Magic mushrooms, often known as shrooms, contain psilocybin. This active compound triggers intense experiences called trips. Many people are curious about how long does it take for magic mushrooms to kick in, as well as how long this substance stays in the system.
In this guide, we explore the timeline of psilocybin effects and the factors that influence them. You will also learn how long do shrooms last, how long they are detectable in the system, and how to get effective treatment for substance abuse.
If you or a loved one are struggling with drug addiction or abuse, call our recovery team today for help at 844-917-4100.
Magic Mushrooms—What Are They?
Magic mushrooms, often called shrooms, are fungi that contain psychoactive compounds called psilocybin and psilocin. These mushrooms have been used for centuries in spiritual and religious rituals due to their mind-altering effects.
When consumed, magic mushrooms can cause hallucinations, changes in perception, and an altered sense of time.
There are many species of magic mushrooms, each varying in potency and effects. They are usually found in forests and fields, growing naturally on decaying plant matter.
Uses of Shrooms
Magic mushrooms have been used for various purposes throughout history, such as:
- Spiritual and religious practices: Many cultures have used shrooms in spiritual ceremonies in an attempt to connect with higher powers. These rituals often involve guided sessions to help people achieve a deeper understanding of themselves and the universe.
- Recreational use: People use shrooms recreationally to experience their hallucinogenic effects. These effects can include visual and auditory hallucinations, a sense of euphoria, and a greater appreciation for art and nature. People using mushrooms for recreational purposes often seek the altered states of consciousness that shrooms provide.
- Therapeutic applications: Recent research has shown that psilocybin may have therapeutic benefits. It has been used in controlled settings to help treat mental health issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. Therapists guide people through psilocybin-assisted therapy to help them confront and process deep-seated emotions and traumas. More research is required in this are, and this type of use is dramatically different from recreational use outside of controlled settings.
- Personal growth and self-exploration: Some people use magic mushrooms to explore their minds and gain personal insights.
Effects of Shrooms on the Body
Shrooms can cause many changes in the body and mind. These effects can be overwhelming, depending on the person and the amount taken. Physical effects of shrooms on the body include:
- Nausea and vomiting: Some people feel sick to their stomachs and may even throw up after taking shrooms. This usually happens shortly after eating them and can be a normal part of the body’s reaction to psilocybin.
- Dilated pupils: Shrooms often make the pupils of the eyes get bigger. This can make your eyes more sensitive to light.
- Increased heart rate: Taking shrooms can cause your heart to beat faster. This is usually not dangerous but can feel scary if you’re not expecting it and it could introduce complications in rare cases.
- Muscle weakness and tremors: Some people feel their muscles get weak or shaky after taking shrooms. This can make it hard to move around or do things that need coordination.
- Changes in appetite: You might not feel hungry while on shrooms. Some people even feel like they have more energy and don’t need to eat.
Mental and emotional effects triggered by shrooms include:
- Hallucinations: One of the most well-known effects of shrooms is seeing things that aren’t really there. These can be colors, patterns, or even shapes that seem to move or change.
- Altered perception of time: Shrooms can make you feel like time is moving very slowly or very quickly. This can make a short time feel like hours or an hour feel like just a few minutes.
- Changes in mood: Your mood can change a lot on shrooms. Some people feel happy and peaceful, while others might feel scared or anxious. It’s essential to be in a safe, comfortable place to help manage these feelings.
- Increased sensory perception: Shrooms can make your senses more intense. Colors might look brighter, sounds can seem louder, and you might notice things you usually wouldn’t.
- Introspection: Many people find that shrooms make them think deeply about themselves and their lives.
Shrooms can affect everyone differently. Your experience can depend on your mood, where you are, and who you are with.
How Long Do Shrooms Take to Hit? Timeline
Knowing how long does it take for shrooms to kick in can help you prepare and manage your experience better if you risk taking this potentially dangerous drug.
Onset of Effects
The effects of shrooms usually start about 20 to 40 minutes after you take them.
- First 20 minutes: In the first 20 minutes, you might not feel much. This is because your body is still digesting the mushrooms and converting psilocybin into psilocin.
- 20 to 40 minutes: After about 20 to 40 minutes, you may start to notice some changes. You might feel a bit different, with colors looking brighter or sounds becoming more noticeable. Your mood might start to shift, and you might feel a sense of anticipation.
How Long Does It Take for Shrooms to Peak?
The peak is when the effects of shrooms are the strongest. This usually happens about 1 to 3 hours after you take them.
- 1 to 2 hours: During this time, the effects build up and get stronger. You might see vivid colors, patterns, and shapes. You may feel extremely happy or even laugh a lot. Time can feel strange, either moving very slowly or quickly.
- 2 to 3 hours: This is often the peak of the experience. The hallucinations are at their strongest, and your thoughts might be very deep or unusual. Emotions can be very intense, so it’s vital to be in a safe place.
How Long Do Mushrooms Last Once They Hit?
Once shrooms start to work, the effects can last for several hours.
- 3 to 6 hours: Most of the effects of shrooms last from 3 to 6 hours. During this time, you’ll experience the peak and then gradually start to feel the effects lessen.
