Psychedelic mushrooms are a type of fungi that can create hallucinations. Even though they have been used recreationally for thousands of years, they remain illegal in the United States because of their health risks and potential for abuse and psychological dependence.
Magic mushrooms, often referred to as “shrooms,” are a type of fungi containing psychoactive compounds. These substances are known for altering perceptions and creating a heightened sensory experience. “Shrooms” can be detected in your system with urine drug testing.
Shrooms are classified as a Schedule I drug in the U.S., meaning they are illegal, have a high potential for abuse, and have no accepted medical use. However, there is ongoing research into their potential therapeutic uses, with some promising results for depression and anxiety treatment.
Here, we’ll look at how long shrooms stay in your system and what to know about testing for shrooms.
How Long Do Shrooms Stay in Your System?
The effects of shrooms can be felt within 20 to 60 minutes of ingestion, peak around two hours, and last up to six hours.
A urine drug test can typically detect shroom usage for up to 24 hours after ingestion.
Standard drug tests, such as those used by employers or law enforcement, do not typically test for shrooms. There are specialized tests that can detect these substances but they are more expensive and less common.
Psilocybin is the main active ingredient in shrooms. It is quickly broken down by the body into psilocin. Psilocin is what a drug test looks for when checking for shrooms.
What Can Affect How Long Shrooms Stay in Your Body?
Several factors can influence how long shrooms stay in your system, including:
- How it’s ingested: Consuming shrooms in tea form may lead to faster absorption and excretion compared to eating them raw or dried.
- Your metabolism rate: People with faster metabolisms may process and eliminate shrooms more quickly than those with slower metabolisms.
- Body mass, age, and overall health: These can also impact how quickly your body metabolizes shrooms.
How Are Shrooms Detected on Blood Tests?
When you consume shrooms, your body metabolizes psilocybin into psilocin, which can show up on urine tests. But these tests aren’t routinely used.
There aren’t commercial blood tests available for shrooms, although researchers are working on creating one.
How Long Does It Take for the Effects of Shrooms to Wear Off?
Using shrooms can cause:
- Hallucinations
- Altered perception
- Psychological effects
- Physical symptoms like nausea
How long these effects last can vary, depending on:
- The amount consumed
- The strength of the shrooms
- Personal tolerance
- The individual’s physical and mental state at the time of consumption
While the immediate physical effects of shrooms may subside after several hours, the psychological effects can linger. These can include changes in mood, perceptions, and thoughts, and they can last for several days, weeks, or even longer in some cases.
Are You Struggling With Shroom Addiction?
Though research indicates that shrooms are not physically addictive, they can still lead to psychological dependence. If you find yourself using shrooms frequently, increasing your dosage over time, or feeling a compulsive need to consume them, you might be struggling with shroom addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with shrooms addiction, it’s crucial to seek help. Numerous resources and treatment options are available, and recovery is entirely possible. Contact Zinnia Health 24/7 at (855) 430-9439.
Conclusion
Shrooms can have a profound effect on the body and mind, and their detection in the body can vary greatly depending on numerous factors. While the immediate physical effects of shrooms may wear off within several hours, the psychological effects can persist.
If you’re struggling with shroom addiction, it’s critical to seek professional help. Various treatment options are available, including counseling, therapy, and support groups, which can help you understand and overcome your addiction.
Author: Vanessa Zeilinger, PharmD, BCPS, CPE, AAHIVP. Vanessa is a board certified, residency trained pharmacist with experience across multiple health care settings.