Testing Psychedelic Mushrooms: What You Need To Know

Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are potent psychedelic fungi that contain the mind-altering substance psilocybin. When consumed, these mushrooms can induce hallucinations and profound changes in perception, mood, and consciousness. While magic mushrooms are illegal in many places, they have gained attention for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health conditions. As a result, some jurisdictions are moving towards decriminalization or regulation. This shift highlights the importance of testing for psilocybin potency to ensure consumer safety and accurate labelling.

When it comes to detecting magic mushroom use, standard drug tests like the 5-panel, 8-panel, 10-panel, or 12-panel tests do not typically screen for psilocybin or its metabolite, psilocin. Specialized tests, however, can detect psilocybin in urine, saliva, blood, or hair follicles. Hair sample drug tests are particularly effective in detecting recent and ongoing magic mushroom use, with a detection window that lasts as long as the hair sample.

Explore related products

Residue Detection Multi-Drug Test Kit - Rapid Surface Residue Detector

$12.97

Easy@Home 5 Panel Urine Drug Test Kit [5 Pack] - THC/Marijuana, Cocaine, OPI/Opiates, AMP, BZO All Drugs Testing Strips in One Kit - at Home Use Screening Test with Results in 5 Mins #EDOAP-754

$10.99

Mushroom Foraging Kit – Mushroom Collecting Tools include Foraging Bag, Mushroom Knife, Brush and Waterproof Journal - Mushroom Gifts for Outdoor Camping

$12.74 $19.99

SAFE LIFE Kratom Dip Card Test Kit | Urine Screening for Mitragynine, 300 ng/mL Cutoff [ 10 Pack]

$26.99

5 Pack - DrugExam Marijuana Test Dip Card. Cannabinoids Testing Test. Rapid Test Dip Cards.Individually Packed. Detailed Instructions Included. Easy to Use.

$16.95

Seajan 18 Pcs Mushroom Foraging Kit with Hunting Bag, Knife Brush Guide Cards and Notebook for Mushroom Lovers(Black)

$19.99 $20.99

Standard drug tests

The 5-panel test is the most commonly used standard drug test, especially in workplaces and clinical settings. It detects the presence of substances such as amphetamines (including methamphetamine and ecstasy), while the 10-panel test, which is less common, may be used to screen for a broader range of substances. These standard tests are typically administered through urine samples, although mouth swab tests are also quick, easy, and cost-effective methods for detecting drugs or alcohol in a person's system.

While standard drug tests do not detect psychedelic mushrooms, specialized tests are available. These specialized panels specifically look for psilocybin and psilocin in urine, saliva, blood, or hair follicles. Hair follicle and fingernail tests can detect psilocybin metabolites for extended periods, with each 1 cm of hair growth representing one month of drug use. However, these specialized tests are more costly and less commonly used unless there is a strong suspicion of recent mushroom consumption.

It is important to note that the detection window for psychedelic mushrooms is relatively short. Psilocin, the metabolite of psilocybin, is typically cleared from the system in around 5 hours, while psilocybin can take up to 15 hours. However, traces of mushrooms can remain in the body for up to 24 hours, and in some cases, trace amounts can be detected for up to a week.

Specialized tests

Standard drug tests, such as the 5, 8, 10, or 12-panel urine tests, do not typically detect psychedelic mushrooms. These tests usually screen for substances like THC, cocaine, PCP, amphetamines, and opioids. However, specialized tests designed to detect psychedelic mushrooms do exist and can be costly to perform. These specialized tests can identify psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, in urine, saliva, blood, or hair follicles.

Hair sample drug tests are considered the most effective method of detecting recent and ongoing psychedelic mushroom use. Although it may take up to 2-3 weeks for the metabolites to reach the keratin fibres of the hair, once they do, the detection window is as long as the hair sample. Each 1 cm of hair growth represents one month of drug use. If psilocybin is detected in 3 cm of hair, it can be assumed that consumption occurred over 3 months, and so on. Fingernail drug tests are similar to hair drug tests, with a detection window of roughly 6 months.

For manufacturers, researchers, and product developers, specialized laboratories offer potency testing for psilocybin-containing products. These tests ensure accurate labelling, consistent dosing, and consumer safety. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is the most widely used method for psilocybin testing due to its precision and reliability. HPLC separates the compounds present in the mushroom extract, allowing for accurate quantification of psilocybin and its metabolite, psilocin.

Hair follicle tests

Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms," contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin is rapidly converted into psilocin, which is the key analyte used to document magic mushroom exposure. Psilocin is sensitive to water, light, air, and temperature, making its interpretation in hair tests challenging.

However, it is important to note that hair follicle tests for psilocin have their limitations. The interpretation of these tests is difficult, and there are concerns about accuracy due to factors such as the quality of the hair sample, the time since last use, laboratory testing methods, and cross-contamination risks. Additionally, psilocybin and psilocin are not included in standard drug screening panels due to cost and complexity, so specialized tests are typically required to detect their presence.

