How Long Do Shrooms Last? Effects, Duration, and Aftermath

Magic mushrooms—often simply called shrooms—continue to gain popularity across the U.S. as people explore their therapeutic potential, spiritual benefits, and mind-bending psychedelic experiences. And while the cultural conversation around psilocybin is shifting, one question remains front and center for many new or curious users:

How long do shrooms last?

Whether you’re planning a safe experience, preparing for a psychedelic journey, or researching detection times for work or testing, understanding the duration and effects of shrooms is essential. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know—from the length of a shroom trip to how long mushrooms stay in your system.

What Are Shrooms and How Do They Work?

Shrooms refer to a group of fungi containing psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound. Once consumed, psilocybin converts into psilocin, which interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain. This interaction alters perception, mood, cognition, and sensory processing.

Typical effects include:

• Intensified colors, sounds, and visuals 
• Feelings of euphoria and connectedness 
• Altered sense of time 
• Deep introspection 
• Enhanced creativity 
• Emotional sensitivity 
• Spiritual or transcendental experiences 

Understanding these effects helps contextualize how long a shroom trip lasts and what you may feel at different stages.

How Long Do Shrooms Last? (Overview)

The total length of a shroom experience depends on multiple factors, but most people can expect:

• Onset: 20–60 minutes 
• Peak: 1–3 hours after ingestion 
• Total trip duration: 4–6 hours on average 
• Lingering aftereffects: Up to 24 hours 
• Residual mood effects: 1–2 days 

In most cases, a shroom trip lasts between 4 and 6 hours, though higher doses can extend the experience to 8 hours or more.

This timeline varies based on:

• Dosage (biggest factor) 
• Body weight and metabolism 
• Stomach contents 
• Mushroom species and potency 
• Delivery method (edibles, capsules, chocolates, raw mushrooms, tea) 
• Personal tolerance 
• Whether other substances are used 

Below, we break down each phase in detail.

How Long Does a Shroom Trip Last? (Detailed Timeline)

If you’re wondering specifically how long does a shroom trip last, here’s a clear hour-by-hour breakdown of what typically happens.

0–60 Minutes: Onset Begins

The first effects start appearing within the first hour:

• Warm, tingling sensations 
• Slight visual distortion 
• Heightened senses 
• Mood changes 
• Mild anxiety or anticipation 

People who take shrooms on an empty stomach may feel effects sooner, sometimes within 15–20 minutes.

1–3 Hours: Peak Effects

This is the most intense part of the journey:

• Strong visual distortions (patterns, waves, tracers) 
• Deep emotional release or introspection 
• Enhanced creativity 
• Altered perception of time 
• Insights, spiritual connection, or breakthroughs 

Many describe this stage as “ego dissolution,” where the boundary between self and surroundings feels less defined.

3–6 Hours: Gradual Comedown

The trip slowly becomes more manageable:

• Visuals fade 
• Thoughts feel clearer 
• Sense of grounding increases 
• Emotions stabilize 
• Physical sensations normalize 

Some lingering tiredness, sensitivity, or quiet introspection may remain.

6–8+ Hours: Afterglow Phase

Depending on dose and body chemistry:

• Mild euphoria 
• Emotional clarity 
• Mental fatigue 
• Soft introspection 

Most people report feeling “different,” more open, or more reflective for the next day.

What Influences How Long Shrooms Last?

Many factors affect how long you’ll feel the effects.

1. Dosage

Higher doses = longer, more intense trips.
Microdose (0.1–0.3g): No trip, just subtle effects
Moderate dose (1–2.5g): 4–6 hours
Higher dose (3.5g+): 6–8+ hours

2. Method of Consumption

• Mushroom tea hits faster, finishes sooner 
• Shroom Edibles/chocolates may extend the peak 
• Raw or dried mushrooms offer a classic timeline 

3. Stomach Contents

Eating beforehand delays onset but may shorten the peak.

4. Individual Physiology

Metabolism, body fat, and tolerance vary widely.

5. Mushroom Species

Psilocybe cubensis, the most common species, varies in potency from strain to strain.

How Long Do Mushrooms Stay in Your System?

Beyond the trip itself, many users need to know:
How long do shrooms stay in your system?

The short answer: psilocybin leaves the body quickly, usually within 24 hours.

But detection windows differ depending on the type of drug test.

Here’s a breakdown:

Blood Tests

• Detectable for up to 6 hours
  Blood tests are uncommon because of the short window of detection. 

Urine Tests

• Detectable for 1–24 hours, rarely up to 48 hours
  Urine is the most common type of drug test, but psilocybin clears quickly. 

