How Long Does It Take for Shrooms to Kick In?

For those exploring the world of psychedelics—whether for curiosity, self-discovery, or therapeutic purposes—one of the most frequently asked questions is simple but essential: how long does it take for shrooms to kick in? The answer, however, isn’t as straightforward as a number. The onset of effects when consuming magic mushrooms varies depending on how the mushrooms are consumed, individual physiology, and several environmental factors.

If you eat raw or dried mushrooms, the effects will begin within 30 to 60 minutes. On the other hand, if you drink mushroom tea, the effects will start within 10 to 20 minutes. In other words, the onset of effects heavily depends on your method of administration. 

In this article, we’ll unpack the science, timing, and variables behind shroom onset. We’ll also explore the risks, the neurochemistry, and what users should know before embarking on a shroom trip.

Understanding Shrooms: What Are You Taking?

Shrooms—formally known as psilocybin mushrooms or psychedelic mushrooms—are a group of fungi containing psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound. Once ingested, the body converts psilocybin into psilocin, the compound responsible for the hallucinogenic effects that include altered perception, visual and auditory hallucinations, and heightened sensory perception.

Common species include Psilocybe cubensis, one of the most widely used and researched types, and Psilocybe semilanceata, among others.

How Long Does It Take for the Effects of Shrooms to Kick In?

Typically, shrooms kick in within 20 to 60 minutes after ingestion. But here’s the kicker: how long it takes for shrooms to kick in depends on several factors, including:

1. Consumption Method

The consumption method you choose can affect how long it takes the effects to begin. For example:

• Eaten raw or dried mushrooms: 30 to 60 minutes
• Shroom tea: 10 to 20 minutes (faster onset due to quicker absorption)
• Mushrooms mixed with lemon juice (“lemon tekking”): 15 to 30 minutes (acidic environment may pre-convert psilocybin into psilocin)
• Capsules or chocolates: 45 to 60+ minutes (delayed due to digestion)

2. Stomach Contents

On an empty stomach, effects can start sooner—within 20 to 30 minutes. A full stomach delays the onset, often pushing it to 60 minutes or longer, as the body must digest food before processing the psychoactive compounds.

3. Dosage

Higher doses generally lead to faster and more intense onset. Low or microdoses may take longer and have subtler effects that are harder to detect.

When Do the Effects of Magic Mushrooms Peak?

After the initial onset, psychedelic effects peak around 1.5 to 2.5 hours post-consumption. This peak is when users often experience:[1]

• Visual or auditory hallucinations
• Distorted sense of time
• Emotional waves
• Muscle weakness
• Spiritual or introspective insights
  

The shroom trip typically lasts 4 to 6 hours, with after-effects—called the afterglow—lingering for up to 12 hours.

What Affects the Timing and Intensity?

Several biological and psychological factors affect how long shrooms take to kick in and how intense the trip becomes:

Body Weight and Metabolism

Individuals with higher body weight may experience delayed onset or milder effects. Additionally, a faster metabolism can lead to a quicker onset and shorter duration.

Tolerance and Frequency of Use

Tolerance builds quickly with psilocybin mushrooms. Taking them multiple times within a short period significantly diminishes their effects.

Mental Health Status

People with mental health challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression, schizophrenia) may experience more intense or unpredictable trips. This is why psilocybin therapy—even in clinical settings—is administered under controlled, supportive environments with mental health professionals.

The Science Behind Psilocybin: How It Works in Your Brain

Psilocybin binds to serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor, altering the brain’s default mode network (DMN). This disruption leads to:

• Ego dissolution
• Heightened sensory input
• Altered sense of time and space
• Intensified emotional experiences
  

Research suggests that these changes may have therapeutic potential, especially for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders.[2]

A 2022 study published in Nature Medicine showed psilocybin to be as effective—if not more so—than SSRIs for some forms of depression when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.[3]

How Long Do Shrooms Stay in Your System?

While the psychedelic effects wear off in about 6 hours, psilocybin mushrooms stay in your system much longer:

• Urine tests: Psilocybin may be detectable for 1 to 3 days post-use.
• Saliva tests: Rarely used, but can be detected within 24 hours.
• Hair follicle tests: Though uncommon, they can potentially detect usage for up to 90 days.
  

Standard drug tests do not usually screen for psilocybin, unless specifically requested.

Are Shrooms Addictive?

Unlike substances like alcohol or opioids, psilocybin mushrooms are not considered physically addictive. However, there are still risks:

• Psychological dependence: Users may develop a habit of frequent shroom consumption to escape reality.
• Health risks: Taking shrooms with pre-existing mental health issues can exacerbate conditions.
• Withdrawal symptoms: Generally non-existent, but heavy users may experience irritability or fatigue.
  

