Secondhand Weed Smoke: Can It Influence a Drug Test Outcome?
The concept of ‘contact high’ meaning getting unintentionally high from secondhand smoke, has been rife in discussions and debates for quite a long time. An aspect that garners more interest is if and how much this exposure can influence your drug test outcome. So, comes the question, can you fail a drug test from secondhand smoke?
Scientifically, THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, can indeed be passed to you via secondhand smoke in confined conditions and could potentially make you test positive in a drug test. However, the quantities are usually so minuscule that it generally falls below the detectable threshold in most drug tests. It also greatly depends on the duration and concentration of exposure. A casual exposure at a concert or a party is highly unlikely to make you fail a test, but prolonged and repeated exposures, especially in poorly ventilated areas, could potentially have that effect. This is an important aspect to consider if you’re worried about failing drug tests due to secondhand weed smoke.
A Look Into Your System: Secondhand Weed Smoke Duration
Now that we know secondhand weed smoke can, in theory, affect drug test results, how long does this smoke actually linger in your system? Studies indicate that traces of THC from secondhand smoke can be detected in the body for up to 36 hours after exposure. However, the detection window is influenced by several factors including the rate of your metabolic processes, the amount and frequency of exposure, overall health, and lifestyle habits.
Moreover, the fact that many drug tests especially workplace ones, are designed to detect chronic use of drugs, it presents less of a concern for someone exposed to secondhand smoke. They typically look for higher thresholds of THC metabolites in urine, that may not be met by second-hand exposure. However, knowing how long second-hand smoke stays in your system is vital, especially if you know you may be tested soon after exposure.
The Intricacies of Secondhand CBD Smoke
CBD, or cannabidiol, unlike THC, is non-psychoactive and it does not induce a ‘high’. However, if you are exposed to secondhand smoke from CBD dominant strains of cannabis, the question is if it can result in a positive drug test, considering that legal CBD products can contain up to 0.3% THC. So, let’s dive into the nuances of secondhand CBD smoke.
Secondhand smoke from CBD products can contain trace amounts of THC, but these are usually far too low to induce a positive result on a drug test. However, it’s crucial to note that if the CBD product being smoked hasn’t been accurately tested and labeled, it might contain a higher THC level, potentially risking a failed drug test after prolonged exposure. Hence why the source and quality of CBD products must be considered when discussing secondhand CBD smoke.
The Protocol Following Exposure to Secondhand Cannabis Smoke
Accidental exposure to secondhand cannabis smoke can lead to worry and confusion, especially if one is due for a drug test. So, what must be done when unintentionally exposed to secondhand weed smoke?
To keep it simple, if you have been in a situation where you were subjected to secondhand weed smoke, it is best to vacate that environment as efficiently as possible and avoid future exposures. If a drug test is imminent, immediate hydration, balanced diet, regular exercise, and rest could potentially expedite the metabolization and excretion process. Remember that the chances of failing a drug test due to secondhand smoke are low, especially if exposure was brief and not recurrent.
To summarize, while it’s technically possible to get a ‘contact high’ or fail a drug test due to secondhand weed smoke, the probability remains relatively low unless you’re consistently exposed to substantial amounts of smoke in confined spaces. CBD smoke operates similarly, although the percentage of THC is typically much lower. Lastly, in case you find yourself exposed, simply removing yourself and taking necessary steps to stay detoxed and healthy will often suffice to negate any unwanted drug test results.
We hope this article has helped unravel some of the myths and uncertainties related to contact highs, secondhand smoke and drug tests. For more information on this topic as well as others related to cannabis and its medicinal benefits, click here for mmj.com. They provide access to medical marijuana cards in the USA for both new patients and renewals. Whether you’re a novice or experienced cannabis user, mmj.com is your best bet for all your medical marijuana needs.
