Do Shrooms Show Up In A Drug Test?

Based on a recent report by think tank RAND, psilocybin mushrooms (also known as “shrooms) are the most psychedelic in the country, even surpassing Molly. In 2023, about 8 million American adults used shrooms, with 12% of people reporting lifetime use and 3.1% admitting to trying them in just the past year.

But with growing popularity comes an important question: Do shrooms show up on drug tests? 

Whether you’re navigating workplace screenings and legal issues or simply curious about how psilocybin interacts with drug tests, it’s a topic worth exploring. In this blog, we’ll look at whether shrooms are typically detectable and what to consider. 

What is Psilocybin and Its Effects on the Body

Psilocybin is the main active compound in magic mushrooms. It’s a naturally occurring psychedelic used for centuries to alter perception and consciousness. Once consumed, your liver converts psilocybin to psilocin, the substance responsible for its mind-altering effects.

Psilocin works by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain. This interaction leads to changes in mood, sensory perception, and how you experience time and reality. It’s why people often report vivid hallucinations, feelings of euphoria, or profound spiritual experiences during a “trip.”

The way psilocybin affects you depends on factors like your physical health, mental state, the dose, and even your environment. Typically, the effects start about 30 minutes after eating shrooms. Sometimes, it’s as quick as 5 to 10 minutes if you drink it as tea. And it can last for four to six hours.

Now, about psilocybe on drug test, note that psilocin doesn’t stay in the body for long — it’s broken down and excreted within about 24 hours.  

Standard Drug Tests and What They Screen For

Now that you know how long do shrooms stay in your system (not long), it’s time to tackle the next big question: Do shrooms show up on drug tests? 

As you learned, psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, is metabolized quickly, making it highly unlikely to show up on a standard drug test. That’s because these tests are designed to detect substances like THC, opioids, cocaine, and amphetamines. 

Here’s a closer look at how standard drug tests work and what they’re screening for:

• Urine Tests. The most commonly used type of test, urine screenings can detect substances like THC or amphetamines for a few days after use.
• Blood Tests. Blood tests are great for detecting current intoxication, with a detection window of just a few hours to a day.
• Saliva Tests. These tests focus on recent use, usually in the past 24 to 48 hours.
• Hair Tests. Hair follicle tests have the longest detection window, identifying drug use over the past 90 days, but they’re less effective for detecting recent or short-term use.

So, unless you’re being specifically tested for psilocybin very soon after taking it, it’s improbable that shrooms will show up on a standard drug test.

Factors That Affect Psilocybin Detection

• Dose Taken. The larger the dose, the more psilocybin and psilocin your body processes, potentially increasing the chance of detection if a test is designed to look for it.
• Frequency of Use. Frequent use may result in slightly longer detection windows since residual metabolites might take more time to clear from the system fully.
• Individual Metabolism. If you have a faster metabolism than average, your body processes substances like psilocin more quickly. This reduces the likelihood of detection.

That said, even if psilocybin is detectable, its short detection window (usually within 24 hours) significantly reduces the chances of it being detected in standard workplace or probationary drug tests. Specialized tests would have to be administered shortly after use to identify psilocybin or psilocin. And this is rarely the case.

Understanding Legal and Personal Considerations

The legal status of psilocybin in the United States is complex and depends on where you live. Federally, psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it’s considered to have a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical use. However, some states and cities are taking steps to rethink these laws.

In 2019, Denver, Colorado, became the first U.S. city to decriminalize psilocybin. Decriminalization doesn’t make it legal but reduces law enforcement’s focus on personal possession. Since then, Oregon and Colorado have legalized psilocybin for therapeutic purposes in specific contexts. Still, in most other states, possession or use of psilocybin remains illegal and can result in serious legal consequences.

If you’re concerned about psilocybin use and drug testing, here are some steps to help you navigate the legal and personal implications:

• Know the Laws Where You Live. Local regulations vary widely. Even in states where psilocybin is legal or decriminalized, restrictions and guidelines apply, and federal law remains in effect.
• Speak with Healthcare Professionals. If you’re worried about how psilocybin might affect you or whether it could appear in a drug test, talk to your doctor. These discussions are confidential and can provide valuable guidance.
• Get Legal Advice. Consult an attorney if you’re facing drug testing as part of legal proceedings or employment policies. They can clarify your rights and advise you on any potential risks.

Conclusion

So, do shrooms show up on drug tests? In most cases, the answer is no. 

As mentioned, the body metabolizes psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, usually within 24 hours. Factors like the dose taken, frequency of use, and individual metabolism can slightly influence detectability. Still, the short detection window makes it unlikely for psilocybin to appear unless a specialized test is conducted soon after use.

While shrooms are indeed gaining popularity, it’s essential to consider their legal and personal implications. Laws around psilocybin vary, with some states moving toward decriminalization or therapeutic legalization. However, in most areas, psilocybin remains a controlled substance, so knowing your local regulations is essential.

Understanding details like how long it takes for shrooms to kick in and how drug tests work can help you navigate these matters with confidence. If you’re concerned about psilocybin use, drug testing, or its impact on your life, reach out to Atlas Treatment Center for guidance and support. Get in touch today!