{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/drug-testing/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2649-markdown","title":"Do Breathalyzers for Marijuana Work?","slug":"do-breathalyzers-for-marijuana-work","content":"Breathalyzer testing is a common—and legal—way to find out whether someone’s driving under the influence of alcohol. But can the same concept work for cannabis, too? [Hound Labs](https://houndlabs.com/product-testing/) thinks that it can. \r\n\r\nThe Oakland-based laboratory has developed [the first-ever breathalyzer](http://theweek.com/speedreads/744290/california-company-making-breathalyzer-marijuana) to test for the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. But because of the way THC and other compounds in cannabis are metabolized by the body, [breath testing may not be a reliable way](https://www.livescience.com/61530-marijuana-breathalyzer.html) to find out whether a driver who has consumed cannabis is actually impaired.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### Hound Labs Attempts to Define Cannabis Impairment \r\n\r\nAcceptance of legal marijuana in some form is growing across the U.S.—and so too are concerns that vehicle accident rates will go up as more drivers hit the road after consuming cannabis. So, the search is on for a fast and reliable way to test for the presence of cannabis in a person suspected of driving while impaired—and to establish a baseline level for defining impairment. \r\n\r\nTo do that, researchers at Hound Labs and elsewhere have looked to the model of the breathalyzer, a tool used in thousands if not millions of traffic stops to check whether a person’s blood-alcohol level is over a clearly specified amount. Using that same principle, the Hound Labs Breathalyzer aims to detect the presence of THC in terms of nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) in the breath.  \r\n\r\nRELATED: [KEEPING CANNABIS IN YOUR CAR: FIND OUT WHAT’S LEGAL](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a0336658f636c000fdf9e36/keeping-cannabis-in-your-car-find-out-whats-legal)\r\n\r\nAfter field-testing the breathalyzer prototype on large numbers of volunteer motorists, the Hound Labs researchers hope to establish a legal national standard for defining cannabis impairment, which in some states is already set at 5 ng/mL. But it’s possible for someone to be impaired by THC at much lower levels than that—or not impaired at all at much higher levels.\r\n\r\n### How Do Breathalyzers Measure Alcohol? \r\n\r\nAlcohol is carried into the bloodstream after reaching the stomach and small intestine, then it goes on to the liver where it’s broken down. And it’s pretty standard how quickly a person’s liver can break down alcohol—generally one ounce of alcohol an hour. Of course, everybody’s different, but because this process is relatively straightforward, this baseline is a pretty reliable standard. \r\n\r\nAlcohol in the blood that goes through the lungs evaporates into the lung’s air sacs and then into the air, showing up when someone who’s been drinking breathes into a breathalyzer. It’s not as accurate as a blood test, but it’s enough to determine if someone is impaired. \r\n\r\n### Cannabis & Alcohol Work Very Differently in the Body\r\n\r\nUnlike alcohol, where its presence at a certain level nearly always equates to impairment, the presence of cannabis at a given level doesn’t necessarily correlate to impairment. And that creates a conundrum for proponents of breathalyzer testing—how can the test tell police that the person being tested is impaired by marijuana, as opposed to simply having consumed cannabis? Because that’s all the marijuana breathalyzer can tell us: whether there’s cannabis present in the body. It can’t determine if a person is impaired enough to be dangerous on the road. \r\n\r\nApplying the same standards for alcohol to that of cannabis impairment is highly problematic, given that cannabis behaves very differently in the body than alcohol or other substances that typically cause obvious impairment at certain levels. The mechanisms for the uptake and expression of cannabis are complex and highly variable, depending on factors such as:\r\n\r\n* Gender\r\n* Weight\r\n* The makeup of an individual’s endocannabinoid system (ECS)\r\n* Consumption method\r\n\r\nThe different ways of consuming cannabis—smoking, vaping, eating edibles—can produce very different effects. This also contributes to the [range of responses to a given amount of cannabis](http://www.cell.com/trends/molecular-medicine/fulltext/S1471-49141730229-0).