- Same Day Express Shipping Within the USA
If you’re curious about how long the effects of magic mushrooms last, you’re not alone. While every person’s experience is a little different, most psilocybin trips follow a common pattern. On average, the main effects last between 4 and 6 hours, but the full experience can stretch beyond that, sometimes up to 24 hours when you include the “afterglow.”
Let’s break down the timeline and what usually happens along the way.
This is when the first effects begin. It can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on how you consumed the mushrooms and whether you had food in your stomach.
During the onset, people often feel:
This phase can feel exciting, strange, or both. Some people feel a strong “come-up” as their body and mind adjust to the changing sensations.
This is the most intense part of the trip. Many describe it as the point when reality starts to shift the most. Your sense of self, who you are and where you end, and the world begins, may feel like it’s melting away.
Common effects during the peak include:
It’s important to know that even though this phase may only last two or three hours, it might feel much longer while it’s happening.
After the peak, the effects begin to slowly fade. This is sometimes called the “landing” phase.
Here’s what this part might feel like:
This part is usually calmer, and many people describe it as peaceful.
Even after the main effects wear off, some feelings can linger. This is called the afterglow. It’s not like being high, but more like a leftover mental state.
People may feel:
Some say the afterglow lasts just a few hours. Others feel it for a day or more. A full night’s sleep usually resets things, but everyone is different.
In very rare cases, some people may experience visual flashbacks days or weeks later. This condition, called HPPD (Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder), is uncommon but possible.
Not all mushroom trips follow the exact same timeline. Here are a few things that can change the experience:
Some species are much stronger than others. For example, Psilocybe azurescens is more potent than Psilocybe cubensis, which is the most common variety. Stronger species can make the trip last longer and feel more intense.
Once a magic mushroom trip starts, there’s no quick way to stop it. The body needs time to break down the active compound, psilocin, which is what causes the effects. This process can’t be rushed.
Trying to “fight” the trip, especially if it’s overwhelming, can make things feel worse. That’s why many experts say it’s important to have the right “set and setting” before you begin. That means being in a safe place, with people you trust, and in a good mental state.
If someone does have a hard time during a trip, it helps to stay calm, breathe slowly, and remind them that the effects will pass. The intense part is temporary.
Even though the effects wear off after about 6 hours, small amounts of the compound can stay in your system longer.
That said, psilocybin is not usually included in standard drug tests, like the common 5-panel tests used by many employers.
While the main effects of magic mushrooms last around 4 to 6 hours, the full experience can stretch over a full day when you count the build-up and afterglow. How long it lasts depends on how much is taken, how it’s consumed, and the individual’s body and mind at the time.
Understanding the timeline and what to expect can help people approach the subject with care and clarity. As research continues, more is being learned about how psilocybin works in the brain and how those effects unfold over time.
