Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, have been used for centuries across various cultures for spiritual, medicinal, and recreational purposes. These fungi are well-known for their ability to alter perception, mood, and cognition, making them a significant part of both ancient traditions and modern psychedelic research.
One of the most common questions people ask is: “Do you have to chew shrooms?” The short answer is no—while chewing is a traditional method, there are multiple ways to consume magic mushrooms. Each method affects how long they take to kick in, their intensity, and how long they last.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
Let’s dive into the best ways to consume magic mushrooms and what to expect when they kick in.
Chewing is one of the most traditional and direct ways to consume psilocybin mushrooms. When you chew raw or dried shrooms, psilocybin is released and absorbed through the oral mucosa and digestive system, leading to a faster onset of effects.
However, chewing raw mushrooms has its downsides:
For those who dislike the taste or nausea, there are alternative ways to consume shrooms that still offer fast and effective absorption.
Shroom tea is one of the most popular methods for consuming psilocybin mushrooms without the unpleasant taste or digestive discomfort of eating them raw.
How long does shroom tea take to kick in?
Many users prefer shroom tea because:
How to Make Shroom Tea
Shroom tea is an excellent alternative if you’re looking for a fast, nausea-free experience.
Capsules provide a measured and convenient way to consume magic mushrooms, particularly for those interested in microdosing.
Capsules are ideal for those who:
How long do shroom capsules take to kick in?
Microdosing capsules allow users to enhance creativity, focus, and mood without a full psychedelic experience.
Infusing shrooms into chocolates, gummies, or baked goods masks the bitter taste and makes consumption more enjoyable. However:
How long do shroom chocolates take to kick in?
While edibles provide a delicious and convenient way to take shrooms, they require patience since the onset is delayed.
Lemon tekking is a potent technique where ground shrooms are soaked in lemon juice before consumption.
Why Does Lemon Tek Work Faster?
The citric acid pre-converts psilocybin into psilocin, the compound responsible for psychedelic effects. This bypasses digestion, leading to rapid absorption.
Best for experienced users who want a stronger trip.
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The time it takes for shrooms to kick in depends heavily on how they are consumed, the dosage, and individual factors like metabolism and whether you’ve eaten beforehand. Understanding the onset time for different consumption methods is crucial to ensuring a safe and controlled experience.
When chewing raw or dried magic mushrooms, the effects usually begin within 15 to 45 minutes. However, if taken on a full stomach, shrooms can take longer to kick in, sometimes over an hour. The onset time for chewed shrooms varies depending on how thoroughly they are broken down, as the body needs to digest the mushroom material before psilocybin is absorbed. Some people wonder, “Do you have to chew shrooms for them to work?” The answer is no—while chewing may speed up absorption through the oral mucosa, it is not the only way to consume magic mushrooms effectively.
For those who prefer a smoother come-up, shroom tea is a great alternative. The liquid form allows for faster absorption, often leading to effects kicking in within 15 to 30 minutes. Many users report that shroom tea reduces nausea since the mushroom fibers, which can cause digestive discomfort, are left behind in the straining process. The onset of effects is typically faster than eating whole mushrooms, making this one of the most efficient ways to take psilocybin mushrooms.
If you’re using shroom capsules, the onset time is slightly delayed compared to chewing or drinking tea. Because capsules must pass through digestion, it usually takes 30 to 60 minutes for the effects to become noticeable. This method is favored for its discreet nature, precise dosing, and lack of bitter taste. Many people new to psychedelics also use capsules for microdosing, as they allow for controlled, sub-perceptual effects without a full psychedelic trip.
For those consuming shrooms in edibles, like chocolates or gummies, the time it takes for shrooms to hit is typically longer. Since the psilocybin must first be digested along with the food, onset can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. This delayed absorption can sometimes lead to overconsumption, as new users may assume the shrooms aren’t working and take more before the first dose fully kicks in. This is why it’s always recommended to wait at least 2 hours before redosing to avoid an unexpectedly intense trip.
One of the fastest ways to feel the effects of shrooms is Lemon Tekking. This method involves soaking ground mushrooms in lemon juice before consumption, allowing the citric acid to convert psilocybin into psilocin—the active compound responsible for psychedelic effects. Many users report that Lemon Tek makes shrooms kick in as quickly as 10 to 20 minutes and that the effects feel stronger but shorter-lasting than traditional ingestion methods. Because of this intensified experience, Lemon Tek is generally recommended for experienced users rather than beginners.
So, how long do shrooms take to peak? Regardless of the method used, most people reach the peak of their trip between 1 and 3 hours after ingestion. The duration of a psilocybin trip typically lasts 4 to 6 hours, but some methods, such as edibles, can extend the experience to 7 hours or more. Individual factors such as body weight, metabolism, and stomach contents can also influence how long it takes for mushrooms to work and how long they last.
