Daniel Miller, Ph.D Pharmacology, Drug Testing Specialist
Last updated on May 10, 2024
While I strongly oppose drug use on the job, I believe no one should be forced to undergo urine testing, especially for marijuana. Your best way to pass a drug test is to stay clean.
Unfortunately, this can be challenging.
Urine tests may detect marijuana for 1-5 days after occasional use, 1-3 weeks for regular users, and 4-6 weeks for multiple daily users.
These tests do not detect THC, the active component of marijuana, but rather non-active metabolites, which do not measure impairment. Despite this, employers often disregard this in today’s strict anti-drug climate.
If you’re entering the job market, it’s wise to expect tests and avoid marijuana.
However, knowing that many may face drug tests on short notice, I offer advice for emergencies with my best wishes.
Table of Contents
How long can be detected
- Urine tests: These can detect cannabis for about 1–30 days after use.
- Saliva tests: Cannabis is usually detectable in saliva for up to 24 hours. However, some evidence suggests it can be found up to 30 hours after using a THC cigarette. Certain saliva tests may also detect cannabis from edible products like brownies for up to 44 hours.
- Hair tests: These are the most sensitive, detecting THC for up to 90 days. However, they may sometimes show false positives. For example, someone who contacts a THC user might test positive on a hair test.
- Sweat tests: Cannabis can be detectable in sweat for 7–14 days.
- Blood tests: This method can detect THC only for a few hours.
How to pass a urine drug test
When you go for a urine drug test, you will follow a specific procedure.
First, you’ll meet with the drug test collector who will check your identification.
Then, you’ll need to remove any extra clothing like hats and jackets.
You must wash your hands to ensure nothing under your nails could tamper with the test.
Next, you will enter the drug testing bathroom to provide a sample in a cup, with the collector waiting outside the door. If there’s suspicion of cheating, you may have to give your sample under direct observation.
Once you hand over your sample, the collector checks the urine’s temperature, which should be between 90-100°F.
The sample then goes to a lab to check for validity and adulterants before testing for drug metabolites.
How to pass a drug test with Certo and Gatorade drug test hack
Certo method is known but not foolproof; it’s affordable but I recommend more reliable methods, like using THC Detox kits.
Here’s how to use it:
- Mix a packet of Certo with a 20oz bottle of Gatorade two hours before your test.
- Drink the mixture.
- Urinate at least two times before the test.
- One hour before the test, drink another 20oz of Gatorade.
This process helps flush drug metabolites from your urine, temporarily clearing it for about 3-4 hours.
Remember, timing is crucial.
Cleansing
This method is more reliable because it ensures your urine won’t be considered diluted.
If your sample is too diluted, you’ll need to provide another one.
Here’s how to use this method:
- Four hours before your test, take 10g of activated charcoal.
- Three hours before the test, mix a creatine supplement with a glass of grapefruit juice and drink it.
- Drink 25 oz of an electrolyte solution mixed with water every hour for three hours.
- Two hours before your test, take a vitamin B supplement and eat a chocolate bar or some sweets.
- One hour before the test, drink another glass of grapefruit juice.
This method includes vitamins to restore the color of your urine and creatine to maintain creatinine levels. It helps ensure your urine passes the validity test.
The method also affects drug metabolism in your body, preventing new drug metabolites from entering your urine.
Your urine will stay clean for up to 5 hours, so remember, this method is temporary; manage your time accordingly.
Permanent detox
This method permanently removes all traces of marijuana from your body. After this, you can pass your drug test. It requires at least 7 days and adherence to a healthy diet and habits.
I have a detailed guide on this method available here: THC Detox: How to Get Weed Out of Your System Fast in 2024.
Here’s an overview of this method:
Eat healthy
I recommend eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Include a variety of protein foods such as seafood, lean meats, poultry, eggs, legumes, soy products, nuts, and seeds.
Cut down on added sugars, sodium, saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. Always try to stay within your daily calorie needs.
Exercise
Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.
This could be light activities like jogging or running. Even a 30-minute walk each day is beneficial. Here are some exercise examples:
- Jogging or running
- Swimming laps
- Biking fast or on hills
- Playing singles tennis
- Playing basketball
- Lifting weights
Drink more water
Drinking water can help you burn more calories and suppress your appetite, aiding in fat loss. Water also boosts your metabolism, making exercise easier and more efficient.
Studies suggest that drinking 1–2 liters of water per day can help with weight loss, especially before meals.
However, avoid drinking too much water as it may lead to water toxicity, which has been fatal in extreme cases like water drinking contests.
