Drug testing has become a part of the job market and the employment process, especially in industries with high responsibilities. With more and more people enjoying THC in recent years, there are myths circling around avoiding detection when the testing day comes.
In the following article, we will address some of the most common mistakes people make before an official THC drug test. Hopefully, this short guide will save you from drug test anxiety and help you throughout the process.
Table of Contents
Find out which THC test you are taking
Before we jump into the misconceptions around THC testing, let’s get one thing out of the way first. There are four main types of drug testing, based on the sample type:
- Urine test – the most common test that detects THC-COOH metabolites for up to three months
- Blood test – designed to detect recent use (from a few hours to a couple of days)
- Oral (saliva) test – detects recent use as well (1 to 3 days)
- Hair test – can detect use for up to three months
Since most likely you will be doing a screening THC urine test, it’s important to understand that detection heavily varies based on a lot of factors. Bodyweight, usage habits, age, type of THC product, etc. – all are important factors to consider.
The most common mistakes before testing
Now, let’s get into the most common misconceptions that people have about THC drug tests, and why they should be avoided.
1. Overhydration
Regular hydration is healthy and can even help metabolize THC faster in occasional users. However, there’s a misconception that drinking a lot of water will help you get a negative result through urine dilution.
This has a double negative effect, actually. First off, if you overhydrate and dilute your urine, the initial screening test may return inconclusive results. Secondly, if the sample is sent to a confirmatory test (done in a lab), urine dilution can be detected, alongside the THC metabolites in the system. This will raise a lot of questions, and that’s why overhydration should be avoided.
2. Not fully understanding your habits
THC enjoyers often underestimate their smoking/vaping/edible habits. Not only that, but (as we mentioned), there are a lot of other factors in play:
- Age
- General fitness and exercising habits
- Type of THC product consumed
- Amount consumed on a daily or weekly basis
- Bodyfat percentage
- Other factors like diet, alcohol, and nicotine use
If you’re unsure about how to assess your habits, take a look at the Exploro THC detection calculator. It will give you a personalized estimate for how long THC metabolites may be detected, based on these factors.
3. “Sweating it out” before the test
One common myth around THC detox is hitting the gym extra hard or going to a sauna before the test.
Again, regular exercise does help with substance metabolism. But, in the case of sweating it out before a test, it can actually cause an opposite effect.
THC is fat-soluble, meaning that all the non-metabolized amounts will deposit in body fat. By sweating intensely, you can release that extra THC into the bloodstream and cause the quantity of THC-COOH to go up.
4. Thinking occasional use is undetectable
The mentioned THC-COOH metabolite stays in the bloodstream for much longer than the duration of the psychoactive effect. On top of that, THC products are only getting stronger by the day. Lastly, repeated use leads to metabolite buildups, which can lead to an unexpected test result.
Taking that into consideration (as well as personal factors), we can say that “weekend-only users” have a high chance of testing positive for THC.
5. Rushing through “miracle” detox methods
First off, there’s no miracle detox method that can clean out all the THC metabolites. People often make the mistake of trying some of the following methods:
- Overhydrating and sweating profusely on purpose
- Using detox drinks without realizing how they work or their timeframes
- Using synthetic urine
- Forcing home remedies like vinegar, niacin, or cranberry juice
The main reasons why most of these fail are: labs check for multiple factors, including creatinine levels, urine temperature, specific gravity, dilution, color, etc. Again, playing with the sample in this way will only raise suspicion.
6. Thinking that “legal = safe”
While it is true that THC products are decriminalized and legalized across the world, that doesn’t mean they get a pass. Industries with high responsibilities, like medical, federal, or DOT jobs, still prohibit the use of THC, and test for it. Yes, even in “legal” states.
It’s important not to fall into false security if the THC products are legal in your state. If the employment drug test is designed to detect THC, it will be taken into consideration.
Knowledge Is Key
Drug testing is stressful in its own way, whether you use or not. The stress doubles if a new job position depends on the results, too. So, instead of looking for a miracle solution and falling for common traps and misconceptions, arm yourself with knowledge and get a grasp on your own habits. Getting a home testing kit is a great anxiety-killer as well.
The longer you know about the test in advance, the better the chances to prepare properly. Abstinence, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and regular check-ups at home can go a long way.
