The meeting between Paul Stamets and Hans Grootewal: a mycelial connection in Alphen
On a bright morning in Alphen, a quiet village in the Netherlands, a special meeting took place that connected the world of mycelium and consciousness. Paul Stamets, world-renowned mycologist and advocate of the power of fungi, visited the nursery of Hans Grootewal, founder of Microdosing XP. Two men from completely different worlds, but with one common vision: fungi as humanity's ally.
Two pioneers, one vision
Paul Stamets has dedicated his life to the study and application of fungi. His books and lectures inspire millions of people worldwide. He sees fungi not only as biological organisms, but as an intelligent system that can restore our planet, heal the human spirit and reconnect us with nature.
Hans Grootewal has dedicated himself to the practical side of that vision. His nursery in Alphen has become a centre where magic truffles are grown under natural conditions. No processing, no manipulation. Only what mother nature produces. From this place, he helps people via microdosing to be more mentally resilient, creative and aware in life.
The tour of the nursery
Paul was received by Hans at the nursery, a place that felt more like a meditation spot than a production site. The air was permeated with the smell of damp earth. In darkened rooms, truffles grew silently, like a living network beneath the surface.
Paul admired the quality of the truffles. He took one in his hand, turned it slowly and said with a smile that this was not a production, but a temple of transformation.
Hans explained that the truffles at Microdosing XP are delivered as they are harvested: a pure natural product, without any processing or extraction. Processing these truffles is not allowed in the Netherlands, because the active substances psilocin and psilocybin do fall under international control through the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. That treaty obliges countries to allow these substances only for strictly medical or scientific purposes.
However, truffles or mushrooms that naturally contain these substances are not covered by the convention as long as they are not explicitly listed as such. Official comments to the convention literally state that "Psilocybe mushrooms themselves are not included in Schedule I," only their active ingredients.
Natural mushrooms and truffles are thus legal because they are not covered by the Convention on Psychotropic Substances. As long as they are not processed, their possession and use is allowed.
At Microdosing XP, this principle is sacrosanct. Everything revolves around respect for nature, the user and legal limits. What nature produces is packaged and offered with utmost care without interference.
The truffles are carefully packed in their original state. Every step of the process is done with attention and care. Paul nodded in agreement. He praised the dedication and legality of the process and said he had rarely seen such a respectful approach to fungi.
A conversation about books and awareness
After the tour, Paul and Hans sat down at the table. On the table were several of Paul's books, including Mycelium Running and Fantastic Fungi. Hans explained how his clients are often touched by these works. They offer an entrance to a deeper relationship with nature and themselves.
Paul listened intently to Hans' stories. He was touched by the experiences of people who changed their lives through microdosing. People with depression, anxiety or creative blocks who regained a grip on their lives. He himself talked about his research into the combination of lion's mane, niacin and psilocybin, which together can stimulate the formation of new neural connections.
The conversation continued on the role of fungi as mirrors of human consciousness. Paul described the mycelium as a kind of nervous system of the earth. Hans complemented that he sees it as a bridge between the visible and the invisible. Both agreed that the future lies not in symptom control, but in awareness. Fungi are not drugs in this, but teachers.
A look to the future
What was striking during this meeting was the absence of ego. No craving for recognition, but a genuine desire to contribute to something bigger. Paul expressed appreciation for Hans' approach to fungi: not as a product, but as a living being. He said: this is the future for the world to bring humans back into balance.
Hans saw the meeting as a confirmation of his path. His work, which often takes place in the shadows of public debate, was recognised here by one of the greatest pioneers in the field. It gave him strength and inspiration to carry on his mission.
Under the old oak tree
Before Paul left, they walked to the edge of the grounds, where an old oak tree stood. The silence was palpable. Paul put his hand on the trunk and spoke softly: the mycelium under this tree has been alive longer than either of us. It knows what we are only just beginning to understand.
Future collaboration was discussed. Perhaps a joint educational programme, a research project or a publication. But even without concrete agreements, something substantial had happened. The connection had been made. Not just between two people, but between two visions that reinforced each other.
A seed was planted in Alphen. A new network began to form. And as it goes with mycelium: it grows silently, but unstoppably.
Want to read more about Paul Stamets and his good work? check out https://paulstamets.com/