- After 6 hours: After about 6 hours, the effects start to wear off. You might still feel some changes, but they will be much weaker. Some people feel an afterglow for the rest of the day, feeling calm and thoughtful.
Factors That Affect Shroom Effect Duration
Several factors can affect how long the effects of shrooms last and how intense they are. Understanding these can help you have a safer experience if you decide to take this controlled substance.
Eating Before Shrooms
If you take shrooms on an empty stomach, the effects might come on faster and be more intense. This is because there’s nothing else in your stomach to slow down the digestion.
Eating a meal before taking shrooms can delay the onset of effects. It might take longer for the shrooms to start working, and the effects could be less intense because your body is busy digesting the food.
Dosage
Taking a small amount of shrooms will usually lead to milder effects. The onset might be slower, and the peak less intense.
A larger dose can make the effects come on stronger and faster. The peak will be more intense and might last longer. Start with a low dose if you decide to take shrooms.
Weight
Your body weight can influence how shrooms affect you. If you weigh more, it might take a higher dose of shrooms to feel the same effects as someone who weighs less. The onset might be slower, and the peak effects might be less intense.
If you weigh less, the effects of shrooms might come on faster and be more intense, even with a smaller dose. This means you should be extra careful with dosing to avoid taking too much if you decide to use this controlled drug.
Species
There are many species of magic mushrooms, and each one can have different levels of psilocybin and psilocin. Here are a few common types:
- Psilocybe cubensis: This is one of the most common types of magic mushrooms. They are relatively easy to find and grow. The effects are moderate.
- Psilocybe semilanceata (liberty caps): These are smaller mushrooms but can be very potent. They grow in grassy fields and are often found in the wild.
- Psilocybe azurescens: Known for being one of the most potent species, these mushrooms can cause very strong effects. They are usually found in coastal areas.
- Psilocybe cyanescens (wavy caps): These mushrooms are also quite potent and are recognizable by their wavy caps. They grow in wood chips and mulched garden beds.
Different species can vary widely in their potency, so be sure what kind you have and adjust the dose accordingly if you choose to use mushrooms.
How Long Do Psilocybin Mushrooms Stay in Your System?
Psilocybin mushrooms can stay in your system for different lengths of time depending on how your body processes the compounds.
Blood & Saliva Tests
Blood and saliva tests can detect psilocybin and psilocin shortly after you consume shrooms, but these substances leave the blood and saliva quickly. Usually, they are detectable for 12 to 24 hours after ingestion. This means that if you take a blood or saliva test the next day, the psilocybin might not show up.
Urine Tests
Urine tests are more common than blood or saliva tests. Psilocybin can be detected in urine for about 24 hours after you take shrooms. In some cases, if you have taken a large dose, it might be detectable for a several days in urine. For most people, though, it will be out of their system within a day.
Hair Follicle Tests
Hair follicle tests can detect drug use over a much longer period. For psilocybin mushrooms, these tests can show usage for 90 days. This is because the compounds get trapped in the hair as it grows. That said, hair tests are not commonly used for detecting psilocybin.
Taking Psilocybin | Dangers & Risks
While psilocybin mushrooms can offer unique experiences, there are dangers and risks to be aware of. Knowing these can help you make safer choices, but the safest choice is to avoid the use of this Schedule I substance.
- Bad trips: Sometimes, the experience can be scary or overwhelming. This is known as a bad trip. You might feel anxious, scared, or confused.
- Health risks: Taking shrooms can cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Some people might have a higher heart rate or blood pressure.
- Legal issues: In many places, psilocybin mushrooms are illegal. Getting caught with them can lead to legal trouble.
Long-Term Health Problems
Using psilocybin mushrooms frequently can lead to long-term health problems.
- Mental health issues: Some people might experience lasting changes in mood or mental health. This can include anxiety or depression.
- Memory problems: Regular use of shrooms can affect your memory and ability to think clearly.
- Psychosis: In rare cases, frequent use can lead to a condition called psychosis, where you have trouble telling what is real from what isn’t.
Addiction
While psilocybin is not considered highly addictive, it has a high abuse potential and it’s possible to develop psychological dependence on shrooms. You might find yourself wanting to take shrooms more often to feel the same effects. Over time, you might need to take more shrooms to feel the same effects. This is known as tolerance and it can be dangerous by tempting people to increase the dosage. Psychological dependence on mushrooms can lead to problems in all areas of life – here’s how you can get help.
When Do Shrooms Kick In? | FAQs
What Is Psilocybin?
Psilocybin is the main psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms. When ingested, the body converts psilocybin into psilocin. This substance interacts in the brain with serotonin receptors, prompting mood changes, altered perceptions, and hallucinations – seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.
Psilocybin affects the brain’s prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for mood, cognition, and perception. This compound is being researched for its potential therapeutic benefits, including treating depression, anxiety, and addiction. This does not mean that mushrooms are safe to use, though – mushrooms are classified by the DEA as Schedule I controlled substances, meaning they have a strong abuse potential and no proven medical benefits.
How Are Shrooms Taken?
There are several ways people take magic mushrooms, and each method can affect how quickly and intensely the effects are felt. Common methods include eating them, drinking them in tea, taking them in capsules, or taking them in a lemon mixture.
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