Drug Tests & Jobs: 8 FAQ’s About Weed in Your System

**Always seek professional and legal advice from a lawyer regarding marijuana drug testing and employment. This article is not legal advice.

With legalization on the rise in several states, you might say that marijuana use for adults seems to be as normal as having a drink at a bar or that smoking a blunt is no different from enjoying a cigar. A THC edible appears to be as simple an indulgence as having a late-night slice of cake at home. And actually, for the most part, that seems to be the case. From a broader perspective, Marijuana has been a part of the American subculture for decades now. While it might never gain mainstream use, it certainly looks like it’s on its way to mainstream acceptance.

At this point, consuming cannabis is no big deal—until it is, which is the case with employment. While it may be more accepted by society and on a legal level in several states, the US Federal Government still considers marijuana a Schedule I controlled substance. And so do some employers, which is important, as drug tests are not unheard of in the working world.

For those looking for a job or for those whose companies are performing drug tests, marijuana use can sometimes mean the difference between gainful employment or lack thereof. Here are some common questions that can come up when it comes to weed and drug tests.

Does Weed Show Up On A Drug Test?

Yes, marijuana is 1 of 5 drugs that are searched for in a common 5-pannel drug test. There are also 10 and 12-panel drug tests that can check for additional types of substances. These are less common unless you’re applying for jobs where the safety of others could be affected, which includes medicine, law enforcement, and government. Since all three types of drug panel tests check for the presence of marijuana, you can likely expect it to be a part of what employers might see.

How Long Can A Drug Test Detect Weed?

The detection window of marijuana for a drug test will depend on the type of test being administered as well as the individual being tested. The detection window will typically be longer for frequent users, especially since cannabinoids like THC are fat-soluble and can be stored in the body for longer periods of time. Below are 4 common types of drug tests, in order of shortest to the longest window of detection for cannabis:

•  A mouth swab drug test for weed or saliva test for THC may be able to detect the oral use of cannabis in a 1 to 48-hour window.
•  THC Blood tests extend the detection window up to 7 days.
• Most urine tests can detect marijuana for around 30 days or 6 weeks, in some cases.
• Hair Follicle drug tests for marijuana have the longest detection window and can test for cannabis for 90 days after use, possibly longer.

If Weed Is Legal, Can Employers Drug Test You?

Yes, in most states, the law allows employers to make applicants or employees submit to a drug test as part of cultivating a “reasonable” drug-free workplace. However, there are some states that prevent the denial of a job for a positive cannabis test result. Other states prohibit employee and applicant testing for medical marijuana altogether. In any situation, always be sure to check the laws in the state that applies to have the most up-to-date information.

Employers Care About Weed In a Drug Test?

In states where the law permits, it is up to employers to decide how much cannabis consumption matters for employment. This could apply to any industry for any position. While it’s not likely, there may even be jobs or employers in the cannabis industry where cannabis use could have a negative impact on employment.

How Long Does Weed Stay In Your System?

It is difficult to determine how long marijuana stays in your system. The amount of time cannabis stays in the body will vary from person to person because it depends on several factors, including the THC content of the cannabis, frequency of use, how the cannabis is consumed, gender, metabolism, and many more. The heavier and the more frequent the use of cannabis is, the larger the likelihood of THC remaining in the system.

Can Secondhand Weed Smoke Cause You To Fail a Drug Test?

While it is possible, it is highly unlikely that secondhand marijuana smoke would be detectable on a drug test. It would take a considerable amount of smoke for a person to feel high or have detectable levels of THC in their body from secondhand cannabis smoke. And while a hair test may possibly give a false positive for cannabis, it would be a rare occurrence. Of course, the only way to be absolutely certain is to stay away from people and places where marijuana smoke is present.

What Jobs Don't Drug Test For Weed?

If you’re concerned about drug tests for cannabis, there are some jobs and companies that might not drug test for marijuana to which you could apply. Research shows that housekeeper, dog walker, and retail sales associate jobs often do not require drug testing. There are also major companies that reportedly do not drug test, including Apple, Starbucks, Target, Whole Foods, Michael’s, and likely any company in the cannabis industry. Of course, there can always be exceptions, which you should always take into consideration.

Does Illinois Drug Test For Weed?

Illinois state law indicates that employers are not required nor prohibited from conducting drug tests for marijuana. Regardless, employers in Illinois are not allowed to discriminate against individuals who test positive for marijuana. Since cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational use in Illinois, cannabis is considered a “lawful product.” And because Illinois’ Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act prohibits employers from discriminating against the use of lawful products outside of working hours, individuals should be protected from a positive result for marijuana. To be clear, these protections will likely not apply if you are consuming cannabis during working hours or are under the influence of marijuana at work.

Hopefully, all this information serves as a good starting point for more research into how employment might be affected by drug testing for marijuana. You’ll also want to be sure to check the laws in your state, as the rules can be different, even for states that have legalized cannabis. These steps will help you stay informed and make the best decision for yourself.