How Long Do Shrooms Last? Must-Know Facts!

The length of the effects of shrooms, or magic mushrooms is 4 to 6 hours depending on factors like dosage, personal metabolism and whether or not they are taken on an empty stomach. 

The peak of the trip usually reaches 2 to 3 hours after ingestion with intense visual and sensory alteration. While the main effects are dissipated in a few hours, some will experience residual aftereffects like mild euphoria or drowsiness, for 24 hours. 

Psilocybin is metabolized in the body relatively quickly, but residues linger in the body for several days. Familiarity with these time frames is required for safe and responsible use.

What are shrooms? How do they Work?

The word for Magic Mushrooms as slang is shrooms. Magic mushrooms are mushrooms containing the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. These compounds are responsible for the hallucinogenic effects in the mushrooms. Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe semilanceata, and other members of the genus Psilocybe are the most common magic mushrooms.

How Do Shrooms Work?

Magic mushrooms operate primarily through their active compounds, psilocybin, and psilocin, which interact with the brain’s serotonin system. Here’s how they work:

Psilocybin Conversion:

When ingested, psilocybin is metabolized in the body into psilocin, the compound responsible for the psychedelic effects.

Serotonin Receptor Activation:

Psilocin has the same chemical makeup as the neurotransmitter serotonin and affects mood, perception, and cognition. Psilocin’s action is mainly on serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain, especially in brain regions responsible for mood, sensory perception, and cognition.

Altered Brain Activity:

Activation of the 5-HT2A receptors leads to changes in brain connectivity and communication. This results in:

Altered perception: Visual and auditory hallucinations, synesthesia (e.g., “seeing” sounds or “hearing” colors).

Emotional shifts: Intense emotions, euphoria, or introspection.

Ego dissolution: A sense of losing the self or merging with the environment.

Time distortion: A feeling that time is slowing down or speeding up.

Default Mode Network (DMN) Modulation:

Psilocin reduces activity in the default mode network (DMN), the brain network involved in ego, self-referential processing, and habitual thinking. This reduction is thought to be the source of the vivid feelings of unity, creativity, and spirituality reported by the users.

Effects and Duration of Shrooms

Source – FreePik

Effects and duration of magic mushroom use vary with factors like dosage, personal metabolic rate, type of mushroom used, and mindset and surroundings of the individual consuming them. Below is the detailed breakdown:

Effects of Shrooms

Magic mushrooms have the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin, both of which are psychedelic due to their action on serotonin receptors within the brain. The effects are said to be profound and life-changing but greatly dependent on the user and context.

Positive Effects:

Sensory Alterations:

• Enhanced colors, patterns, and visual hallucinations.
• Synesthesia (e.g., “seeing” sounds or “hearing” colors).
• Distorted sense of time and space.

Emotional Shifts:

• Euphoria and feelings of joy.
• Increased empathy and connection to others.
• Spiritual or mystical experiences.

Cognitive Changes:

• Enhanced creativity and problem-solving.
• Deep introspection and self-reflection.
• Ego dissolution (a sense of losing the self or merging with the universe).

Therapeutic Potential:

• Reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD (in clinical or therapeutic settings).
• Increased openness and emotional resilience.

Negative Effects:

Psychological Distress:

• Anxiety, paranoia, or panic.
• Confusion or disorientation.
• “Bad trips” (intense, frightening experiences).

Physical Discomfort:

• Nausea or vomiting (common due to the chitin in mushrooms).
• Dizziness or headaches.
• Increased heart rate or blood pressure.

Long-Term Risks:

• Exacerbation of underlying mental health conditions (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder).
• Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), is a rare condition involving flashbacks or persistent visual disturbances.

Duration of Effects

The timeline of a shroom trip can vary, but here’s a general outline:

Onset (20-60 minutes):

Effects typically begin within 20-60 minutes after ingestion, depending on factors like metabolism, stomach contents, and the form of consumption (e.g., raw mushrooms, tea, or capsules).

Peak (2-3 hours):

The most intense effects occur during this period, lasting 2-3 hours. Users often experience strong hallucinations, emotional shifts, and altered thinking.

Come-Down (1-2 hours):

The intensity gradually decreases, but users may still feel lingering effects, such as mild visuals, emotional sensitivity, or introspection.

Afterglow (4-6 hours post-peak):

After the main effects wear off, many users report an afterglow period characterized by feelings of peace, clarity, and emotional openness. This can last several hours.

Total Duration

Typical Trip: 4-6 hours (from onset to the end of noticeable effects).

Afterglow: Up to 12-24 hours (mild emotional and cognitive effects may persist).

For how long can a drug test find shrooms?

Source – FreePik

Psilocybin detection in a drug test is influenced by the type of drug test, the quantity one consumes, frequency of consumption, as well as individual factors like metabolism. A general list is presented below:

Urine Test:

Psilocybin and its metabolite, psilocin, are typically detectable in urine for 1-3 days after use. In rare cases, it may be detectable for up to a week in heavy or chronic users.

Blood Test:

Psilocybin and psilocin are usually detectable in blood for 6-12 hours after ingestion, though this window can vary depending on the dose and individual metabolism.

Saliva Test:

Psilocybin is rarely tested for in saliva, but if it is, it would likely only be detectable for 1-24 hours after use.

Hair Test:

Psilocybin is not commonly included in routine hair drug testing. Hair testing of psilocybin is infrequent but can detect recent drug use for as much as 90 days if conducted.

When the shrooms have worn off

After the most intense effects of the magic mushrooms (shrooms) have dissipated, most users enter the afterglow stage, which can last for anywhere from hours to days. There are still residual effects on emotions the mind and in some instances the body.