How Long Do Shrooms Last?

How long do shrooms last? While most people want to know how long the actual experience lasts, some are curious about how long shrooms stay in your system, the shelf life of magic mushrooms, or how long they stay potent. If you want answers to any of these questions, we’ve got you covered.

Disclaimer: Psychedelics are largely illegal substances, and we do not encourage or condone their use where it is against the law. However, we accept that illicit drug use occurs and believe that offering responsible harm reduction information is imperative to keeping people safe. For that reason, this document is designed to enhance the safety of those who decide to use these substances.

When someone asks, “how long do shrooms last?” they might be looking to learn about various aspects tied to magic mushrooms. Some want to know about the actual experience, while others are talking about the shelf life of shrooms. While there are many offshoots of this question, we’ll focus on the four common variations of this question:

1. How long does a magic mushroom trip last?
2. How long do psychedelic mushrooms stay in your system?
3. How long to store shrooms and their varying shelf lives? 
4. How long do shrooms stay potent? 

To support all our inquisitive readers, we created this post to answer these questions–and everything else you need to know about how long shrooms last.

We’ll start out with the most pressing question: how long does a magic mushroom experience last?

How Long Is A Shroom Trip?

A psilocybin mushroom experience usually lasts four to six hours, with the effects becoming stronger during the first two hours and reaching their most intense point between the three and four-hour period. The effects then gradually decrease until the experience ends.

Your consumption method is a big factor influencing how long shrooms last, which we’ll cover more in-depth later. In short, a lemon tek might last three to four hours in total, while eating them dried can last four to eight hours. 

Remember that your perception of time can be warped, so you may feel like the trip lasts all day when it’s just a few hours. A helpful technique is to note the “dose-time,” or the time you ingest the mushrooms, to relieve any challenging feelings of disorientation. Knowing exactly what time you took mushrooms allows you to gauge the duration of their experience, even if your perception of time feels altered.

It’s also important to be aware that the intensity of the psychedelic experience will come and go in waves. Therefore, what may seem like the end of the trip might only be a brief pause in the effects, which could become intense again.

Shroom Dosage

While some believe the dosage impacts the length of a mushroom journey, that doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. Whether someone takes 1 gram or an eighth, the length of time will remain largely the same. Other factors like tolerance, consumption method, metabolism, and an empty or full stomach impact shroom duration more than dosage.

Three Factors That Can Impact The Timeline of Your Mushroom Journey

Three core variables that can make shrooms either last longer or reduce the overall trip length:

1. Method of Consumption:

How you choose to eat your shrooms can greatly impact your trip length and experience. 

For example, lemon tekking – soaking dried, ground psilocybin mushrooms in lemon or lime juice before eating them – can reduce the onset of the mushroom trip from one to two hours to just minutes. The citric acids cause a chemical reaction that breaks down and partially digests the dried shrooms for you, resulting in a shorter onset period, but more pronounced psychedelic experience once ingested.  

With lemon tekking, you can start to feel the effects within 10-45 minutes, and your trip would last for six hours. 

With a lemon tek, you can start to feel the effects within 10-45 minutes, and your trip can last three to four more hours. One member of Third Wave’s community loves lemon tekking because it gives him all the benefits of a mushroom journey in a shorter amount of time. 

He says, “I like to use lemon tek for the quick onset, increased intensity, and shorter duration. While I find the duration of a trip without lemon tek deeply beneficial, I don’t have the time to delve into them regularly. Lemon tek allows for a powerful experience I can fit into a busy schedule. It seems to halve the duration roughly, and I don’t need to take as much to reap the benefits the sacred mushroom has to impart.”

While lemon tekking is popular, other ways to eat shrooms, like mushroom tea or magic mushroom chocolate, also alter the overall trip length. 

The last major factor we’ll share is whether you eat shrooms on an empty or full stomach. Eating them on an empty stomach usually results in a quicker onset time, about 30-60 minutes, thus a shorter overall trip. On a full stomach, it might take 1-2 hours to feel the shrooms’ effects as they compete with other substances in your stomach.

2. Set & Setting:

Your set is your “mindset” before taking the trip, while your setting is your actual physical surroundings. Both can impact how long your mushroom trips last – or how long it feels like it’s lasting. 

Because mushrooms can warp your sense of time, an enjoyable moment may fly by, while a stressful thought that lasts only 30 seconds might feel endless. Trips can heighten all your emotions, so the overall goal of your set and setting is to be in a good physical and mental space before getting started.

3. Tolerance:

It’s possible to develop a tolerance for magic mushrooms, but that depends on if you are using the same type or trying different ones. Tolerance does not typically affect the trip length, however it does affect the intensity.

Developing a tolerance can cause you to increase your dosage to achieve your desired trip. You can increase your dosage. However, you need to be cautious when doing so. If you consume too much, you put yourself at risk of having an experience that is challenging to navigate.

