The detection of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in hallucinogenic mushrooms, in standard drug screenings is relatively uncommon. Routine drug tests, such as those used by employers or legal entities, are typically designed to identify substances like opiates, amphetamines, cocaine, and cannabinoids. These tests do not usually include assays for psilocybin or its metabolite, psilocin.
The primary reason these substances are not routinely screened is their short detection window and the relatively high cost associated with specific assays. Psilocybin is metabolized quickly by the body, and its presence is generally detectable for a limited time frame, typically a matter of hours to a few days, depending on individual factors such as metabolism, dosage, and test sensitivity. The historical context reveals that focus has been directed towards substances with higher abuse potential and societal impact, leading to their prioritized detection in standard panels.