Even though there is no risk of developing a substance use disorder when using shrooms, you should be careful. Abusing them when you have pre-existing mental health conditions like bipolar disorder can worsen your symptoms. Additionally, using hallucinogens long-term could lead to an illness called hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD). 

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Potential Side Effects and Health Risks of Consuming Magic Mushrooms

While most trips pass uneventfully, potential short-term side effects include:

• Nausea
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Paranoia
• Elevated heart rate
• Coordination issues
• Delusional thinking 
• Scary or frightening hallucinations
• And more

Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)

A rare but serious condition, HPPD involves ongoing visual and auditory hallucinations—even after the drug has left the body. It can present as:[4]

• Flashbacks
• Light trails
• Difficulty focusing
  

The risk is extremely low, but higher for those with underlying psychiatric vulnerabilities.

Responsible Use: Tips for a Safer Experience

If you are going to try shrooms, you need to be careful. Some tips for having a safe experience include:

1. Start Low: Especially if you’re new. Try a 0.8 to 1.5g dose of dried mushrooms.
2. Empty Stomach: To allow for a predictable onset.
3. Stay Hydrated: But don’t overdo it.
4. Be in a Supportive Environment: Set and setting matter. Surround yourself with trusted people.
5. Have a Trip Sitter: Someone sober to guide or help if things go awry.
6. Wait Between Trips: Give at least two weeks to avoid building tolerance.

It is always best to avoid shroom abuse. That said, we understand that sometimes curiosity gets the better of you. If you are going to use shrooms, make sure you are in a safe environment with a sober friend that you can trust. 

Get Connected to a Shroom Rehab Center 

So, how long does it take for shrooms to kick in? For most people, somewhere between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on how you take them and what’s in your system. But onset is just the beginning. What follows is a complex, powerful journey into the subconscious that demands respect, preparation, and caution.

Whether you’re ingesting psilocybin mushrooms for introspection, therapy, or curiosity, approach them with care. Remember: set, setting, and mindset are everything when it comes to taking psychedelic mushrooms.

If you suffer from shroom abuse, an addiction treatment center like Moving Mountains Recovery can help. While you won’t develop a substance use disorder, it can be difficult to quit shrooms on your own. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you recover. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can you mix shrooms with other substances like cannabis or alcohol?

Mixing psilocybin mushrooms with other substances can significantly alter the experience and increase unpredictability. Cannabis may intensify hallucinations or anxiety during a trip, especially in higher doses. Alcohol can dull the experience or increase nausea and physical discomfort. Combining substances also raises the risk of negative psychological reactions and should be avoided unless under professional supervision.

2. What should I do if I have a bad trip?

If you’re experiencing a difficult or overwhelming trip, stay calm and remind yourself that it’s temporary. Change your environment—dim the lights, play calming music, or go to a quiet space. Having a sober, reassuring person nearby (a trip sitter) can be invaluable. Avoid mirrors and overstimulating media. If symptoms escalate to panic, paranoia, or disorientation, seek medical assistance.

3. Is it safe to drive or work the next day after taking shrooms?

It is not recommended to drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after a trip. While the hallucinogenic effects may fade within 6 hours, residual mental fog, changes in perception, or emotional exhaustion can linger. Give yourself time to rest, hydrate, and reorient before resuming responsibilities.

4. Do shrooms affect sleep or dreams?

Some users report vivid dreams or disrupted sleep patterns after a trip, especially if taken later in the day. Psilocybin can temporarily affect serotonin regulation, which plays a role in sleep cycles and REM stages. Most people return to normal sleep patterns within a day or two post-trip.

5. Can shrooms be used for microdosing?

Yes, some people use microdosing—taking sub-perceptual doses of psilocybin mushrooms—to boost mood, focus, or creativity. These doses are typically 0.1 to 0.3 grams and are taken on a schedule (e.g., every three days). However, clinical evidence on microdosing’s long-term benefits and safety is still limited, and results vary widely by individual.

6. How should magic mushrooms be stored for potency and safety?

Dried mushrooms should be kept in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place to prevent mold and potency loss. Exposure to heat, moisture, or UV light can degrade psilocybin. For long-term storage, some users keep them vacuum-sealed or frozen, but always label clearly and store them out of reach of children or pets.

References:

1. Sage Journals: The effects of psilocybin on cognitive and emotional functions in healthy participants: Results from a phase 1, randomised, placebo-controlled trial involving simultaneous psilocybin administration and preparation
2. Cureus: Potential Therapeutic Effects of Psilocybin: A Systematic Review
3. Forbes: Psilocybin Might Be More Effective in Treating Depression Than Antidepressants: Study
4. MDPI: Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder: Etiology, Clinical Features, and Therapeutic Perspectives