Over the last 10 years, a surge in the widespread use of psychedelic mushrooms and medicinal (functional) mushrooms, has led to increased cultivation and decriminalization of psychedelic mushroom strains. This has given rise to a community of mycological enthusiasts and medicinal patients who prioritize being informed about the variations in species and the specific chemical components responsible for desired effects.
For our clients testing functional mushrooms we provide testing for purity, in the same way we test hemp.
Types of Mushroom Testing
We are currently conducting ongoing research on the active ingredients of these mushrooms and anticipate being able to share the science with the rest of the mycology community in the near future.
Recently, Oregon introduced the draft rules for hallucinogen tests in their legal psychedelic program to be launched in 2023. The state’s newly created Oregon Psilocybin Services section of the Oregon Health Authority, which is the same regulatory body that governs cannabis in the state, was the agency released the information and it comes after the people of Oregon approved Measure 109 in November of 2020. This legislation gives the state of Oregon up to two years to regulate legal psilocybin mushrooms in Oregon. Additionally, the regulatory language specifies species testing of every harvest lot to ensure the presence of only Psilocybe Cubensis. This includes batch testing for every five pounds of whole mushroom fruit, as opposed to cannabis which is required for every fifteen pounds. The analysis to be performed is mandated to include potency testing, solvent testing (for extracts made with methanol), microbial testing for e Coli bacterium, and heavy metal testing for lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury.
Our clients include the nation's leading psychedelic and functional mushroom researchers. When analyzing psilocybe mushroom samples for potency, we quantitatively measure the following analytes:
As a prodrug, psilocybin is quickly converted by the body to psilocin when ingested. It is broken down by the liver in a process called dephosphorylation. The resulting compound is called psilocin, which is responsible for the psychedelic effects.
Present in most psychedelic mushrooms together with its phosphorylated counterpart psilocybin.
beta-carboline alkaloid
beta-carboline alkaloid
psilocybin’s precursor, an analog of psilocybin and found as a minor compound
a psilocybin analog and minor active compound (alkaloid)
Norpsilocin
a derivative of psilocybin: Acts on 5-HT2A receptors with greater potency than psilocin
a naturally occurring tryptamine. Aeruginascin chemically similar to psilocybin and psilocin.
trimethyltryptamine (4-HO-TMT) - The putative active metabolite of aeruginascin, a naturally occurring tryptamine of "psychedelic mushrooms". This compound is closely related to bufotenidine, the N-trimethyl analogue of serotonin found naturally in toad venom.
4 hydroxytryptamine belongs to a class of naturally occurring psychedelic substances called tryptamine alkaloids, which come from the amino acid tryptophan. This class encompasses neurotransmitters in the brain, like serotonin and melatonin.
In addition to our performing testing for psilocybin (psychedelic or “magic”) mushrooms, we also provide purity analyses for many functional or medicinal mushrooms, including:
Certificates of Analysis
When selecting a mushroom testing laboratory, there are a number of different factors, accreditations, and testing methodologies that should be taken into account. First and foremost, as required by Drug Enforcement Administration regulations, our laboratory has accreditation from the federal level of government. In addition, we are registered with the DEA, AHCA, and CLIA, and have been awarded 82 Emerald Badges, an inter-laboratory comparison and proficiency test, in 2019 - 2022. As a result of our years of experience operating as a testing lab aiding in the quantitative aspects of analytical testing, ACS is able to disseminate clinical grade results.
We Conduct Testing In House
Additionally, we have invested in a 20,000 square ft facility, and our site has all of the proper laboratory-grade instruments and chemicals to perform high quality hemp testing. Consequently, we are able to employ the most reliable testing methods available, such as high-performance liquid chromatography, clinical mass spectrometry, and ultra-violet spectroscopy with high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC/LCMS/ HPLCUV), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP/MS). We have convenient and knowledgeable customer support teams that are consistently available by phone and we are able to offer 3-5 day turnaround time for test results.
Current Classification of Magic Mushrooms
Because psilocybin and psilocin are Schedule 1 substances, handling or possessing them without DEA authorization is a federal crime and punishable under law. However, the DEA does afford companies the ability to apply for federal psilocybin registration. Under this regulation, a company can be allowed to conduct any of seven activities, including manufacturing, distribution, reverse distribution, research, import, export, and chemical analyses.
How accurate is mushroom testing?
Potency testing, for psilocybin, psilocin, and quantification for other active compounds is extremely accurate when using Liquid Chromotography Mass Spectometry, as the measurements can be quantified to 1/10th of 1% and 1/10th of a milligram and measured in parts per billion.
FAQS
The federal government designates psilocybin mushrooms to be a Schedule 1 controlled substance that has no medicinal value and therefore there are no federal regulations designed for testing mushrooms. Because psilocybin and psilocin are Schedule 1 substances, handling or possessing them without DEA authorization is a federal crime and punishable under law. However, the DEA does afford companies the ability to apply for federal psilocybin registration. Under this regulation, a company can be allowed to conduct any of seven activities, including manufacturing, distribution, reverse distribution, research, import, export, and chemical analyses.
Yes, to grow psychedelic mushrooms in the United States, the company must be approved for federal psilocybin regulation with the DEA or in a state with a regulatory agency set up to govern the use of mushrooms, such as Oregon. In order to grow functional mushrooms, cultivators do not typically need a license.
Functional Mushrooms can be tested for Pesticides (FL -list and action levels), Mycotoxins (FL list and action levels), Residual Solvents for Extracts (FL list and action levels), Heavy metals (FL list and action levels), Microbiological (FL Compliance 1), Water activity and moisture (useable)What kind of mushroom products can you test?We analyze and test a variety of common mushrooms, finished products, and delivery vehicles, including dried, chocolates, tinctures, gummies, and capsules.
Psychedelic Mushrooms are tested for the potency of Psilocybin, Psilocin ,Harmine, Harmane, Baeocystin, Norbaeocystin, Norpsilocin, Aeruginascin, 4-hydroxy TMT. They can also be tested for 1. Pesticides (FL -list and action levels) 2. Mycotoxins (FL list and action levels) 3. Residual Solvents for Extracts (FL list and action levels) 4. Heavy metals (4) (FL list and action levels) 5. Microbiological (FL Compliance 1) 6. Water activity and moisture (useable)
Potency testing, for psilocybin, psilocin, and quantification for other active compounds and amino acids, is extremely accurate when quantifying a lower dose, as well as in larger dosages, as the measurements can be quantified to 1/10th of 1% and 1/10th of a milligram and measured in parts per billion.
Mushroom products are tested through a number of quantitative testing measures and analytical instruments, including HPLC/MSMS/HPLCUV, GC/MS, and ICP/MS.
Yes. In order to meet state requirements for sale in Oregon, licensees must remain in regulatory compliance with the state’s governing body. In addition, analytical testing is integral to understanding and conveying the quality and contents of your mushrooms. Along with comprehensive and compliant analytical test panels, ACS also offers a la cart R&D testing services for Functional Mushrooms. Select from our wide range of tests to help develop your premium-quality medical mushroom products.