How Long Do Magic Mushrooms Last, Magic mushrooms, also known as psychedelic mushrooms or shrooms, are well-known for their hallucinogenic effects caused by the active compound psilocybin. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an experienced psychonaut, understanding how long magic mushrooms last is important for safe and informed use.
How Long Do Magic Mushrooms Last?
The effects of magic mushrooms typically last between 4 to 6 hours, though this can vary depending on several factors. These include the dose, the user’s metabolism, the strain of mushroom, and the method of ingestion.
1. Onset of Effects
- Time to onset: 20 to 60 minutes after ingestion.
- If consumed on an empty stomach or as a tea, effects may begin more quickly.
2. Peak Effects
- Duration of peak: 2 to 3 hours.
- During this time, users may experience intense visual and auditory hallucinations, shifts in perception, emotional swings, and altered sense of time.
3. Total Duration
- Overall trip duration: 4 to 6 hours.
- Afterglow or comedown: Some residual effects like mild euphoria or fatigue can linger for several hours after the peak wears off.
Factors That Influence Duration
Dosage
- Microdose (0.1–0.3g): Subtle, non-psychedelic effects, lasting a few hours.
- Low dose (1–2g): Mild hallucinations and mood shifts, 4–5 hours.
- Moderate to high dose (2.5g–5g+): Strong visuals, deep introspection, 6+ hours.
Strain
Different types of magic mushrooms (e.g., Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe azurescens) have varying levels of psilocybin, which can affect the intensity and length of the trip.
Method of Consumption
- Raw/Dried Mushrooms: Slowest onset, longer duration.
- Tea or Lemon Tek: Faster onset, possibly shorter but more intense trip.
Individual Physiology
Your body weight, metabolism, mental state, and recent food intake can all play a role in how long the effects last and how strongly you experience them.
How Long Do Magic Mushrooms Stay in Your System?
Though the effects wear off after several hours, psilocybin and its metabolite psilocin may remain detectable in the body for up to 24 hours, and sometimes slightly longer depending on the test.
- Urine tests: Detectable for up to 24 hours.
- Blood tests: Detectable for around 24 hours.
- Hair tests: Rarely used for shrooms but could show traces for up to 90 days.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how long magic mushrooms last is essential for planning a safe and comfortable experience. A standard trip can last 4 to 6 hours, but always prepare for a longer timeframe, especially when using higher doses or unfamiliar strains. Be sure to stay in a safe, familiar environment and ideally with a sober sitter if you’re new to psychedelics.
