How to Pass a Drug Test: 5 Tips to Passing a Marijuana Test

Are you in that unfortunate situation where you just got a new job and found out you have to get a drug test? What do you do if you just smoked and have a drug test in the next few days? We're sure a lot of questions have run through your head. Do detox drinks work? Is there any way to pass a THC urine test in just a few hours? What are your other options? Fortunately, we're here to answer some of your questions about how to pass a drug test for weed.

When Can an Employer Require a Drug Test?

Legally, a company can test any employees for drugs at random or on a scheduled basis (even in states where marijuana is legal). Even though it is not a federally legal requirement for most private employers to have a drug-free workplace policy, it is fairly common for organizations to screen a new employee during the hiring process. Some companies - primarily government-run, federal grantees, and certain security-sensitive organizations - are required by law to have a drug-free workplace policy.

It is the employer's right to drug test employees at any time. However, there are factors to be aware of that favor the employee. Both the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protect employees from discriminatory action in the workplace, which includes being singled out for a drug test. If you're concerned about being drug tested at your work, look for your organization's drug policy - they likely have their policy officially documented.

How Long Does THC Stay in Your System?

Both 5-panel and 10-panel drug tests screen for THC, the most prominent cannabinoid found in marijuana. THC is the primary chemical responsible for giving you a "high" when you smoke, and it does stay in your system for a while after use. How long it stays in your system is dependent on several key factors, including how often you use cannabis, how much you consumed, the method you used cannabis (i.e., smoking, edibles, concentrate, etc.), and what your natural metabolism is. The more you consume, the longer it will take to get out of your system. Edibles are more likely to result in THC being in your system longer. The faster your metabolism, the quicker your body will process the THC.

These factors may impact how fast your body processes THC out of your system by a few days, but the most significant factor is how often you smoke. The general rule of thumb is that first-time or infrequent users will have THC in your system for around three days; casual users will likely have THC in their system for 5-7 days; everyday users could have THC in their systems for up to 30 days or more.

Types of Drug Tests

Certain tests can find THC in your system much longer after use than others, even if you aren't a frequent user. Here are the four main types of drug tests.

Urine

This is the most common drug test and the mandated method for regulated testing. Unless you're a heavy user, urine tests will usually only detect THC up to 5-10 days (although THC may be detectible for up to a month in everyday users).

Blood

This drug testing method is usually reserved for laboratory settings and is unlikely to be used for workplace drug tests. For most users, THC stays in the blood for three days, but it may detect THC from up to 25 days in chronic users.

Hair

While they are much less common than urine testing, hair drug tests can detect THC in your system for up to 90 days or more (regardless of frequency of use). This test is very uncommon.

Saliva

This testing method is primarily used for roadside testing (i.e., if a driver is being tested for DUI). Its detection window is similar to that of urine testing, with a range of 3 to 30 days, depending on the frequency of cannabis use.

Tips on How To Pass a Urine Test for Weed

Unfortunately, if you're wondering how to pass a drug test in a few hours, there's nothing that will clean your system that quickly. There are, however, a few ways to expedite the process.

Detox Drinks & Kits

There are several kits on the market that help detox for a drug test. Some claim to work in as little time as one to two days. While many of these detox kits will quicken the process, there are no surefire ways to clean out your system in 24 hours (or even 48 hours).

Drink Water

Drinking a lot of water will help flush out any THC in your system quicker. Especially if you're an everyday cannabis user, drinking water won't work quick enough to help in one or two days; it could, however, help if you've been smoking and have a week or two before your test.

Exercise

A faster metabolism means your body will process THC quicker and working out consistently is the best way to ensure a healthier metabolism. Getting into the habit of working out may help you pass drug tests in the future, although it isn't a quick fix for a last-minute problem.

Healthy Diet

Like exercise, a healthy diet increases your body's ability to process quicker; and like working out, maintaining a healthy diet may help you pass a drug test in the long run. It is not, however, a quick fix.

Abstain

While this won't help in last-minute situations, abstaining is the absolute best way to ensure you pass a drug test. If you're looking for jobs or if a drug test is scheduled within the next few weeks, not using cannabis of any kind is your best option. While it might not be fun, passing a drug test naturally like this is the only way to 100% guarantee you'll pass.

Have you recently had to pass a drug test right after using cannabis? Let us know if you passed and what helped the most. Comment below!