Mushroom Vaping: Will It Show Up On A Drug Test?

Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a type of fungi that contain the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. They are used recreationally, therapeutically, and even ritualistically to achieve a mystical experience. The active compound in shrooms, psilocybin, is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Despite this, standard drug tests do not typically screen for psilocybin or psilocin. However, there are specialized tests that can detect their presence under certain circumstances. The detectability of shrooms in the body depends on various factors, including the type of test, the amount consumed, the frequency of use, and individual metabolism. This article will explore the key aspects of drug testing and the detectability of shroom usage.

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Hallucinogens and standard tests

Standard drug tests typically do not test for hallucinogenic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, which contain the psychedelic substance psilocybin. Shrooms are also known to contain psilocin, the compound responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of shrooms. This is because psilocybin is not usually part of standard panels, which screen for more common substances like cannabis, opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, and phencyclidine (PCP). The body also breaks down and excretes psilocybin and psilocin relatively quickly, with a half-life of 3 hours for psilocin and 3-5 hours for psilocybin. About 75% of psilocin is excreted from the body within 3.5 hours, and it is mostly out of the body within 24 hours. This rapid elimination makes it difficult to detect unless testing occurs soon after ingestion.

However, specialized tests can detect the presence of shrooms under certain circumstances. These include hair tests, blood tests, fingernail tests, and other urine tests. Hair tests can detect psilocybin for up to 90 days, while blood tests can detect psilocybin or psilocin for up to 15 hours. Fingernail tests have a long detection window of 3-6 months, but they can take longer to show up, typically 1-2 weeks. Urine tests have a short detection window, typically up to 24 hours, but this can extend to 72 hours depending on factors such as the dose taken and the individual's metabolism.

It is important to note that the accuracy of tests can vary depending on how and where they are done, and there may be legal consequences for testing positive for psilocybin, including criminal charges or job loss. The legal status of psilocybin also varies by region, and individuals should be aware of the potential health risks associated with shroom use, including long-term psychological effects.

Specialised testing methods

Standard drug tests, such as the commonly used 5-panel urine test, typically screen for substances like THC, opioids, and amphetamines. Psilocybin and psilocin, the active compounds in magic mushrooms, are not usually included in these routine tests, meaning that shrooms are unlikely to be detected unless a specific test for these substances is requested.

• Urine tests: The most common type of drug screening is a urine drug test. While it does not routinely test for psilocybin or psilocin, specialised urine tests can detect these substances. The detection window for psilocin in urine is generally up to 24 hours after ingestion, although it can extend to 72 hours depending on factors such as the dose taken and the individual’s metabolism.
• Blood tests: Blood tests are less common due to their invasive nature and the short detection window. Psilocybin or psilocin can be detected in the blood for up to 15 hours post-ingestion.
• Hair tests: Hair follicle testing can detect psilocybin and psilocin for up to 90 days after ingestion. However, these screenings are more costly and less common than urine tests.
• Saliva tests: Saliva tests have a shorter detection window of up to 24 hours, but usually even shorter compared to urine or blood tests.
• Fingernail tests: Fingernail tests have a long detection window of 3-6 months, but can take longer to show up (1-2 weeks).

It is important to note that the accuracy of tests can vary depending on how and where they are done, and false positives for psilocybin are uncommon.

Detection times

Standard drug tests, such as those used in employment screening, typically do not test for mushrooms. Instead, they focus on more common substances like cannabis, amphetamines, cocaine, opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP). However, specialised tests can detect the presence of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, but these are less common and more expensive.

The detection time for psilocybin in the body depends on various factors, including the amount consumed, frequency of use, individual metabolism, and body type. The half-life of psilocin, the compound responsible for hallucinogenic effects, is estimated to be around 1.8 to 3 hours. This means that it takes approximately 15 hours for it to be completely eliminated from the body. As a result, certain drug tests have shorter detection windows:

• Urine Tests: Urine tests are the most common type of drug test. Standard urine tests typically have a short detection window of up to 24 hours after ingestion. However, more advanced urine tests can detect evidence of drug use for an extended period, ranging from 2 to 60 days after the last dose, depending on the amount present in the body.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests can detect psilocybin or psilocin for a short period, usually up to 15 hours post-ingestion.
• Saliva Tests: Saliva tests have a detection window of up to 10 to 24 hours, but it is usually shorter compared to urine or blood tests.
• Hair Tests: Hair follicle testing can detect psilocybin for a more extended period, typically up to 3 months, but some sources mention up to 90 days.
• Fingernail Tests: Fingernail tests have a long detection window of 3 to 6 months, but it can take longer for the compounds to show up (1-2 weeks).

