The Pentagon has changed its drug screening policy to test service members for psilocin, indicating the use of psilocybin mushrooms, according to an Aug. 18 memo.

Psilocin will be added to drug testing panels for troops as of Oct. 1, “due to the risk of impairment and subsequent deterioration of security, military fitness, readiness, good order and discipline,” according to the memo.

Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, produce hallucinogenic effects when consumed. After being ingested, psilocybin within the mushrooms is metabolized by the body and transformed into the active drug psilocin. High doses of psilocybin mushrooms can trigger strong physical reactions, including vomiting and disorientation, as well as psychotic behavior due to hallucinations, according to

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