If you Legally Try Mushrooms in Colorado, Can You Be Tested?
You probably remember a time when it was a big no-no to be in possession of any kind of drug, including marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms. Today, in Colorado, it has been legal to purchase marijuana for over a decade, and the state just decriminalized psilocybin and other natural hallucinogenic drugs this past November.
So what does that mean as far as drug testing goes in the Centennial State when it comes to psilocybin, commonly referred to as 'magic mushrooms,' or simply 'mushrooms?' Keep reading to find out.
Just How Legal are Mushrooms in Colorado?
First, we need to take a look at what exactly Colorado's Proposition 122 says in regard to the legality of psychedelic mushrooms.
Passed on November 8, 2022, Prop 122, also known as the 'Natural Medicine Health Act of 2022,' decriminalized possession of certain natural hallucinogens for limited, medicinal use, for individuals 21 years of age or older.
It's estimated that by 2024 Colorado will have healing centers that will treat things like depression, anxiety, and PTSD with certain psychedelics.
So, if you happen to meet all of the above criteria, what does this mean for your job?
Can Your Colorado Employer Test You For Mushrooms?
Prop 122 specifically states that it does not "require an employer to permit or accommodate the use, consumption, possession, transfer, display, transportation, or growing of natural medicines in the workplace."
So, even if you're legally allowed to be treated with mushrooms, you'll still likely need to keep it completely separate from your job.
To expand on this, workplaces throughout Colorado can still legally drug test you as part of the hiring process but, traditionally, mushrooms are rarely part of a standard drug test.
In fact, the common 'five-panel' urine drug test checks for things like cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, PCP, and even though it's legal in Colorado, marijuana.
There are drug tests specifically for hallucinogens like mushrooms, LSD, mescaline, and peyote, but these are typically requested if an employee appears to be presently under the influence.
It should also be noted that while there are specialized tests for mushrooms, the psilocybin chemicals typically only stay in a user's system for a maximum of 24 hours.
To sum it up, while mushrooms have technically been decriminalized in Colorado, you absolutely must follow the rules put into place by your employer if you want to keep your job. On the other hand, while it is technically possible to test for hallucinogens, it's pretty uncommon and must be done within 24 hours of ingesting them.