Shroom Impairment and Hazards to Public Safety

By: ASAP

Magic Mushrooms, or Shrooms, are a hallucinogenic issue containing a compound called psilocybin, which impacts the brain to produce changes in perception and behavior. Individuals in safety-sensitive roles must be aware of the risks associated with the use of mushrooms, or any other psychoactive substance.

Does it show up on a drug test?

A common question asked: Do mushrooms (or shrooms) show up on a drug test? Although the Department of Transportation (DOT) 5-panel tests for marijuana, cocaine, PCP, opioids, and amphetamines, other substances, such as mushrooms, pose a safety concern and supervisors and managers must remain aware. Employers with workers in safety-sensitive positions have responsibilities to ensure the safety of their employees and the public. Supervisors need to be prepared on how to look for signs and symptoms of impairment of any substance, and what to do next. View ASAP’s Supervisory Trainings here.

How are Shrooms Used?

Mushrooms may be consumed fresh, cooked, smoked, or brewed into tea (due to their bitterness), and have also been known to be mixed with other substances such as tobacco and cannabis. While psilocybin is not currently tested for in a standard drug test, cannabis is tested in the DOT drug test and it will result in a positive test.

What are the dangers?

Some dangers associated with mushroom consumption include, but are not limited to:

• Impaired cognitive function, including altered perception and thought processes, judgment, and problem-solving abilities, which are crucial to safety-sensitive job functions.
• Decreased alertness which takes a toll on the higher levels of accuracy and reactions in safety-sensitive work to prevent accidents.
• Increased risk-taking behavior that can lead to serious consequences when risk perception is altered.
• Unpredictable reactions that may include anxiousness, paranoia, or hallucinations which can impair the ability of an individual to perform their job safely.
• Long-lasting effects following mushroom use can linger even after the initial high wears off after a few hours. Some users have reported longer-lasting changes in their psychological state, which can directly impact job performance.
• Occupational hazards can occur, such as accidents, injuries, or even fatalities. In jobs that require operational use of heavy machinery or overseeing critical functions, impairment can lead to a devastating result.

Are Shrooms Legal?

All DOT modes, including FMCSA, FAA, FTA, FRA, PHMSA, and the USCG, conduct 5-panel drug tests. Although taking Psilocybin will not land you a positive DOT 5-panel drug test, it is an impairing substance and dangerous to consume, especially in a safety-sensitive role at work. The use of psychedelic mushrooms is illegal in many jurisdictions, and a positive non-DOT drug test may result in employment consequences. Many safety-sensitive roles require regular drug testing, and failing a test can result in termination.

ASAP offers nationwide DOT Return-To-Duty SAP services, 2^nd chance programs and Supervisory Reasonable Suspicion and Employee Awareness Trainings to help support your DOT and Non-DOT drug and alcohol programs. ASAP maintains a nationwide network of DOT-qualified SAPs who are ready and available for service. For more information about the SAP process or to learn how ASAP can provide you with access to a local SAP, contact 888.792.2727 x 177.

Johnson, J. (2021). Shrooms and drug tests: What to know. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/do-shrooms-show-up-on-a-drug-test