The DNA Legal drug testing series has explored the personal and legal consequences of the misuse of numerous drugs. Our previous articles looked at drug testing for LSD, spice, opioids, and methadone.
Magic mushrooms - also known as psilocybin - will be analysed in today's edition.
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 classifies magic mushrooms as a class A drug. Most serious consequences are placed on class A drugs. Up to 7 years imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both may be handed for the possession of magic mushrooms. For producing and supplying them, the possible outcome is life imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both.
What Are Magic Mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms are potent psychedelic fungi containing the mind-altering substance psilocybin. Once metabolised in psilocin, users typically experience hallucinations.
Certain varieties of magic mushrooms do carry heavy dangers to psychological health by eliciting psychotic episodes, which can persist long after consumption - users call this a 'bad trip.' They also elevate the heart rate and blood pressure, creating a risk of severe medical complications in people who have heart conditions.
Many users claim to have an immense sense of joy and experience hallucinations but consuming too much or the wrong strain results in feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
Research and trials are looking into the advantages of magic mushrooms for the treatment of PTSD and depression, but it is not currently included in the National Health Service.
Outside of private treatment, the misuse, manufacture and supply of magic mushrooms is banned under The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Will Psilocybin Show on a Drug Test?
The answer is yes but with caveats.
Standard 5 or 10-panel drug tests won't detect magic mushrooms. If a court orders a drug test to detect magic mushrooms, there are specific drug tests suitable for the detection of psilocin, the metabolite.
These specialised tests can be requested in legal scenarios like, for example, child custody disputes.
How Long Is Psilocybin Detectable in Your System?
The detection window for magic mushrooms depends on the body system and other facts related to the individual. Here's a table to summarise the detection windows based on the body system:
| Body System | Detection Window |
|---|---|
| Urine | Up to 24 hours |
| Blood | Up to 24 hours |
| Hair | As long as the hair grows. One cm = one month |
| Fingernails | Up to 6 months |
Urine tests
Urine drug tests are one of the most common types of drug tests used in legal scenarios.
They're easy samples to collect, and often deliver quick and reliable results. However, in an ongoing legal scenario, like a child dispute case, urine tests might not always be the most effective method of testing for magic mushroom misuse unless specific tests are on hand on the day. It can take over 6 hours for the metabolite psilocin to become present in urine samples and, after 24 hours, the compounds are no longer detectable.
Still, they're convenient and reliable if magic mushroom misuse is suspected on the day of an offence or trial.
Blood tests
It's a similar situation for blood sample drug tests as it is with urine drug tests. The detection window is typically no more than 24 hours after consumption, meaning this type of drug test is only suitable for on-the-day offences like road traffic accidents or on the day of a court appearance where psilocybin misuse is suspected.
Hair tests
Hair sample drug tests are the most effective method of detecting recent and ongoing magic mushroom misuse. Although it might 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.
By that, we mean that each 1 cm of hair represents one month of drug misuse. If psilocybin is detectable in 3 cm of hair, legal professionals can assume consumption was ongoing for 3 months, and so on.
Fingernail tests
It's the same for fingernail drug tests as hair drug tests. The metabolite psilocin travels out of the capillaries in the fingernails, becoming trapped in the keratin fibres, giving a detection window of roughly 6 months. The only difference is that fingernail samples don't follow the one cm to one month rule as hair samples do.
What Factors Influence Psilocybin Detection?
Numerous factors influence psilocybin detection, although the rapid metabolisation into psilocin and removal of the metabolite by the body can make detection tricky for any test other than hair and fingernail drug tests.
Here are some of the most common factors that will influence magic mushroom detection:
- Amount of magic mushrooms consumed
- Time of consumption
- Ongoing misuse
- Overall individual health
- Hydration levels
- Individual metabolism
- Physical activity
Why Might a Court-Ordered Psilocybin Test Be Necessary?
Legal professionals can request a court-ordered psilocybin test for a variety of legal scenarios. These can include public intoxication, assault, or road traffic accidents.
A court-ordered test might also be requested as part of a more lengthy legal process, like a child custody dispute, where ongoing misuse is suspected. Short or long-term magic mushroom misuse could put a child's well-being in danger.What Happens if a Psilocybin Test Comes Back Positive?
What Happens if a Psilocybin Test Comes Back Positive?
In the introduction, we mentioned the legal consequences of magic mushroom misuse, including possession, supply, and production. The result is potential imprisonment varying in time and unlimited fines.
If a positive result is part of an ongoing legal proceeding like a child custody dispute case, it can mean reduced visitation rights or the complete removal of legal guardian rights.
How DNA Legal Can Help
DNA Legal is here to help. We're committed to providing accurate, court-approved drug testing services tailored to our client's needs. DNA Legal has almost over two decades of experience helping individuals and legal professionals with the drug testing process, using industry-leading drug testing methods and kits.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your legal needs.