Introduction
If you’re new to psilocybin, one of the first questions you may ask is: how long do shrooms take to kick in? The answer isn’t the same for everyone. Some feel effects in 20 minutes, others closer to an hour. The difference comes down to your body, the type of mushroom, and how you consume it.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the typical timeline of a mushroom experience from the first subtle shifts to the peak and highlight what can make the effects start faster or slower.
What Does “Kicking In” Mean With Shrooms?
When people talk about shrooms “kicking in,” they usually mean the first noticeable effects:
- Colors may look brighter.
- Music may feel deeper.
- A sense of anticipation or nervous energy may rise.
This isn’t the peak of the experience yet. It’s the transition period where psilocybin is being absorbed and converted into psilocin, the active compound that interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain.
Typical Onset Timeline
In clinical studies, the average onset time for psilocybin mushrooms is 20-40 minutes. Peak effects usually occur at 60-120 minutes and last 4-6 hours.
Factors That Change How Long It Takes
1. Empty vs. Full Stomach
Shrooms often kick in faster on an empty stomach, sometimes in under 20 minutes. A heavy meal can slow digestion, delaying the onset.
2. Preparation Method
- Eating dried mushrooms: 20-40 minutes.
- Shroom tea: often quicker, 10-20 minutes, since active compounds absorb faster in liquid.
- Capsules or edibles: slightly slower, depending on fillers or food.
3. Dosage
Higher doses may feel like they “kick in” faster because the effects rise more sharply.
4. Mushroom Species
Different species contain different levels of psilocybin. For example, Psilocybe cubensis is milder, while Psilocybe azurescens can be up to three times stronger.
5. Body Weight & Metabolism
Everyone processes psilocybin differently. Faster metabolism = quicker onset.
What You Might Feel as They Kick In
As psilocybin takes hold, early signs may include:
- A sense of lightness or body “buzz.”
- Visual changes (patterns in textures, brighter colors).
- A wave of energy, excitement, or even nervousness.
For some, this stage can feel a little overwhelming. But usually, once the peak arrives, the trip feels more stable.
Comparison With Other Substances
- LSD (acid): Onset 30-60 minutes, peak at 2-3 hours.
- MDMA (ecstasy): Onset 30-45 minutes, peak at 1-2 hours.
- Cannabis (THC): Onset within minutes when smoked; 30-90 minutes when eaten.
Shrooms fall somewhere in the middle not as fast as smoking cannabis, but quicker than LSD.
Safety Considerations During Onset
The come-up is when anxiety or nausea is most likely. Researchers note that set (your mindset) and setting (your environment) strongly shape whether this stage feels smooth or rough .
Simple tips that make the onset gentler:
- Stay hydrated.
- Be in a calm, safe place.
- Have a trusted, sober sitter nearby.
Summary: How Long Do Shrooms Take to Kick In?
So, how long do shrooms take to kick in? For most people, 20-40 minutes. Sometimes as fast as 15 minutes (especially with tea), sometimes up to an hour if eaten with food. Peak effects come around 1-2 hours, and the full journey lasts 4-6 hours.
The beginning of the trip can feel exciting, strange, or even a little uneasy, but it’s just the gateway into the full psilocybin experience.