By understanding how long it takes for magic mushrooms to kick in based on different methods of consumption, you can make informed decisions about dosage and experience length. Whether you prefer chewing shrooms, drinking tea, taking capsules, or experimenting with Lemon Tek, knowing the expected onset time helps ensure a safe, enjoyable, and well-prepared psychedelic journey.
The short answer: No, you don’t have to chew shrooms.
While chewing is traditional, alternative methods like tea, edibles, and lemon tek provide different experiences in terms of onset time, intensity, and duration.
Whichever method you choose, understanding how long shrooms take to kick in will help you have a safer, more controlled experience.
If you ever feel overwhelmed during a trip, remember that it will pass. Having a trusted sitter can help ground you.
Whether you chew, brew tea, or lemon tek your shrooms, each method has unique benefits. Understanding how long it takes for shrooms to work can make all the difference in your psychedelic experience.
Consuming magic mushrooms can be a transformative experience, but it also comes with risks that require careful consideration. At Asana Recovery, we understand the importance of education and safety when exploring substances like psilocybin. Whether you’re seeking clarity about your experiences or need guidance in addressing substance use concerns, we offer compassionate, evidence-based support tailored to your journey.
Our expert team provides a safe, judgment-free environment to help you navigate challenges, find balance, and achieve your recovery goals. If you or a loved one are exploring psilocybin or dealing with related challenges, contact Asana Recovery today to learn more about our personalized treatment options. Let us help you move toward a healthier, more empowered future.
We get it. Addiction recovery is tough. That’s why our programs are founded and staffed by people in recovery – people who truly understand.
No, chewing shrooms is not necessary for them to be effective. While chewing helps break down the mushroom fibers, releasing psilocybin faster into your system, other methods like shroom tea, capsules, edibles, and Lemon Tek also allow psilocybin to be absorbed. Some users prefer alternatives because chewing raw mushrooms can cause nausea or an unpleasant taste.
The onset time for magic mushrooms varies depending on the method of consumption:
No matter the ingestion method, shrooms typically peak 1 to 3 hours after consumption. This peak is when visual distortions, changes in perception, and heightened emotions are most intense. The total trip duration lasts between 4 and 6 hours, but edibles and higher doses can extend the experience up to 7 hours or more.
Yes, you can swallow shrooms whole, but it’s not the most effective method. Whole mushrooms take longer to digest, which may delay the onset of effects. Grinding or chewing shrooms helps break down the fungal material, making psilocybin easier to absorb. If you dislike chewing, consider capsules, tea, or edibles for a smoother experience.
The fastest way to feel the effects of shrooms is Lemon Tekking. By soaking ground magic mushrooms in lemon juice for 15–20 minutes before consuming them, the citric acid converts psilocybin into psilocin, the active form responsible for psychedelic effects. This pre-digestion process results in shrooms kicking in within 10–20 minutes—much faster than traditional ingestion.
If your shrooms aren’t kicking in, it could be due to several factors:
To speed up absorption, some users opt for Lemon Tek, tea, or taking shrooms on an empty stomach. However, always wait at least two hours before redosing to avoid taking too much.
The effects of shrooms typically last between 4 and 6 hours, though this can vary depending on dose, metabolism, and consumption method.
Yes, but shrooms take longer to kick in on a full stomach. Eating before consuming mushrooms delays absorption, meaning you may not feel effects for up to 2 hours. Many users prefer to take shrooms on an empty stomach or after a light meal to ensure a quicker onset and smoother trip.
To avoid tolerance buildup, it’s best to wait at least one to two weeks between trips. Psilocybin tolerance develops quickly, meaning taking shrooms too frequently can diminish effects. Waiting allows your serotonin receptors to reset, ensuring a full experience each time.
To intensify your experience, consider:
To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, avoid:
A shroom trip usually unfolds in the following stages:
Eating a light meal before taking shrooms can reduce nausea while still allowing for a fast onset of effects. However, a heavy meal can slow absorption, leading to a delayed onset. Some users prefer to take shrooms on an empty stomach for a quicker and stronger experience.
Because shroom edibles must be fully digested first, they take longer to kick in than chewing or drinking tea. The typical onset time is 1 to 2 hours, depending on metabolism and whether you’ve eaten beforehand.
It’s not recommended to take shrooms on consecutive days because tolerance builds quickly. If you take shrooms two days in a row, the second dose will likely be much weaker. Waiting at least one week between trips allows your serotonin receptors to reset, ensuring a full-strength experience.
If you want to enhance your trip, consider:
If you don’t feel the effects of shrooms, it could be due to:
If after two hours you still don’t feel effects, don’t immediately take more—instead, wait until your next session and adjust your dosage or method.
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