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False positives

While magic mushrooms are unlikely to show up on standard drug tests, there is a possibility of a false positive for psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms. False positives are uncommon, but they can occur due to the improving sensitivity of testing technology. Chromatography-mass spectrometry methods, considered the gold standard in analytical chemistry, can detect substances even if the test is not specifically designed for them.

The likelihood of a false positive also depends on the type of test. Standard drug tests, such as those used for employment screening, typically do not test for psilocybin. These tests usually screen for more common substances like cannabis, amphetamines, cocaine, opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP). Urine tests, the most common type of drug test, can show evidence of drug use for roughly 2-60 days after the last dose, depending on the amount in the body. However, psilocybin is typically eliminated from the body within 24 hours, with 75% excreted within 3.5 hours, making it difficult to detect in a standard urine test after this timeframe.

Blood tests only show if someone is currently intoxicated, as the substance must be present in their bloodstream. Blood tests can detect psilocybin or psilocin for up to 15 hours post-ingestion, but this is a less common testing method. Saliva tests have an even shorter detection window of up to 10-24 hours, and they are more commonly used by law enforcement to determine current intoxication rather than past drug use.

Hair and fingernail tests are specialized tests that can reveal past magic mushroom use, with detection windows of up to 3-6 months and 90 days, respectively. However, these tests are more expensive and less common than urine tests.

It is important to note that the accuracy of tests can vary depending on how and where they are conducted. The legal status of psilocybin also varies by area, further complicating the implications of a false positive.

Legal implications

The legal implications of consuming magic mushrooms can vary depending on several factors, including local laws and regulations, the purpose of the drug test, and the type of test used. Here are some key considerations regarding the legal implications:

• Employment and Workplace Testing: Standard drug tests used by employers typically do not screen for psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms. These tests usually focus on more common substances, such as cannabis, opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, and phencyclidine (PCP). Therefore, it is unlikely that magic mushrooms will show up on routine workplace drug tests, reducing the risk of legal consequences related to employment.
• Legal and Forensic Testing: Court-ordered, forensic, or law enforcement testing may employ specialized panels that can detect psilocybin. These tests are less common but can be used in specific legal circumstances or for certain professions requiring high-level clearances. The use of these specialized tests increases the likelihood of legal ramifications if psilocybin is detected.
• Varying Detection Times: The legal implications may also depend on how recently magic mushrooms were consumed before the drug test. Psilocybin and psilocin, the psychoactive compound, are eliminated from the body within a relatively short time frame, typically within 24 hours, but this can vary. Factors such as dosage, frequency of use, body type, and individual metabolism can influence how long psilocybin stays in the system, affecting the likelihood of detection and the associated legal consequences.
• Specialized Testing Methods: While standard drug tests often do not include psilocybin, specialized testing methods can be employed to detect its presence. These methods include hair tests, blood tests, fingernail tests, and specific urine tests. The use of these specialized tests may be influenced by legal requirements or the specific purpose of the drug test, and they can increase the likelihood of legal implications if psilocybin is detected.
• Legal Status of Psilocybin: It is important to note that the legal status of psilocybin varies by region. In some areas, it may be classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, which can carry more severe legal consequences. Understanding the local laws and regulations regarding psilocybin is crucial for comprehending the potential legal implications of its consumption.
• Contamination and False Positives: There is a risk of magic mushrooms becoming contaminated by other detectable drugs due to unreliable vendors. This contamination could potentially lead to a false positive for a different substance on a standard drug panel test. While false positives for psilocybin itself are uncommon, this scenario could result in unintended legal consequences if the detected substance is illegal.

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