Mushrooms have been used since ancient times in religious and spiritual rituals. They were also very popular back in the 1960s when other psychedelic drugs were widely used, but we’re seeing an explosion in interest in magic mushrooms lately. This rise in popularity is not just for the high that shrooms produce, but also for the potential health benefits they can offer.
There is an increasing body of evidence suggesting that magic mushrooms can help alleviate anxiety and depression.
The psilocybin in magic mushrooms is the molecule that causes their psychedelic effects. Once the psilocybin is converted to psilocin in your body, this is when the effects are felt.
But how long does it take for the effects from shrooms to kick in? And how long do they last?
How Long Does it Take For Shrooms to Kick In?
In general, shrooms take around 30 to 60 minutes to kick in, and the effects tend to peak at about an hour or two following consumption. As edibles, shrooms must pass through the digestive system before they enter the bloodstream and take effect.
How Long Does a Mushroom Trip Last?
The effects of magic mushrooms will typically last anywhere from four to six hours. Once you’ve reached the peak of the trip, it’ll take another few hours from the effects to gradually disappear.
The more mushrooms consumed, the longer the trip will be. A large dosage of psilocybin will result in longer hallucinations, depending on the concentration of psychedelic component in the mushrooms.
Factors That Impact the Effects of Psychedelic Mushrooms
There are several factors that can have an effect on how quickly mushrooms kick in and how long the trip will last. Here are the key factors involved:
Method of Consumption
There are several ways to consume shrooms, including teas, powders, capsules, and whole. Teas usually take effect the fastest, anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes following consumption. Powders also take little time to feel the effects, as both powders and teas can be absorbed more quickly in the body.
Capsules usually have powdered mushrooms in them, so they also take effect quickly. The only difference between taking powdered mushrooms straight up and swallowing capsules is that the gelatin capsule serves as an added barrier to avoid the unpleasant taste.
Whole mushrooms take the longest to kick because they first need to be digested before entering the bloodstream.
Food in Your Stomach
Like many other types of edible products, the amount of time that it takes for shrooms to kick in depends on whether or not you’ve recently eaten. If you’re on an empty stomach, the mushrooms will take effect faster. If you’re full, it may take longer for the hallucinatory experience to start.
Mushroom Type
Psychedelic mushrooms vary widely in their availability, each having their own strengths and type of effect. Some are more potent, which means they may take effect faster and lead to a stronger and longer trip.
The Person
Everyone is different. The same mushrooms at the same dose may have very different effects from one person to another. Your weight will also impact the effect of shrooms.
Microdosing For Safety
If you’re new to the world of psychedelic mushrooms, it’s best to start small and slow and gradually work your way up to get a feel for how shrooms affect your body. “Microdosing” is a smart way to get started with mushrooms.
With microdosing, the side effects should be minor and not lead to hallucinations. Conversely, a large dose can cause a wide variety of experiences, including distortions in visual and auditory perceptions, mood changes, nausea, and others.
After taking a microdose of shrooms, it’s best to wait at least 24 hours or more before taking more, as this will help ensure that you’re not adding another dose on top of the one previously taken.
