Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin. After ingestion, the body converts psilocybin into psilocin, which produces the psychedelic effects. If you face a drug test or simply want to understand clearance times, this guide explains detection windows, factors that influence duration, and what to expect.
Key Compounds and Metabolism
Psilocybin acts as a prodrug and quickly converts to psilocin in the stomach and liver. Psilocin serves as the active metabolite responsible for effects and what tests detect. The half-life of psilocin lasts about 3 hours, meaning 50 percent eliminates in 3 hours. Full elimination usually occurs within 24 hours for most people, but traces can linger. The body clears psilocin primarily through urine (80 to 90 percent) and small amounts in feces.
Detection Windows by Test Type
Urine tests detect psilocin and show a window of 24 hours after single use, extending up to 3 days in heavy users. Blood tests also detect psilocin with a window of 12 to 24 hours. Saliva tests rarely occur for psilocin but could detect it within 6 to 12 hours. Hair tests remain possible but rare and can show traces up to 90 days, though they are not standard. Standard workplace or probation drug panels (5-panel, 10-panel) do not test for psilocybin or psilocin. Specialized psychedelic panels stay uncommon and expensive.
Timeline After Ingestion
From 0 to 30 minutes, psilocybin converts to psilocin and effects begin. Between 1 to 5 hours, psilocin reaches peak blood levels. From 6 to 12 hours, effects fade and psilocin drops significantly. At 24 hours, psilocin falls below detectable levels for most people. Between 48 to 72 hours, possible trace amounts appear in urine for frequent users.
Factors That Affect Clearance Time
- Dose Size Microdoses (0.1 to 0.3 g) clear in 12 to 24 hours. Moderate doses (1 to 2 g) take 24 to 48 hours. Heroic doses (5+ g) extend up to 3 to 5 days in urine.
- Frequency of Use Single use clears in 24 hours. Weekly microdosing extends up to 3 days. Daily use (rare) requires up to 7 days for full clearance.
- Body Weight and Metabolism Higher body fat may slightly prolong detection because psilocin is water-soluble but metabolites can store briefly. Faster metabolism from younger age or exercise speeds clearance.
- Liver and Kidney Function Impaired function extends elimination time.
- Hydration and Urination Drinking water increases urine output and speeds removal.
- Strain Potency Psilocybe cubensis averages 0.6 percent psilocybin. Stronger strains like Penis Envy mean more psilocin to clear.
Real-World Detection Scenarios
Workplace 5-panel tests remain safe after 24 hours for single use. Probation urine tests become risky within 48 hours for moderate doses. Clinical trials or research studies may use sensitive tests detecting up to 72 hours. Hair tests, though rare, require avoidance for 90 days if concerned.
How to Speed Up Clearance (If Needed)
Hydrate by drinking 2 to 3 liters of water daily, but do not overdo to avoid hyponatremia. Exercise with light cardio to increase metabolism and urine output. Use a sauna because sweating may help minor amounts, though urine serves as the primary route. Rely on time as the only guaranteed method. Avoid detox kits because most target THC or amphetamines and do not work for psilocin.
Myths vs. Facts
People think mushrooms show up like LSD, but psilocin has a shorter half-life than LSD. Many believe you can fail a test a week later, yet this stays unlikely after single moderate use. Some claim eating mushrooms hides them, but food only delays onset, not detection.
Special Cases
Microdosing with weekly 0.1 g doses clears fully between sessions in most people. Therapeutic settings in clinics rarely test post-session. Legal risk focuses more on possession than past use in most jurisdictions.
Legal and Practical Takeaway
If you face testing, allow 48 hours after a moderate dose, 24 hours after microdosing, and assume 72 hours for heavy or frequent use.
Conclusion
For a single moderate dose of magic mushrooms, psilocin clears the body within 24 hours for most people. Urine tests pose the longest but still short risk, up to 3 days in heavy users. Standard drug screens do not look for psilocybin, making detection unlikely outside specialized contexts.
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