Everything You Need to Know

If you’re considering trying magic mushrooms, one of the most common questions you’ll have is “how long do shrooms take to kick in?” Whether you’re a first-time user or an experienced psychonaut, knowing what to expect during the onset of a shroom trip can help you prepare for a safe and enjoyable experience. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the factors that influence how long it takes for shrooms to kick in, what to expect during the onset, and some useful tips to help you manage the experience.

What Are Shrooms?

Shrooms, or magic mushrooms, contain the active compound psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin is converted into psilocin, which affects the brain’s serotonin receptors, leading to changes in perception, mood, and cognition. The effects of shrooms can range from mild euphoria and visual distortions to intense hallucinatory experiences.

For first-timers, it’s important to understand the timeline of your trip, especially how long do shrooms take to kick in, so you can enjoy the experience without anxiety or confusion.

How Long Do Shrooms Take to Kick In?

The short answer is that shrooms generally take between 20 to 60 minutes to kick in. However, this timing can vary significantly depending on various factors such as the method of consumption, your metabolism, body weight, and whether you’ve eaten beforehand. Let’s break it down.

1. Method of Consumption

The method you use to consume shrooms plays a significant role in how quickly they take effect. Here are the most common methods:

• Eating Dried or Fresh Mushrooms: The most traditional way to consume magic mushrooms is by eating them. When you eat dried or fresh mushrooms, the psilocybin is absorbed into your bloodstream through the digestive system. This process usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your digestion speed and the type of mushrooms consumed.
• Psilocybin Tea: Brewing shrooms into tea can lead to faster absorption because the hot water helps to extract the psilocybin more efficiently. Most users report feeling the effects within 20 to 30 minutes after drinking psilocybin tea.
• Capsules or Powder: When you take shrooms in powdered form or as capsules, the psilocybin is already broken down, allowing your body to absorb it more quickly. As a result, the onset time is often shorter, typically around 20 to 45 minutes.

2. Empty vs. Full Stomach

What you’ve eaten before taking shrooms can impact how long it takes for them to kick in. If you take shrooms on an empty stomach, they will generally take effect faster, as there is less food to digest. On an empty stomach, shrooms can start to kick in within 20 to 40 minutes.

If you’ve eaten a large meal beforehand, the onset may be delayed because your body will focus on digesting the food before processing the mushrooms. In these cases, the effects may take closer to 60 minutes or longer to start.

3. Metabolism and Body Weight

Your metabolism and body weight are crucial factors in determining how long shrooms take to kick in. People with faster metabolisms typically feel the effects of shrooms more quickly. Similarly, individuals with lower body fat may experience a faster onset of effects compared to those with higher body mass.

If you’re unsure how your body will react, it’s a good idea to start with a smaller dose and wait to see how long it takes for you to feel the effects before taking more.

4. Dosage

The dosage of shrooms you take can also affect how quickly they kick in. A higher dose of psilocybin may cause the effects to come on faster, while a lower dose (microdosing) may lead to a slower onset or subtler effects. For first-timers, starting with a lower dose (1 to 1.5 grams of dried mushrooms) is generally a good idea to gauge your body’s response.

What to Expect When Shrooms Kick In

Once shrooms begin to take effect, you may experience a range of physical and psychological sensations. The onset typically starts with mild effects and gradually intensifies. Here’s what you can expect:

• Euphoria and Emotional Shifts: Many people report feeling a sense of happiness, calm, or deep emotional insight during the early stages of a trip. You might feel more connected to your surroundings or experience heightened emotions.
• Altered Perception: Your senses will likely be enhanced, with colors appearing brighter, sounds clearer, and textures more pronounced. Some people also experience visual distortions, like moving patterns or shifting objects.
• Changes in Time Perception: Time may seem to slow down or speed up. Many people describe a feeling of time dilation, where minutes feel like hours or vice versa.
• Physical Sensations: You may feel lightness or heaviness in your body, or even sensations of floating or being detached from your physical form.

The peak of the experience generally occurs around 2 to 3 hours after ingestion, and the effects usually last 4 to 6 hours, although this can vary depending on the dose and individual factors.

Tips for Managing the Onset of Shrooms

Here are a few tips to help you manage the onset of shrooms and ensure a positive experience:

1. Start Low, Go Slow: If it’s your first time, start with a small dose (around 1 to 1.5 grams of dried mushrooms). This will allow you to gauge how your body reacts and ensure a smoother experience.
2. Wait for the Effects: Don’t rush into taking more shrooms if you don’t feel anything right away. The effects can take 30 to 60 minutes to kick in. Wait at least 90 minutes before considering taking more.
3. Set and Setting: Make sure you’re in a safe, comfortable environment. Surround yourself with trusted friends and ensure that you have a calm, relaxing space where you can enjoy the experience.
4. Stay Hydrated: Drink water or herbal tea throughout the experience to stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol, as it can interfere with the effects of psilocybin.
5. Have a Trip Sitter: If you’re new to shrooms, it can be helpful to have a sober friend with you to guide you through the experience, especially in case you feel anxious or overwhelmed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long do shrooms take to kick in?

Shrooms usually take between 20 to 60 minutes to kick in, depending on factors such as metabolism, stomach contents, and method of consumption.

2. Why do shrooms take so long to kick in?

Shrooms must be processed through the digestive system before the active compound, psilocybin, is absorbed into the bloodstream. This process can take time, especially if you’ve eaten a large meal beforehand.

3. Can you speed up the effects of shrooms?

Drinking psilocybin tea or consuming shrooms on an empty stomach may lead to faster onset, as both methods allow for quicker absorption.

4. What happens if I take more shrooms before the effects kick in?

Taking more shrooms before the initial effects have set in can lead to a stronger or more overwhelming experience. It’s important to wait at least 90 minutes before considering additional dosage.

5. How long do the effects of shrooms last?

The effects of shrooms typically last 4 to 6 hours, with the peak occurring around 2 to 3 hours after ingestion.

6. Is the onset time the same for everyone?

No, the onset time can vary depending on individual factors such as metabolism, body weight, and method of consumption.

7. How long do shrooms take to kick in if I take them on an empty stomach?

If you take shrooms on an empty stomach, they typically begin to take effect within 20 to 40 minutes.

8. Do shrooms kick in faster if you take a larger dose?

Yes, a larger dose of shrooms can cause the effects to kick in faster, but it may also increase the intensity of the experience.

9. Can the setting affect how long shrooms take to kick in?

While the setting doesn’t directly affect the onset time, a comfortable and relaxing environment can influence how smoothly the onset occurs.

10. How can I reduce nausea when shrooms start to kick in?

Drinking ginger tea, staying hydrated, and consuming psilocybin in tea or with lemon (known as lemon tek) may help reduce nausea.

Conclusion

Understanding how long do shrooms take to kick in is key to preparing for a positive psychedelic experience. While the typical onset time is 20 to 60 minutes, several factors can influence this timeline, such as your metabolism, method of consumption, and whether your stomach is full or empty. By being patient, setting the right environment, and starting with a low dose, you can ensure a more enjoyable and comfortable trip.

If you’re new to shrooms, it’s always best to approach them with caution and respect. Take your time to understand how your body responds, and remember that the journey can be just as meaningful as the destination.