Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, fall under the category of psychedelics, known for their hallucinogenic effects. Contrary to popular belief, psychedelics constitute a specific group of drugs capable of binding to the 5-HT2a serotonin receptor.

These mushrooms contain psilocybin, which, when ingested, gets metabolized into psilocin. Psilocin closely resembles serotonin, a neurotransmitter present in humans, mammals, some insects, and various plants and fungi. Its structural similarity enables psilocin to bond with certain serotonin receptors, notably the 5-HT2a receptor, though the precise mechanism of inducing psychedelic experiences remains not fully understood.

How Long until I feel it?

The onset of magic mushroom effects largely depends on the ingestion method. When consumed as whole mushrooms, effects can take 20-40 minutes to kick in. Conversely, if ground into a powder, mixed with lemon juice, or brewed into tea, effects may manifest much quicker, typically within 5-10 minutes. Other forms like gummies and chocolates generally take 15-30 minutes for onset.

How Long Do they last?

Factors influencing the duration of a shroom trip include dosage, mushroom type, ingestion method, individual traits (such as weight, age), prior use, presence of other drugs, and the surrounding environment. Typically, a trip lasts around 4-8 hours, with the peak occurring around 1-2 hours after ingestion, followed by a gradual decline. The duration may vary due to different factors or experiences of “waves” during the trip.

How is the Comedown?

The comedown from shrooms is often regarded as pleasant compared to other substances. Psilocybin’s non-addictive nature, mainly due to its minimal impact on dopamine receptors, sets it apart. The latter receptors are commonly affected by addictive substances. The descent phase, constituting the latter part of the trip, usually involves introspection and gentle contemplation, providing time to connect thoughts from the trip with sober consciousness.

How Long until psilocybin exits the body?

Shrooms typically exit the body within 24 hours. They are detectable in urine for up to 48 hours, but standard drug tests seldom screen for psilocybin or psilocin. Hair follicle tests may show traces for up to 90 days but are rare in regular screenings.

In essence, while shrooms can have a profound impact during the trip, they are relatively short-lived in the body and rarely detectable in routine drug tests. However, specialized tests may identify them in hair follicles for extended periods.