How Long Does Magic Mushrooms Stay In Your System, Magic mushrooms, also known as psychedelic mushrooms or “shrooms,” contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin. Once ingested, psilocybin is quickly converted into psilocin, which is responsible for the hallucinogenic effects. Many users are curious about how long magic mushrooms stay in your system, especially for reasons related to health, safety, or drug testing.
Metabolism and Duration in the Body
When consumed, psilocybin is rapidly absorbed by the body and transformed into psilocin. The effects typically begin within 20 to 40 minutes, peak around 90 minutes, and last between 4 to 6 hours. However, the duration psilocybin stays in your system is longer than the duration of the high.
On average, psilocybin and its metabolites can stay in your system for 1 to 3 days, depending on several factors:
- Dosage and potency
Higher doses take longer to metabolize and leave the body. - Metabolism
People with faster metabolic rates may eliminate psilocybin more quickly. - Age, body weight, and hydration
These personal factors also affect how quickly substances are processed and flushed out. - Frequency of use
Occasional users eliminate psilocybin faster than chronic users, although regular use of magic mushrooms is less common due to tolerance buildup.
Drug Testing and Detection Windows
One of the most common questions is whether magic mushrooms show up on drug tests. The answer depends on the type of test:
- Urine tests: Psilocin can be detected in urine for up to 24–48 hours after use. In some cases, it may be detectable for slightly longer, especially with high doses.
- Blood tests: Psilocybin and psilocin are usually only detectable for about 6 to 12 hours in the bloodstream.
- Saliva tests: These are rare for detecting psilocybin, but traces might linger for a few hours after ingestion.
- Hair tests: While rarely used, psilocybin can theoretically be detected in hair for up to 90 days, though such testing is uncommon.
Standard drug panels (like the 5-panel test used by many employers) typically do not test for psilocybin. However, specialized tests can detect it if specifically ordered.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how long magic mushrooms stay in your system is essential for those concerned about drug testing or potential interactions with other substances. While the psychedelic experience may last only a few hours, trace amounts of psilocybin and its byproducts can remain in your system for up to a few days. As with any substance, individual factors play a major role in how your body processes and eliminates it. If you’re concerned about drug interactions, legal implications, or health risks, it’s always best to consult with a medical professional.
