When Do Shrooms Kick In? The Effects of Psilocybin

Magic mushrooms, often called shrooms, are fungi known for their psychedelic effects. These effects come from psilocybin, a compound that changes how the brain processes thoughts and feelings. People have used this substance for centuries in spiritual ceremonies and for exploring the mind, but today, shrooms are gaining more attention for their recreational and potential therapeutic benefits.

One of the most common questions about shrooms is, “How long does it take for shrooms to kick in.” This page explores how long do shrooms take to kick in, how long do mushrooms last, and the risks involved when taking psychedelics like psilocybin.

What Are Magic Mushrooms?

Magic mushrooms (psilocybin mushrooms) are fungi that naturally grow in many parts of the world. These mushrooms contain psilocybin and psilocin, psychoactive compounds responsible for triggering mind-altering effects. There are over 180 species of magic mushrooms, with Psilocybe cubensis being one of the most common varieties [1].

Historically, magic mushrooms have been used in religious and spiritual ceremonies by indigenous cultures. They were believed to connect people to higher states of consciousness or spiritual realms. Today, while their use remains illegal in many countries, some places have begun to decriminalize mushrooms or explore their therapeutic potential, especially for mental health conditions [2].

Magic mushrooms are dried or consumed fresh. They can be eaten raw, brewed into tea, or incorporated into food to mask their earthy, bitter taste. No matter how they’re taken, their effects depend on the dosage, method of consumption, and individual factors like body weight and metabolism.

What Is Psilocybin?

Psilocybin is the key psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms. The body converts psilocybin into psilocin, causing an interaction with the brain’s serotonin receptors. This interaction causes the psychedelic effects that people experience, including altered perceptions, heightened emotions, and—at higher doses—hallucinations.

Psilocybin belongs to a class of compounds called tryptamines, chemically similar to serotonin (a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite [3]. Because of this, psilocybin can powerfully impact brain chemistry, prompting changes in thought patterns and emotions.

In addition to its recreational use, psilocybin has drawn interest from researchers for its potential therapeutic effects. Some research suggests it may help with conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addiction [4]. More research is required to understand its long-term safety and effectiveness, though.

Uses

Magic mushrooms are used for various purposes, both recreationally and therapeutically.

Many people use shrooms recreationally to explore altered states of consciousness. These experiences often include vivid visuals, a distorted sense of time, and deep emotional insights. Some describe the experience as mystical or spiritual, while others seek creative inspiration or a sense of euphoria.

In recent years, researchers have explored psilocybin as a treatment for mental health issues. Studies show that controlled doses of psilocybin, combined with therapy, may help individuals manage:

• Depression: Psilocybin may help reset the brain’s thought patterns, offering relief from persistent depressive symptoms.
• Anxiety: Particularly in those facing end-of-life illnesses, psilocybin has shown promise in reducing anxiety and fear.
• Addiction: Psilocybin therapy has been linked to a reduced dependence on substances like alcohol and nicotine.

Magic mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional spiritual ceremonies. Many indigenous cultures, especially in Central and South America, used them as tools to connect with their gods or nature. Even today, some people use shrooms to seek personal enlightenment or inner peace.

While the potential benefits are exciting, shrooms should always be approached cautiously. Improper use can lead to overwhelming or distressing experiences known as bad trips, and their legality varies from country to country. 

Effects of Shrooms on the Body

Magic mushrooms affect both the body and mind, with their primary impact being on the brain. 

When psilocybin enters the body, it quickly interacts with the brain, triggering noticeable changes within 20 to 60 minutes. Common short-term effects include:

• Altered perception: People often see vibrant colors, shifting patterns, or unusual visual distortions.
• Emotional changes: Shrooms can amplify emotions, causing euphoria, introspection, or anxiety.
• Distorted sense of time: Minutes can feel like hours, or time may seem to speed up. Physical effects may also occur, such as dilated pupils, increased heart rate, nausea, dizziness, or fatigue.

The long-term effects of shrooms can vary. Some people report lasting positive changes, such as improved mood, greater creativity, and a sense of connectedness. However, others might experience lingering anxiety or flashbacks to distressing moments from their trip.

 Psilocybin temporarily disrupts normal communication between brain regions, which can explain the altered states of perception and thought. It also dampens activity in the DMN (default mode network), the part of the brain responsible for self-referential thinking, which may contribute to the ego-dissolving effects some people experience when taking mushrooms [5].

 While shrooms are generally not physically addictive, their psychological effects can be profound. The experience may be transformative for some, while for others it can be distressing and too much to handle.

Timeline of How Long Shrooms Take to Hit

The timeline for how quickly shrooms hit depends on how they’re consumed, dosage, and individual metabolism. For most people, shrooms start to work within 20 to 60 minutes of ingestion. Effects may not kick in fully for 2 hours.

Onset of Effects

The onset of effects is the first noticeable phase of a shroom trip. This normally begins within the first hour after ingestion. Here’s what happens during this stage:

• Subtle changes: People may feel a sense of lightness or tingling throughout the body. Some describe a warm or comforting sensation as the psilocybin starts interacting with the brain.
• Mood shifts: Many individuals using shrooms experience a sense of excitement or an uplifted mood. Others may feel slightly nervous, especially if unfamiliar with the experience.
• Early visual effects: Lights might seem brighter, and colors may appear more vivid. Patterns on walls or objects might start to shift subtly.

The onset phase is often referred to as the come-up, as it prepares the person for the more intense effects that follow. If shrooms are taken in tea form, the onset may occur more rapidly—sometimes within 15 minutes—because liquids are absorbed faster by the body.

