Although using marijuana for medical use has been legalized in 33 states in America, there is still a huge number of instances when this helpful substance is not able to be taken. Whether you are a federal employee, working for a company with a federal contract, playing pro sport in a state where marijuana has been legalized or simply self-medicating rather than going through official channels, and some stage it is possible that you will find yourself facing a drug test.
There are a range of toxicology tests in use, including salvia samples, blood extraction, urine testing or hair analysis. By far one of the more common drug tests administered by workplaces and for at home testing is a hair sample analysis. Thankfully there are a range of options to help you remove traces of THC from your hair before you need to undergo testing. You can also find reviews and additional recommendations for detox products on a site like this: https://cleardrugtests.com/products/nexxus-aloe-rid-shampoo-review.
Marijuana is widely available in a range of formats, from more traditional cigarette, through to oils, edible products and a range of ways to inhale the substance., and with the increasing popularity of THC to treat a range of issues it has become socially acceptable to consume despite the years of anti-cannabis propaganda. Unfortunately, it is still illegal in quite a few situations.
Medical Marijuana State Laws
Each state has its own laws outlining the use of marijuana and THC, both recreationally and for medical purposes. There is also federal law which differs again. The National Congress of State Legislatures (NCSL) have details information available on the different laws and regulations available here.
If you are crossing borders, both state-wide and between USA and Canada or USA and Mexico, it is important to know what the repercussions will be if you are stopped at for a roadside sobriety test and are suspected of driving while impaired under the influence of THC.
Therapeutic Benefits of Marijuana
There has been a lot of discussion about the benefits of cannabis or cannabinoids being used for certain treatments; particularly for chronic pain, nausea, epilepsy and symptoms in multiple sclerosis. Because of the reported positive improvements in people’s lives, particularly if they have a chronic or long-term medical issue, marijuana is regularly consumed my people outside of the propaganda-based stereotype.
It is often these people, respected business owners, older members of the community, employees in positions of authority or responsibility, who will sensibly consume marijuana after hours to help manage their condition, but still run the risk of losing their jobs if THC is found to be present in a drug test.
Medical Marijuana Research
Because THC is still considered a Schedule 1 drug under the American Controlled Substances Act, researchers based in the USA have limited access to human trials and studies of the effects of marijuana and its THC content. However, an in-depth look at the research worldwide was undertaken in 2017 and released as “The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research”
Testing Timeframes
Unlike alcohol which is quickly metabolized by your body, the THC and cannabinoids in marijuana are absorbed into your fat cells and are detectable for a longer time frame. However, the timeframes in which it is possible to detect any substance does depend on the amount consumed, the regularity of consumption and the type of toxicity test being taken.
| Occasional User | Moderate User | Heavy User | Chronic User | |
| Urine Testing | 3 days | 7 days | 15 days | 30 days |
| Blood Testing | 1 day | 2 days | 25 days | |
| Salvia Testing | 3 days | 29 days | ||
| Hair Testing | Almost undetectable | 60 days | 90 days | 90+ days |
Marijuana can be detected in your system even if you have only been around the substance without actually consuming yourself. Smoke can get in your hair and through your skin into your blood stream, oil may get on your hands and enter your body that way, however although detectable in toxicology testing, it will be shown to be only small quantities, so ramifications will depend on if there is any flexibility allowed or if your test results are required to be 100% clean. With the way that hair testing works, it may be detectable from within a few days right up until 90+ days.
Toxicology Testing
No matter what the reason is for you being certain that THC or cannabinoids will show in your toxicology report, there are a few things that you can do to try to detoxify your body. However, there are different methods preferable for different tests, so you need to decide if you are going to be most likely to get a urine test, blood test, saliva test or hair test.
As the least invasive and easiest to administer most workplaces tend to prefer to use the hair sample analysis for drug screening.
The way hair sample testing works is by cutting a sample of the hair from your head, close to the scalp but unlike in the movies it doesn’t need to have the actual hair follicle attached. As hair grows it carries with traces of the environment your body has been exposed to. Carbon monoxide from walking along a busy road, food sensitivities, allergies, nutritional deficiencies, and of course any drugs you have consumed, are all detectable in your hair long after you have been exposed. They enter your hair as it grows and stay in the hair shaft as it gets longer. So, a hair sample test is able to tell how often you consumed as well as what, and to a degree how much.
Removing Traces Fast
You could shave or wax your head and body that would certainly remove any trace of drugs (and the ability to actually do a hair follicle test – although remember pubic hair technically can be used as well). However, the easier option is to look at one of the intensive detox shampoos that work specifically to open the hair cuticle and provide a truly deep clean. Your standard supermarket shampoos are unlikely to work, nor will simply bleaching or dying your hair. One word of caution – effective shampoos are not cheap, so there is a market for fakes, make sure that you now where you are purchasing from and that you are getting the real thing.
