Flushing your system of any substance is a process that someone only truly accomplishes with time, but sometimes a little help is necessary to pass your drug test. If you have a drug test coming up and you’re not so sure your body is ready for it, you are not alone. While there are multiple types of tests, the best method for passing a drug test depends on which kind you will be taking.

Different Methods of Drug Testing

There are several different ways drug test can be administered. The most common are:

Urine Tests

This type of drug test involves taking a urine sample and can detect THC in the body of a heavy user for a little over a month after last use. If you are only an occasional user, you will likely test positive for no more than a week after previous use. A urine drug testing kit is the most commonly used testing method by employers.

Blood Tests

This test uses a blood sample, in which THC will be detectable for slightly longer than in a urine sample, about 45-60 days for a regular user. THC ingested in edible form can be detected by a drug test longer than THC smoked for infrequent users. Still, it depends on how much you consumed, your metabolism, and your BMI.

Saliva Tests

Saliva testing involves taking an oral saliva sample. Similar to a urine test, a saliva test can detect THC for about 3-30 days, depending on the frequency of use before detoxing. But, THC will most likely not be detectable in your saliva longer than a week after last use.

Hair Follicle Tests

A hair follicle drug test uses a hair sample and can detect THC in the body 90-120 days after last use. This method of drug testing is the most valid in comparison to urine, blood, or saliva testing. Furthermore, hair follicle tests are primarily used to test for long-term cannabis consumption (if employers are nosey about previous drug consumption) and to test for longer periods - up to 120 days after last use. A dense network of capillary blood vessels surrounds hair follicles beneath the scalp. As such, drugs in the bloodstream can consolidate, binding to the growing hair follicles and remaining traceable for months.

Can You Pass a Drug Test Naturally?

The only way to be entirely certain your system is clean is to give it time. There are some ways you can speed up the process naturally, though not all are reliable methods of passing your drug test.

It’s important to understand that the length of time THC will remain in your system depends on many factors. The most important factors are the amount of THC consumed and the frequency of usage. THC will stay detectable in a heavy user’s system for much longer after beginning a detox than it will in a one-time user’s system. Your height, weight, and BMI all play a role as well, especially if you’ve ingested the THC in edible form. Each person’s body is different and will retain THC traces for slightly different lengths of time. For example, a high body fat percentage or slow metabolism will cause THC levels to linger in the body for longer.

If you want to cleanse your system naturally to detox from THC, the best thing to do is stay well hydrated. Water and cranberry juice are both ideal options. Exercise can be effective, as well, since sweating helps flush toxins from the body. In any case, you can expect a natural detox to take at least a few days or longer if you are a heavy user. If you need to be sure you’ll pass a test that’s coming up soon, a trusted detox product might be a more practical and effective solution for you.

Best Detox Products to Pass a Drug Test Successfully

If you don’t have time to wait for a natural detox, a product specifically designed to safely cleanse your system quickly can be useful to consider. There are a number of good options available intended for a range of situations. Which product is the right choice for you depends on the frequency of use and how soon you need your body to be THC-free.

Same-Day Detox

If you find yourself in a scenario where you have to take an unexpected drug test, a product like this same-day fail safe kit can help you pass within 24 hours. It comes in capsule or liquid form and works in 90 minutes to remove all traces of THC from your system, even if you are a frequent, long-term user. The Same-Day Detox kit is a temporary detox that will last for about six hours. If you’re not sure if you need to use a same-day detox product, a home test kit can let you know if you are in the clear or not. They are quick and easy to administer and provide results almost instantly.

5-Day Detox

If you have a little more time to clean out your system, a detox kit might be what you need. Kits like this 5-Day Extreme Detoxification Program permanently remove all toxins from your body in five days. Rather than just a single capsule like the same-day solution, this detox kit includes daily capsules and a detailed cleansing guide and meal plan for a five-day detox period. The detox kit is designed for people who have had high levels of exposure to THC. So, if you need to pass a drug test and you have a few days to prepare, the 5-day detox kit is the best choice.