When Do Shrooms Peak?

The peak is the most intense phase of a shroom trip. This stage normally begins 1 or 2 hours after ingestion, although it can take longer for some people depending on factors like metabolism or whether food was consumed beforehand—eating before shrooms can delay the onset of effects. During the peak, people often experience:

• Vivid hallucinations: Visuals become more prominent, with patterns morphing, objects appearing to breathe, and colors intensifying. Some people may see shapes or images with their eyes closed.
• Altered thinking: Thoughts become more fluid, and people might feel deeply introspective or philosophical. Many describe this stage as a breakthrough moment, where emotions and insights feel heightened.
• Ego dissolution: Some people experience a loss of sense of self, referred to as ego death [6]. This can feel liberating for some but unsettling for others.
• Distorted time perception: Time may seem to stretch or compress, making minutes feel like hours or vice versa.

The peak normally lasts 1 to 2 hours but can extend longer depending on the dose and individual factors. It’s often considered the most profound and transformative phase of the experience.

How Long Do Shrooms Last?

After the peak, the effects of shrooms gradually begin to fade. That said, the entire experience—from the onset to the end of the trip—usually lasts 4 to 6 hours. In some cases, residual effects like mild euphoria or fatigue can linger for several more hours.

The timeline can be broken down as follows:

• Onset (20 to 60 minutes): Subtle changes begin, preparing the person for the trip.
• Peak (1 to 2 hours): The most intense and immersive part of the experience.
• Come-down (2 to 3 hours): Effects start to lessen, and people may feel reflective or tired.
• After-effects (12 hours): Some people report a lasting sense of calm or mild fatigue.

While the physical effects wear off within hours, the psychological impact of a shroom trip can linger. Some people report feeling more connected, creative, or introspective for days or even weeks after their experience.

Factors That Influence The Duration of Shroom Effect

The duration of a shroom trip can vary widely from person to person, influenced by factors that include eating and dosage.

Eating Before Shrooms

Taking shrooms on an empty stomach often leads to a faster onset and shorter duration because the body absorbs psilocybin more quickly. A full stomach can delay the effects, and it may make the experience feel less intense.

Dosage

Higher doses typically result in longer-lasting and more intense effects. Starting with a low dose can minimize the likelihood of a bad trip.

How To Take Shrooms

Magic mushrooms can be consumed in several ways, and the method of ingestion can impact the onset and intensity of effects.

Weight

A person’s body weight can influence how strongly shrooms affect them. Heavier individuals may require slightly higher doses to feel the same effects as someone lighter.

Species

Different species of magic mushrooms contain varying levels of psilocybin and psilocin. Psilocybe cubensis, for example, is milder than more potent varieties of mushrooms like Psilocybe azurescens.

How Long Do Mushrooms Stay in the System?

Psilocybin is processed by the body relatively quickly, but traces can remain detectable depending on the testing method.

Blood & Saliva Tests

Psilocybin and its active compound psilocin are detectable in blood and saliva for about 24 hours after ingestion. These tests are rarely used for detecting shrooms.

Urine Tests

Most urine tests don’t detect psilocybin, but advanced tests can identify it within 24 to 48 hours after use.

Hair Follicle Tests

Hair tests can detect psilocybin for up to 90 days, although this method is uncommon and typically used in specialized settings.

The Risks and Dangers of Taking Psilocybin

Psilocybin may potentially offer transformative experiences, but its use is not without risks. While generally considered safe in controlled environments, improper use can lead to negative outcomes, especially for those with certain pre-existing health conditions or inadequate preparation.

One of the most immediate risks is having a bad trip, which can involve overwhelming fear, confusion, or distressing hallucinations. These experiences may feel traumatic and leave people shaken long after the trip ends.

Psilocybin dramatically alters perception, making it dangerous to perform activities like driving or operating machinery during or immediately after use.

Judgment may be impaired under the influence of psilocybin, leading to risky decisions or behaviors that can result in harm. 

Long-Term Health Problems

Although psilocybin is not known to cause physical harm or toxicity, repeated or careless use can provoke psychological issues, such as:

• HPPD (hallucinogen persisting perception disorder): Some people report recurring visual disturbances or flashbacks after their trip, a condition known as HPDD [7].
• Paranoia or anxiety: Individuals prone to anxiety may find that psilocybin can amplify fears or lead to prolonged mental distress.
• Mental health worsening: Those with underlying conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may experience a worsening of symptoms.

Addiction

Magic mushrooms are not physically addictive, meaning they do not provoke withdrawal symptoms upon quitting like some opioids or alcohol. That said, individuals can develop psychological dependence on shrooms.

Some people may turn to psilocybin repeatedly to escape reality or emotional pain, potentially leading to unhealthy patterns of use. 

Frequent use of mushrooms builds tolerance, meaning that someone needs higher doses to achieve the initial effects, increasing the risk of adverse outcomes.

Approach psilocybin with caution, respect, and proper guidance to minimize these risks. It is safest to avoid the use of magic mushrooms entirely.

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Sources

[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/psilocybe

[2] https://asm.org/articles/2023/february/psilocybin-and-mental-health-the-magic-in-the-mush

 [3] https://www.unodc.org/LSS/SubstanceGroup/Details/68c027b6-0ed9-4c07-a139-7f1ca7ffce84

 [4] https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/psilocybin-for-mental-health-and-addiction-what-you-need-to-know

 [5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9247433/

 [6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6007152/

 [7] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3736944/