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How long do shrooms last? Answering this question will help you design the best possible experience for yourself.
What Are Shrooms?
Shrooms, short for psychedelic mushrooms, are fungi that contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin. There are over 180 species of psilocybin mushrooms, each with varying levels of potency and psychedelic effects.
The most common types include Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe semilanceata, and Psilocybe azurescens. Experienced psychonauts also tend to favor the infamous penis envy mushrooms for their potency and duration.
The Shroom Experience
The typical psychedelic experience is marked by an initial feeling of euphoria, as the boundaries of reality soften and a sense of wonder takes hold. Vivid colors become more saturated, and patterns may pulse or breathe with life, revealing the hidden depth in the world around you.
As the peak approaches, waves of emotion and insight can wash over you, sometimes bringing profound revelations or a deep sense of interconnectedness with all living things. It's not uncommon for laughter to spill out, as the sheer absurdity and beauty of life become overwhelmingly clear.
As the peak subsides, a reflective calm often follows, allowing for introspection and a renewed appreciation for the simplicity of existence. This period of afterglow is a time to integrate the lessons learned, with many reporting a lasting sense of peace and an altered perspective on life's challenges.
Keep in mind that every psychedelic experience is unique and can drastically vary. If you want to have a specific kind of psychedelic experience, it can help to set an intention for that experience before ingesting. Then, let go of all expectations and allow the experience to happen.
The more you can stay out of your head or mental ideas (including trying to make sense of what you're experiencing or trying to get to a certain experience) will help you get the most out of your experience.
Duration of Effects: How Long Do Shrooms Last?
Onset can start within 20 to 40 minutes of ingestion, with the entire experience lasting anywhere from four to six hours. However, this can vary widely based on several factors.
Dosage is a significant factor, with higher doses leading to longer and more intense experiences. The strain of mushroom also affects potency and duration, with some species known for their extended trips. An individual's metabolism and digestive system can speed up or slow down the process as well. People with faster metabolisms may find their experiences are shorter, while those with slower metabolisms might prepare for a longer journey.
The settingāthe physical spaceāand the user's mental state, or mindset, can profoundly affect the duration and nature of a shroom trip. A comfortable, familiar environment and a relaxed, open mindset can facilitate a smoother experience, potentially affecting how the brain perceives the passage of time.
How Long Shrooms Can Be Detected in the Body
After the psychedelic journey ends, traces of psilocybin remain detectable in the body. The detection time for shrooms varies depending on the type of drug test used.
Urine tests, the most common form of drug screening, can typically detect psilocybin for up to 24 hours after use.
However, for heavy or frequent users, this window may extend slightly longer. Blood tests have a shorter detection span, usually up to several hours post-consumption, while hair follicle tests can potentially detect psilocybin for up to 90 days, reflecting usage over a more extended period.
Safety and Legal Considerations
When it comes to safety, we advocate for harm reduction practices. This includes educating oneself on the effects of shrooms, starting with lower doses, and having a sober sitter present during the experience. It's also essential to consider the setting, ensuring it's a place where you feel safe and comfortable.
The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies globally, with some countries having decriminalized or legalized their use, while others maintain strict prohibitions. In the United States, psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I substance under federal law, though some cities and states have taken steps toward decriminalization and research into therapeutic uses.