\r\n\r\n### THC’s Many Forms Make Detection Standards Difficult\r\n\r\nCannabis contains many compounds, and research continues to discover more. But it’s the famous delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, that people focus on and that makes some worry about the dangers of drug addiction. Those reactions arise from the fact that THC is responsible for the high people feel after consuming marijuana, as well as other responses in a number of areas of the brain related to memory, coordination and mood. But how long people feel altered and what effects it can have aren’t so easy to define given [what happens to THC once it’s consumed](https://sapiensoup.com/human-metabolism-thc).\r\n\r\nWhen most people refer to THC, they’re almost always referring to delta-9 THC. This chemical [converts to other forms, or metabolites, once it enters the body](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3196989/). When cannabis is inhaled, THC quickly enters the lungs. From there it enters the bloodstream, travelling directly to the heart, where it’s pumped throughout the body. On the way through the liver, it converts into a secondary metabolite called 11-hydroxy-delta-9-THC, or hydroxy THC. In turn, hydroxy THC creates a third form, 11-Nor-9-carboxy-THC, often called THC-COOH, or carboxy THC.  \r\n\r\nAll of these forms of THC operate differently in the body, so that their effects aren’t felt simultaneously. Delta-9 THC peaks in the bloodstream within about 10 minutes of smoking or vaping. About 15 minutes after inhaling, hydroxy THC crosses the blood-brain barrier, triggering ECS receptors there to cause the well-known marijuana high. Because both hydroxy and carboxy THC are produced by secondary processes, they linger in the system—and this plays a major role in figuring out when, and how, a person is affected by cannabis.\r\n\r\nAlthough hydroxy THC peaks within minutes after consumption, it can be detected in the body for at least 12 hours after that. But carboxy THC, the last of the THC metabolites to be produced, typically peaks more than an hour after it’s consumed—and it can be detected for up to seven days after use.\r\n\r\nFurther complicating this picture is the fact that THC in all its forms has an affinity for lipid, or fatty tissue, where it can remain for relatively long periods of time before being slowly released back into the bloodstream and eventually excreted. Frequent marijuana consumers and people with higher amounts of adipose tissue retain THC longer and in higher amounts. That explains why it’s possible to test positive for THC on a urine drug test days or weeks after having consumed cannabis. \r\n\r\n### Different Cannabis Consumption Methods Affect Bodies Differently\r\n\r\nHow much someone is affected by cannabis and for how long depends on how they consumed the marijuana in the first place. Ingesting cannabis in the form of edibles considerably slows down the journey of THC through the body, since it has to enter the bloodstream via the stomach and intestines. That explains why most people don’t feel the effects of cannabis edibles until an hour or more after consuming them.\r\n\r\nThe THC eventually winds up in the liver, where it’s broken down into its various metabolites and released back into the bloodstream. In this first pass through the liver, relatively large amounts of THC are typically metabolized or eliminated completely before reaching the ECS receptors at all. But the remaining delta-9 and hydroxy THC reach the brain almost simultaneously, binding to the CB1 receptor there. \r\n\r\nAll of these processes are affected by factors including sex (men and women may metabolize cannabis differently because of variations in adipose tissue levels, among other factors), weight and the distribution of ECS receptors throughout the body. These receptors can range from high to low density and vary in their responsiveness to cannabis. \r\n\r\nWhile Hound Labs claims its test can differentiate between cannabis consumed long ago and marijuana ingested just shortly before the test, it’s still problematic. What if someone ingested a cannabis edible but the effects haven’t been felt yet, and they’re not impaired? A Hound Labs breathalyzer would still register a positive test.\r\n\r\n### So, Is Breath Testing for Marijuana Really a Good Option?