How Long Does a Psychedelic Experience Last? Do You Need Multiple Experiences?

So, you’re curious about psychedelics, particularly psilocybin-containing truffles, right?

It’s normal to have a mix of excitement and nerves before your first session. I’ve been there, and I’m here to guide you through it.

This blog is all about understanding two key aspects: how long a psychedelic session lasts and how many sessions you might need. We’ll focus mainly on psilocybin truffles, but I’ll also touch on other psychedelics like LSD and MDMA for comparison.

I remember my first time with psilocybin – a mix of awe and uncertainty. I’ll share some of these moments to give you a real feel for what to expect. So, let’s dive in and demystify the duration and frequency of psychedelic sessions!

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Part 1: Unraveling the Duration of Psychedelic Sessions

Psilocybin-Containing Truffles

Let’s start with the star of the show: psilocybin-containing truffles. Typically, a session with these little gems lasts between 4 to 6 hours. But remember, ‘typical’ can vary widely based on individual sensitivity, setting, and even your mindset going in.

I recall my first encounter with psilocybin truffles. I was in a calm, serene setting, which I believe played a big part in the experience. The first hour was a gradual build-up, kind of like the slow climb of a roller coaster. Then, for the next couple of hours, I was in the heart of the experience – vivid colours, deep emotional insights, and a sense of connection. It was around the 4-hour mark when I noticed things beginning to taper off, returning to my normal state by the 6th hour.

What’s crucial to know is that each journey is unique. Some might find the experience shorter, others longer. It’s not just a clock ticking; it’s an individual dance with time.

Lemon Tekking

Now, let’s talk about a fascinating twist: lemon tekking. This method involves soaking the truffles in lemon or lime juice before consumption.

Why do this? The acidic environment starts to break down the psilocybin, converting it to psilocin – the compound that actually produces the psychedelic effects.

So, how does this affect duration? Lemon tekking can intensify the experience and shorten the overall duration. Instead of a 4- to 6-hour journey, you might be looking at 3- to 4 hours. It’s like taking the express train to the psychedelic state and back.

During our guided sessions at FLO coaching, we often use lemon tekking. Participants described the onset as quicker and more intense but noticed the experience tapering off sooner than usual. It’s a trade-off – intensity for duration.

In short, psilocybin-containing truffles offer a journey of 4 to 6 hours, but with variables like lemon tekking, your mileage may vary. Understanding this helps set expectations and prepares you for the journey ahead.

While psilocybin truffles offer a unique experience, it’s insightful to compare them with other psychedelics. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right path for your journey.

LSD

LSD sessions are typically longer than psilocybin. They can last anywhere from 8 to 12 hours. Unlike the gradual onset of psilocybin, LSD often kicks in more abruptly. Imagine you’re gently wading into the ocean with psilocybin; with LSD, it’s more like a sudden drop into deep waters.

Conversely, my experience is that the second half (about the last 4 hours) of the LSD experience is a more gradual coming back to reality than the quicker return with psilocybin truffles.

Mescaline

Mescaline, derived from cacti like Peyote and San Pedro, offers a duration similar to LSD, around 10 to 12 hours. The onset is slower, akin to psilocybin, but the journey tends to be more grounded and earthy. Think of it as a long hike through a vividly colourful landscape full of sensory details and emotional revelations.

MDMA

Now, MDMA, popularly known for its empathogenic effects, typically lasts about 4 to 6 hours. It’s closer to psilocybin in terms of duration but differs significantly in experience. MDMA often brings a rush of euphoria and a strong feeling of connection with others. It’s less about a visual journey and more about emotional and social bonding.

Ketamine

Lastly, ketamine offers the shortest duration among these – typically between 1 to 2 hours for a session. It’s quite distinct from the rest, often described as a dissociative experience. It’s akin to stepping out of your usual self and observing the world from a detached perspective. People often describe ketamine sessions as short but profound voyages into the realms of their subconscious.

Each of these substances crafts its own narrative in time and experience. From the long, introspective journey of LSD to the brief, introspective dive of ketamine, your choice depends on what kind of story you’re looking to live and learn from.

Note that currently, only truffles are legal in The Netherlands outside of the medical context (ketamine is also only available to a few hundred people per year in the medical context).

Part 2: The Journey of Multiple Sessions

One session is often enough to catalyze significant personal revelations

When it comes to psilocybin truffles, there’s a common misconception that one needs numerous sessions to achieve profound insights.

From my coaching experience, I’ve found that one well-prepared session is often enough to catalyze significant personal revelations and emotional breakthroughs.

This isn’t just anecdotal. Research in the field of psychedelic therapy often varies between using one or two psilocybin sessions. Studies have shown that even a single session, when conducted with proper preparation and set in a supportive environment, can lead to lasting positive changes in attitudes, behaviours, and overall well-being.

