Psychedelic mushroom testing coming to DoD

Informational Note for DoD Personnel: “Pentagon will now drug-test for psychedelic mushrooms”

DoD is adding psilocin (the active metabolite of psilocybin) to its drug-testing panels. An August 18 memorandum from the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness directs the change, effective October 1, 2025. Task & Purpose first reported the update and quoted the memo’s rationale: adapting detection and deterrence to “new and emerging drug threats.” Task & PurposeMarijuana Moment
The update arrives alongside recent revisions to DoD drug-testing instructions. The Directives Division lists August 2025 changes to DoDI 1010.01 (MPDATP) and a change to DoDI 1010.16 (Technical Procedures), which governs FTDTL testing processes. WHS ESD+1

Using or possessing psilocybin/psilocin remains a crime under Article 112a, UCMJ, because both are Schedule I controlled substances under federal law. The Manual for Courts-Martial sets the elements and punishments for wrongful use/possession/intro/distribution, and DEA regulations list “Psilocybin” and “Psilocyn” in 21 C.F.R. § 1308.11(d). JSC
Local decriminalization does not protect service members. Article 112a applies worldwide, on and off base. CAAF has affirmed convictions involving psilocybin mushrooms—including use and introduction of mushrooms onto Spangdahlem AB, Germany—underscoring applicability overseas. Armed Forces Court of Appeals

United States v. Gosselin, 62 M.J. 349 (C.A.A.F. 2006): Guilty pleas to using and wrongfully introducing psilocybin mushrooms onto a U.S. installation in Germany; case demonstrates chargeability for both use and introduction OCONUS. Armed Forces Court of Appeals
United States v. Doolin, ACM 35825 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App. 2005): Conviction included “mushrooms containing psilocybin and/or psilocin”; opinion discusses knowledge/wrongfulness concepts mirrored in MCM ¶50. afcca.law.af.mil
United States v. Beltran, ACM S32353 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App. 2017): Findings included wrongful use of psilocybin alongside LSD—another example of charging psilocybin under Article 112a. afcca.law.af.mil
United States v. Lee, 61 M.J. 627 (C.G. Ct. Crim. App. 2005): Court analyzed manufacture/attempted manufacture of controlled substances; provides elements guidance when facts suggest growing or producing contraband (applicable to mushroom-cultivation theories). U.S. Department of Defense

Panel expansion: DoD laboratories (FTDTLs) will add psilocin to authorized panels; DoDI 1010.16 supplies the technical testing framework and allows targeted/for-cause testing beyond standard random panels. Expect formal cutoff levels to be promulgated as attachments/technical tables, similar to other drug cutoffs. WHS ESDMarijuana Moment
Detection windows: Forensics literature shows urinary psilocin (often as glucuronide conjugates) is typically detectable for ~24 hours after ingestion, with inter-individual variability; hair testing can document use over longer periods. (Frontiers review; Kintz hair-analysis study; Kamata LC-MS/MS study). FrontiersScienceDirectSpringerLink
Evidentiary rules: When the government’s case hinges on a urinalysis, courts require proper foundation and expert testimony linking results to knowing, wrongful use (see Campbell line of cases and MRE/MCM guidance). Courts also scrutinize inspection programs to ensure a true M.R.E. 313 inspection (not a subterfuge search). Armed Forces Court of AppealsJAG Legal Center and School

Host-nation law still matters, in addition to UCMJ. NATO SOFA Article VII creates a concurrent jurisdiction framework. Even if local policy (e.g., “truffles” in parts of the Netherlands) looks permissive, you remain subject to UCMJ, and host-nation prosecution can arise depending on the facts and SOFA waivers. Coordinate promptly with SJA when offenses occur off base. NATO

Congress and VA/DoD are funding psychedelic research (e.g., MDMA, psilocybin) for PTSD/TBI, but participation is limited to controlled clinical protocols and does not authorize personal use. Recent VA announcements and DoD research calls confirm the clinical-trial track. VA NewsCDMRP

Command messaging: Update safety briefs, newcomer orientations, and policy letters to state plainly that psilocybin/psilocin use, possession, or introduction is prohibited worldwide—regardless of host-nation decriminalization or retail availability off base. Cite Article 112a and DEA Schedule I status. JSC
Testing programs: Work with DDRP/FTDTL to ensure your collection SOPs and chain-of-custody reflect the October 1 psilocin panel change; retain cutoff/validation documentation for discovery. (DoDI 1010.16; Directives Division update). WHS ESD+1
Evidence hygiene: For “naked urinalysis” prosecutions, be prepared to present expert interpretation that connects psilocin findings to knowing use and to defend the inspection’s primary purpose under M.R.E. 313 (avoid subterfuge). Campbell and subsequent cases are still the roadmap. Armed Forces Court of AppealsJAG Legal Center and School
Counseling & limited-use policies: Direct self-referrals to service-specific programs (e.g., AR 600-85’s limited use policy for Soldiers) and caution that criminal use remains prosecutable; limited-use protections are narrow and fact-specific. cdse.edu
Security clearances: Remind members that any illegal drug use—including psychedelics—risks adverse adjudication under SEAD-4, Guideline H (Drug Involvement & Substance Misuse).

Starting October 1, 2025, DoD’s drug program will test for psilocin.
Psilocybin/psilocin remain Schedule I—wrongful use/possession/intro are chargeable anywhere under Article 112a.
Expect the usual urinalysis proof requirements and M.R.E. 313 scrutiny; prepare your unit’s testing and training accordingly.