\r\n\r\nAll of these factors combine to explain why cannabis behaves so differently from alcohol in the body, and why the same breathalyzer technology may not work for detecting both of these substances. For now, Hounds Lab and some of its competitors continue to fine-tune their products and work on the challenge of defining impairment from cannabis. \r\n\r\nDriving while under the influence of substances of any kind is illegal nationwide—and that includes cannabis. But the disconnect between consuming marijuana and being impaired by cannabis makes it difficult to create meaningful tools and metrics for defining a cannabis DUI. Plus, statistics reveal that [vehicle accidents due to cannabis consumption haven’t risen as people feared](http://norml.org/library/item/marijuana-and-driving-a-review-of-the-scientific-evidence). Some research suggests that the opposite might actually be true: Cannabis-consuming drivers may be more cautious than their peers who drive under the influence of alcohol—the latter of which are responsible for a significant number of car crashes.\r\n\r\nFor now, Hound Labs is working to solve the problem of not having a way to test drivers for marijuana impairment. But until then, if you consume cannabis, you’re better off having a designated driver get behind the wheel.\r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [KOMUnews](https://www.flickr.com/people/komunews/)\r\n \r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/01b519ca813f78abab347af89ca8036a/14b42/4c8334e6e833ded22fda0a5c69041fe9.jpg","srcSet":"/static/01b519ca813f78abab347af89ca8036a/f836f/4c8334e6e833ded22fda0a5c69041fe9.jpg 200w,\n/static/01b519ca813f78abab347af89ca8036a/2244e/4c8334e6e833ded22fda0a5c69041fe9.jpg 400w,\n/static/01b519ca813f78abab347af89ca8036a/14b42/4c8334e6e833ded22fda0a5c69041fe9.jpg 800w,\n/static/01b519ca813f78abab347af89ca8036a/47498/4c8334e6e833ded22fda0a5c69041fe9.jpg 1200w,\n/static/01b519ca813f78abab347af89ca8036a/0e329/4c8334e6e833ded22fda0a5c69041fe9.jpg 1600w,\n/static/01b519ca813f78abab347af89ca8036a/4c691/4c8334e6e833ded22fda0a5c69041fe9.jpg 3107w","srcWebp":"/static/01b519ca813f78abab347af89ca8036a/58556/4c8334e6e833ded22fda0a5c69041fe9.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/01b519ca813f78abab347af89ca8036a/61e93/4c8334e6e833ded22fda0a5c69041fe9.webp 200w,\n/static/01b519ca813f78abab347af89ca8036a/1f5c5/4c8334e6e833ded22fda0a5c69041fe9.webp 400w,\n/static/01b519ca813f78abab347af89ca8036a/58556/4c8334e6e833ded22fda0a5c69041fe9.webp 800w,\n/static/01b519ca813f78abab347af89ca8036a/99238/4c8334e6e833ded22fda0a5c69041fe9.webp 1200w,\n/static/01b519ca813f78abab347af89ca8036a/7c22d/4c8334e6e833ded22fda0a5c69041fe9.webp 1600w,\n/static/01b519ca813f78abab347af89ca8036a/9b9d2/4c8334e6e833ded22fda0a5c69041fe9.webp 3107w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2471-markdown","title":"Detox: How to Flush Marijuana From Your Body","slug":"detox-how-to-flush-marijuana-from-your-body","content":"\n\n\n\nEven if you try to be very intentional about not getting into situations where your cannabis use may jeopardize a job opportunity—or stop you from getting the best price on health insurance (who knew?), there might be times when you will have to unexpectedly participate in a drug test. If you aren’t given any advance notice, there’s really nothing you can do to reverse an on-the-spot situation that will garner positive tetrahydrocannibinol (THC) results. But, if luck is on your side and you get the chance to know the date of your test, there are some things you can do to put the odds in your favor. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nThere are a number of factors that contribute to how much THC is present in your body at any given time including:\n\n- How much body fat you have\n- How active your metabolism is\n- How often you consume cannabis\n- What you’re consuming (flower, edibles, tinctures, concentrates)\n\nThe most common type of drug test is a urinalysis, where your urine is examined for traces of metabolized THC. This type of test gives you your best chance at passing a marijuana screening. There’s no tried-and-true way to flush THC completely out of your system beyond abstaining altogether. However, there are some tips you can put to use to help heavily dilute, mask or greatly reduce the amount of THC that could show up in an urinalysis test.\n\nRELATED: [DO CANNABIS TOPICALS PASS THE DRUG TEST?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/574b679b982db9000a000055/do-cannabis-topicals-pass-the-drug-test) \n\nPlease keep in mind that these cannabis detox tips won’t be very effective for more in-depth tests that require blood or hair samples.