What is a smart shop?
A smart shop is a store that specializes in the sale of legal psychoactive products, natural supplements, and mind-expanding substances. The name comes from so-called “smart drugs,” a collection of herbs and dietary supplements intended to support cognitive functions.
Unlike coffee shops, where cannabis is sold, smart shops focus on natural products that are not covered by the Opium Act. The product range includes items such as magic truffles, magic mushroom grow kits, kratom, salvia divinorum, mescaline cacti, and various herbs with specific properties.
Good to know: All products sold in a Dutch smart shop are 100% legal. Smart shops are only allowed to sell products that are not listed on the Opium Lists.
Smart shops distinguish themselves through the knowledge their staff have about their products. A good smart shop provides comprehensive information about dosage, effects, potential risks, and the proper mindset and environment for using their products.
History of smart shops in the Netherlands
The history of smart shops in the Netherlands is closely intertwined with the Dutch culture of tolerance and began in the early 1990s. The Netherlands was the first country in the world where this type of shop emerged.
1993
Hans van den Hurk opened a gallery in Amsterdam where, in addition to art, “smart nutrients” were sold. These were dietary supplements with names like Blast, Fast Blast, and Memory Fuel. Business was slow during the first year.
1994
A chance encounter changes everything: someone cycles by with psychoactive mushrooms and suggests that they can be sold legally. Sales skyrocket, and Conscious Dreams becomes the first official smart shop in the Netherlands.
1997
The VLOS (National Smartshop Consultation Association) is founded to represent the interests of smartshops and promote self-regulation.
2000–2002
The heyday of smart shops. The industry grows explosively, and mushrooms are by far the most popular product. During this period, there were temporarily more than 200 smart shops in the Netherlands.
2002
The Supreme Court ruled that dried mushrooms are preparations of psilocybin, thereby banning the sale of dried magic mushrooms. Fresh mushrooms, however, remain legal.
December 1, 2008
Following several incidents involving tourists, the sale of all psychoactive mushrooms, both fresh and dried, is banned by their inclusion on Schedule II of the Opium Act. This occurred against the advice of the CAM (Coordination Point for Assessment and Monitoring of New Drugs).
2008 – present
Smart shops adapt. Magic truffles (sclerotia) remain legal because they are technically not mushrooms. Mushroom grow kits may still be sold. The Netherlands now has more than 120 physical smart shops and dozens of online smart shops.
Difference between smart shop, head shop, coffee shop, and grow shop
In the Netherlands, there are various types of stores, each with its own specialty. It can be confusing, especially since many stores nowadays combine multiple departments.
| Type of store | Specialization | Example products |
|---|---|---|
| Smartshop | Legal psychoactive substances and natural supplements | Magic truffles, kratom, salvia, cacti, grow kits |
| Headshop | Smoking accessories and paraphernalia | Bongs, vaporizers, grinders, rolling papers, pipes |
| Coffee shop | Cannabis (legalized) | Weed, hash, space cake |
| Grow shop | Growing supplies | Lights, tents, power supplies, pots, seeds |
What is the main difference between a smart shop and a coffee shop?
A smartshop sells only products that are not covered by the Opium Act and are therefore completely legal. A coffee shop sells cannabis, which is officially illegal but tolerated under strict conditions. Smartshops do not require a special license like coffee shops, but they are subject to local regulations.
What products can you find in an online smartshop?
A smartshop’s product range is broad and diverse. Below is an overview of the main product categories you can expect to find at an online smartshop.
Magic Truffles (Sclerotia)
Magic truffles are the smart shop’s best-known product. They are underground fungal structures that contain the same active compounds as magic mushrooms (psilocybin and psilocin), but are not legally subject to the ban on magic mushrooms. They are available in various strengths, ranging from mild (such as Mexicana) to very potent (such as Hollandia or Utopia).
Magic Mushroom Grow Kits
Although magic mushrooms themselves are prohibited, the sale of grow kits is legal. These contain mycelium and substrate that allow you to grow your own magic mushrooms at home. Popular strains include Golden Teacher, McKennaii, and Mexican. Growing for personal use falls into a legal gray area.
Kratom
Kratom is a plant from Southeast Asia whose leaves have both stimulating and relaxing properties, depending on the dosage. Kratom is not on the Opium List and is legally available in the Netherlands. There are several varieties: red kratom is generally relaxing, white kratom is stimulating, and green kratom falls somewhere in between.