Saliva Tests

• Detectable for 1–24 hours
  Not widely used for psilocybin screening. 

Hair Tests

• Detectable for up to 90 days
  However, most hair tests do not screen for magic mushrooms unless specifically ordered. 

How Long Do Shrooms Stay in Your System for a Drug Test?

Because this is a major concern, let’s answer it clearly:

Typical drug tests DO NOT screen for psilocybin.
Standard panels check for:

• THC 
• Opiates 
• Cocaine 
• Amphetamines 
• Benzodiazepines 
• PCP 

Shrooms are usually only detected if a test specifically targets psilocybin, which is rare.

So, how long do shrooms stay in your system for a drug test?

• Most people clear psilocybin within 24 hours 
• Advanced tests may detect metabolites up to 48 hours 
• Hair tests could detect psilocin for 90 days, but this type of test is extremely uncommon 

If you’re facing a generic workplace drug test, you’re unlikely to be screened for shrooms.

The Aftermath: What to Expect After a Shroom Trip

Once the trip ends, users often experience an “afterglow,” but some may feel temporary discomfort.

Positive Aftermath Effects

• Heightened creativity 
• Improved mood 
• Increased empathy 
• Clarity or insight 
• Reduced anxiety (in some users) 
• Emotional openness 

These benefits are a major reason people explore psilocybin therapeutically.

Possible Negative After Effects

Some users experience:

• Headache 
• Fatigue 
• Stomach discomfort 
• Emotional sensitivity 
• Difficulty sleeping 

These typically resolve within 12–24 hours.

Hydration, food, and rest help ease the comedown.

How to Make a Shroom Trip Safer and More Enjoyable

A safe environment can significantly improve your experience.

1. Choose the Right Setting

Quiet, comfortable, and familiar.

2. Have a Trusted Trip Sitter

A sober friend can offer grounding reassurance.

3. Start Low, Especially if You’re New

You can always go higher next time.

4. Prepare Your Mind

Your mindset—often called “set”—influences the tone of the trip.

5. Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Light snacks and water help maintain physical comfort.

6. Avoid Mixing Substances

Combining shrooms with alcohol or other drugs increases risks.

Are Shrooms Safe? Understanding Risks and Benefits

While psilocybin is considered physically safe with low addiction potential, it is still a powerful psychedelic and must be approached responsibly.

Potential Risks

• Anxiety or panic 
• Challenging trips 
• Disorientation 
• Emotional overwhelm 
• Rarely: HPPD (Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder) 

These risks are higher with poor preparation or high doses.

Potential Benefits

Research and recent clinical trials highlight psilocybin’s potential for:

• Depression relief 
• Anxiety reduction 
• Addiction treatment support 
• PTSD symptom improvement 
• Increased emotional openness 
• Enhanced life satisfaction 

Many people use shrooms in guided therapeutic settings to maximize these benefits.

How Long Do Shrooms Last Compared to Other Psychedelics?

Understanding how shrooms stack up against other substances helps contextualize the timeline:

Shrooms sit comfortably in the middle—long enough for a deep journey but not an all-day commitment.

How to Know When Shrooms Have Worn Off

Signs the effects are fading:

• Visual distortions disappear 
• Judgment and clarity return 
• Emotional intensity decreases 
• Physical sensations normalize 
• Sense of reality stabilizes 

If you’re still feeling strong effects after 8+ hours, dosage or potency likely played a role.

Final Thoughts: How Long Do Shrooms Last?

To summarize the key points:

• A shroom trip lasts 4–6 hours on average 
• Onset begins within 20–60 minutes 
• Aftereffects can linger 12–24 hours 
• Most drug tests do not screen for psilocybin 
• When tested, shrooms usually stay detectable for up to 24 hours 
• Hair tests can detect longer but are rarely used 

Understanding how long shrooms last empowers you to plan your experience safely and responsibly.

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References

Web MD. (2023). Psilocybin – Uses, Side Effects, and More. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1654/psilocybin

Santos-Longhurst, A. Medically reviewed by A. Nguyen, PharmD, RPh, CPh, Rare Diseases, Neurology, Psychiatry. (2024, November 4). How Long Shrooms Can Be Detected In a Drug Test, and How Long Psilocybin Stays in Your System. Healthline. Available At: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-do-shrooms-stay-in-your-system

Gashi, L. (2021, January 8). Making “bad trips” good: How users of psychedelics narratively transform challenging trips into valuable experiences. National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33080454/

Dr. Dan Roden, MD