\n\n### Detox Tip #1: Stop Consuming THC\n\nThis may seem like a given, but the first thing to do as soon as you’re aware that you’ll need to take a test is stop consuming marijuana containing THC. That means no smoking, vaping, eating an edible, sneaking drops of tincture, putting on a transdermal patch—cut it all out. You’ll have to just go cold turkey on your marijuana consumption until the coast is clear. \n\n### Detox Tip #2: Stall for More Time\n\nThe more time you can put between your appointment and the last time you consumed a cannabis product with THC in it, the more time you have for it to naturally exit your system. On average, it can take about three to four weeks for the body to be rid of any telltale signs of THC. That said, it can also stick around up to a few months for daily consumers. So again, the longer you can have before taking a drug test, the better your results may be. \n\n### Detox Tip #3: Drink Water\n\nWater will help dilute the amount of marijuana in your system. But it’s not necessary to overdo it, as heavily diluted and lightly colored urine will likely be noticeable to lab technicians. Drinking two to three liters per day in the time leading up to the drug test and at least one liter the day of the test should be enough. As well, adding some lemon to your water will aid not only in digestion but with the detoxification of your body of marijuana.\n\n### Detox Tip #4: Take Vitamin B & Creatinine\n\nHigh water intake changes the natural hue of your urine and reduces naturally occurring waste chemicals that might be a red flag during testing. Taking vitamin B will help restore the yellow color while creatinine will replicate the chemical waste product produced by muscle metabolism, thereby reducing any suspicions of intentional dilution. \n\n### Detox Tip #5: Eat Well ... or Try a Cleanser Drink\n\nYou can flush marijuana from your body naturally by committing to an impeccable diet full of fresh, whole foods that are high in fiber if you have the luxury of time. If you’re pressed for time, you can opt for detoxification programs or cleansers to flush out the marijuana. Meanwhile, there are companies that offer herbal regimens. Or you can head to a local smoke shop to pick up a detox or cleanser drink that will help you if you need to detox your body quickly.\n\n### Detox Tip #6: Sweat, Sweat, Sweat\n\nAlthough it’s advised that people avoid exercise in the 24 hours before a testing situation, it’s a good idea to try to sweat as much as possible leading up to your test date, thereby flushing your body of the marijuana—specifically, the THC. Try to hit the sauna, go for high-energy runs or find other ways to raise your body heat and detox even more.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/14b42/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/f836f/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.jpg 200w,\n/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/2244e/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.jpg 400w,\n/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/14b42/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.jpg 800w,\n/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/47498/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.jpg 1200w,\n/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/54ac5/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/58556/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/61e93/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.webp 200w,\n/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/1f5c5/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.webp 400w,\n/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/58556/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.webp 800w,\n/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/99238/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.webp 1200w,\n/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/5e0b8/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2264-markdown","title":"Marijuana Drug Testing: What You Need to Know","slug":"marijuana-drug-testing-what-you-need-to-know","content":"### Who Drug Tests and Why\r\n\r\nThe idea of submitting to a drug test is both uncomfortable and scary for many cannabis consumers, whether they use marijuana medically or recreationally. There is still a lot of grey area about how drug testing should be handled in states that allow for medical or recreational marijuana, but ultimately it is up to your employer as to whether or not they find it important to drug test and what they deem as an acceptable amount of cannabis in your system. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\nAccording to a 2006 survey from the Society for Human Resource Management, 84% of private employers drug test potential applicants before hiring, 39% of companies randomly drug test, 73% of employers conduct drug testing when given probable cause, and 58% drug test after work accidents. Each employer can choose to abide by state or federal law when it comes to cannabis, but many companies that do business across state lines follow federal guidelines. This means the company most often will ban their employees from using cannabis, even medically, which puts many people in a difficult situation between taking medication and losing their jobs. