You followed all the steps. Bought your magic mushrooms. Cleared your schedule. Maybe even lit a candle. And then… nothing. No visuals. No shift in consciousness. Just a vague sense of disappointment.
Don’t worry, it’s more common than you think. Let’s unpack the reasons your shrooms might not have hit and how to avoid that next time.
You Might’ve Underdosed
If you’re taking mushrooms for the first time and started small (think: a 0.5g microdose or a low-dose tea), you might not feel much. That’s not a fail, it’s just a gentle intro.
Every person reacts differently, and finding your sweet spot can take a little trial and error.
Did You Wait Long Enough?
Depending on the form, mushrooms can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours to kick in:
- Capsules: Often take longer—up to 90 minutes
- Tea: Quicker onset—about 20–40 minutes
- Dried mushrooms: Typically 45–60 minutes
Resist the urge to “top up” too soon. Always wait 2 full hours before taking more.
Did You Eat Too Much Before?
If you’ve got a belly full of pizza or pancakes, your digestive system might slow everything down. Heavy or fatty meals can blunt the effects or delay the onset.
Try taking shrooms on an empty or lightly filled stomach for better results.
Tolerance Is a Real Thing
If you’ve tripped recently (even once in the past week), your body might still have a built-up tolerance. Psilocybin tolerance spikes quickly and fades within 7–10 days.
If you’re experimenting regularly, give yourself some rest days between doses.
Bad Storage = Bad Experience
Shrooms are sensitive little fungi. Exposure to heat, light, or moisture can degrade potency over time.
If you’ve been storing your stash in a ziplock bag in a sunny drawer, you might be getting less bang for your buck. Store in airtight containers in cool, dark places—like a mason jar in a drawer with a desiccant pack if possible.
Is It the Product Quality?
Not all mushrooms are created equal. Potency can vary widely based on species, batch, drying method, and more.
Sometimes, It’s Just Not the Right Day
Mood, setting, and intention play a big role. If you’re stressed, distracted, or unsure, your body might be subconsciously resisting the experience.
This doesn’t mean shrooms “don’t work on you.” It might just mean you need a different mindset or a different moment.
Final Tip: Start Low, Go Slow, Stay Curious
If your first time didn’t go as planned, don’t sweat it. Psilocybin journeys can be deeply personal and unpredictable and sometimes, subtle is still powerful.
Still have questions? Come chat with us at Electric Avenue on East Broadway in Vancouver, or check out our full lineup of dried shrooms, capsules, edibles, and drinks online.