Did you know that hallucinogen use has started to increase dramatically over the past decade? 

For many years, hallucinogen use was relatively stable. However, starting in 2020, more and more people started using these substances, often with the intention of escaping reality. Psilocybin mushrooms, or “magic mushrooms,” are one of the most popular psychedelics. According to the latest 2023 findings, past-year use of hallucinogens like psilocybin have remained at historically high levels, reaching 9% for adults 19 to 30 years of age.  

Psilocybin is often believed to be safer than synthetic substances. What many people don’t realize, however, is that even “natural” substances can be extremely dangerous, especially when taken frequently or in large doses. One study found that 40% of people who used psilocybin said it was the most challenging experience of their lives.  

Knowing how long psilocybin stays in the body is crucial, as it can guide the type of care you receive. Some “bad trips” just need time to wear off, while others require medical attention. It’s also possible for psilocybin to interact with other medications and supplements, putting you at risk for serious complications. Let’s answer the question to, “How long does psilocybin stay in your system” so that you can be informed. 

How Long Does Psilocybin Stay in Your System?

Psilocybin doesn’t stay in your system for very long compared to other substances. It’s rapidly converted into psilocin, the active compound that causes psychedelic effects. The effects usually last 4 to 6 hours, but traces can linger longer in the body. Knowing psilocybin’s detection time is important because it helps you understand the substance’s effects, how they might interact with other medications, and how emergency situations should be handled. 

Psilocybin Duration and Half-Life

Once psilocybin enters the body, it begins to produce hallucinogenic effects within 20 to 60 minutes. The symptoms typically peak around 1 to 3 hours, with most trips lasting about 4 to 6 hours. However, even after the trip has passed, it’s normal to feel aftereffects like emotional sensitivity or fatigue. 

Psilocin (what psilocybin converts into) has a short half-life of about 1 to 3 hours. This means that after one hour, 50% of psilocin is eliminated from the body. Within 4 to 6 hours, most of the active compound has left the system, though trace metabolites could linger. However, it’s important to know that you can pick up psilocin on drug tests for a couple of days depending on the type of testing used. 

How Is Psilocybin Metabolized in the Body?

Psilocybin mushrooms are usually taken orally, either eaten fresh or dried, brewed into tea, or in capsule form. Once psilocybin hits your stomach, it’s quickly converted into psilocin. As an active compound, psilocin crosses the blood-brain barrier and causes psychedelic effects. Specifically, psilocin interacts with serotonin receptors, especially the 5-HT2A receptor, which alters mood, perception, and thinking. This is what leads to emotional shifts, hallucinations, and an altered sense of time. Psilocin is then broken down in the liver and turned into inactive compounds that are excreted from the body through urine. 

Does Psilocybin Show Up on Standard Drug Tests?  

Compared to other substances, psilocybin has a relatively short duration in the body. This is the case because psilocybin is rapidly converted into psilocin, which has a half-life of 1 to 3 hours. Most standard drug tests do not screen for psilocybin, though specialized testing can be done. However, these are usually only ordered when there’s a specific reason to suspect mushroom use. 

Urine Testing 

Psilocybin (and psilocin) are usually detectable in urine for 24 to 48 hours after use. In some cases, especially with high dose or frequent use, traces might be detectable for up to 3 days. After that, it’s usually cleared from the system and won’t show up on drug tests. Most standard drug tests do not test for psilocybin unless it’s a specialized panel. 

Blood Testing

Because psilocybin turns into psilocin quickly, it doesn’t stay in the blood for very long. It’s usually only detectable for about an hour or so before breaking down. Psilocin, on the other hand, can be detected in blood for about 6 hours, though trace amounts may remain slightly longer depending on dose and metabolism. Blood tests are rarely used for psilocybin unless it’s a medical or legal situation. 

Hair Testing 

After ingestion, tiny amounts of psilocin and its metabolites can be deposited into hair follicles through the bloodstream. As hair grows, about ½ inch per month, the compounds can remain trapped in the hair shaft for 90 days or more. Hair tests are effective for showing past use, not current intoxication. Since hair testing is specialized and expensive, it’s not included in standard drug panels. 

Saliva Testing 

Psilocybin and psilocin are not typically detectable in saliva for very long—if at all. If these substances do show up, it will only be for a short time, usually 12 hours or less. Plus, saliva testing requires highly sensitive equipment to detect psilocybin or psilocin. For these reasons, saliva testing is not used in standard drug screenings. 

Factors That Affect How Long Mushrooms Stay in Your System

While there are general timelines for how long psilocybin stays in the body, certain factors can affect this process, causing the substance to linger or be eliminated faster. In general, people who are young, healthy, and have a fast metabolism are able to clear psilocybin out of their system faster. Let’s look closer. 

Dosage and Frequency of Use

Higher doses of psilocybin cause the substance to compound in the body, which could make the metabolization and elimination processes slower. Also, occasional use of magic mushrooms clears faster, while frequent or repeated use may slightly extend the detection window. 

Individual Factors

People with faster metabolisms tend to break down and eliminate substances like psilocybin and psilocin more quickly. Metabolism does slow with age. By the time you’re 60, your metabolism might be 10-20% slower than it was in your 30s. Other factors that influence metabolic rate include activity level, diet, and overall health. 

Ingestion Method

Magic mushrooms are usually consumed orally in capsules, teas, or their dried form. This method allows for gradual absorption, fewer health risks, and easier control of the dosage. It is not safe or necessary to inject or snort the substance. Because mushrooms have to go through this process, their onset isn’t that quick—usually 20 to 40 minutes. However, drinking tea with psilocybin mushrooms or eating mushrooms on an empty stomach can speed up the process. 

Finding Psilocybin Treatment Near You in Prescott, AZ

If you are looking for psilocybin treatment for yourself or a loved one, rest assured that help is out there, even though this type of treatment is more unique. While psilocybin doesn’t cause physical dependence in the same way that alcohol or opioids do, psychological dependence and habitual use can still occur, especially in individuals who are using the substance to escape emotional pain. When psilocybin use becomes problematic, psilocybin addiction treatment is the solution. It typically involves talk therapy, support groups, mental health treatment, and holistic approaches. 

Psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals understand their thoughts, beliefs, and triggers around psilocybin use. Support groups like 12-step programs offer non-judgmental peer support circles where individuals are free to share their experiences and learn from others. Holistic approaches—mindfulness, meditation, and self-care strategies—can also help reduce psilocybin use by learning new ways to cope. Getting treatment for mental health disorders is also crucial, as these core issues can drive the desire to escape emotional distress. While psilocybin isn’t considered “addictive” in the traditional sense, problematic use can still be effectively addressed with therapy, support groups, and mental health care. 

Wolf Creek Recovery has everything you need to build the foundation for a healthy recovery. You will be welcomed into our program with open arms as we work toward developing a trusting relationship with you. Since many of our team members are in recovery, you’ll have a unique sense of compassion and understanding from the start. Our outdoor therapy program will also teach you new ways to cope and enjoy your time, reducing your reliance on substances. Start your journey to healing by calling us at 833-732-8202. Build a life you love.