Is Secondhand Marijuana Smoke Enough to Make You Fail a Drug Test?

Since cannabis is still illegal on a federal level, many people may be concerned that simply being around cannabis could result in a negative drug test result for their job. It’s unlikely, but not impossible, to fail a drug test after being around secondhand marijuana smoke, so don’t worry.

Research indicates that marijuana produces a number of therapeutic benefits that could aid in the treatment of various incapacitating conditions. You should first speak with a marijuana doctor if you want to include marijuana in your treatment plan. They will evaluate your condition and determine whether or not marijuana is appropriate for you.

Continue reading to find out all you need to know about secondhand smoke exposure and why it is unlikely to result in a positive drug test result.

What Substances Can Drug Tests Detect?

Drug tests are frequently performed prior to employment to ascertain whether a candidate uses or abuses prescription drugs or illegal substances. It can also be used by employers to assess workers who are returning to the workplace after a protracted absence.

The ability to pass a drug test is typically a requirement for job offers or placement, which naturally puts pressure on the test-taker. Drug tests can check for additional conditions if necessary, but they usually screen for the following:

• Cocaine
• Methamphetamines
• Opiates
• Phencyclidine
• THC and THC metabolites

It is understandable that people who are exposed to secondhand cannabis smoke would worry about failing a drug test and possibly losing their job. Intoxication from secondhand marijuana use, especially in an unventilated room or car, can occasionally cause mild memory or coordination issues.

Nonetheless, studies have revealed that although nonsmokers’ blood contains some THC, it is far less than what would result in a negative drug test result. According to a study, people who did not smoke cannabis and stayed in an area with adequate ventilation for at least three hours did not test positive for THC on a common drug test.

Urine tests are the most widely used kind of drug test. Some drug tests, such as the hair follicle test, have a longer detection window (90 days as opposed to 30 days) and are more sensitive. However, hair follicle drug tests are typically not performed in the workplace due to their higher cost and inability to detect recent unintentional exposure.

Additional Impacts of Secondhand Marijuana Smoke

In addition to possible intoxication or the infrequent failed drug test, secondhand marijuana smoke can cause other negative effects.

Numerous studies show the negative health effects of secondhand cigarette smoke exposure, which begs the question of whether cannabis smoke is equally harmful. Although there hasn’t been much research done on the subject thus far, we can draw from a few animal studies.

According to a 2016 study, rats exposed to one minute of secondhand cannabis smoke had effects on the femoral artery’s flow-mediated dilatation (the way arteries enlarge with increased blood flow) that were up to three times as strong as those caused by tobacco smoke. The amount of THC in the smoke had no bearing on these effects.

Although there are no human studies, the toxins, tar content, and other unidentified growing materials in cannabis products raise concerns about secondhand smoke exposure for vulnerable groups, including children and people with asthma. Secondhand smoke, which can be harmful in larger quantities, can also make pets intoxicated.

When poorly made products, such as flowers grown with pesticides or heavy metals, burn, they release carcinogens that can harm one’s health.

Ending Words: A Contact High Likely Won’t Cause You to Fail a Drug Test

It is extremely unlikely that you will fail an upcoming drug test if you are outside or in a well-ventilated area. Even though a positive urine sample could result from severe exposure, this is rare and unlikely to happen hours after exposure. Right now, you might experience some of the effects of intoxication. However, the amounts of cannabinoids in your system won’t show up on anything but the most sensitive drug tests unless you take THC yourself. 

You need an MMJ card in Sacramento if you’re considering using marijuana as part of your medical regimen to treat your health problems. This will allow you to legally consume marijuana and keep you out of trouble with the law.