What Do Shrooms Show Up As on a Drug Test?
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as "shrooms," are hallucinogenic fungi containing psilocybin and psilocin. These compounds aren't typically screened for in standard drug tests. This is because most standard drug tests focus on detecting substances like:
- Marijuana (THC): Detected through urine, blood, hair, and saliva tests.
- Cocaine: Detected through urine, blood, and hair tests.
- Opiates (e.g., heroin, morphine, codeine): Detected through urine, blood, and hair tests.
- Amphetamines (e.g., methamphetamine, amphetamine): Detected through urine, blood, and hair tests.
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium): Detected through urine and blood tests.
Why aren't psilocybin mushrooms typically screened for?
There are several reasons why standard drug tests don't typically look for psilocybin and psilocin:
- Limited Legal Status: The legal status of psilocybin varies widely across jurisdictions. In many places, it remains illegal, but there's growing acceptance of its potential therapeutic uses. This shifting legal landscape impacts the need for widespread drug testing for this specific substance.
- Cost and Complexity: Including psilocybin testing would increase the cost and complexity of drug screening. Standard tests are designed for widespread and frequent use, focusing on the most commonly abused substances.
- Short Detection Window: The metabolites of psilocybin are quickly cleared from the body, making detection challenging. This short detection window makes it less practical to incorporate into routine tests.
What tests might detect psilocybin?
While standard drug tests won't screen for psilocybin, more comprehensive and specialized toxicology tests could potentially detect it. These tests are usually more expensive and aren't commonly used in routine workplace or legal screenings.
What if I'm concerned about a specific drug test?
If you're concerned about a specific drug test and have used psilocybin, it's best to:
- Consult with a medical professional or legal expert: They can provide advice specific to your situation and the type of drug test involved.
- Understand the test's parameters: Knowing what substances the test screens for will help manage expectations.
Could other aspects of shroom use show up on a drug test?
While psilocybin itself isn't usually tested for, the method of ingestion of psilocybin mushrooms could indirectly lead to positive results on other tests. For example, if the mushrooms were grown using substances that leave detectable metabolites in your body, these might turn up on a toxicology test. This is unlikely but highlights the importance of comprehensive testing if there's a specific suspicion.
Will shrooms show up on a hair follicle test?
Hair follicle drug tests have a longer detection window than urine tests. However, they're unlikely to specifically detect psilocybin metabolites. The probability of detection is still low, but again, a broad-spectrum toxicology test might show evidence of other substances used in the shrooms' cultivation or related activities.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for guidance related to drug testing or substance use.
