Do Magic Mushrooms (shrooms) show up on a drug test?

Failing a drug test can lead to consequences that can significantly impact various aspects of life, including employment issues, reputational damage, and legal ramifications. A common question is whether magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, show up on a drug test.

Magic mushrooms are a type of fungi that contain the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. They are used for many different reasons, including recreational use, spiritual practices, and medicinal use. While magic mushrooms are unlikely to show up on standard drug tests, specialized tests can detect their presence under certain circumstances. Here’s a detailed look at how magic mushrooms interact with drug testing methods.

Does a Standard Drug Test Detect Psilocybin?

Most routine drug tests, such as the 5-panel or 10-panel urine tests commonly used by employers or probation offices, do not screen for psilocybin or its metabolite, psilocin. These tests typically focus on more commonly-abused substances like THC (marijuana), cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and PCP.

A standard 5-panel drug test usually tests for:

• Marijuana (THC)
• Cocaine
• Opiates (e.g., heroin, codeine, morphine)
• Amphetamines (including methamphetamine)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

A standard 10-panel drug test usually tests for:

• Amphetamines
• Cocaine
• Marijuana (THC)
• Opiates (e.g., codeine, morphine, heroin)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital)
• Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium)
• Methadone
• Methaqualone
• Oxycodone

Specialized or expanded tests can detect the psychoactive compounds in magic mushrooms, but these tests are less common. Some examples of specialized testing include hair tests, blood tests, fingernail tests, and other urine tests.

Types of Drug Tests & Detection Windows

There are several types of drug tests on which magic mushrooms can be detected. Psilocybin can show up for different amounts of times, depending on the specific test.

• Urine Tests: Short detection window (often up to 24 hours after ingestion).
• Blood Tests: Psilocybin or psilocin are detectable for a short period post-ingestion (up to 15 hours).
• Hair Tests: Can reveal past use since it detects magic mushrooms for up to 3 months.
• Saliva Tests: Detection window is up to 24 hours, but usually shorter compared to urine or blood tests.
• Fingernail: Long detection window of 3-6 months, but can take longer to show up (1-2 weeks).

How Long Do Shrooms Stay in Your System?

Psilocybin is rapidly metabolized into psilocin, which is then cleared from the body within hours. This rapid elimination makes it difficult to detect unless testing occurs soon after ingestion. Typical elimination is a few hours to a couple of days for most casual users.

Many factors contribute to how long magic mushrooms are traceable, such as:

• Dose
• Frequency of use
• Genetics affecting metabolism
• Overall health

The half-life of psilocin has been estimated to be 3 hours, which means it takes about 15 hours for it to be completely eliminated from the body. Therefore, certain drug tests (e.g., urine, blood, saliva) have a shorter detection window.

Hair and fingernails tend to hold on to psilocybin for a longer period of time, which is why these tests have a longer detection window. For example, hair grows at a rate of about one-half inch per month. The standard 1.5-inch hair sample provides a snapshot of drug use over the past 90 days. In fingernails, drugs like psilocybin become incorporated into keratin fibers as the nail grows. This makes them detectable for up to 6 months.

Specialized Mushroom / Psilocybin Testing

In most cases, routine workplace drug tests or probation screenings will not detect magic mushrooms. However, individuals undergoing court-ordered or forensic testing may face specialized tests capable of identifying psilocybin use. Certain professions or high-level clearances might require more extensive testing. Law enforcement or clinical/hospital toxicology tests may include specialized panels that can detect psilocybin.

Common FAQs

Can Shrooms Show Up on a Standard 5/10-Panel Drug Test?

No, shrooms (psilocybin) will not typically show up on a standard 5-panel or 10-panel drug test. Standard drug tests primarily screen for common substances like amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana (THC), opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP). A 10-panel test expands this list to often include substances like benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, and MDMA (ecstasy).

Do Employers Typically Test for Mushrooms?

It is best to check with specific employers on what drug tests they use. Most employer drug tests utilize standard panels like the 5-panel or 10-panel test, which do not test for mushrooms. Employers generally focus their drug testing efforts on substances that are more commonly associated with workplace impairment and that may have legal implications for safety-sensitive positions.

Can Mushroom Coffee or Non-Psychoactive Mushroom Products Trigger a Positive Result?

No, mushroom coffee or non-psychoactive mushroom products will not trigger a positive result for psilocybin (the psychoactive compound in "magic mushrooms") on a standard drug test. Non-psychoactive mushroom products, including most mushroom coffees, are made from functional mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, etc. These mushrooms do not contain psilocybin or psilocin. While unlikely, if a mushroom coffee or non-psychoactive mushroom product were contaminated with psilocybin or another prohibited substance during manufacturing, there could theoretically be a risk. However, reputable brands conduct testing for contaminants.

Are There “Pop-Up” or “False Positive” Issues With Psilocybin?

"Pop-up" detection of psilocybin is unlikely in standard drug tests. It would require a specific test for psilocybin and would generally only be effective for a short period after use (in urine). False positives for psilocybin are rare but can happen, particularly with less specific tests due to potential cross-reactivity with other substances.

How Can Shrooms Be Detected If Not in Standard Panels?

While standard drug tests won't detect shrooms, specialized tests like urine and hair follicle tests can. These tests are typically available through specialized drug testing labs or forensic toxicology labs.

Legal and Safety Considerations

The legal status of psilocybin varies by jurisdiction, with some areas decriminalizing its use while others maintain strict prohibitions. In the United States:

Federal Law:

• Illegal: Under federal law, psilocybin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Schedule I drugs are defined as having a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
• Penalties: Possession of psilocybin is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and large fines for a first offense. Cultivation carries more severe penalties, including a maximum 20-year federal prison sentence and a $1,000,000 fine. Penalties can be doubled if cultivation occurs near a school or other drug-free zone.

Some states and cities have taken steps to decriminalize or legalize psilocybin, including Oregon and Colorado. The movement to reform psilocybin laws is often driven by research into its potential therapeutic benefits for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Still, safety is a concern as psilocybin can lead to panic attacks, psychotic-like episodes, and even death. Magic mushrooms could also lead to toxicity if a poisonous mushroom is accidentally taken instead.

This content is informational, not legal advice. Consult with a law professional if you have specific questions about the legality of magic mushrooms.

Conclusion

Magic mushrooms generally do not show up on standard drug tests due to the exclusion of hallucinogens like psilocybin from routine screening panels. However, specialized and costly tests can detect their presence under specific conditions. If you are concerned about drug testing related to shrooms or substance use in general, consulting a healthcare provider or legal specialist is recommended.