Five Myths That Must Be Dispelled About Cannabis and Drug Tests

Sometimes companies make their employees take tests to verify whether they have consumed certain substances. These tests become the worst kind of nightmare for many marijuana users, who know that their innocuous consumption could cost them their jobs. Although these types of tests are uncommon, it is always a good idea to take precautions and know what one is up against. These are some myths that you need to know about in relation to this issue.

One of the things that they say is that if you drink lots of water before a test it makes it harder to detect the THC. It is true that the liquid dilutes the urine and could make marijuana's psychoactive compound less detectable, but it can also trigger suspicions by the party administering the test. In the end these types of tests also measure levels of creatinine (a waste substance), that will also end up being diluted, just like the cannabis component. If this occurs the subject will be examined more thoroughly.

It has also been said that strenuous physical exercise before a test can facilitate a negative result. This will actually only work if the person in question is not a regular consumer. If is he needs to spend several weeks, or even a month, without smoking marijuana, while also getting exercise. For those who are regular users and are hit with a surprise test, this idea will only allow them to indulge in some wishful thinking about avoiding a positive result.

Another common falsehood is that all tests of this type are carried out by examining urine. It is true that this is usually the cheapest and easiest method to employ in large quantities, but not all the tests are equal. Hair analysis is also common, and much more difficult to beat, although some researchers have already argued that it is ineffective, as cannabis remains in the hair for months, so it is not necessary to have used it during the last few days. Saliva tests are also common (and more favourable to users than others).

One can often hear about certain home remedies that purportedly help one pass the test. A Google search suffices to find hundreds of people sharing their experiences with cranberry juice or certain vitamins. These remedies, however, are not effective. Those who have passed tests after using them may have just gotten lucky. Of course, there is no scientific support for them.

Many also believe that being in the same room with a person who smokes cannabis will contaminate the body of the passive smoker with THC. In reality there is no way anyone could inhale enough smoke to yield a positive result on a test.