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [DO CANNABIS TOPICALS PASS THE DRUG TEST](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/do-cannabis-topicals-pass-the-drug-test)\r\n\r\n### How Long Does Cannabis Stay in Your System?\r\n\r\nStandard drug tests are far more likely to detect cannabis than more illicit drugs, like cocaine, because of the way it is metabolized by your body. As many people know, cannabis does not dissipate from your system quickly, which can lead to confusion about when the cannabis was consumed. If your employer allows for use of medical marijuana outside of work hours, but does not allow for consumption while on the job, it can be impossible for a test to prove if cannabis was consumed inside or outside of work hours. \r\n\r\nPreviously it was believed that cannabis could stay in your system for 30 days, but it is actually much more variable than that. Ryan Vandrey, a professor of psychiatry at John Hopkins University says, “It is highly variable from person to person and it varies based on the frequency of use and the amount of use. So there is no way of predicting or knowing how long someone would test positive with any kind of certainty.”\r\n\r\nTo complicate matters, there are many different kinds of drug tests. Though a typical drug test by an employer is often conducted using urine, tests can also be conducted using saliva, blood, hair and breath. Hair tests can often detect  cannabis for a far longer time than other tests, up to 90 days after cannabis was consumed. \r\n\r\nWhat drug tests actually test for is not THC, but a THC metabolite called THC-COOH. Most tests do not test for the presence of CBD or metabolites of other cannabinoids. THC-COOH stays in your system far longer than THC itself. A [review of studies](http://www.ndcrc.org/content/marijuana-detection-window-determining-length-time-cannabinoids-will-remain-detectable-urine) published in the Drug Court Practitioner Fact Sheet found that in the case of urine tests, THC-COOH is rarely detected 30 days after consumption. [Another study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2550702) from the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment in 1984, however, found that some cannabis had been found in the system of participants up to 40 days after consumption. \r\n\r\nThe factors that make THC metabolites detectable in your system longer than usual are chronic usage, dehydration, and body composition. The metabolites store well in fat, meaning that people with lower body fat often rid themselves of cannabis within their system faster. Drinking lots of water, eating a balanced diet with low levels of fat, and exercise can all help boost your metabolism which helps rid your body of the metabolites more quickly, though they are not a guarantee. \r\n\r\nIf you only consume CBD products, you will most likely not test positive for cannabis, unless you consume very large amounts of CBD products with trace quantities THC, which could lead to a positive test result. It is also possible for second hand smoke to trigger a positive test result, though it is very rare and requires very close contact while another person is smoking.  \r\n\r\n### What’s the Future of Drug Testing?\r\n\r\nDrug testing is fairly simple. There is an amount of THC-COOH that can be found in a sample that is deemed acceptable by the company you work for, which is commonly 50ng/ml. If your sample alerts to a higher level than the acceptable amount, then the sample is often retested to confirm the findings. The simple process of drug testing, however, can greatly change the lives of many people who use cannabis as a medication. \r\n\r\nThe main roadblock to eliminating cannabis drug testing as a standard is the federal status of the substance. Many people argue that cannabis consumption for medicinal purposes should be protected under the American’s with Disabilities Act, which says that reasonable accommodations should be made for qualified candidates. \r\n\r\nIn theory, more companies should be tolerant of cannabis use if their employees are registered medical marijuana users, but the whole issue is still a large grey area. Companies are stuck between abiding by federal government law by saying cannabis is an illegal substance and risking repercussions for not providing their employees with the ability to use a viable medication. Sadly, until the federal government changes the way it views cannabis, it will be hard for medical marijuana patients to gain protection during company sanctioned drug tests. It is important that patients stay informed about their employers drug testing policy so they can be prepared for a possible drug test and the potential implications. \r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. \r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/6c28dd459ffd9bbe3f32f9a386b267df/14b42/fa5f83887107ac2d897e42748cd41db0.