While hair follicle tests can provide valuable information about long-term drug use, they should be interpreted within the context of individual circumstances and testing protocols. If you or someone you know is concerned about substance abuse related to psychedelic mushrooms, seeking help from a healthcare provider or a specialized recovery program is recommended.

Explore related products

LSD Surface Residue Forensic Drug Test Kit (Standard Kit)

$27.99

2-in-1 Complete Soil Test Kit for pH & Nitrogen – Includes Soil Sampling Spoon & Centrifuge Tube – Accurate & Easy-to-Use Soil Tester for Garden, Lawn & Plants Care

$9.99

Sterile Potato Dextrose Yeast Agar Petri Dishes (PDA) for Mycology Supplies, Clear Agar Enhanced Visual Mycelium Growth for Mushrooms or Home Test Kit, 10 Pre-Poured Agar Plates

$25.99

Back to the Roots Organic Pink Miniature Mushroom Grow Kit, Harvest Gourmet Mushrooms in 10 Days

$14.99

TRUE morel mushroom grow kit grow morel mushrooms at home and garden

$10.88

| The Magical 5lb All-in-One Mushroom Grow Bag | Mushroom Grow Kit | Harvest Your own Happiness | Discover The Magic of Growing Mushrooms - 5lb Grow Bag Mushroom Starter Kit

$34.98

Urine tests

Magic mushrooms are a type of fungi that contain the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. While magic mushrooms are unlikely to show up on standard drug tests, specialized tests can detect their presence under certain circumstances.

The standard 5-panel urine test screens for substances like THC (marijuana), cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and PCP, but does not include psilocybin or its metabolite psilocin. Specialized urine tests, on the other hand, are specifically designed to detect psilocin in urine. These tests are less common and more costly to perform, so they are generally not used unless there is a strong suspicion of recent mushroom consumption.

The detection window for magic mushrooms in urine tests is relatively short, typically up to 24 hours after ingestion. However, individual factors such as dosage, potency, personal tolerance, preparation method, and food or drink intake can affect this timing. It is important to note that the metabolites of psilocin may take over 6 hours to become present in urine samples, and after 24 hours, the compounds are usually no longer detectable.

At the lab, individuals will be given a small container and directed to a private bathroom to collect their urine sample. The urine is then tested using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) at a threshold of 1.0 ng/mL. If the first test is positive, a second confirmatory test is performed to ensure accurate results. The entire process may take 7-14 business days, with an additional 2-4 business days for positive results.

Potency tests

Potency testing is a critical aspect of ensuring the safety and quality of psilocybin products. As interest in the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin mushrooms grows, accurate potency testing becomes increasingly important to protect consumers and researchers from inconsistent effects and potential safety risks. Here are some key considerations regarding potency tests:

Analytical Methods for Potency Testing

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is the most widely adopted method for psilocybin testing due to its precision and reliability. HPLC allows for the separation and accurate quantification of psilocybin and its metabolite, psilocin, in mushroom extracts. Other analytical techniques used for potency testing include Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC), and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). These methods ensure accurate measurements of active ingredient levels, contributing to consistent dosing and consumer safety.

Regulatory Standards and Safety

As psilocybin gains attention for its potential therapeutic applications, regulatory standards are being developed to ensure product quality and safety. The U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) is working to establish standards for psychedelic substances, including psilocybin, to guarantee product consistency. Similarly, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) provides guidelines for quality control of novel substances, including psychedelics. These standards help set acceptable limits for psilocybin content and mandate testing for potency and purity.

Consumer Protection and Accurate Labeling

Potency testing is vital for consumers purchasing psilocybin mushrooms or products. Knowing the potency of a product enables consumers to make informed decisions and reduces the risk of unexpected or adverse effects. Accurate potency testing helps establish dosing standards, protecting consumers from underdosing or overdosing. Proper labeling, informed by potency tests, ensures consumers are aware of the product's strength and potential effects.

Clinical and Therapeutic Applications

Psilocybin potency testing is particularly crucial in clinical and therapeutic settings, where precise dosing can significantly impact treatment outcomes. As psilocybin-assisted therapies gain traction for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, accurate potency testing ensures the delivery of reliable and reproducible therapeutic results. Potency testing contributes to the overall safety and efficacy of psilocybin-based treatments in these emerging fields.

Accessibility of Potency Testing

To facilitate potency testing, platforms like ContractLaboratory.com connect manufacturers, researchers, and developers with accredited laboratories specializing in psychedelic compound testing. These laboratories offer access to various testing methods, ensuring that psilocybin products intended for clinical trials or consumer use are safe, compliant, and accurately labeled. Potency testing is an essential step in bringing psilocybin-based products to market and maintaining consistency in dosing and consumer safety.

Frequently asked questions