Sleep enough
Lack of sleep is linked to weight gain and a higher chance of obesity in both adults and children. Getting enough sleep can prevent increases in calorie intake and appetite seen in sleep deprivation.
It also helps avoid metabolism slowdowns from lack of sleep.
Most adults need about 7–9 hours of sleep per night to help with weight loss and release THC from fat cells.
How to pass a drug test with synthetic or fake urine
This is another popular method for passing a urine drug test. Please check your state’s laws as it may be illegal.
To pass a urine drug test using synthetic urine, you need high-quality synthetic urine that will pass the validity test.
You also need a reliable way to keep it warm, as the temperature must be between 90-100°F. You’ll need a discreet method to bring it into the testing facility since you will have to empty your pockets before the test.
I have a detailed guide on how to choose and use synthetic urine here: We Reviewed The Top Synthetic Urine Options For Passing A Drug Test In 2024.
How to pass a hair drug test
The collector will cut between 100 and 120 hairs from the crown of your head. To avoid a bald spot, hairs may be taken from different areas of your crown.
These strands will then be sent to a lab. In the lab, they will dissolve the hairs in a solvent, which also dissolves any drug metabolites. The lab then measures the amount of drug metabolites in the liquid.
If the concentration of drug metabolites exceeds a certain level, the test is considered positive.
The Macujo method
This method is a popular way to pass a hair drug test. It involves using harsh chemicals on your hair to destroy drug metabolites within the hair cortex, allowing you to pass your test.
Later, I will explain how to pass the hair drug test without using these harsh chemicals.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Rubber gloves to protect your hands.
- Goggles to protect your eyes.
- A sink or a tub with a water source.
- Clean and Clear Deep Cleaning Astringent (contains salicylic acid).
- White vinegar.
- Tide liquid laundry detergent.
- A shower cap or plastic bag to cover your hair.
Step-by-Step instructions:
- Wear gloves and goggles: Before starting, wear rubber gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes.
- Wet your hair: Use warm water to thoroughly dampen your hair, but don’t soak it.
- Apply vinegar: Pour white vinegar over your head and massage it into every strand of your hair and scalp.
- Add Clean and Clear Astringent: Without rinsing off the vinegar, apply the Clean and Clear Deep Cleaning Astringent. Ensure it covers all your hair. The salicylic acid is crucial for this process.
- Cover your hair: Place a shower cap or plastic bag over your hair and leave it for 30 to 45 minutes. This wait is vital.
- Rinse your hair: After waiting, remove the cap and rinse your hair well with warm water.
- Wash with Tide detergent: Carefully apply a small amount of Tide to your hair and scalp. Lather and rinse thoroughly. Be careful to avoid contact with your eyes or mouth.
- Repeat if necessary: Some might repeat this entire process several times before a hair follicle drug test.
Jerry G method
This method is quite popular and similar to others but with its own steps.
- Rubber gloves to protect your hands.
- Goggles for eye protection.
- A sink or a tub with a water source.
- Permanent hair dye containing ammonia.
- Baking soda.
- A shower cap or plastic bag to cover your hair.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Wear gloves and goggles: Before starting, make sure to protect your skin and eyes by wearing gloves and goggles. The chemicals used can be harsh.
- Dye your hair: Apply a permanent hair dye that contains ammonia. Follow the dye kit instructions carefully, covering all your hair. Ammonia is key as it helps break down the hair cuticle.
- Air dry your hair: Let your hair air dry completely. Avoid using a blow dryer to prevent further damage.
- Wait for some days: I recommend waiting at least 10 days before repeating the process to give your hair and scalp time to recover.
- Repeat the dye and wash: After 10 days, dye your hair again with an ammonia-based dye and wash it.
- Apply baking soda paste: The day before your drug test, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply it thoroughly to your hair and scalp.
- Rinse and shampoo again: Leave the baking soda paste in for a while, then rinse and wash your hair with detox shampoo.
Using hair detox shampoos
There are several detox shampoos designed specifically for passing a hair drug test. Unlike the Macujo method or Jerry G method, these shampoos do not damage your hair or scalp.
They gently open the hair cuticle, penetrate the hair cortex, and eliminate drug metabolites.
Their effectiveness is backed by scientific studies. I have a detailed review of hair detox shampoos here: Best Detox Shampoo For Hair Drug Test: Our Top 5 Picks.
How to pass a saliva drug test
A collection device is given to the person being tested.
The individual places the device in their mouth to collect saliva. It typically absorbs saliva for a few minutes. Once enough saliva is collected, the device is sealed and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
The lab tests the saliva for specific drugs or their metabolites using immunoassay screening and confirmatory tests like GC-MS or LC-MS/MS. Results are interpreted to determine if drugs are present.