There is also something referred to as short-term tolerance, or tachyphylaxis, which can develop if you attempt to take the same trip too soon after your last one. Your tolerance can also be associated with weight and your overall health.

How Long Do Shrooms Stay In Your System?

The human body breaks down magic mushrooms relatively quickly. Trips subside in about six hours, but the metabolites can stay in your system for up to 24 hours. However, they’re unlikely to show up on a drug test. 

How long shrooms last in your system will vary depending on: 

• The kind of mushrooms you’re consuming
• The amount of mushrooms consumed
• The method you used to consume your mushrooms
• Your metabolism and body composition
• If you consumed mushrooms on a full or empty stomach
• How frequently and consistently you eat mushrooms 

How Long Do Mushrooms Last in Storage?

The longevity of your shrooms–psilocybin or otherwise–will vary depending on how you store them. 

• Refrigerator: The typical shelf life of raw mushrooms is around 5-7 days if stored in the refrigerator. However, if they’ve been sliced, they’ll last only 1-2 days. This method also applies to magic mushrooms. Magic mushrooms can stay in the fridge for almost two weeks at 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Room temperature: If your raw mushrooms are left out, their shelf life is reduced by about 8 hours per hour of exposure. Mushrooms usually last 1-2 days at room temperature. 
• Freezer: It’s best to freeze mushrooms once cooked instead of fresh due to their high moisture content. If you freeze raw mushrooms, they become mushy once they thaw. Cooked mushrooms can last up to 9 months if stored in the freezer. In the case of magic mushrooms, you can freeze them, but only if they’re 100% dry. If you freeze magic mushrooms without drying them, it causes the mushrooms to lose their potency.  
• Dried: Dried mushrooms can last at least a year if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and non-humid area.
• Canned: The only exception to keeping mushrooms at room temperature is if you buy them canned. In that case, you can store them in your cupboard for a long time without problems.

How to Store Your Mushrooms

The optimal storage method depends on when you plan to consume your mushrooms and whether or not your mushrooms are fresh or dried.

Fresh Mushrooms: 

If you bought or picked your mushrooms fresh, and want to eat them soon, keep them whole in the fridge without cleaning or cutting them. Avoid using plastic bags or sealed containers when storing mushrooms, since a lack of airflow will cause them to spoil quickly.

Dried Mushrooms: 

Dried shrooms can last up to at least a year in storage. Keep them in an airtight environment without heat, light, or moisture exposure. Since plastic lets air in faster, use a more airtight container like a glass jar. To help keep moisture out of the air, tape a desiccant, like silica gel packets, to the top of the jar.

Three Methods to Dry Mushrooms:

1. Air-Drying Mushrooms:

Air-drying is the simplest way to dry mushrooms, requiring almost no special tools or setup beforehand. However, this process is only successful in environments with a humidity level of 55% or less and can take up to two days. 

To air-dry mushrooms, lay them out on a wire rack or a cloth so they can dry evenly on all sides. You may need to flip the mushrooms over a few times.

Keep checking your mushrooms periodically during the drying process until they are dry enough to snap when bent.

To make the process faster, consider using a fan to increase air circulation.

2. Dehydrator:

Using a dehydrator will ensure that the mushrooms dry out evenly in less time while reducing the chances of contamination.

Dehydrate for four to eight hours, checking every hour, until the mushrooms are completely dried.

3. Oven Dry Mushrooms

If you don’t have a food dehydrator, you can also use the oven to dry your mushrooms. Ensure the temperature is not higher than 110°F to keep the psychoactive compounds intact.

The process may take a bit longer than a dehydrator. Check the mushrooms regularly and turn them over until they are completely dry. 

Mushrooms should be breakable when they have been fully dried. If they snap easily, then they are finished. If the pieces bend, then they aren’t completely dry.

Canning Mushrooms

Another way of preserving fresh mushrooms is by canning them in jars with olive oil and other ingredients that give them flavor. 

You can also preserve psychedelic mushrooms in liquid honey, known as “shroom honey” or “blue honey.” This technique has been used as a natural preservative for thousands of years. Honey draws moisture from the mushrooms through osmosis, and its high sugar content protects against bacterial contamination.

How Long Do Magic Mushrooms Stay Potent?

When it comes to the potency of magic mushrooms, the way they are stored can have a significant impact on their shelf life.

Fresh mushrooms are delicate and can be difficult to store for long periods. If you plan on consuming fresh mushrooms, it’s best to do so within a few days of purchase. If you do need to store them, keeping them whole in the refrigerator will help to preserve their potency and freshness for up to a week.

On the other hand, dried mushrooms can last for years if they are stored properly. Once the mushrooms have been harvested, they are typically dried out to prevent them from spoiling.

