How Long Do Shrooms Stay in Your System?

by Amy Fischer November 6, 2024

Shrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, psychedelic fungi containing psilocybin, have been used for centuries for their mind-altering effects. Whether consumed for recreational or therapeutic purposes, one common question arises: How long do shrooms stay in your system?

Table of Contents

Understanding the duration of shrooms in your system is crucial for various reasons, including drug testing, safety, and legal considerations.

What Are Shrooms?

Shrooms are a type of fungi that contain psychoactive compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin. These compounds interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered perception, mood changes, and hallucinations. Shrooms are typically consumed orally, either by eating the dried mushrooms directly or brewing them into a tea.

Metabolism and Elimination

When you ingest shrooms, your body metabolizes psilocybin into psilocin, which is the active compound responsible for the psychedelic effects. The metabolism and elimination of psilocybin vary from person to person and depend on several factors:

Dosage

The amount of shrooms consumed plays a significant role in how long they stay in your system. Higher doses result in more prolonged effects and a longer duration in the body.

Metabolic Rate

Individuals with faster metabolisms may process psilocybin more quickly, leading to shorter duration in the system.

Body Mass

Generally, individuals with higher body mass may metabolize substances slower, resulting in a longer presence of shrooms in the system.

Frequency of Use

Chronic users may build up tolerance over time, affecting how their bodies process and eliminate shrooms.

Detection Methods

Detecting shrooms in the body typically involves testing biological samples such as urine, blood, saliva, or hair. Each method has its detection window, which refers to the period during which shrooms or their metabolites can be detected.

Urine Test

Urine testing is the most common method for detecting recent shroom use. Psilocin and its metabolites can typically be detected in urine for up to 1-3 days after consumption.

Blood Test

Blood tests are less common but can detect shrooms for a shorter window, usually up to 24 hours after ingestion.

Saliva Test

Saliva tests can detect shrooms for a similar duration as blood tests, up to 24 hours after use.

Hair Test

Hair testing can detect shroom use over a more extended period, potentially up to several months after consumption, although it is less commonly used.

Factors Affecting Detection Time

Several factors can influence how long shrooms are detectable in your system:

Frequency of Use

Regular users may have traces of shrooms in their system for longer periods compared to occasional users.

Hydration

Drinking plenty of fluids can help flush out metabolites more quickly, potentially shortening detection times.

Metabolism

As mentioned earlier, individual differences in metabolism can affect how quickly shrooms are processed and eliminated from the body.

Liver Function

Since the liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing psilocybin, any liver impairment may prolong the detection time.

Legal and Employment Considerations

Understanding the duration of shrooms in your system is essential, especially in situations where drug testing is mandatory, such as pre-employment screenings or legal matters. While the use of shrooms may be legal in some jurisdictions, it remains illegal in many places, and testing positive for psilocybin metabolites can have legal consequences.

Employers often conduct drug tests to ensure a safe and productive work environment, and shroom use may lead to disciplinary action or termination, depending on company policies.

Safety Precautions

If you’re considering using shrooms, it’s essential to prioritize safety and responsible consumption:

Know the Risks

Educate yourself about the potential risks and effects of shrooms, including psychological reactions and interactions with other substances.

Start Low, Go Slow

If you’re new to shrooms, start with a low dose and gradually increase it to gauge your tolerance and sensitivity.

Set and Setting

Pay attention to your environment and mindset when consuming shrooms. A comfortable and safe setting with trusted companions can enhance the experience and minimize the risk of a bad trip.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water before, during, and after consuming shrooms to stay hydrated and help flush out metabolites.

Avoid Driving

Never drive or operate machinery under the influence of shrooms, as they can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times.

Conclusion

The duration of shrooms in your system can vary depending on factors such as dosage, metabolism, and detection method. Understanding these factors is essential for making informed decisions about shroom use, especially in contexts where drug testing is involved. Prioritize safety, know the legal implications, and seek help if you experience any adverse effects. As with any substance, responsible consumption and awareness are key to minimizing risks and maximizing benefits.

Written by Amy Fischer

Amy, a registered dietitian at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Nutrition Lab, brings a wealth of expertise to nutrition, health content, and product testing. With a journalism degree from Miami University of Ohio and a master's in clinical nutrition from NYU, she's a versatile expert. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping, Amy worked as a cardiac transplant dietitian at a prominent NYC hospital and contributed to clinical nutrition textbooks. Her background also includes PR and marketing work with food startups.