September 12, 2024
Maarten Lindenbergh
Understanding how long magic mushrooms remain in our system depends on how you look at it. In short, magic mushrooms are traceable in our bodies for about 24 hours. The visual and mental effects of psychedelics - what we call the “trip” - typically last between 4 and 6 hours1. Then there is the after-effect of increased neuroplasticity which can persist for 1-3 weeks2. The effects of the trip, with increased focus, awareness, creativity, empathy, and more, can last a lifetime.
Want to know more about the different factors which influence how long magic mushrooms stay on your systems? We are proud to say that we have, by now, guided many different trips for different individuals. We have written down our findings below.
Dosage will impact the duration of a trip. For a small dose, the effects will seem to ware of sooner (total time 3-5 hours) while a high dose will last a bit longer (4-6 hours). But be aware; unlike many substances, magic mushrooms can't be dosed solely based on body weight. Every individual reacts uniquely to a dose. This is still a big misconception that not many people seem to be aware of.
A small dose might have a bit impact on someone who finds it easy to ‘let go’ and ‘dive deep’. On the other hand, someone that is often caught up in thinking and finds it hard to let go of those thinking patterns, will require a higher dose in order to have the same effects. In our preparation process, we will talk about those topics to find out what the right dosage will be. We also employ a breathwork session to better understand the participants' readiness to ‘let go’ and fully immerse themselves. Lastly, we make use of a booster schedule.
We follow a booster schedule where we start with a moderate dose. After an hour, we can re-dose based on the participants' responses to the first dosage. Dosage matters significantly; while a low dose might yield a 3.5-hour trip, a higher dose can extend the experience to 6 hours or more. Interestingly, research suggests that higher doses lead to deeper insights and more meaningful experiences and are, for example, more effective in combating depression.
The intensity of the trip also depends on 'set' and 'setting'. 'Set' refers to mindset; psychedelics amplify emotions, so mental preparedness is crucial. At Awayk, we prioritise intention setting, and we train participants on how to let go and build a mindset of curiosity and openness. ‘Setting' refers to the external environment and atmosphere, such as the people involved and the location's atmosphere and surroundings. Choosing a serene location, such as a forest house with minimal distractions, enhances the experience. Read more about set and setting, preparation and integration to fully understand their importance.
Before delving into the duration of the effects, let's explore the trip's onset. It typically begins 15 minutes to half an hour after ingestion and is characterised by fluctuating waves of effects. As time elapses, these waves intensify, reaching a peak within an hour. You'll linger at this peak for about an hour before the effects gradually subside over 2 to 4 hours, resulting in a 4 to 6-hour total3.
So, in summary, an average trip on shrooms lasts 4-6 hours, but we don’t recommend driving home afterwards. While the psilocybin, the active component in magic mushrooms, may not be active in your system anymore it will still take time to digest what has been experienced. We always encourage participants to get a head start with integration, so now is a great time to write down the biggest insights or to speak to your guide about the many things that you have experienced.
After 24 hours, the magic mushroom is undetectable in your system. However, the positive effects persist. A trip can bring many new insights that enable a person to look forward to the next phase of their life. And for about three weeks, the brain is experiencing a renewed capability to learn new things, thanks to neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the formation of new neural connections during and after the trip4. Often, change is hard for people, as we like to follow old patterns and hence it is hard to create new pathways. Neuroplasticity changes this fact as it actually allows new connections in the brain. This is partly why psychedelics can be so powerful; they help create real insights and at the same time, neurologically they enable a person to integrate desired changes into daily life! This lasts for around 3 weeks and gives room to create lasting changes in behaviour and thought patterns.
With a well-planned and well-guided integration process, these changes may last a lifetime!
Interested in a psychedelic retreat? See our program here.
