Psychedelic Screening: Army's Stance On Mushroom Use

Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are fungi that induce hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness when ingested. While the standard drug tests employed by the military do not routinely screen for psilocybin or its metabolite psilocin, specialized tests can detect these substances. The Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES), which oversees all military drug-testing laboratories, has the capability to test for mushrooms. A positive urinalysis for mushrooms in the military can lead to disciplinary actions, including Article 15, administrative separation, or court-martial. The detection window for psilocybin mushrooms is relatively brief, and they are typically excreted from the body within a day.

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

The Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) is the DoD's premier forensic toxicology laboratory. It is an accredited laboratory that oversees all military drug-testing laboratories. The AFMES's Division of Forensic Toxicology, located in Dover, Delaware, performs advanced toxicology testing on urine and blood samples sent to AFMES. It can test for virtually any illicit drug, including mushrooms.

The AFMES has the capability to test for mushrooms (psilocybin) and their active compound, psilocin. Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as “magic mushrooms” or "shrooms," are fungi that produce psychedelic effects when ingested or brewed into tea. They alter thinking, sensory perception, and emotions, leading to vivid hallucinations. While some users enjoy positive experiences, others may face a challenging "bad trip."

The use of psilocybin mushrooms is prohibited across all branches of the armed forces, and the consequences of a positive drug test are severe. A positive urinalysis for mushrooms will be treated the same way as any other positive urinalysis, with disciplinary actions such as suspension, referral to a drug rehabilitation program, reduction in rank, loss of pay, or administrative separation.

Samples may be sent to AFMES in specific situations, such as when a military member incriminates themselves or others in using a drug not tested for in the standard urinalysis program. Generally, a special request must be made for AFMES to test a sample, and it may take a few months for the results to be reported back to the command. The AFMES plays a crucial role in ensuring the readiness and safety of military personnel by identifying substance use and facilitating appropriate interventions.

Psilocin is indicative of magic mushroom use

Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom. They are a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) has the capability to test for mushrooms. AFMES oversees all military drug-testing laboratories and performs advanced toxicology testing on urine and blood samples. However, a special request usually has to be made for AFMES to test a sample.

Psilocybin is a chemical in certain types of mushrooms that grow on nearly every continent. The mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional ceremonies, and some people use them recreationally or to try to improve their mental health. Psilocybin is the principal component of magic mushrooms, and when ingested, it is converted in the body to psilocin, which is the chemical with psychoactive properties. Psilocin attaches to and activates receptors, or binding sites, for the brain chemical serotonin, primarily the serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A (5HT2a) receptor. Psilocin activity at the 5HT2a receptor affects how the brain works and how different brain regions communicate with each other. These altered patterns of brain activity contribute to a person's profound change in consciousness.

The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten or within 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea. The effects can last approximately four to six hours. Individuals using magic mushrooms experience hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness. Psilocybin mushrooms do not show up on standard 5, 8, 10, or 12-panel drug tests. However, specialized tests can detect psilocybin and psilocin in urine, saliva, blood, or hair follicles. These specialized tests can identify psilocin with different detection windows, varying screening approaches, and sensitivity levels for each testing method.

The most potent species of magic mushrooms are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. Psilocybe cubensis, the most popular species, has been reported to contain 0.63% psilocybin and 0.6% psilocin, or about 1.2% of psilocybin and psilocin combined. The dosage of psilocybin-containing mushrooms depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, which can vary significantly between and within the same species.

The Navy does not routinely test for mushrooms

While the Navy does not routinely test for mushrooms, it is important to note that the consumption of mushrooms can have significant effects on an individual's perception, behavior, and consciousness. These effects can last for several hours and vary depending on factors such as dosage and metabolism. Additionally, the body metabolizes the compounds in mushrooms relatively quickly, and specific drug tests may need to be conducted promptly to detect any traces of the drug.

The Navy has a zero-tolerance policy for drug use, and a positive drug test can lead to serious consequences, including non-judicial punishment and administrative discharge. As per OPNAV 5350.4E, the Navy specifically calls out natural illicit substances (fungus) in Chapter 4 and includes a line in Chapter 2 instructing personnel to abstain from all illicit substance use.

Although the Navy does not routinely test for mushrooms, it is possible for members to be tested if there is a valid suspicion of illicit substance use. For example, if mushroom chocolate is found during an inspection, the Navy may request a specialized test to detect the presence of mushrooms or other hallucinogens. It is important to note that the Navy has access to several labs that can test for mushrooms and other hallucinogens.

In conclusion, while the Navy does not routinely test for mushrooms, it has the capability and authority to do so under certain circumstances. The consumption of mushrooms can have significant effects on an individual's perception and behavior, and it is essential to be aware of the potential consequences of using illicit substances while serving in the Navy or any other military branch.

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Specialized tests can detect mushrooms in urine, saliva, blood, or hair follicles

Shrooms, or hallucinogenic mushrooms, may show up on specific drug tests designed to detect hallucinogens. However, many standard drug tests do not test for these compounds. Specialized tests can detect mushrooms in urine, saliva, blood, or hair follicles.

Urine Tests

Urine tests are commonly used to screen for five categories of drugs, often referred to as the five-panel test. These tests can detect the presence of psilocin, a hallucinogenic compound found in magic mushrooms. Psilocin has a half-life of 1.8 hours, and about 75% of it is excreted from the body within 3.5 hours. After 24 hours, it is no longer detectable in urine.

Saliva Tests

A mouth swab drug test is a quick, easy, painless, and cost-effective method to test an individual's saliva for the presence of drugs or alcohol.

Blood Tests

Blood tests can also be used to detect the presence of mushrooms, although they may need to be performed promptly after ingestion as the body processes the mushrooms and their compounds relatively quickly.

Hair Follicle Tests

Hair follicle testing can detect the presence of hallucinogenic compounds in hair follicles for up to 90 days after ingestion. However, these tests are more costly and less common than urine tests. The test focuses on detecting psilocin, as it is more stable than psilocybin and can be identified in human hair.

The consequences of failing a military drug test

While standard drug tests do not typically screen for psilocybin or psilocin, the active compounds in magic mushrooms, specialized tests can detect these substances in urine, saliva, blood, or hair follicles. The Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES), which oversees all military drug testing laboratories, can test for virtually any illicit drug, including mushrooms.

In some cases, a failed drug test may lead to criminal charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), with penalties such as imprisonment or other punitive measures determined by a military court-martial. It's important to note that failing a drug test does not automatically result in discharge from active duty, and service members have the right to seek legal counsel and challenge the test results with the help of an experienced military lawyer.

The military maintains a strict "zero tolerance" policy towards drug use, and drug testing is conducted regularly to ensure that all military personnel are alert and responsive when called to action. The specific substance detected and the circumstances surrounding the positive test result will influence the severity and nature of the disciplinary measures imposed.

Service members should be aware that attempting to cheat on a drug test or falsify results can also have serious repercussions. Early legal intervention is crucial, as it can provide guidance and potentially mitigate the consequences or help navigate the complexities of military law effectively.

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