That said, the number of sessions that will be most beneficial can vary from person to person.

Some individuals find that a single session provides them with the clarity or shift in perspective they were seeking. Others might opt for a second session to deepen their understanding or explore different aspects of their psyche. At FLO Coaching, we see significant changes after one session and rarely see someone for a second session within the first year.

It’s important to note that more isn’t always better.

The key is in the quality of the experience and the integration of insights into one’s daily life. The space between sessions, if any are undertaken, allows for reflection, assimilation of experiences, and application of newfound understanding in everyday living.

While multiple sessions can offer a layered exploration of consciousness, a single, well-conducted psilocybin session can be incredibly powerful and transformative, especially with the proper preparation and mindset.

Frequency and Spacing of Sessions

There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule

When we discuss the frequency and spacing of psychedelic sessions, particularly with substances like psilocybin truffles, there’s no one-size-fits-all schedule.

Typically, in the broader psychedelic community, people might engage in these experiences once every year, a few times a year, or even once every few years. This variance largely depends on individual needs, life circumstances, and the depth of insights they seek to gain.

In the realm of research, especially studies focusing on the therapeutic use of psychedelics, the approach to spacing sessions is quite specific.

Typically, when two sessions are involved, they are spaced relatively close together, often within a few weeks. This approach can be seen more as a complete course of treatment rather than separate, standalone experiences. The focus here is less on integrating lessons into daily life between sessions and more on a cumulative effect where the second session builds on the first.

For personal or spiritual growth outside of a research setting, the spacing of sessions should ideally allow ample time for integration.

Integration is the process of assimilating the psychedelic experience into your daily life, making sense of the insights gained, and applying them to your personal growth or healing journey. This can take time, and rushing into another session too soon may not provide enough opportunity for this vital work.

As a coach, I advise clients to reflect deeply on their experiences and give themselves time to understand and implement the lessons learned.

This could mean waiting several months to a year before considering another session. It’s about giving yourself space to grow and evolve with the insights gained, allowing the experience to manifest its benefits in your life fully.

In summary, while research settings might use a closer spacing of sessions, for personal exploration and growth, spacing sessions further apart allows for a deeper and more meaningful process of integrating and applying the insights gained.

Frequency of Other Psychedelics

When considering the frequency and number of sessions with other psychedelics, it’s important to recognize that each substance has its own character and implications for use.

LSD: Given its longer duration and intense nature, LSD sessions are often spaced out more. Users might choose to embark on an LSD journey only once a year. The profound depth and length of each experience generally require a significant integration period.

Mescaline: Similar to LSD, due to its lengthy experience, mescaline sessions are typically infrequent. Users often approach mescaline with a sense of reverence, reserving it for special occasions or periods of significant personal reflection.

MDMA: Used primarily for its empathogenic effects, MDMA is often utilized in a therapeutic context, particularly for trauma or relationship issues. In therapeutic settings, sessions are carefully spaced out, usually several weeks to months apart, to allow for emotional processing and integration.

Ketamine: In clinical settings, ketamine is used in a more regimented schedule, often as part of a structured therapy program for conditions like depression. This can involve a series of sessions over several weeks. Recreational use, however, varies greatly, with some users partaking occasionally and others in more frequent, smaller doses.

Each psychedelic demands respect for its unique effects and potential for personal transformation.

The key lies in understanding these differences and approaching each substance with mindfulness, respect, and a clear intention for the journey ahead.

As we wrap up our exploration into the world of psychedelics, let’s quickly recap what we’ve uncovered.

We delved into the duration of sessions with psilocybin truffles and other psychedelics, understanding that these experiences can range from a few hours to a full day, depending on the substance. We also looked at the frequency and spacing of sessions, highlighting the importance of integration time to fully absorb and apply the insights gained.

Now, it’s your turn to reflect.

Consider how these insights resonate with your personal goals and aspirations. Are you seeking a transformative experience? Do you feel ready to explore your inner world with psychedelics? Remember, each journey is as unique as the individual embarking on it.

If you’re curious to learn more or wondering if a psychedelic session is the right path for you, we’re here to help. At FLO coaching, we offer personalized guidance to ensure your experience is safe, meaningful, and aligned with your personal growth journey. Whether you’re a novice seeking your first experience or looking to deepen your understanding, our coaching services are tailored to meet you where you are.

Interested? Book a free call with us.

Let’s explore together how a guided psychedelic session can open new doors to self-discovery and profound insights. Your journey of transformation and self-awareness is just a conversation away.

Remember, the path to personal growth is not just about the destination; it’s about the journey.

And sometimes, having a knowledgeable guide by your side can make all the difference.

FAQ About Psychedelic Experience Duration & Dosing Frequency