Psilocin is generally cleared within about 24 hours, so standard drug tests rarely detect it, though specialized tests may show use for a few days.
Detection window
Psilocin, the active compound formed from psilocybin in magic mushrooms, is cleared from the body quickly. Half-life is about 2 to 3 hours.
Tests
- Standard 5- or 10-panel urine tests do not test for psilocybin.
- Specialized tests may detect metabolites in urine for about 24 hours (up to 3 days), and in hair for up to 90 days.
Legal status
Psilocybin is a Schedule I drug under federal US law. Oregon and Colorado have decriminalized or regulated it. Laws change.
Risks
Psychological distress, anxiety, impaired judgment and the risk of dangerous behavior. People with a history of psychosis should avoid it.
Harm reduction
For safety information, see resources like Fireside Project (62-FIRESIDE) or tripsit.me.
Medical research
Studies are underway for depression.
Detection window
Psilocin is the active compound produced in the body from psilocybin, found in “magic mushrooms.” Psilocybin is converted to psilocin within minutes to an hour. Psilocin has a half-life of about 1.5 to 3 hours, and most of it is cleared from the body within 24 hours. Effects last about 4 to 6 hours.
Tests
- Urine: psilocin can be detected for up to about 24 hours after use in most cases, and in some instances up to 3 days in heavy users. Standard workplace drug panels (such as the 5-panel or 10-panel) do not test for psilocin unless specifically requested.
- Blood: detectable for a few hours, up to about 12 hours.
- Saliva: up to about 24 hours.
- Hair: hair tests can detect use for up to 90 days, but psilocin tests are rare and not standard.
Detection depends on dose, frequency, body weight, metabolism, kidney function and the test’s sensitivity.
Legal status
Psilocybin is a Schedule I controlled substance under US federal law, meaning the government considers it to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Oregon legalized supervised psilocybin services in 2020 (Measure 109, services began in 2023), and Colorado decriminalized and set up a regulated program in 2022 (Proposition 122). Several cities, including Denver, Oakland and Seattle, have deprioritized enforcement. Laws vary across the world.
Risks
- Anxiety, paranoia and frightening experiences (“bad trips”).
- Impaired judgment and accidents.
- Rarely, lasting psychological effects such as hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD).
- Risk is higher in people with a personal or family history of psychosis, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
- Misidentifying wild mushrooms can be deadly, as poisonous species resemble psilocybin mushrooms.
- Interactions with some medications such as antidepressants and lithium.
Harm reduction
Harm reduction groups suggest not using if you have a history of psychosis, never driving or operating machinery, not mixing with other drugs, having a trusted sober person present and choosing a calm setting. For information, see sources such as tripsit.me and psychonautwiki.org. If you are in distress, call 988 or 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control).
Medical research
Clinical trials at Johns Hopkins, NYU and Imperial College London have studied psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression, anxiety, addiction and PTSD. The FDA granted “breakthrough therapy” designation for treatment-resistant depression in 2018 (Compass Pathways) and for major depressive disorder in 2019. Phase 3 trials are underway. No psilocybin therapy has FDA approval as of 2025.
Laboratory facts and risk context
Psilocybin is the compound in so called magic mushrooms, and the body converts it to psilocin, which acts on serotonin receptors. Psilocin has a half life of about 2 to 3 hours, and it is mostly eliminated within 24 hours. Standard urine drug screens do not test for psilocin, but specialized tests can detect it in urine for roughly 1 to 3 days, and hair tests may show use for up to 90 days. Psilocybin is a Schedule I controlled substance under federal US law, though Oregon, Colorado and some cities have legalized or decriminalized supervised or personal use under state rules. Clinical trials at institutions such as Johns Hopkins and Imperial College London study its use for depression and end of life anxiety, but it is not FDA approved as of 2025. Effects include hallucinations and anxiety, and people with a personal or family history of psychosis face higher risk. Harm reduction resources such as tripsit.me offer general safety information.
Based on data from the NIDA and Johns Hopkins Medicine