Negative results may be reported quickly, but positive results often need more testing for confirmation. The final report is then sent to the employer, medical professional, or the individual tested.
Passing a saliva drug test is relatively easy. THC from marijuana sticks to the oral cavity and ends up in saliva. It does not transfer from blood to saliva, so you just need to clean THC from your mouth.
Using cleansers like hydrogen peroxide or Listerine can help. However, I recommend using a special detox mouthwash because it’s easier to conceal and use quickly when needed.
How to pass a saliva drug test with hydrogen peroxide or Listerine
You’ll need:
- 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with water (70% peroxide, 30% water)
- Or Listerine
Avoid Listerine with alcohol as it could make you test positive for alcohol. Rinse your mouth thoroughly 4-5 times with the hydrogen peroxide mixture or Listerine. Do not swallow the mixture—spit it out. Afterwards, chew gum to refresh your breath. That’s all it takes.
How to prepare for a drug screening
The drug screening process involves different methods, including urine, blood, saliva, or hair tests. Urine tests are the most common and can detect drug use up to three days after the last use.
Hair tests can show drug use up to 90 days in the past, while blood and saliva tests are less common and typically detect current drug use. Knowing which type of test to expect makes preparation easier.
Learn the company’s policy
It’s crucial to understand the company’s stance on drug use. You can ask your manager or HR department about the rules that apply to you. While some companies strictly prohibit drug use, others may be more lenient.
If your employer enforces a zero-tolerance policy, it’s essential to stay clean before a drug test.
Abstain from substance use
The most reliable way to pass a drug test is to abstain from using drugs. The time it takes for drugs to leave your system can vary from a few days to several weeks. Frequent users may find drugs linger longer in their system.
To pass a drug test, avoid using drugs in the days leading up to it.
Hydrate
Drinking sufficient water can help flush toxins from your system and increase your chances of passing a drug test. It’s important to stay hydrated in the days leading up to your test.
However, drinking excessive amounts of water or cranberry juice right before a test is not advisable, as it can dilute your sample and make the results inconclusive. If this happens, the test may need to be redone.
Avoid certain foods and vitamins
Some foods and supplements can cause false positives on drug tests. For example, certain energy drinks or poppy seeds might result in a false positive. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before consuming any new food or supplement, especially if you are preparing for a drug test.
Bring your valid identification and paperwork
Preparing your body for a drug screening is as important as bringing the correct identification and medical history papers to the test center. Complete any necessary paperwork the night before the test to ensure a smooth process.
Staying calm and relaxed before the screening can help make your appointment more efficient and less time-consuming.
Drug testing myths
The following remedies are myths and will not help you pass a drug test.
Using additives
Adding substances like zinc, bleach, or vinegar to urine was a tactic used long ago. There are even commercial products claiming they can destroy drug metabolites in urine and yield a negative test result.
However, today every sample undergoes a urine validity test and an adulterants test. These tests check if the urine’s natural parameters are off or if anything was added to the sample.
They can even detect some types of synthetic urine. Thus, this method no longer works.
Niacin
There is no scientific evidence that niacin can cleanse drugs like THC from the body. Drug metabolites are stored in body fat and are gradually eliminated mainly through the kidneys, not significantly impacted by niacin.
Taking high doses of niacin in hopes of passing a drug test can cause severe health risks, including liver damage, gastrointestinal issues, and skin flushing. In extreme cases, niacin toxicity could lead to life-threatening conditions like liver failure.
Cranberry juice
It’s a common belief that drinking 25 oz of cranberry juice every hour for three hours before a drug test can help pass it. This method supposedly flushes drug metabolites from the bladder and dilutes the urine, lowering the concentration of THC metabolites below detectable levels.
However, you could achieve similar results with water or any other drink. This method mainly affects the sample’s dilution rather than removing drugs from your system.
Factors impacting THC detection
- THC Dose:The amount of THC consumed is a key factor. Frequent use results in a higher cumulative dose, increasing the chances of testing positive. The potency of each THC dose matters too, although it’s hard to measure without lab equipment.
- Body Fat:Since THC is fat-soluble, it gets stored in fat cells. People with higher body fat concentrations may metabolize cannabis more slowly.
- Sex:Females, typically having more body fat than males, may metabolize cannabis slightly more slowly.
- Hydration:Dehydration can increase THC concentrations. However, extreme hydration won’t significantly alter drug test results.
- Exercise: Exercising just before a drug test might increase THC levels due to the release of THC from fat cells, potentially affecting the test result.
- Metabolism: Your metabolism plays a role too. Faster metabolism means quicker THC elimination.