Did you ever think that even being exposed to marijuana smoke? And you fear it could cause your drug test to be screwed up? You are not the only one! It is one of the first questions everyone tends to ask, and frankly speaking, it is a rather astute concern.
The fact is that, nowadays, secondhand marijuana smoke is ubiquitous. Whether it is blowing out of a neighbour’s yard, floating around at concerts, or just hanging around in some of the popular hangout spots, you may be breathing it in without even attempting to do so. We are here to set the record straight and present you with all the facts which you should know. So, without further ado, let us solve this mystery!
What is Secondhand Marijuana Smoke?
Consider the second-hand smoke of marijuana as the aroma of cookies baking in the kitchen. And even when you’re not baking, you can still smell them, right? Second-hand marijuana smoke is no different.
When a person smokes marijuana, they exhale smoke which has THC. And if you are in the vicinity, you may inhale some of that smoke quite unconsciously. That marijuana smoke, second-hand!
The smoke is in the air, and you may inhale it into your nose or mouth. Being close to a campfire, you know, you do not need to put your face in the fire to smell the smoke.
What Amount of Second Hand Smoke Can Result in a Positive Drug Test?
The positive news is this: It would require a great deal of secondhand marijuana smoke to inhale to test positive on a drug test. We are talking about being in a small, closed room with several people smoking hour after hour.
It can be compared to the situation of attempting to become satiated by the aroma of pizza. You may smell it very well, and yet you will not be satisfied till you eat it. Secondhand smoke exposes your body to small concentrations of THC.
The question that most people fear failing a drug test and inquire about is, Can you fail a drug test due to second-hand smoke? The truthful reply is very improbable, though not impossible. You would have to be in a very smoky circumstance for a long time.
Researchers have conducted experiments in which individuals were in rooms with the smoke of marijuana. Even then, most people did not fail their drug tests.
Do Some Drug Tests Have Greater Sensitivity than Others?
The various drug tests are different kinds of magnifying glasses. Some can view small things, whereas others view large things.
- Hair tests are super-powered magnifying glasses. They can detect drug traces dating back to 90 days. And even these sensitive tests will seldom detect secondhand smoke exposure.
- The most common is the urine test. They are just like normal magnifying glasses – they can detect drugs, but they require a certain amount to test positive for them.
- Saliva tests are like using your ordinary eyes. They detect very recent use of drugs, most likely of the last day or two.
- Blood tests are sensitive, too; however, they reveal what is currently in your system. Should you have inhaled second-hand smoke yesterday, a blood test today would not detect it.
What are the Standard Cutoff Levels, and how do they provide a safe margin?
There are cutoff levels in drug tests. You can consider these as height restrictions on roller coasters. To achieve a positive result, you must be this tall.
In urine tests, 50 nanograms per millilitre is usually the cutoff level for marijuana. That may have been gibberish, but here’s how to picture it: it’s analogous to having to add 50 drops of food colouring to get water to turn a certain colour. Not a single or two drops will do it.
These cut-off levels serve as safety nets. They are placed so high that small levels found in second-hand smoke would not normally initiate a positive test. It is sort of a cushion against those who have not really taken drugs.
The cutoff levels are different in various kinds of tests:
- 5-panel drug tests are panels that detect five typical drugs, such as marijuana.
- A 10-panel drug test against ten drugs.
The two types adopt common cutoff levels of marijuana.
What happens when I fail my Drug Test because of second-hand exposure?
First, do not panic! The following is what you should do:
- Step 1: Calm Down
Being angry will not serve the purpose. Take time to clearly think of what occurred and when.
- Step 2: Your Story
Describe accurately the place you were and what occurred. Be truthful about exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Step 3: Request a Retest
It is normally possible to request a retest.
- Step 4: Obtain Documentation
Did you attend a concert, party or any other event? Then, attempt to get evidence that you were present.
- Step 5: Weigh Your Alternatives
Some companies have policies regarding retesting. Others would be satisfied with medical explanations. Inquire about the rules of your company. In most cases, a positive result has another explanation.
When Should You Really Worry?
Can you fail a drug test through second-hand smoke? It is a legitimate worry that people have, but it is not something that most people need to lose sleep about. The possibilities are extremely remote, like being afraid of being hit by lightning. Sure, it might, though it is not very probable. But when you are aware that you are likely to undergo a drug test soon, it is prudent that you keep out of places where people are smoking pot.
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Conclusion
Choice DNA offers a range of drug testing services, so whether you need a 5-panel test, a 10-panel test, or any other type of test, we can assist you. We know that a drug test may be stressful, and you may be concerned about such issues as exposure to secondhand smoke.
The testing process is simplified and as comfortable as possible due to our friendly team. We employ the fairest testing procedures and follow all the necessary steps to ensure fair results.
And that is that! Although second-hand smoke with marijuana is a reality, and understandably, people are concerned about failing a drug test, the likelihood of failing a test due to merely being in the vicinity of smoke is relatively low. Then apply common sense and try to limit yourself to non-super-smoky environments and realise that most drug tests are geared to pick up real drug users, not the innocent bystanders who were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
