The reclassification of cannabis as a less dangerous drug was recently approved by the United Nations. The medical and therapeutic value of cannabis also received recognition by the U.N. The decriminalization of cannabis may increase its consumption worldwide. However, drug testing regulations are still crucial to ensure a safe social environment.

Keep on reading to know more about cannabis drug test FAQs.

In which circumstances can an employer require marijuana drug testing?

An employer can legally require a drug test under these circumstances:

• Reasonable suspicion: A drug test can be performed if there’s evidence of an employee being under drug influence at work.
• Post-accident in the workplace: Employers can order a drug test for employees involved in work accidents, including accidents that jeopardize the life of the employee or other individuals as well as accidents that cause major property damages.
• Employment Policy: Certain jobs have policies that require routine or application drug testing. These are jobs that could lead to accidents if the employee’s physical or mental ability is impaired.

What types of laboratory tests can detect cannabis use?

A biological sample is necessary for the detection of cannabis in your metabolism. Such biological samples include:

• Urine
• Saliva
• Blood
• sweat
• Hair

How long after use is cannabis likely to be detected?

The detection time depends on the biological sample:

• Urine: Urine tests can detect cannabis for 1 to 30 days after consumption.
• Saliva: It is known as a mouth swab test. Saliva tests can detect recent drug use. Also, saliva tests can detect cannabis for up to 24 hours after use.
• Blood: A blood test can determine the amount of cannabis in your body. It also detects recent drug use. Blood tests can detect cannabis for 12 to 48 hours after consumption.
• Hair: Drug tests can detect frequent cannabis use through hair samples. The detection window of cannabis in hair is for up to 90 days after use.
• Sweat: Tests that analyze sweat samples can identify cannabis consumption for 7 to 14 days after use.

Can employers conduct drug tests in states where marijuana is legal?

Employers can test even in states where cannabis consumption is legal. There are state laws that support employers to run drug tests. However, drug testing should only be done to ensure a safe work environment. 

What causes a false positive result?

A false-positive result for cannabis can happen due to circumstances like:

• Passive inhalation: Secondhand exposure to marijuana may cause a positive urinalysis result. The false-positive result depends on the severity of the exposure.
• Cannabidiol (CBD): CBD use may cause a positive urinalysis result. The false-positive result depends on the amount of CBD use.
• HIV Medication: Medication like Sustiva can cause a positive cannabis drug test result.

We recommend notifying the lab about the consumption of medications or supplements, since they may also cause an inaccurate drug test result.

What happens if I get a false-positive result?

If you get a false-positive result, the laboratory will run a confirmation test. The lab might run a different drug test from the first one. This is because cannabis’ detection window is different for each biological sample.

Do employers need to give notice before drug testing?

Regardless of motive, employers must give previous notice and follow the state laws regarding drug testing.

Employers must avoid using drug testing as a medium of discrimination in the workplace. Otherwise, this would be a violation of the employee’s rights.

At Soteria Screening Laboratories, we offer drug testing services to keep your business safe and efficient. Call (202) 679–6670 to learn more or to order a drug test today. We are here to help.