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How Long Do Magic Mushrooms Last?

When people ask how long magic mushrooms last, they’re usually referring to one of two things: how long the psychedelic effects last, often called a “trip,” or how long the mushrooms themselves stay fresh and potent before they go bad. 

Magic mushrooms contain a compound called psilocybin, which your body converts into psilocin. Psilocin is what causes the mind-altering effects, including changes in perception, mood, and thought patterns. Understanding the difference between these two meanings is important, especially for those learning about psilocybin in educational or research settings. 

How Long Do Magic Mushrooms Last?

 

How Long Does a Trip Last?

A magic mushroom trip usually lasts between 3 and 8 hours. But the exact time depends on several things, like how much you take, how you take it, and your body. Here’s a breakdown of what often happens during a trip:

Onset (20–40 Minutes After Taking)

This is when the effects begin. Some people feel stomach discomfort, yawning, or butterflies in their stomach. You may start to notice colors, sounds, or thoughts changing. If the mushrooms are made into tea or liquid, the effects may start in as little as 10 minutes.

Come-Up (30–90 Minutes After Taking)

The feelings get stronger. You might feel waves of energy, joy, or excitement. Thoughts may become deep or strange. The way you see the world could shift.

Peak (1–3 Hours After Taking)

This is the most intense part. People often see visuals like patterns, colors, or shapes. Time can feel slower or faster. Emotions might feel stronger, both happy and sad ones.

Plateau or Come-Down (3–6 Hours)

The intense part fades. You might feel calm, thoughtful, or tired. Some people feel peaceful or inspired. Others may feel foggy or quiet.

Afterglow (Up to 24 Hours Later)

Even after the trip is over, people sometimes feel different the next day. They may feel clear-headed or positive, or a little tired or drained.

What Affects How Long the Trip Lasts?

  • How much you take: Bigger doses lead to longer trips.
  • How you take it: Drinking mushroom tea kicks in faster but may fade quicker than eating dried mushrooms.
  • Type of mushroom: Different kinds of mushrooms have different amounts of psilocybin.
  • Your body: Everyone reacts differently. Body weight, digestion, and brain chemistry all matter.
  • Tolerance: If you’ve taken mushrooms recently, the effects may be weaker or shorter. Tolerance builds quickly, sometimes after just one use.

How Long Do Mushrooms Stay in Your Body?

Even after the trip ends, tiny amounts of psilocybin or psilocin may still be in your body for a short time.

  • Blood: Usually gone in 6 to 12 hours.
  • Saliva: Usually gone in about 24 hours.
  • Urine: Often undetectable after 24 hours, but can last up to 3 days for heavy users.
  • Hair: May stay for up to 90 days, but hair tests for mushrooms are rare.

Most basic drug tests (like for jobs) don’t check for psilocybin.

Can Magic Mushrooms Expire?

Mushrooms are like food. They don’t last forever. How long they stay good depends on how you store them.

Fresh Mushrooms

  • Shelf Life: 3 to 7 days in the fridge.
  • How to Store: Keep them in a paper bag (not plastic) to prevent mold. Store them between 35°F and 40°F (1.5°C to 4°C).

If they smell bad, feel slimy, or grow mold, they should not be eaten.

Dried Mushrooms

Dried mushrooms last much longer than fresh ones and are easier to store safely.

  • Shelf Life: 1 to 2 years (sometimes longer) if stored correctly.
  • How to Dry: They need to be “cracker dry,” which means they snap when bent. This keeps mold away.
  • How to Store: Use airtight containers like sealed jars or vacuum bags. Keep them in a cool, dark, and dry place (like a pantry or cabinet). Optional: Add a silica gel pack to help absorb moisture.

Potency Over Time

Even dried mushrooms lose some strength over time. After 4 to 5 weeks, they may be 7% to 29% weaker, depending on how they were stored.

Can Magic Mushrooms Expire? What To Do When They Do

If your magic mushrooms show signs of spoilage, it’s important not to take any chances. Mushrooms that feel slimy, smell sour or musty, or show signs of mold, like fuzzy patches or unusual discoloration, should be discarded. These are clear indicators that bacteria or mold has started to grow, which can be dangerous to your health if consumed. 

Dried mushrooms can also go bad over time, especially if they’ve absorbed moisture. If they’ve turned soft, developed an off smell, or lost their crisp, dry texture, they’re no longer safe.

To dispose of spoiled mushrooms safely, place them in a sealed bag or container before throwing them in the trash. This helps prevent others or animals from accidentally coming into contact with them. 

Avoid composting magic mushrooms, as the psilocybin may still be active and could pose a risk to pets or wildlife. Wash your hands after handling any spoiled material, and disinfect any surfaces or containers they touched to avoid cross-contamination. 

When it comes to safety, it’s always better to be cautious. If you’re unsure, it’s best to throw them out.

A Quick Recap on How Long Magic Mushrooms Last

The effects of magic mushrooms usually last 3 to 8 hours, but everyone’s experience is different. How long the mushrooms stay good depends on how they’re stored. Fresh mushrooms last up to a week in the fridge, while dried mushrooms can last 1 to 2 years when kept dry, cool, and away from light.

Whether you’re learning about psilocybin for science, therapy, or general knowledge, it’s important to remember that the laws are strict. In most places, magic mushrooms are not legal unless they are part of a medical trial or special access program.

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