smart shops
What is the difference between a smart shop and a coffee shop?
A coffee shop sells cannabis and hashish for recreational use under strict conditions. A smartshop sells natural psychoactive products such as truffles, herbs, and CBD, but no products containing THC.
What is the minimum age to shop at a smartshop?
You must be at least 18 years old. This applies to both physical stores and online purchases. A reputable smartshop always verifies your age before shipping an order.
Can you take smartshop products abroad?
That depends entirely on the laws of the destination country. A product that is legal in the Netherlands may be banned in another country. Magic truffles and kratom, for example, are not permitted in many European countries. Always check local laws before taking anything with you.
Which smartshop products are suitable for beginners?
Milder magic truffles such as Mexicana or Tampanensis are popular with beginners. CBD oil, mild energizers, and aphrodisiacs like Muira Puama are also accessible starter products. Always start with the lowest dosage and read the product information carefully.
How is an online smartshop order shipped?
A reputable online smartshop ships orders in neutral, discreet packaging without visible logos or product names. At Dutch-Smart, shipping is handled by PostNL with track and trace.
Are smartshop products tested for purity?
Products from reliable smartshops are sourced from reputable suppliers and meet legal quality standards. HACCP certification and NVWA oversight provide additional guarantees for products intended for consumption.
The smart shop in a nutshell
A smartshop is a legal store where you can buy natural psychoactive products: truffles, herbs, supplements, CBD, and accessories. The concept originated in the Netherlands in the late 1980s and has since established a firm foothold, both on the streets of Amsterdam and online. Whether you’re curious about magic truffles, looking for a natural alternative to energy drinks, or just searching for a good grinder: you’ll find it at a reputable smartshop. Order responsibly, start low, and enjoy safely. Be smart.
Do you have any questions? Our customer service team is here to help via customer service or email us at support@dutch-smart.nl.
