Psychedelic Screening: Marine Corps' Stance On Mushroom Use

While the military does not typically test for mushrooms (psilocin) in standard urinalysis, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) is capable of testing for virtually any illicit drug, including mushrooms, at the request of commanders or law enforcement. Samples may be sent to AFMES in the event of suspicious behavior or self-incrimination, and a positive test result can lead to disciplinary action. Although mushrooms can produce hallucinogenic effects similar to LSD, the compound psilocybin leaves the system quickly, usually within 24 to 72 hours, making it challenging to detect in urine tests.

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The Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) can test for mushrooms

The Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) is the Department of Defense's (DoD) premier forensic toxicology laboratory. It is an accredited laboratory that provides advanced toxicology testing on urine and blood samples. While the military's standard urinalysis does not typically test for mushrooms (psilocin), the AFMES does have the capability to test for virtually any illicit drug, including mushrooms.

The AFMES Division of Forensic Toxicology, located in Dover, Delaware, oversees all military drug testing laboratories, including the Navy Drug Screening Laboratories and the Army/Air Force Forensic Toxicology Drug Testing Laboratories. It performs advanced toxicology testing on urine and blood samples sent to AFMES, which can be used for disciplinary action against service members. Generally, a special request must be made for the AFMES to test a sample, and it may take a few months for the results to be reported back to the command.

Samples are typically sent to AFMES after incidents, such as a member displaying hallucinogenic behavior or self-incrimination in the use of drugs not tested for in the standard urinalysis program. The results of a positive urinalysis for mushrooms (psilocin) will be treated the same as any other positive urinalysis, and can lead to disciplinary action, including Article 15, administrative separation, or court-martial.

It is important to note that the compounds in mushrooms, such as psilocybin, typically leave the system within 48-72 hours, and the effects usually last for 4-8 hours on average. However, the military has been facing concerns regarding the use of hallucinogenic substances, such as LSD, among service members, which has led to changes in drug testing policies and an expansion of testing protocols.

Psilocin is indicative of magic mushroom use

While the military does not typically test for mushrooms (psilocin) in standard urinalysis, they do have the capability to test for it at the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES). AFMES, an accredited laboratory, oversees all military drug-testing laboratories and performs advanced toxicology testing on urine and blood samples. Generally, a special request must be made for AFMES to test a sample.

The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 15-45 minutes and last for four to six hours. These effects include hallucinations, an altered state of consciousness, heightened emotions and senses, and a distorted sense of reality. Magic mushrooms can cause people to see, hear, or feel things that are not there, experience anxiety, fear, nausea, and muscle twitches, and have increased heart rate and blood pressure. The strength of magic mushrooms can vary significantly, and a "'bad trip' may occur, especially at high doses.

The use of magic mushrooms has a long history in traditional ceremonies, and some people use them recreationally or to improve their mental health. There is also a growing interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of magic mushrooms and psilocybin in treating conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, pain, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Shrooms can be detected in urine for up to 24 hours

The military does not typically test for mushrooms (psilocin) in standard urinalysis. However, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) in Dover, Delaware, is equipped to test for mushrooms and other illicit drugs. AFMES oversees all military drug-testing laboratories and performs advanced toxicology testing on urine and blood samples. While AFMES typically receives samples following incidents or self-incrimination, a special request must generally be made for testing.

It is important to note that while shrooms may not be included in standard military drug tests, they can still be detected in urine for up to 24 hours. Additionally, psilocybin, the compound in shrooms, typically leaves the system within 48 to 72 hours, depending on factors such as BMI and blood composition. The effects of psilocybin usually last for four to eight hours, with some sources specifying a range of four to six hours.

The movement to decriminalize psilocybin in the United States began in 2019, with several cities and states following suit. Despite this, the possession and consumption of psilocybin mushrooms remain illegal under federal law. As such, service members who test positive for psilocin through AFMES testing may face disciplinary action, including Article 15, administrative separation, or court-martial.

While there are anecdotes of individuals in the military using shrooms without repercussions, it is important to emphasize that adult decisions come with adult consequences. The unpredictability of testing routines and the potential for validated suspicions to trigger specific tests underscores the importance of making informed and responsible choices. Service members concerned about potential drug use are advised to consult their recruiters or refer to official sources for accurate and up-to-date information.

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The effects of psilocybin last 4-8 hours and remain in the system for under 72 hours

The effects of psilocybin mushrooms, or "magic mushrooms", typically last between 4 and 8 hours, with some users reporting effects lasting up to 12 hours. The duration of the effects depends on various factors, including the dosage, the user's body mass index (BMI), metabolism, age, and whether other substances were consumed alongside the mushrooms.

The compound psilocybin generally remains in the user's system for less than 72 hours, but it can be detected for up to 24 hours or even 8 hours in some cases. However, the detection time can vary depending on the species of mushroom consumed, the user's age, BMI, metabolism, and other individual factors.

While the military does not typically test for psilocybin or "magic mushrooms" in standard urinalysis, they do have the capability to test for these substances at the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES). AFMES, located in Dover, Delaware, is the DoD's premier forensic toxicology laboratory and can perform advanced toxicology testing on urine and blood samples. In general, a special request must be made for AFMES to test a sample.

It is important to note that the use of psilocybin mushrooms carries risks, including unpredictable behavior, anxiety, paranoia, and the potential development of long-term mental health conditions such as psychosis. Additionally, it is illegal in many places to possess or consume these substances, and doing so can result in legal consequences.

The Navy's OPNAV 5350.4E policy mentions abstaining from all illicit substances

The OPNAV 5350.4E policy is a directive from the Naval Legal Service Command (NLSC) that applies to all Navy military personnel. It establishes and updates policies, assigns responsibilities, and provides comprehensive alcohol and drug abuse prevention and control procedures. The provisions aim to enforce regulations and prevent substance misuse among all Navy AC and RC commands and personnel, permanent detachments, and departments.

While the OPNAV 5350.4E policy mentions abstaining from all illicit substances, it is important to understand the context of drug testing in the military. The military conducts a ten-stage drug test, and according to some sources, the compounds in mushrooms, specifically psilocybin, are not routinely tested. However, it is crucial to note that the military has the capability to test for mushrooms through the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES). AFMES is an accredited laboratory that oversees all military drug-testing laboratories and performs advanced toxicology testing on urine and blood samples.

In certain cases, such as incidents involving hallucinogenic behavior or self-incrimination, samples may be sent to AFMES for further analysis. It is worth noting that a positive urinalysis for mushrooms (psilocin) will be treated the same as any other positive drug test result within the military. While the standard drug tests may not specifically target psilocybin, it is a hallucinogenic compound with effects similar to LSD, and its use is prohibited under the OPNAV 5350.4E policy.

Additionally, it is important to be aware of changing policies and protocols. For example, in 2020, the Department of Defense (DoD) added LSD to the Drug Demand Reduction Standard Test Panel due to increased concerns about its use among service members. This change allowed commanders from all branches of the military to test for LSD if they had probable cause or the consent of the service member. These updates to drug-testing policies demonstrate the military's proactive approach to addressing substance misuse and ensuring the well-being and discipline of their personnel.

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