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6c28dd459ffd9bbe3f32f9a386b267df/f836f/fa5f83887107ac2d897e42748cd41db0.jpg 200w,\n/static/6c28dd459ffd9bbe3f32f9a386b267df/2244e/fa5f83887107ac2d897e42748cd41db0.jpg 400w,\n/static/6c28dd459ffd9bbe3f32f9a386b267df/14b42/fa5f83887107ac2d897e42748cd41db0.jpg 800w,\n/static/6c28dd459ffd9bbe3f32f9a386b267df/47498/fa5f83887107ac2d897e42748cd41db0.jpg 1200w,\n/static/6c28dd459ffd9bbe3f32f9a386b267df/54ac5/fa5f83887107ac2d897e42748cd41db0.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/6c28dd459ffd9bbe3f32f9a386b267df/58556/fa5f83887107ac2d897e42748cd41db0.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6c28dd459ffd9bbe3f32f9a386b267df/61e93/fa5f83887107ac2d897e42748cd41db0.webp 200w,\n/static/6c28dd459ffd9bbe3f32f9a386b267df/1f5c5/fa5f83887107ac2d897e42748cd41db0.webp 400w,\n/static/6c28dd459ffd9bbe3f32f9a386b267df/58556/fa5f83887107ac2d897e42748cd41db0.webp 800w,\n/static/6c28dd459ffd9bbe3f32f9a386b267df/99238/fa5f83887107ac2d897e42748cd41db0.webp 1200w,\n/static/6c28dd459ffd9bbe3f32f9a386b267df/5e0b8/fa5f83887107ac2d897e42748cd41db0.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2138-markdown","title":"Do Cannabis Topicals Pass the Drug Test?","slug":"do-cannabis-topicals-pass-the-drug-test","content":"Didi Davis is founder of [Sweet ReLeaf](https://getsweetreleaf.com/), a topical cannabis manufacturer in California. Sweet ReLeaf created one of the most effective and beloved topicals—it’s creamy and smells wonderful—on the market today. \r\n\r\nAs Didi says, \"We believe in the healing power of plants, specifically how the human endocannabinoid system communicates with the compounds found in cannabis. We like to call it ‘Intelligent Medicine.’\" In her first blog post, Didi talks about the healing relief found with topicals—and whether you need to worry about passing a drug test when using them.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \r\n\r\n### The Dangers of Prescription Drugs\r\n\r\nMillions of Americans deal with pain every day of their lives. Most rely on prescription drugs to ease their aches on a daily basis. It has been reported that 52 million Americans use painkillers regularly both medically and recreationally. \r\n\r\nPrescription drugs come with a slew of side effects—some that may hinder your ability to drive or remain alert. There’s also the risk of addiction and even fatal overdose that can be associated with prescription pain medicines. A recent study found that over 28,000 people died from an opioid overdose in 2014 alone. The numbers are staggering, despite prescription narcotic drugs still remaining a common staple in the average home. \r\n\r\n### Pain Relief With Medical Marijuana\r\n\r\nCannabis has a long-standing relationship with pain sufferers and has been used as a pain reducer for centuries. It's the solution for those who want to live a healthy, natural life without depending on harmful substances. \r\n\r\nFor folks with muscular pain and even certain skin conditions, cannabis topicals have proven especially beneficial and can offer something prescription medications can’t—an uninterrupted life. Cannabis topicals don’t make you high, they don’t interfere with your ability to work or remain active, and they take effect right away so you feel relief immediately.\r\n\r\nHowever, as cannabis use grows, this question comes into play: “Will cannabis interfere with my life?” One concern is how cannabis topicals may conflict with drug testing. [Will THC show up in my system if I use a cannabis topical?](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/5754b6a0a21c84000700009f/will-sweet-relief-show-up-on-a-drug-test)\r\n\r\n### Types of Cannabis Topicals\r\n\r\nThe first thing to consider is what kind of topical you’re using. Topicals come in different forms: salves, oils, sprays and lotions. Any topical that’s administered to the skin isn’t going to enter your bloodstream. You won’t experience a high, and you won’t have trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in your system. This is similar to a doctor rubbing alcohol on your skin to cleanse an area. Skin contact with rubbing alcohol won’t intoxicate you because it’s not entering your bloodstream. Should you decide to go rogue and take a swig—that’s