How Long Do Mushrooms Stay in Your System?

Introduction

Magic mushrooms—or psilocybin mushrooms—are known for their hallucinogenic effects, but there’s one question many people eventually ask:

How long do mushrooms stay in your system?

Whether you’re considering a psychedelic experience, facing a drug test, or supporting a loved one, understanding detection timelines is key. And if you’re struggling with substance use or mental health, professional treatment for psychedelic misuse is available and effective.

What’s in Magic Mushrooms?

Psilocybin is the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms. Once ingested, it’s metabolized into psilocin—the substance responsible for the mind-altering effects and what shows up in drug testing.

Note: It’s psilocin, not psilocybin, that most drug tests attempt to detect.

If you or someone you love is experimenting with psychedelics to self-medicate, consider dual diagnosis treatment for underlying mental health concerns.

How Long Do the Effects of Mushrooms Last?

• Onset: 20–40 minutes
• Peak: 1.5–3 hours
• Duration: 4–6 hours
• Afterglow: Up to 24 hours

The trip may be over in half a day—but the substance can stay detectable longer, depending on the test type.

Detection Times by Drug Test Type

Standard 5-panel drug screens don’t test for psilocybin unless specified.

Factors That Affect How Long Mushrooms Stay in Your System

Variables include:

• Dose & frequency of use
• Metabolism & liver health
• Hydration & physical activity
• Age & body composition

Looking for a healthier lifestyle and long-term recovery? Explore our holistic addiction treatment approach.

Can Mushrooms Show Up on a Drug Test?

Yes—but it’s rare. Most routine drug tests don’t screen for psychedelics unless it’s a specialized panel. However, people in legal, clinical, or high-security professions may be tested for psilocybin or psilocin.

Concerned about lingering substances in your body? Learn about our medically supervised detox services designed to support safe and effective cleansing.

How to Get Mushrooms Out of Your System Faster

There’s no miracle detox, but these can help:

• Stay hydrated
• Eat clean, nutrient-rich foods
• Get quality sleep
• Light physical activity
• Time—your body needs it

For those who’ve used mushrooms frequently or in combination with other substances, partial hospitalization programs can offer the right level of structured support.

Do Mushrooms Stay in Your Hair?

In theory, psilocin can bind to hair follicles, but it’s rarely detected. Hair testing for psychedelics is expensive and not standard practice, even in court or probation settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I fail a drug test for taking mushrooms last weekend?

Unlikely. Most drug panels don’t include psilocybin, and the substance typically clears the body within 1–3 days.

Can microdosing mushrooms cause a positive drug test?

It’s possible within 24 hours of dosing, but microdosing rarely hits detection thresholds—unless a highly sensitive test is used.

What if I took mushrooms with other drugs?

Mixing mushrooms with other substances can complicate detox and detection timelines. Explore co-occurring substance abuse treatment options here.

Conclusion

So, how long do mushrooms stay in your system? For most people, psilocin is gone within 1 to 3 days and isn’t detected on a standard drug screen. But in specialized settings—or when usage is heavy—those traces can linger longer.

If your mushroom use is affecting your life, mood, or mental health, it might be time to talk to someone.
Contact Moving Mountains Recovery for personalized support and treatment plans.

References

1. Hasler, F., et al. (2002). Pharmacokinetics and subjective effects of psilocybin in healthy volunteers. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics.
2. Brown, R. T., & Nicholas, C. R. (2022). Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: What clinicians need to know. JAMA Psychiatry.
3. U.S. DEA. Psilocybin and Psilocin Fact Sheet.