First time taking shrooms? Here’s everything you need to know
One question most first time users of magic mushrooms wonder is how long they will experience their trip for. It’s both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. Whilst there’s no definitive answer to be given, some steps can be taken to feel more in control of your first experience.
Table of Contents:
- How to have a good mushroom trip
- How long do shrooms take to kick in?
- How long does a mushroom trip last?
- Can a trip be shortened if needed?
- What to expect from Shrooms ?
How to have a good mushroom trip?
Having a good trip when taking shrooms depends on a whole variety of factors. Sometimes it can be completely out of your hands but by taking these steps you can try to influence your experience to some extent.
Make sure you have found the Right Environment
This is one of the most important factors, alongside being with a trusted companion. If you find yourself experiencing negative feelings, having a reliable friend can make all the difference in turning those feelings around.
Choose the Amount Wisely
Luckily, having an overdose will most likely not end in death. Instead, you could experience some painful (and scary) side effects, such as vomiting or psychosis. Most users start off by taking a small amount and build their way up. Generally, one gram of psilocybin for an adult is sufficient, but this can vary depending on the type of shroom being consumed.
Avoid having a Full Stomach
Once the shrooms have been ingested, it can cause queasiness. Therefore, having a relatively empty stomach will hopefully keep those feelings at bay. With that being said – make sure you have enough food and water ready at hand for later on.
Shape your experience an Overall Comfort
Make sure to be dressed comfortably, and be in a place with people who you know and trust. By following some of these guidelines you can try to minimize the risk of having a bad trip.
How long do shrooms take to kick in?
When shrooms are ingested, the psilocybin converts to psilocin. This is the chemical which then causes psychoactive effects.
Typically, after being eaten, it can take around 20-40 minutes to start feeling some changes. In some cases, it can take up to two hours before any real effects are felt.
Factors that may affect the response time are
- The type of Mushroom
- How much has been taken.
- How the Shrooms have been consumed.
Eating the mushrooms directly is the most common way however, some people prefer to drink them in tea, as this takes away the taste. One belief is that mixing the shrooms with a glass of lemon (called lemon tek) can increase the speed in which the effects start taking place.
As mentioned before, how full your stomach is can also play a role in the time it takes for the shrooms to work their way into your system.
How long does a mushroom trip last?
A magic mushroom trip can typically last anywhere between three to eight hours. Once the 12-hour mark has passed, most of the trip should have passed, however, some effects may still be felt up to 24 hours later and even in the days following.

Many of the points mentioned earlier can also influence how long the trip lasts. Take into consideration that the freshness of the shrooms can increase or decrease the trip time depending on how quickly they are consumed after being picked.
During a trip, most people experience an altered perception of reality, so the length of time may seem very different from how long it actually is. That is one of the reasons why it is important to take the right steps before consuming the shrooms, as you don’t want to be stranded feeling uncertain and paranoid for what could feel like an eternity.
Can a trip be shortened if needed?
Once you have consumed shrooms, it isn’t possible to completely reverse the effects. You may be able to do things to possibly shorten the trip, however. Some people find eating certain foods or fruit may tamper with how long their trip lasts, but this depends entirely on the person and it takes experience to know what works for each individual.
What to expect from shrooms
Every experience when taking shrooms is different and can affect people in unique ways. Trying to plan how the experience will go is futile, and if anything may make you feel anxious if things don’t go the way you had planned.
The experience can be unnerving, sometimes you’ll feel more in control but it can come and go. The changes in emotions, hallucinations, perception of time and reality will all be altered, and for some people, this can be hard to deal with if it’s something they have never experienced before.
Be clear with yourself before you start. Don’t set high expectations, or try to be in control of the whole experience. The mental state you are in when you take the shrooms will invariably be one of the factors that determine how your trip will be.
During a good trip, you should begin to feel more connected to the earth, other people and factors such as music or colors. Most people describe their experience as spiritual, opening themselves to a higher sense that they might not have been able to access without taking magic mushrooms.
If you find yourself in the middle of a bad trip, it’s important to keep calm and remind yourself that hallucinations, paranoia, and feelings of panic are not real. Turn to your friend for support, and make sure they are clear beforehand on how they should comfort you should things not go to plan.
Bottom Line:
It’s natural to be nervous, especially if it is the first time taking a psychedelic drug. Starting with a small amount, and taking the right steps will ensure that you have taken the right precautions before starting a new experience. Magic mushrooms have been taken for thousands of years, and if used correctly can open a whole new way of feeling and thinking.
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