another story. \r\n\r\nThere are other forms of skin-administered cannabis that do transmit THC into the bloodstream and can produce a positive drug test. One example would be the transdermal patch. Transdermal cannabis patches act very much like nicotine patches. Their purpose is to deliver a strong dose of THC to the patient through the skin’s surface. In the case of the patch a drug test will likely turn up positive. \r\n\r\n### Take Precautions With Marijuana Topicals\r\n\r\nAlthough rubbing a cannabis-infused topical on your skin will not get you high or cause you to fail a drug test, there are some things to consider. While skin contact can’t deliver a high, contact with your mouth or eyes can. Just like any other topical medication, chemical or inedible substance, you should be careful to avoid ingesting it by accident. The best way to avoid this is to wash your hands right after you apply your medication. If you want to be extra careful, you can even wear plastic gloves to apply cannabis topicals.\r\n\r\nIf you’re a nail biter, an eye rubber or even if you plan to enjoy a nice warm bath immediately after you apply a topical, be careful. There’s still the risk that you can spread the topical to areas of your body that will deliver it to the bloodstream. Use the same safety precautions you would for any form of medication. It’s also important to understand the difference between topical creams and patches if you need to take a drug test. \r\n\r\n**Remember Cannabis Topical Safety:**\r\n\r\n* Wash hands immediately after applying topicals.\r\n* Avoid bathing or steaming after use.\r\n* Be sure to avoid eyes and mouth during and after application.\r\n* Use nonporous gloves to apply topicals for extra precaution.\r\n\r\n### Know Where Your Cannabis Topicals Come From \r\n\r\nTechnically, there really isn’t a cannabis product on the market that can promise it’s completely drug-test safe. Aside from the element of user error, there’s still the issue of product integrity and mis-marketing. As the medical marijuana industry expands, remain diligently educated both on the ingredients of your medicine and their producers. Be conscious of novelty cannabis products, which claim to be completely drug-test resistant. They may very well be safe for drug tests, even if accidentally ingested, but they likely won’t be very effective in easing your pain. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [DIY RECIPE: MARIJUANA INFUSED TOPICAL FOR PAIN RELIEF](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/diy-recipe-marijuana-infused-topical-for-pain-relief)\r\n \r\n### Advice if You’re New to Medical Marijuana\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to medical cannabis, the best rule of thumb is to stay educated. Ask your local dispensary about the products you’re buying. Find out the products’ source, how they’re made and their ingredients. Most dispensaries are dedicated to patient education and will happily provide information about every item they sell. Embrace the cannabis community and take advantage of the wealth of wellness information.\r\n\r\nDo you have questions about Sweet ReLeaf? Ask a question about the product in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/questions-and-answers) feature. A doctor or member of our community will answer your question.\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/8cdbfaad6ba7df9456e91e3c39233f96/ee604/b6713d19281473996e94258dec166caf.png","srcSet":"/static/8cdbfaad6ba7df9456e91e3c39233f96/69585/b6713d19281473996e94258dec166caf.png 200w,\n/static/8cdbfaad6ba7df9456e91e3c39233f96/497c6/b6713d19281473996e94258dec166caf.png 400w,\n/static/8cdbfaad6ba7df9456e91e3c39233f96/ee604/b6713d19281473996e94258dec166caf.png 800w,\n/static/8cdbfaad6ba7df9456e91e3c39233f96/f3583/b6713d19281473996e94258dec166caf.png 1200w,\n/static/8cdbfaad6ba7df9456e91e3c39233f96/f90fa/b6713d19281473996e94258dec166caf.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/8cdbfaad6ba7df9456e91e3c39233f96/58556/b6713d19281473996e94258dec166caf.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8cdbfaad6ba7df9456e91e3c39233f96/61e93/b6713d19281473996e94258dec166caf.webp 200w,\n/static/8cdbfaad6ba7df9456e91e3c39233f96/1f5c5/b6713d19281473996e94258dec166caf.webp 400w,\n/static/8cdbfaad6ba7df9456e91e3c39233f96/58556/b6713d19281473996e94258dec166caf.webp 800w,\n/static/8cdbfaad6ba7df9456e91e3c39233f96/99238/b6713d19281473996e94258dec166caf.webp 1200w,\n/static/8cdbfaad6ba7df9456e91e3c39233f96/5e0b8/b6713d19281473996e94258dec166caf.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5216,"name":"Drug Testing","slug":"drug-testing","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}