How Long Does Magic Mushrooms Stay In Your System, Magic mushrooms, also known as “shrooms,” are a popular psychedelic substance used for recreational and spiritual experiences. These mushrooms contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring compound that causes hallucinations and altered perceptions. If you’ve recently consumed magic mushrooms or are curious about how long they remain in your body, this article explains the factors that affect their duration in your system.
The Lifecycle of Psilocybin in the Body
When you ingest magic mushrooms, psilocybin is quickly converted into psilocin, the active compound responsible for its psychoactive effects. Psilocin is absorbed into your bloodstream and interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to the hallucinogenic experience.
The effects of magic mushrooms typically last 4 to 6 hours, but psilocin doesn’t stay active in your system for long. Psilocin is metabolized by the liver and excreted through urine within a relatively short time. However, the exact duration varies depending on several factors.
Detection Window for Magic Mushrooms
The detectability of psilocybin and psilocin in the body depends on the type of test used:
- Urine Tests
Psilocybin is generally undetectable in standard urine tests. However, advanced testing methods can identify psilocin for 24 to 48 hours after consumption. - Blood Tests
Psilocybin is metabolized and eliminated quickly, making it detectable in blood tests for up to 24 hours. - Hair Tests
Although rare, hair follicle tests can detect psilocybin for up to 90 days after use. These tests are not commonly used for detecting magic mushrooms but are technically possible. - Saliva Tests
Saliva tests are not commonly used for detecting magic mushrooms, and psilocin is unlikely to be found in saliva samples after a few hours.
Factors Affecting Duration in the System
Several factors influence how long magic mushrooms stay in your system, including:
- Dosage: Higher doses take longer to metabolize.
- Metabolism: People with faster metabolisms process and eliminate substances more quickly.
- Body Composition: Body fat percentage and hydration levels can affect how substances are processed.
- Liver Function: Since psilocin is metabolized by the liver, liver health plays a significant role.
- Frequency of Use: Regular use may result in longer detection times due to potential accumulation.
Do Magic Mushrooms Show Up on Drug Tests?
Standard drug tests, such as those used for employment screening, typically do not test for psilocybin or psilocin. Specialized tests are required to detect magic mushrooms, but these are rarely used outside of specific legal or medical contexts.
Conclusion
Magic mushrooms and their active compounds are usually eliminated from the body within 24 to 48 hours, although traces may linger in hair for months. Factors like dosage, metabolism, and the type of drug test used can influence detection times. If you’re concerned about testing or health risks, understanding these timelines can help you make informed decisions.
Disclaimer: The use of magic mushrooms is illegal in many countries. Always consult local laws and medical professionals before consuming any substances.