How To Pass A THC Drug Test (2024)

Drug tests are becoming increasingly common in the workplace. Obviously, this depends on your location and company, but whether you're working in education, transportation, or care industries, chances are you're in for a THC test at some point. However, there are some ways to increase your chances of passing your test. In this article, we discuss how you can prepare for the next time you have to give a sample.

How do THC drug tests work?

THC can be detected in a person's body in a few different ways. Typically, this is achieved through collecting a urine sample. However, other tests examine hair, saliva, sweat, and even blood to detect traces of THC. Each method has its shortcomings, and some are deemed more reliable than others. There are numerous factors that can influence detection, including the nature of the test itself. Some can only detect THC for up to a few hours, whereas others can detect it up to 90 days after use.

As THC is a lipid-soluble chemical, it binds to fat in the body, meaning it can stay in a person's system for quite some time. Technicians testing for drugs in urine follow a similar method as white blood cells searching for antigens in the body. When white blood cells find an antigen, they release binding antibodies. With drug testing, technicians attach antibodies to the bottom of a specialised plate and wash the sample over them.

THC tests look to measure cannabinoids or cannabinoid metabolites in the sample. While cannabis produces well over 100 cannabinoids, the test will only really look for the psychoactive delta-9-THC or its main metabolite THC-COOH. However, some tests can stipulate that other cannabinoids are tested, depending on the situation.

Exmples of what a lab will test your urine sample for

So, we've discussed how THC drug tests work, but what will a lab look at to determine if the urine sample is “clean” or not?

pH

Urine pH can vary between 5–8, with 7 being normal. Some household products are frequently used to tamper with a urine sample to influence the levels, but levels outside of the normal range can set off alarm bells and cause you to fail your test.

Colour

If a urine sample is too clear, the lab will suspect it has been diluted. As a result, they are highly likely to reject it on the grounds that they believe it has been tampered with, which in many cases will result in a retest.

Creatinine

Creatinine is a substance found in all vertebrates and is present in our urine. The amount is often measured in the sample and compared to an average value. Anything outside of this value will cause you to “fail” your drug test.

How do I get ready for a drug test?

If you've got an impending THC test, there are a variety of ways you can prepare yourself. Of course, it's possible to stop consuming weed and wait for the traces to leave your body naturally. Luckily, evidence of marijuana in your urine only lasts 5–7 days for the occasional user. Daily users, however, could test positive for over a month after abstaining. So, if you're worried about rendering a positive result, you can always consider getting a home test kit beforehand to see where you stand.

Are drug test kits legal?

The good news is that these kits are generally legal to buy. It's always worth checking the laws of your country to keep track of any potential changes. The not-so-good news is that they don't match the accuracy of lab testing. That's not to say they aren't worth the effort, as testing positive on a home drug test kit can help you form a plan of action. Just remember that the results of a professional test will always supersede a home testing kit. Even if you test negative at home but positive at work, the positive result is what will be considered.

How to pass a urine drug test: The natural approach

Most people will try to contaminate or cover up their urine samples with household products. Unfortunately, this usually does more harm than good, as lab technicians are well-versed in this contamination and can quickly identify it.

Let's assume you've got at least two weeks of preparation time, as any less is going to make it much harder to pass. If the test is only a couple of weeks away, then take a look at the natural alternatives below.

Phase 1: Two weeks before the test

With two weeks to spare, the first part of the process takes place over the first week-and-a-half. During this time, you'll need to perform short bursts of strenuous exercise. Join your local sports centre or gym to access training equipment and a sauna. Your goal is to burn as much fat as possible while replacing the fluid you sweat out. Here are a few pointers to really make the most of this time.

• Perform intense exercise: 15-minute sessions of your preferred HIIT exercise
• Use a sauna: 10-minute sessions, alternating with a cold shower
• Stay hydrated and replace lost fluids by drinking lots of water
• Avoid fatty foods: THC is stored in fat cells

Phase 2: The days before your test

After the first week-and-a-half, you don't need to exercise quite as hard. By all means, don't let our plan disrupt your usual physical activity. But it's now time to build new fatty layers and urinate as much as you possibly can.

• Eat a lot of fatty food: Focus on red meat (if applicable)
• Add some grapes and cranberry juice to your diet, as these will encourage you to urinate
• Supplement with vitamin B: It helps urine to appear more yellow

How to pass a urine THC drug test: Alternatives

While the above recommendations can help if you’re looking to prepare for a THC test naturally, there are some other methods you can check out if the natural approach isn't viable or appealing. Keep in mind none of the methods listed below are 100% effective, but they may help increase your odds of passing.

Detox kits: 5–10 days before test

Whether purchased from your local pharmacy or procured online, detox kits come in many forms. Some you use over a matter of days, while others can be used for weeks prior as you work to clear THC metabolites from your body. Detox kits contain high levels of vitamins and minerals, which help your body to eliminate drug traces and ensure your urine doesn't seem watered down.

Synthetic/replacement urine: Day of the test

This method will most likely succeed—if you can get away with it. Synthetic urine is similar enough to the real thing that most drug tests won't be able to tell the difference. The only thing that will give you away is if the sample is too cold. To avoid this, many look to strap the synthetic urine to the inside of their thigh leading up to the test so it will warm up.