Other product categories
Salvia Divinorum is a powerful psychedelic herb from Mexico that induces short but intense trips. It is usually smoked or vaporized.
Mescaline cacti such as Peyote and San Pedro contain the psychedelic substance mescaline and have been used for centuries in shamanic traditions.
Ayahuasca ingredients are herbs used to prepare the traditional South American drink that contains DMT in combination with an MAO inhibitor.
Kanna (Sceletium) is a South African herb with mood-enhancing and relaxing properties.
Legislation and the Opium Act
The Dutch Opium Act regulates which substances are considered drugs. The law has two lists: List I for hard drugs and List II for soft drugs. Products not included on these lists are, in principle, legally available.
What is and isn’t legal?
| Product | Status | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Magic Truffles | Legal | Not explicitly mentioned in the Opium Act |
| Magic Mushrooms | Prohibited | On Schedule II since December 2008 |
| Magic Mushroom Grow Kits | Legal | Mycelium does not yet contain psilocybin |
| Kratom | Legal | Not on the Opium List |
| Salvia Divinorum | Legal | Not on the Opium List |
Why are magic truffles legal while mushrooms are banned?
When the law was amended in 2008, “mushrooms containing psilocybin or psilocin” were explicitly added to the Opium List. Truffles (sclerotia) are technically not mushrooms but underground fungal structures, which meant they fell outside the definition. Although they contain the same active ingredients, they remain legal due to this legal nuance.
Age Limit
A minimum age of 18 applies to all products in a smart shop. This is stipulated in the VLOS industry regulations and is strictly enforced by both physical and online smart shops.
The VLOS: trade association for smart shops
The VLOS (National Association for Smart Products) is the trade association for smart shops in the Netherlands. The association was founded in 1997 and advocates for the interests of smart shops, manufacturers, and wholesalers.
Smart shops affiliated with the VLOS adhere to strict rules and guidelines. They commit to providing clear product information to customers, enforce a minimum age of 18, and participate in self-regulation within the industry.
For over 25 years, the VLOS has been the official liaison partner of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport and the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate.
Tip: You can recognize smart shops affiliated with the VLOS by the VLOS logo on the store door or website. This is a sign of reliability and professionalism. Dutch-smart is also affiliated with the VLOS.
Ordering online from a smartshop
More and more people are choosing to order their smartshop products online. This offers several advantages over a physical store.
Advantages of an online smartshop
Online smartshops often offer a wider selection than physical stores. You can take your time comparing products, reading reviews, and ordering whenever it suits you. Plus, everything is discreetly packaged and delivered to your home.
What should you look out for?
Always choose a reliable Dutch online store that provides clear product information and is available to answer questions. Pay attention to reviews from other customers and verify that the online store operates in accordance with Dutch law.
Can I, as a Belgian, order from a Dutch online smart shop?
Yes, many Dutch online smartshops also ship to Belgium. Keep in mind, however, that Belgian laws are stricter than Dutch ones. Certain products that are legal in the Netherlands may be prohibited in Belgium. Always check the laws of your own country before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Smart Shops
How many smart shops are there in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands has an estimated 120 to 150 physical smart shops, spread across the entire country. Most are located in major cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. In addition, there are dozens of online smart shops in operation.
Are the products in a smart shop safe?
Products in a reputable smartshop are legal and are sold with clear information about use and dosage. However, no psychoactive substance is without risk. Always read the package insert, start with a low dose, and never use in combination with alcohol or medication unless it is safe to do so.
What are the effects of magic truffles?
Magic truffles contain psilocybin, which causes hallucinogenic effects. You may experience visual changes, gain deeper insights, and feel your consciousness expand. The intensity depends on the dosage and the type of truffle. A trip lasts an average of 4 to 6 hours. Always ensure a safe environment and a sober trip sitter.
Can I grow mushrooms myself with a grow kit?
Yes, magic mushroom grow kits are legally available for purchase. Growing mushrooms for personal use falls into a legal gray area: the grow kit is legal, but once mushrooms start growing, your grow kit contains an illegal product. In practice, growing for personal use is not actively prosecuted.
Will my order be shipped discreetly?
Yes, reliable online smart shops ship all orders in neutral, unobtrusive packaging. There is no company name or product description on the outside of the package.
View the selection
At Dutch-smart.nl, you’ll find an extensive selection of legal smart shop products with clear information and fast, discreet shipping.