10-Day Detox

The most effective method to ensure you are completely clean is to use a more intensive detox kit, like this 10 Day Ultra Detoxification Program. Similar to the 5-day detox plan, this kit includes enough detox capsules for ten days and a cleansing guide and meal plan to go with them. The extended timeframe will allow you to be sure your body is entirely free from all traces of THC, no matter how high your exposure level. In addition, the 10 Day Ultra Detoxification Program includes three at-home testing kits of your choice, including optional daily emails or text reminders to keep you on track. After finishing this 10-day detox program, your urine, saliva, blood, and hair will be free of all toxins that would cause you to fail your drug test.

Hazardous At-Home Detoxing Remedies to Avoid

There are many myths about do-it-yourself home remedies that supposedly help you pass a drug test fast. Unfortunately, these methods generally range from ineffective to extremely dangerous. You might have heard that drinking a small amount of bleach will result in a fast detox. There is no evidence that drinking bleach will help you pass a drug test, and drinking even a small amount could be life-threatening.

Other tricks for passing a drug test on short notice include less deadly options like vitamin B supplements or vinegar, but even though these solutions won’t kill you, they won’t help you, either. Keep in mind that a last-minute detox comes with the risk of withdrawal symptoms. While marijuana withdrawal is usually relatively mild, an at-home detox of drugs like opiates and amphetamines can be dangerous. It’s best to use a detox product or wait out a natural detox rather than take risks associated with unproven home remedies.

Drug Testing FAQs

Do Edibles Show Up in Drug Tests?

Yes. THC ingested from an edible will show up on a drug test the same as THC smoked. In fact, you’ll test positive for THC for longer after having an edible then you will after smoking a joint.

Can You Fail a Drug Test from Smoking One Joint?

Yes, but you’re less likely to fail your drug test after one joint than if you’re a long-term regular user. If you only had one joint, your system will be THC-free in about 3-5 days. If your test is sooner than that, you’ll still need to detox.

Can Poppy Seeds Make You Fail a Drug Test?

Yes, poppy seeds contain trace amounts of opium extract even after being cleaned and processed, showing up on most drug tests for up to two days after consumption. Although the amount you need to ingest to show up on a test is quite high. So one poppy seed muffin won’t cause you to fail. A hair test will not detect a false positive from poppy seeds.

Can You Fail a Drug Test from Second Hand Smoke?

It is very unlikely you will fail a drug test after being exposed to secondhand marijuana smoke. Trace amounts of THC may be present in your system for just a few hours after being exposed to secondhand smoke, but not at levels that will trigger a positive test. However, hair tests can give false positive results from secondhand smoke especially if you share hats or pillows with heavy smokers.

How Long Does a Drug Test Take?

Taking a drug test is usually quick and easy. There are many testing methods, but most likely, you will have to provide a urine sample, blood sample, or saliva sample. Then, the sample is sent to a laboratory for testing.

How Long Does it Take to Get Your Drug Test Results?

The time it takes to find out if you passed or failed your test depends on the type of test you took and whether your result is positive or negative. If you tested negative, you would most likely find out within 1-2 days, unless you provided a hair sample, in which case you can expect your results to take about 5-10 days. If you tested positive, an investigation is conducted, which will add about a week to your waiting time.

What Happens if you Fail a Drug Test?

The consequences of failing a drug test are entirely dependent on the reason for the test. Most likely, you would be taking a test for an employer or potential employer. Different employers will have different policies, but the most likely outcome is being fired or denied the job. If you are taking a test after being involved in an accident, you might face the same or similar penalties as you would for a DUI, including fines and suspension of your license. But, laws about driving under the influence of marijuana vary from state to state.

Which Foods or Herbs Can Cause a False Positive?

Hemp foods and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen are thought to produce false positives, but those claims have been disproven. Be careful with poppy seeds, coca tea, and CBD products; however, these can all cause you to fail a test, though the chance is still minimal.

How to Dispute a False Positive Drug Test?

If a work-related test returns a false positive, your first move should be to talk to your employer or designated testing staff. Let them know about any medications or supplements you take. You are also within your rights to contact the testing lab and request a re-test. They should have a second portion of your sample saved for just this purpose. If these methods fail, you’ll need to contact a lawyer.

How Accurate are Home Drug Tests Compared to Lab Tests?

Lab tests are more accurate than home tests. Home tests are nice because they provide nearly instant results, but a lab will provide more reliable results, and the test will be more credible in a court of law.