As cannabis becomes legal in more and more states, the worry regular cannabis users have about failing a drug test will start to recede into the distance. But drug testing will continue to be a factor for many people, as employers may consider any marijuana use a disqualification for continued employment as evidence of drug and alcohol addiction, however unfairly.
Is Testing Even Legal?
In states where marijuana is legal for recreational or medical use, employers are still allowed to test their employees for drug use. However, certain restrictions in place must be followed for the testing process to remain lawful and ethical. Employers cannot simply conduct random drug tests without cause and must have a legitimate reason for doing so. Additionally, they can only drug test employees who are actively under their employment and not potential new hires or those who have been laid off recently. Furthermore, employers must make sure that any results from these tests remain confidential as per privacy laws.
It is important to note that we are not lawyers! If this is an issue that concerns you we recommend you research the relevant laws in your state.
If you are facing drug tests you may be concerned about a positive test even if you have not consumed cannabis recently. There are many factors, but it might be important to know how long marijuana stays in your system.
How Long Does Marijuana Stay in your System? Quite a While!
Weed can stay in your body for a surprisingly long time. While the length of time you can detect cannabis depends on various factors, such as body fat content and type of drug test used, in the worst case a drug test can detect to detect weed in someone’s system for up to three months after the last marijuana use.
Most marijuana detection tests are designed specifically to detect THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is a natural compound found in marijuana plants. How long it takes for THC to leave the human body depends heavily on body fat content – people with a higher body mass index (BMI) tend to take longer to have all traces of the drug removed from their bodies than those with lower body fat, as it persists in fat cells – it’s fat soluble.
For instance, if an individual has a high body fat content, weed can be detected in drug tests for up to three months! However, if the body fat content is lower, marijuana may only remain in your body for a few weeks—or even a few days—after the last use.
Types of Drug Tests
There are several methods of drug testing used to detect marijuana by detecting THC levels in someone’s system.
Blood Tests
A blood test measures active THC levels. They are the least common method used to detect cannabis, as they can be quite expensive compared to other methods. Blood tests have a relatively short window of detection, as THC is metabolized rapidly and leaves your body within a few days. You can expect to test positive for up to three days, depending on THC concentration.
Urine Tests
Urine screenings detect THC metabolites that are left behind after consumption. Depending on body fat content and the amount of marijuana a person smokes and the amount of THC consumed, a urine test – most urine tests – can detect metabolites in a urine sample and test positive for up to three months. It’s those fat molecules, that’s why it stays in your system!
Saliva Tests
Saliva tests detect both active THC and metabolites. This method is becoming increasingly popular, as it can detect marijuana use within the past 24 hours. For those who do not use marijuana regularly and have taken only a low THC dose, their oral fluid can test negative after only 72 hours. For frequent smokers, those who ingest weed regularly, positive tests can still occur for up to a month.
Hair Tests
Hair tests detect THC metabolites that are trapped in the hair follicles. A hair test can detect cannabis use for up to three months after consumption in hair samples. Body fat is not a significant factor here.
So how long does one smoke session stay in your system?
Give it a Month
If you are worried about passing a drug test it is best to eliminate marijuana, even secondhand marijuana smoke, for at least one month before testing (preferably longer) and make sure to drink plenty of water to help flush out any remaining traces of THC from your body. Chronic users should take a longer break. Avoid other drugs too – a drug test is probably looking for more than just cannabis consumption.
Avoid Being Tested
If you live in a state where cannabis use is legal you can probably avoid being tested by simply not showing up to work directly after ingesting marijuana. Employers need a reason, so don’t give them one. Save it for the evenings and weekends! It’s none of their business if you are a person who smokes marijuana as long as it does not effect your work, and marijuana use is not indicative of drug abuse.
