Pentagon to Begin Drug Testing Troops for Psychedelic Mushrooms by 2025

The Pentagon is set to initiate testing for psilocin, the hallucinogenic substance present in psychedelic mushrooms, among service members as part of its drug detection program starting on October 1, 2025.

A memo from the Defense Department, dated August 18, revealed a significant update, highlighting concerns that psilocybin, the key component found in magic mushrooms that transforms into psilocin after consumption, may compromise readiness, security, and discipline.

“In light of potential risks to security, military fitness, readiness, and overall discipline,” the memo indicated, psilocin will be included in the standard urinalysis panel.

Psilocybin and psilocin are classified as Schedule I substances by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, indicating that they are regarded at the federal level as having no recognized medical application and a significant risk of misuse. Several states, such as Oregon, Colorado, and New Mexico, have taken steps to legalize or decriminalize psilocybin for therapeutic purposes or research initiatives.

Military leaders highlighted their unwavering commitment to a strict policy. “The Department of Defense upholds a strict policy against drug use, and we are dedicated to consistently improving our drug testing capabilities while also enhancing our education and prevention initiatives,” stated a Pentagon spokesperson.

The initiative broadens the reach of the military's drug testing program, which currently evaluates service members for substances such as marijuana, cocaine, opioids, heroin, and synthetic drugs, including MDMA and Delta-8. A recent directive from the Defense Department has emphasized the importance of conducting long-term analyses of urinalysis data to track trends in substance abuse among military personnel.

The decision arrives during an escalating national discussion regarding the possible medical advantages of psychedelics. Psilocybin-assisted therapy is increasingly recognized as a potential treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, and various other conditions, especially among veterans.

There has been notable attention from Congress regarding the matter. Earlier this year, legislators put forward a proposal aimed at creating specialized centers within the Department of Veterans Affairs to explore the application of psychedelics in addressing PTSD and other conditions specific to veterans.

Although active service members will continue to be prohibited from utilizing psychedelic mushrooms, certain veterans might find access to these treatments after completing their service. Supporters argued that these therapies may offer solutions in situations where conventional methods are ineffective.

The Pentagon has made its stance unmistakably clear: the use of psychedelics is not compatible with serving in the military.

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