How Long Do Magic Mushrooms Take to Hit?

Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, don’t work right away. They take time to move through your body before the effects are felt. Understanding how long it takes to “hit” can help people avoid surprises or confusion about what’s happening to them.

In general, most people start feeling the effects of magic mushrooms within 20 to 60 minutes after taking them. But that number can go up or down depending on how they’re taken, whether the person ate beforehand, and even their body’s metabolism.

Let’s walk through the general timeline, the factors that can change it, and what the “hit” feels like as it starts.

The General Timeline of Effects

Magic mushrooms don’t all work the same for every person, but the process usually follows a pattern. Here’s a basic breakdown of what happens over time after taking them:

Initial Onset (20–60 minutes): This is when the first signs begin to show. Some people feel effects kick in quickly, while others may wait close to an hour.
The Come Up (60–90 minutes): The effects become stronger. Sensations, thoughts, and visuals may begin to shift.
The Peak (2–3 hours): This is the most intense part. Many people describe it as a “trip.” Thinking patterns, emotions, and senses can change a lot.
The Comedown (4–6 hours): The strong effects begin to fade. The person may still feel different, but with more control and clarity.
Afterglow (Up to the next day): Some people report a light, calm feeling even after the main effects are gone.

Altogether, a mushroom experience usually lasts 6 to 8 hours, but some parts can linger longer.

What Changes How Fast They Kick In?

Not everyone feels magic mushrooms at the same speed. That’s because several things affect how the body processes psilocybin, the main compound in these mushrooms. When the body breaks psilocybin down, it turns it into psilocin, which is what actually causes the changes in the brain.

Here are the main factors that affect how fast someone might feel the effects:

1. How the Mushrooms Are Taken

The way a person consumes mushrooms can change how quickly they feel something:

Eating Dried or Raw Mushrooms (30–60 minutes): This is the most common method. But mushrooms have a tough outer layer called chitin, which takes time to digest. The stomach has to work harder to break it down before the psilocybin is absorbed.
Mushroom Tea or Liquid Extract (10–20 minutes): When the mushrooms are steeped in hot water to make tea, the psilocybin is already pulled out into the liquid. This makes it easier and quicker for the stomach to absorb.
Lemon Tek (10–20 minutes): If you’re wondering what a “tek” is, this method involves soaking ground mushrooms in lemon juice before drinking the mixture. The acid in the lemon starts breaking down the psilocybin into psilocin ahead of time. Many people say this causes a faster and stronger onset.

2. What’s in the Stomach

The timing also depends on what else is in the stomach when the mushrooms are taken:

Empty Stomach: If the person hasn’t eaten recently, the mushrooms can be digested and absorbed much faster. Effects are usually stronger and come on quicker.
Full Stomach: If there’s a lot of food in the stomach, especially a heavy meal, the mushrooms get digested more slowly. It could take over an hour to feel anything. Sometimes this delay can make people think they didn’t take enough, which can lead to accidental overuse.

3. The Person’s Body

Each person’s body processes substances at its own pace. These things matter:

Metabolism: If you have fast metabolism, you may feel the effects quickly since your body breaks down and absorbs the substances more faster.
Body Composition: Body weight plays a small role, but it’s not the most important factor. The way the brain responds to psilocin has more to do with a person’s serotonin receptors, special sites in the brain that react to chemicals like psilocin.
Other Individual Differences: Age, health, and even mood at the time can also influence how soon the mushrooms take effect.

What the “Hit” Feels Like: Step by Step

So what exactly does it feel like when the mushrooms start working?

Many people expect something dramatic, but the early stages are often gentle and build over time. Here’s a general guide to what happens during the first couple of hours:

1. Early Signs (20–40 minutes)

At first, the body may start to feel different:

A light “buzz” or “body high”
Tingling in the hands, feet, or face
Yawning (even if not tired)
A mild upset stomach or slight nausea

Some people feel a little sleepy or relaxed. Others may feel a bit anxious or notice their thoughts beginning to speed up.

2. The Shift (40–60 minutes)

This is when the mind and senses begin to change more clearly:

Colors might seem brighter or more interesting
Sounds may feel deeper or more emotional
A sense of excitement, nervousness, or anticipation can build

At this stage, people may start to feel like something unusual is happening, but they’re still aware of their surroundings.

3. The Ascent (1–2 hours)

During this phase, the effects start to get much stronger:

Patterns on walls, floors, or objects may begin to move slightly
Time may feel slowed down, with minutes seeming like much longer
Emotions can become more powerful or unpredictable
Thoughts may take new or unusual paths

This part can feel exciting or intense. Some people describe it as entering a dream-like world. For others, it may be overwhelming.

Why Knowing the Timeline Matters

Understanding how long magic mushrooms take to kick in helps prevent confusion or mistakes. Since the effects don’t begin right away, some people may think their dose was too small and take more before the first one has even started working. This can lead to a much stronger experience than expected.

Knowing the timing also helps people plan their surroundings. Because the peak can last a few hours, it’s important to be somewhere safe and calm for the entire experience. Even the “comedown” period can leave people feeling tired, sensitive, or thoughtful.

Why Timing Matters

Magic mushrooms take time to work. On average, the first signs begin within 20 to 60 minutes, and the peak happens about 2 to 3 hours in. The full experience can last 6 to 8 hours, with some lingering feelings afterwards.

How fast the effects begin depends on how the mushrooms are taken, whether the person has eaten, and their individual body. And when the effects do start, they usually begin slowly, starting in the body, then moving to the senses and mind.

By understanding the stages and timeline, people can be more informed, better prepared, and more aware of what’s happening during the early stages of a psilocybin experience.