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What is 9/20? A Peek into the World of Psychedelic Mushrooms

 

9/20 - the day of the psychedelic mushroom

Last updated: June 2026
This guide is regularly updated with the latest insights on psychedelic mushrooms.

Just as cannabis gets worldwide attention on 4/20, mushroom advocate Nicholas Reville from Providence, Rhode Island, felt psychedelic mushrooms deserved a day of their own. Given their remarkable potential and the ongoing research, 9/20 (September 20th) was born: a day when people around the world share insights about the potential benefits of mushrooms, and which many use for a mushroom ceremony.

What are psychedelic mushrooms?

Psychedelic mushrooms are fungi that grow naturally in many parts of the world and contain psilocybin, the magic ingredient that makes a mushroom experience so profound and sometimes mystical. Many who have used them in the right set and setting call it one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives. Psilocybin is a powerful compound you don't take lightly. Like any powerful tool, it can be used well, but also poorly, if the set or setting isn't right.

What do set and setting mean?

Put simply, your 'set' is your mindset going into an experience, and your 'setting' is the environment in which it takes place. With psilocybin, that's just about everything: it shapes and colours your whole trip. In terms of mindset, it helps to set an intention beforehand and prepare for the intensity to come. Mushrooms can bring up strong emotions and insights, so make sure you're in a good place and have the right support. The best question to ask yourself: am I feeling good today?

Your setting should above all feel safe, both the place and the people around you. A tidy space, trusted people and the right music make a positive experience more likely. Many people prefer to trip in nature, or in a combination of nature and a safe indoor space. Want to go deeper? Read our detailed guide on avoiding a bad trip and preparing for a safe mushroom trip.

What does the research say?

Over the past decade there has been a sharp rise in psilocybin research, with promising results around treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, end-of-life anxiety in terminal patients, and addiction. Many studies took place in a controlled setting with a psychotherapist, giving rise to 'psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy'. In Canada, therapists have now been allowed to administer psilocybin to terminally ill patients, and several US cities have decriminalised mushrooms. Want to read more about the science on depression? Check our article on psilocybin and depression.

How do you celebrate 9/20?

9/20 was created to spark conversation about the potential benefits of psilocybin and to draw attention to the positive research results. Advocates host events, share information or plan a mindful experience of their own.

Please note: Fresh and dried mushrooms are banned in the Netherlands and many other countries; magic truffles and grow kits are legal. So celebrate 9/20 with, for example, an information gathering, an integration circle, an online workshop, or by foraging mushrooms in nature. Always check the law where you live.

If you do plan a psychedelic outing, do it in a safe environment with the right set and setting. Have fun, and stay mindful!

Frequently asked questions about 9/20 and psychedelic mushrooms

What exactly does 9/20 mean?

9/20 stands for September 20th, the day that puts psychedelic mushrooms in the spotlight, just as 4/20 does for cannabis. The idea comes from advocate Nicholas Reville and centres on awareness, conversation and education.

How can I celebrate 9/20 safely and legally?

With an information gathering, an integration circle, an online workshop, or by foraging wild mushrooms. In the Netherlands, truffles and grow kits are legal, mushrooms are not. Always check the rules where you live.

Why are set and setting so important?

Your mindset (set) and environment (setting) largely determine how an experience unfolds. A safe, familiar place and the right state of mind make a positive trip far more likely.

What does the research say about psilocybin?

Studies show promising results for depression, anxiety, PTSD and addiction, often in a guided setting. Read more in our article on psilocybin and depression.

Are truffles a legal alternative for 9/20?

In the Netherlands, magic truffles are legal. If you want to mark 9/20 mindfully, truffles or your own grow kit are a legal option. Read about the difference between mushrooms and truffles.

How do I best prepare?

Take your time to prepare, choose a safe setting and inform yourself beforehand. Our guide on avoiding a bad trip will get you started.

Why Next Level Smart?

  • Active since 2010 as a Dutch smart shop for ethnobotanical products
  • Legal magic truffles and grow kits to mark 9/20 mindfully
  • Guides on set, setting and research for an informed choice
  • Shipping from the Netherlands with customer service by email

Last updated: June 2026 | Next Level Smart

 
Annie Verkade is a writer at Next Level Smartshop with a background in philology. She writes about natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals, sleep support, and plant-based products. Her work also explores altered states of consciousness - both with and without psychedelics - as well as topics like astrology and lunar cycles, translating insights into clear, accessible content. She’s especially interested in how simple rituals and environment can shift how we feel (sometimes more than we expect). Outside of work, she enjoys photography, reading, bouldering, and travelling. Favourite products: Sagrada Madre incense, Mulungu, Sleep Tincture
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