Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, have long been revered for their psychedelic effects and potential to unlock profound insights and altered states of consciousness. Whether you’re exploring shrooms for self-discovery, therapeutic reasons, or curiosity, understanding how they work and how long they take to “hit” is crucial to having a safe and meaningful experience.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the factors that influence how long it takes for shrooms to kick in, explore different consumption methods, discuss what to expect as the effects begin, and offer practical tips for maximizing your experience.
What Are Shrooms and How Do They Work?
Magic mushrooms contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin, which is metabolized into psilocin in the body. Psilocin interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor, leading to changes in perception, mood, and cognition. These effects typically unfold in distinct stages, starting with the “onset,” when the trip begins.
How long shrooms take to hit depends on various factors, including the method of consumption, dosage, individual metabolism, and whether you’ve eaten recently.
How Long Do Shrooms Take to Hit?
On average, shrooms take 20 to 60 minutes to kick in. However, this timeline can vary depending on several factors:
1. Method of Consumption
The way you consume shrooms significantly affects how quickly you’ll feel their effects:
- Eating Whole or Dried Shrooms:
- This is the most common method of consumption. When eaten, shrooms need to pass through the digestive system before the psilocybin can be absorbed. This process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, though it can vary depending on how much food is in your stomach.
- Shroom Tea:
- Brewing shrooms into tea is a popular method for faster onset and reduced stomach discomfort. The boiling water helps extract the psilocybin, making it easier for your body to absorb. Onset time is usually around 15 to 30 minutes.
- Lemon Tekking:
- This involves soaking crushed mushrooms in lemon or lime juice for 15-20 minutes before consuming them. The acidic juice partially converts psilocybin into psilocin, leading to a quicker onset of effects—often within 10 to 20 minutes. Lemon tekking can also intensify the experience, so it’s not recommended for beginners.
- Psilocybin Capsules:
- Capsules contain powdered mushrooms and are a discreet, easy-to-dose option. However, they often take longer to kick in, around 40 to 90 minutes, because the body needs to dissolve the capsule before absorbing the psilocybin.
2. Dosage
The amount of shrooms you take affects how quickly you’ll feel their effects:
- Microdose (0.1–0.3 grams):
- Subtle effects that may take 30 to 60 minutes to become noticeable.
- Low Dose (0.5–1 gram):
- Mild psychedelic effects with onset around 20 to 40 minutes.
- Moderate Dose (1.5–3.5 grams):
- Stronger effects with a typical onset of 20 to 40 minutes.
- High Dose (4+ grams):
- Intense effects that may start as quickly as 15 minutes, depending on your body and consumption method.
3. Stomach Contents
Whether you’ve eaten recently plays a significant role in how quickly shrooms kick in:
- Empty Stomach:
- Psilocybin is absorbed more rapidly when consumed on an empty stomach, often leading to faster onset (as quick as 20 minutes).
- Full Stomach:
- If you’ve eaten a large meal, it may take 45 minutes to an hour or more for the effects to start, as the body prioritizes digesting food before breaking down the mushrooms.
4. Individual Metabolism
Metabolism rates vary from person to person. Those with faster metabolisms may feel the effects sooner, while those with slower metabolisms may experience a delayed onset. Factors like body weight, hydration, and overall health also play a role.
5. Type and Potency of Mushrooms
Different strains of psilocybin mushrooms have varying levels of potency:
- Psilocybe cubensis: The most common strain, with moderate potency.
- Psilocybe cyanescens: Highly potent, leading to faster and more intense onset.
- Psilocybe azurescens: One of the most potent strains, often producing quicker effects.
The Psychedelic Experience Timeline
To better understand the process, let’s break down the typical timeline of a shroom trip:
1. Onset (20–60 Minutes)
This is the phase when the effects begin. You might experience:
- Subtle changes in perception (e.g., brighter colors, heightened senses).
- A warm, tingling sensation or mild euphoria.
- A sense of anticipation or excitement. Some people may also feel slight nausea during this phase, particularly if they consumed whole mushrooms.
2. Peak (1–3 Hours)
The peak is the most intense part of the experience, characterized by:
- Vivid visual hallucinations (patterns, colors, or distortions).
- Altered sense of time and space.
- Deep introspection or emotional release. This is often the most transformative and memorable phase of the trip.
3. Plateau (3–5 Hours)
During the plateau, the intensity of the trip levels out. You may still experience:
- Visual and sensory distortions.
- Enhanced creativity or insights.
- A sense of calm or contentment.
4. Come-Down (5–6 Hours)
As the effects wear off, you’ll begin to feel more grounded and return to normal awareness. Some people experience afterglow effects, such as heightened appreciation for nature, art, or life in general.
What to Expect When Shrooms Kick In
The onset of a shroom trip can vary widely depending on your mindset, environment, and dosage. Here are some common experiences during the initial phase:
- Physical Sensations:
- Warmth, tingling, or light-headedness.
- Slight stomach discomfort or nausea (often subsides as the trip progresses).
- Emotional Shifts:
- Enhanced mood or feelings of euphoria.
- Heightened sensitivity to emotions or sensations.
- Perceptual Changes:
- Colors may appear more vibrant.
- Sounds may seem richer or more layered.
It’s important to embrace these changes with curiosity and openness rather than fear or resistance.
Tips for a Safe and Positive Experience
- Start Low and Go Slow:
- If you’re new to shrooms, start with a low dose to gauge your body’s response.
- Create a Comfortable Set and Setting:
- Ensure you’re in a safe, familiar environment with people you trust. A calm setting reduces the risk of anxiety or bad trips.
- Stay Hydrated:
- Keep water nearby to stay hydrated, especially if you experience nausea.
- Have a Trip Sitter:
- A sober, trusted friend can provide support and reassurance if the experience becomes overwhelming.
- Avoid Mixing Substances:
- Combining shrooms with alcohol or other drugs can amplify effects unpredictably and increase the risk of adverse reactions.
- Allow Time for Reflection:
- After the trip, take time to process your thoughts and feelings. Journaling or discussing your experience can help integrate the insights you gained.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While shrooms are generally considered safe when used responsibly, there are rare instances where medical attention may be necessary:
- Severe Anxiety or Panic:
- If feelings of fear or distress become unmanageable.
- Prolonged Symptoms:
- If effects persist for more than 8 hours or you experience lingering confusion or agitation.
- Physical Reactions:
- Intense nausea, vomiting, or difficulty breathing.
Always prioritize safety and seek help if needed.
Conclusion: Embrace the Journey, Respect the Substance
Magic mushrooms are a powerful tool for exploring consciousness and personal growth, but their effects depend heavily on how they’re consumed and the mindset and environment you bring to the experience. On average, shrooms take 20 to 60 minutes to kick in, but individual factors like dosage, metabolism, and preparation method can alter this timeline.
By understanding the onset process and preparing thoughtfully, you can ensure a safe, rewarding, and transformative journey. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced explorer, remember to approach shrooms with respect, curiosity, and caution. The experience is as much about the journey as the destination, so take your time, stay grounded, and enjoy the ride.