Some synthetic urine packs even come with a fake penis, making it possible to use them even if you're closely monitored (and happen to be male—sorry, ladies).

THC drug testing hacks that don't work

Although we've stated that the success rate of alternative methods will never be 100%, you don't have to look far to find some drug testing hacks that won't work at all. These stem from “old wives tales” and urban legends, but rest assured that using any of the following techniques won't result in anything but a negative outcome.

Drinking vinegar, energy drinks, or herbal teas

There's nothing in these liquids that will disguise cannabinoids and their metabolites in your urine. This advice focuses on the diluted urine method, which, as discussed, is pretty flawed. Drink a Red Bull if you want some energy before your test, but don't expect it to influence the results.

Consuming niacinvi

Niacin helps to regulate blood pressure and metabolism, but if you're looking to pass a test, it won't help. It may have some minor detoxifying effects, but these are unlikely to make much of a difference in your results.

Adding Visine, ammonia, salt, drain cleaner, or a friend's urine to your sample

Arguably, the most common myth of attempting to pass a THC test is that adding a household substance or another person's urine to your sample will result in a positive outcome. The logic behind using salt, Visine, and other substances is that they can neutralise the enzyme activity in your urine, resulting in a negative result. However, dissolved salt alters the density of your sample, making it easy to detect for any technician well-versed in this trick.

It's also not a good idea to use a friend's urine. If your friend happened to have partaken in a toke and forgot to mention it, you might end up failing anyway. Second, bacteria can grow on the surface of human urine. If left unrefrigerated for more than an hour, it might start going bad, an obvious sign to any technician that this stuff didn't come from your body.

Products for passing THC drug tests

As mentioned, mandatory urine tests in the workplace can be a scary and intimidating prospect. That said, you're not without options; there are plenty of natural and synthetic ways to prepare for your test, but also some products too. Below, you'll find several that might help you pass.

CleanUrin

As a form of mobile, synthetic urine, CleanUrin contains all of the properties of its natural counterpart and is indistinguishable from the real thing. It comes in an easy-to-open pouch that you can heat against the surface of your body. CleanUrin comes in three different varieties, each labelled with red, yellow, or green identification marks corresponding to varying levels of creatinine and pH.

ScreenyWeeny 6.0

If you're being closely monitored during your urine test, the ScreenyWeeny might be your best bet at passing. Now in its sixth iteration, this fake penis connects to a pack of synthetic urine, which is released when you apply pressure to the penis in the right way. The ScreenyWeeny 6.0 even includes a thermo-sachet to ensure the synthetic urine is at the optimal temperature. This device is 100% secure, safe, and reliable, with no dripping or leaking. The ScreenyWeeny 6.0 comes in dark-skinned, light-skinned, and circumcised and uncircumcised varieties, providing options for any man.

CleanU ScreenUrin Set 2.0

Not just catering for male test takers, the ScreenUrin set from CleanU offers a universal synthetic urine option for all. This easy-to-use strap-around thermal bag houses synthetic urine that will pass all conventional tests. With everything you need in one pack, the ScreenUrin Set 2.0 is ideal for all tests, especially those in which you're being watched.

CleanU ScreenUrin Set 2.0 (also for women)

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Urine Drug Test

This product is perfect for preparing for the actual test. These laboratory-quality urine test strips will give you an early indication of whether you're on track for a positive or negative result. The Urine Drug Test will provide a qualitative verification of the target substance and its metabolites. This product will tell you precisely whether you are over or under the sensitive detection limit in ng/ml. With easy-to-follow instructions, the strip in the test zone will only change colour if the results are negative.

Quick Flush

If you're looking for a way to detoxify before that all-important test, Quick Flush contains a whole host of vitamins including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, and B12, as well as dandelion root, red clover, folic acid, cocklebur root, rose hip fruit, chamomile, alfalfa leaf, slippery elm bark, liquorice root, and hibiscus flower. This blend is ideal for pushing toxins and cannabis metabolites out of your body. 

What happens if you don't pass a drug test?

So, regardless of your circumstances, the day has finally come, and you've tested positive for cannabis during a test. Now what? Of course, the ramifications really depend on the scenario surrounding the test—but all is not lost. For a start, many workplace drug testing policies include not only an appeals process, but also a chance to take another test. So, if you're convinced that the test should be negative, you can certainly challenge the result.

Second, some non-THC substances can provide a false positive. Again, asking for a retest or a more accurate analysis could make all the difference and help you achieve your desired result.

Ensure your THC test is clean

As you can probably tell, the scenarios surrounding drug tests are completely unique. As each situation is different, it's crucial to stay up to date with your employer's drug testing policies, local law enforcement, and your country's laws and regulations. Just remember that the best and most reliable way to pass your THC test is through abstinence and allowing substances to leave your body naturally. Failing that, there are plenty of methods, as mentioned above, that may help out. So, if you've got an impending THC test, find a way that works for you, take adequate time to prepare, and you can't go wrong.

Adam Parsons

Professional cannabis journalist, copywriter, and author Adam Parsons is a long-time staff member of Zamnesia. Tasked with covering a wide range of topics from CBD to psychedelics and everything in between, Adam creates blog posts, guides, and explores an ever-growing range of products.

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