When stored correctly, dried magic mushrooms can retain their potency for up to two years or longer. The key to keeping them potent is to store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Exposure to moisture, heat, or light can cause the psilocybin in the mushrooms to degrade, reducing their potency over time.

It’s worth noting that even though dried magic mushrooms can last for years, their potency can still diminish over time. So if you’re planning to consume them, it’s best to use them within a year or two of purchase to ensure maximum potency.

Ultimately, the best way to ensure that your psychedelic mushrooms remain potent is to store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from moisture and light.

How Can You Tell If Mushrooms Are Spoiled?

• Mold: When you store fresh mushrooms in a container or incorrectly store dried mushrooms, they decompose and form fuzzy, white, black, or brown spots. 
• Slimy: If your mushrooms are slimy, soggy, or wet when you touch them, it’s best to throw them out (or compost them!). 
• Smell: Odor is probably one of the best ways to tell if your mushrooms have gone bad. Fresh mushrooms usually do not have a strong scent, so if they smell bad, they are likely spoiled.

Psychedelic Mushroom Type

When it comes to consuming psychedelic mushrooms, the variety of mushroom you choose can have a significant impact on your trip experience. The potency of the mushroom, along with its chemical composition, can influence the duration, intensity, and nature of the experience.

Penis Envy mushrooms, for example, are known to be one of the most potent strains of psilocybin mushrooms available. With a higher concentration of psilocybin, this strain can produce a more intense and longer-lasting trip than other types of mushrooms.

On the other hand, strains like Golden Teacher mushrooms, Wavy Aaps, and Psilocybe cinctulus are generally considered to be less potent and may produce a milder experience.

However, the potency of a mushroom can also vary depending on a range of factors such as the growing conditions, harvesting time, and even the drying process.

And regardless of the strain, every individual’s reaction to psychedelic mushrooms can vary greatly. Factors such as body weight, metabolism, and mental state can all influence the effects of psilocybin mushrooms.

Are Magic Mushrooms Legal?

For the most part, psilocybin mushrooms are illegal. But some countries have made mushrooms almost completely legal, while others are taking steps towards legalization. It is essential to be aware of the laws and regulations in your county, state, or country when consuming or growing mushrooms.

Two states, Colorado and Oregon, have made shrooms legal in the United States for specific medical usage. Also, around 13 counties in the U.S. have decriminalized them. 

Read our guide to the legality of mushrooms here.

Continue Your Mushroom Journey

So we’ve covered it! Now you know how long mushrooms last in various storage types, how long a mushroom trip lasts (or feels like it’s lasting), and how long mushrooms can stay in your system. 

Of course, there’s much more to learn about these fantastic fungi. Psilocybin mushrooms offer an incredible opportunity to dive deep into self-reflection, personal growth, and exploring the human condition. 

If you’re interested in experiencing a personal mushroom journey for healing and transformation, Third Wave’s Mushroom Growing Kit provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to cultivating, harvesting, and using psychedelic mushrooms. Our home-grow kit includes a course that will show you how to grow mushrooms in the comfort of your own home–giving you peace of mind regarding their cleanliness, purity, and safety. 

There’s no better way to enjoy the mushroom experience than growing your own. Just store them properly so your hard work lasts as long as possible! 

Start growing with Third Wave.

References:

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2. Dinis-Oliveira, R. J. (2017, January 31). Metabolism of Psilocybin and Psilocin: Clinical and Forensic Toxicological Relevance. PubMed. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28074670/ 
3. Blossom Analysis. (n.d.). The Metabolism of Psilocybin in the Body. Retrieved from https://blossomanalysis.com/the-metabolism-of-psilocybin-in-the-body/ 
4. Gotvaldová, K., Hájková, K., Borovička, J., Jurok, R., Cihlářová, P., & Kuchař, M. (2020, November 4). Stability of Psilocybin and Its Four Analogs in the Biomass of the Psychotropic Mushroom Psilocybe cubensis. PubMed. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33119971/ 
5. Bogusz, M. J., Maier, R. D., Schäfer, A. T., & Erkens, M. (1998). Honey with Psilocybe Mushrooms: A Revival of a Very Old Preparation on the Drug Market? PubMed. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9587797/ 
6. Eurofins Food Testing. (n.d.). Mushrooms and Food Pathogen Risk. Retrieved from https://www.eurofinsus.com/food-testing/resources/mushrooms-and-food-pathogen-risk/ 
7. Colorado Secretary of State. (2022, February 4). ARTICLE 170 NATURAL MEDICINE HEALTH ACT of 2022. Retrieved from https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/filings/2021-2022/58Final.pdf 
8. Oregon Health Authority. (n.d.). Oregon Psilocybin Services. Retrieved from https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PREVENTIONWELLNESS/Pages/Oregon-Psilocybin-Services.aspx