Or, “How long is weed in my urine”?

 

A timely topic for the season, since a good number of folks, rely on substances to get through the holiday season. In seriousness, if you are having trouble with substance use, get help. If nothing else, email me, and I will help you find resources in your area. I mean it, I watch people struggle too much, and you don’t have to

I have been asked this question more than you can believe, and from people that you would never expect. First off, what the usual test for “weed” is looking for is Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. The most well known of the 113 cannabinoids (think the Beyoncé of the cannabinoids after she left Destiny’s Child). THC is psychoactive, thus why you get high. Pretty sure everyone knows this. The only problem with using cannabis is that the evidence lingers in the body a long time before the smell of that cheap incense you use to cover up the smoke.

The short answer is that it depends. I know, funny, but it kinda depends on how often you use and how much you use. Chronic users can have the evidence in their system for up to 30 days. Non-chronic (read once in a while) users are usually clean within 7-14 days. But why guess? Do you all have smoke shops in your town? Go and pick up a testing kit from them. They sell them, you just have to ask. A couple of minutes and some urine and you will know if you can pass the test and saves the guesswork.

Now is where you expect Nursie to start in on a diatribe about weed. Nope. I test for it when I prescribe for your safety, not to lecture. I like to know what is in your body that another drug may interact with. While weed doesn’t typically do this, it is good to know, and it is already on the test panel. In truth, ninety-nine times out of a hundred, I don’t care. You shouldn’t be astonished. It’s just not that important. Even if someone saw the test, it is not admissible as evidence because there is no legal proof that it came from you and was handled correctly. So, when I ask you for a test, I only want to know, not bring in the “5 – Oh” on yo ass. I am here to help your health and wellness, and I need you to step up and help me with that. I go to great lengths and would have to be forced to break the trust I have with you. Working with us is better than working against us. Instead of the endless google search to self-diagnose your condition, work with your Primary Care Provider to find the solution that works for you. I know your PCP may not be as easy about cannabis or other substances as me, but they deserve to know. If they can’t work with you in a meaningful manner with you, well then find a provider that does.

Nursie poo here is fine with all medical cannabis and would happily work with a patient to find the best use. But that is for another time. My advice is don’t guess, pre-test and please do not go to work or try to be responsible when you are chemically altered.