Does weed show up in a physical urine test? Yes, marijuana (weed) can show up in a physical urine test. Typically, weed will stay in your urine for 30 days. However, the exact time will also vary depending on other factors.
You can learn more about urine drug tests with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer. You may have to take a drug screening after an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) or before getting a job. You can call us or complete our online contact form to learn more.
How Long Will Weed Show Up in Urine Tests?
How long does weed stay in your system? The time it takes for marijuana to leave your system entirely depends on factors like:
- How frequently you use marijuana
- The dosage of marijuana you use
- The tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels in the marijuana
- Your metabolism
- The route of marijuana consumption
- Your gender
- Your body mass index (BMI) and overall health
- Genetics
Studies have found that marijuana may only show up for a few days for infrequent users. However, chronic users may have traces of marijuana in their urine for several weeks.
How Do Urine Tests Identify Marijuana Usage?
Urine tests check for the presence of THC. This fat-soluble compound stays in a body’s fatty tissue and has a long half-life (or the amount of time it takes for the THC in your body to drop by half). Heavy users of marijuana generally have higher THC levels.
You may face other types of drug tests. Generally, they all focus on THC levels, using this substance to detect the presence of cannabis.
When Do You Have to Take a Urine Test in California?
Police and other authorities prefer to use a urine test when trying to determine if someone is high on cannabis or not. Officers often use urine tests because THC retains a high concentration in an individual’s urine for a significant amount of time.
In many cases, they request urine testing if they suspect a driver of operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs.
However, you may also face workplace drug tests and urine drug screens.
How Long Does Weed Show Up in Other Types of Drug Testing?
Tests can detect marijuana (weed) in your urine even a month after you consume it, but what about the other parts of your body?
The duration that weed (or marijuana) stays in your system can vary depending on various factors, including the individual’s metabolism, frequency of use, the potency of the marijuana, and the type of drug test the police administer. Here’s a general overview:
Blood Tests for Marijuana Usage
Marijuana is typically detectable in the bloodstream for a shorter duration compared to urine. It’s usually detectable for up to 1-2 days after use, but this can vary based on your metabolism rates and other factors.
Saliva Tests for Marijuana Usage
Weed can be detected in saliva for a shorter period than urine, generally up to 24-72 hours after use, making urine tests a more common option.
Additionally, the justice system is putting marijuana breathalyzers through field testing, which may open up additional tests.
Hair Tests for Marijuana Usage
Marijuana can be detected in a hair follicle for a significant period after it has disappeared from your urine. It can still appear in a hair test 90 days (3 months) after you first consume it, so some situations may require a hair sample for the longer detection window.
It’s important to note that individual factors can significantly influence these general timelines. Factors such as metabolism, body fat percentage, and hydration levels can impact how quickly the body processes and eliminates THC, the active compound in marijuana.
Can You Beat Urine Testing?
Almost everyone who takes any kind of drug test for the police is hoping that they pass, even those who know they are under the influence. Some individuals will go as far as purposely trying to beat the tests with rather creative ideas.
Attempting to “beat” a drug test is not advisable, and it can have serious consequences. Companies design drug tests to detect the presence of specific substances, including drugs like marijuana.
Engaging in methods to manipulate or tamper with the results is unethical and can lead to severe legal and professional consequences.
What Should You Do if You Have a Positive Drug Test?
It is essential to know that beating a drug test is next to impossible. However, you can take steps to beat a marijuana crime-related charge with the help of a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney. Lawyers use several strategies to handle positive drug tests, even those involving urine samples.
For example, your lawyer may argue that you got a false positive on the test. You may get a false positive after:
- Exposure to marijuana smoke from someone else
- Usage of cannabidiol (CBD) oil
- Using Efavirenz (Sustiva)
Demonstrating that you got false-positive results can help you move forward after a drug test. A lawyer may also argue that the police made a mistake in administering your drug test, which could result in inaccurate results.
Positive test results do not necessarily guarantee a conviction. Find out more by contacting a lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Can You Get in Trouble for Marijuana Use Over a Month Ago?
Once you have consumed marijuana, it can stay in your system for up to three months. Although, you will not be experiencing the effects of being high. Those short-term effects include:
- Altered vision
- Impaired body movement
- Impaired memory and recall
- Altered perception of time
- Difficulty problem-solving
- Hallucinations (with higher doses)
Getting pulled over by a police officer a month or three months after you used cannabis could spell legal trouble for you. The police can issue you a urine and hair test where weed can still show up in your system.
California allows its citizens to use marijuana but not when operating a vehicle. Also, having cannabis located in your car can lead to a DUI charge.
You may face charges even if you are not high on marijuana while driving, so the best way to avoid any kind of DUI charge in the Golden State is to not be high on weed when driving and not have any weed in your car while driving.
What Are the Penalties for Marijuana Crimes in California?
California has looser laws about marijuana use and possession in comparison to other US states. In fact, marijuana sales are now legal in California. In spite of that, it does not mean you will not face serious penalties for breaking those laws.
The consequences of drug-impaired driving are especially serious. These punishments include:
- 1st DUI – Up to 6 months in jail, nine months of a suspended license, and a $1000 fine
- 2nd DUI – Up to 1 year in jail, one year of a suspended license, and a $1000 fine
- 3rd DUI – Up to 1 year in jail, three years of a revoked license, and a $1000 fine
- Felony DUI with injury – Up to 16 years in state prison, five years of a revoked license, and a $5000 fine plus restitution to injured parties
These are all severe penalties that nobody wants to go through, especially if you know that you are innocent of the marijuana DUI charges against you.
The best way to not have to suffer any of these harsh punishments would be to not consume cannabis and get behind the wheel. However, hire a Los Angeles DUI attorney if you believe that you are either not guilty or have your constitutional rights abridged.
Discuss your options for handling positive drug testing results today.
What Are California’s Marijuana Laws?
California has made many recent changes to laws surrounding marijuana usage. Many people can legally use marijuana now, especially for health care reasons. Some of the state’s laws control:
Recreational Use:
California legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults aged 21 and older through Proposition 64, which was approved by voters in November 2016. Therefore, adults can legally possess, use, and share marijuana within certain limits.
Medical Use:
California has allowed the medical use of marijuana since the Compassionate Use Act (Proposition 215) passed in 1996. This law allows individuals with a qualifying medical condition and a recommendation from a physician to use marijuana for medicinal purposes.
The state of California allows for both medicinal and recreational marijuana. You must be 21 years or older in order to use and possess cannabis. There is no legal limit to how much medicinal marijuana you are allowed to use and possess, as long as it is the prescribed amount from your doctor.
There is a legal limit to how much recreational cannabis you can use and possess. It is up to 28.5g and up to 6 plants. A misdemeanor charge would be possessing more than 28.5g of weed on your person. The only felony charge regarding marijuana would be driving under the influence (DUI) of marijuana.
Find Out More About Weed Showing Up on a Physical Urine Test
Does weed show up on a physical urine test? Generally, THC metabolites show up for a few days to weeks after the last time you used marijuana. The extended period it stays in your body can lead to legal complications if the police accuse you of driving under the influence and require a urine test.
Fortunately, you can get professional help in Los Angeles. Our team can provide more detailed information about drug testing and false-positive results. Reach out to us by calling or completing our online contact form.
