Magic mushrooms, also known as psychedelic mushrooms or shrooms, have been used for centuries for spiritual, therapeutic, and recreational purposes. The active compound in most magic mushrooms is psilocybin, which is converted by the body into psilocin, the chemical responsible for the psychedelic effects.
One of the most common questions people ask—whether for health reasons, drug testing, or curiosity—is: How long do magic mushrooms stay in your system?
Let’s break it down.
🚀 How Magic Mushrooms Work in the Body
When you consume magic mushrooms, your body metabolizes psilocybin into psilocin, which then interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain. This causes the sensory, emotional, and cognitive effects commonly associated with a psychedelic trip—usually lasting between 4 to 6 hours, though lingering effects like introspection or a shift in mood can persist longer.
But even after the effects wear off, traces of the substance may remain in your system for a short time.
🕒 How Long Are They Detectable?
The duration that psilocybin and psilocin remain in your system depends on several factors, including:
- Dose taken
- Your metabolism
- Body weight and hydration
- Frequency of use
- Liver and kidney function
Here’s a general timeline:
1. Urine
- Psilocybin/psilocin can be detected in urine for up to 24–48 hours after use.
- In rare cases, especially with large doses or frequent use, detection may extend to 72 hours.
- Standard drug tests (like those for employment) do not test for psilocybin unless specifically requested.
2. Blood
- Psilocin is usually detectable in blood for up to 12 hours post-ingestion.
- Psilocybin itself is rapidly converted to psilocin and often undetectable within hours.
3. Saliva
- Not commonly used for psilocybin testing.
- If used, may detect traces for up to 24 hours.
4. Hair
- Theoretically, psilocybin could be detectable in hair for up to 90 days, but hair testing for mushrooms is extremely rare and expensive.
❌ Do Magic Mushrooms Show Up on a Drug Test?
Standard drug tests do not look for psilocybin.
Typical 5-panel or 10-panel tests screen for:
- THC (marijuana)
- Cocaine
- Opiates (heroin, morphine, codeine)
- Amphetamines
- PCP (phencyclidine)
Unless you’re being tested with a specialized psychedelic drug panel, psilocybin mushrooms won’t show up.
That said, some government, military, and law enforcement roles may use expanded panels that include psychedelic substances—so know what you’re being tested for.
💡 Tips for Safe and Informed Use
If you’re using psilocybin mushrooms or considering it, here are a few important points:
- Stay hydrated, but don’t overdo it.
- Avoid mixing with other substances, especially alcohol or antidepressants.
- Give your body time to recover. Psilocybin is not physically addictive, but frequent use can lead to tolerance and dull experiences.
- Know your legal risks. Psilocybin is still illegal in most countries and U.S. states, although decriminalization and medical research are expanding rapidly.
🧘 Final Thoughts
While the psychedelic effects of magic mushrooms are relatively short-lived, the question of how long they stay in your system has both practical and legal implications. In most cases, psilocybin is out of your body within 1 to 2 days, and it’s unlikely to be detected on standard drug tests.
Still, if you’re facing an upcoming test or have health concerns, it’s always wise to err on the side of caution—and consult a medical professional if needed.
Remember: how you prepare, use, and integrate a psychedelic experience is often more important than how long it lasts.
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and is not intended to encourage illegal drug use. Always be aware of the laws in your area, and speak to a healthcare provider before using any psychoactive substance—especially if you have mental health conditions or are on medication.