"Is there anyway to pass a drug test? My job is drug testing me. I am a patient, but I’m scared that due to failure, they’ll take my job. Is there any way around this situation?"
The most common drug test for cannabis is a urine test. The test is quite easy and all that is required is a sample of urine by the subject for the test to be carried out. The sample is first taken to the laboratory then screened under a threshold sensitivity level. If the targeted metabolites (THC-COOH) of the test are found to be below the national standard of 50 ng/mL, then the sample is marked negative and you pass the test! However, if it’s higher than 50 ng/mL, then the sample is tested a second time for confirmation.
The second test is conducted with the use of more advanced equipment. Typically, a Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS) is used. This test is analyzed under a threshold of 15 ng/ml, which makes the result very accurate. If the sample is higher than this, then "Test Positive for Marijuana" is reported.
How long is THC detectable in urine? If you are a chronic marijuana user, THC can be detected in your system using a urine test for up to 12 weeks depending on the quantity as well as frequency of use. If you just used marijuana once and stopped, the odds of passing a test within the first week are decent but you can still test positive for up to 30 days.
Under recent court rulings, a employer can require that all employees test drug free even if you have medical cannabis recommendation. If you test positive you can be fired. I cannot advise you how to pass a drug screen if you are using medicinal cannabis on a daily basis.
Perry Solomon, MD
