The science and secrets behind drug testing

In Italy, as in many countries, driving under the influence of drugs, including cannabis, is taken very seriously due to the risks it poses to road safety.

Last June the Council of Ministers discussed a bill to reform the highway code consisting of eighteen articles. The objectives include creating safer roads, safeguarding vulnerable users such as cyclists and motorcyclists, simplifying regulations and providing guidelines for emerging forms of mobility. In particular, Minister Matteo Salvini promised a zero-tolerance approach to impaired driving, particularly targeting repeat offenders.

Proposed changes in drugs legislation suggest a significant change in how cases will be prosecuted. In this scenario, a positive result from a saliva test conducted during a traffic stop would be enough to trigger an immediate license suspension, followed by subsequent revocation and a ban on obtaining a new license for three years. This potential law change would mean that people who drive days after drug use could also face legal consequences. The new approach would eliminate the need to demonstrate impairment and would rely solely on the positive test result.
While waiting to find out whether this proposal will be approved or not, we want to inform you about the methods and science behind the tests that identify the presence of narcotic substances in our body, in particular which ones are used to find cannabis and cannabinoids.

Drug tests detect the presence of specific compounds or their metabolites in body fluids, such as urine, blood, saliva and hair. When it comes to cannabis, the target compound is primarily delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its metabolites, particularly THC -COOH . The purpose of the tests is to determine whether someone has recently consumed cannabis or whether metabolites from past use are present, primarily aiming to trace THC in the body of those undergoing the test.

While the immediate effects of THC wane quickly, trace amounts of THC and other cannabinoids can remain within the body well beyond the last use. The duration of the presence of THC in the human body depends on several variables, including the method of consumption , the frequency of use and the specific type of test to which one is subjected. In the following sections, we will delve into the key factors that shape how long THC is present within the body, along with strategies to facilitate its elimination.

Cannabis can be found in the body through various methods, each with its own detection window and sensitivity. Here are the most common types of drug tests used for this purpose:

Urine test

Urinalysis is the most common method of detecting cannabis use, popular due to its convenience and speed. These drug tests look for and detect the presence of THC-COOH, a metabolite of THC, which is stored in fat cells and slowly eliminated through urine. Detection windows for THC in urine vary from a few days to several weeks after cannabis use, depending on consumption habits and individual factors such as frequency of use, metabolism, and amounts of body fat.

Blood analysis

Blood tests measure the presence of THC in the blood, providing a more immediate indicator of recent cannabis use. THC is rapidly metabolized and may remain detectable in the blood for a short time, usually a few hours to a day after use.

Salivary tests

Saliva tests, or oral fluid tests, are becoming increasingly popular for detecting recent cannabis use. Detection times for cannabis in saliva are relatively short compared to other methods such as urine or hair tests. For casual users, it typically takes about three days for all traces of THC to dissipate. In contrast, for a regular cannabis user this time period could extend to around a month.
These tests are often used during traffic stops to determine whether drivers have used cannabis recently.

Hair test

Hair tests have a longer detection window than urine, blood or saliva tests. With this type of test, the THC present in our body is deposited in the hair follicles and can be detected up to approximately 90 days after use, facilitated by extraordinarily sensitive laboratory equipment. Although more expensive than alternative screening methods, these tests are predominantly employed by institutions or law enforcement to authenticate a broader historical usage history.

Detection factors

Several key factors influence the detectability of cannabis in tests. First, the frequency and quantity of cannabis use play a crucial role. Habitual marijuana use can lead to the buildup of cannabinoids in the body, prolonging the time they can be detected. Additionally, the potency of the cannabis product intended for consumption is important; high-power products may result in extended detection periods.

The method of consumption also affects detection. Inhalation methods such as smoking and vaporization generally lead to shorter detection windows than edible consumption , due to the rapid assimilation of cannabinoids when inhaled.

Individual metabolism is another significant factor to take into consideration. People with slower metabolisms may process cannabinoids more slowly, leading to longer detection times. Additionally, an individual's body fat percentage can affect detectability. Cannabis compounds are fat-soluble and can be stored in fat cells, which results in a longer detection window for individuals with higher body fat percentages.

In summary, cannabis detectability is influenced by frequency of use, product potency, method of consumption, metabolism, and body fat percentage. Understanding these factors is crucial for people who need to get tested and want to manage their cannabis use accordingly.

How to expel cannabinoids before a test

To help your body eliminate cannabinoids before a drug test there are several steps that can be taken. First of all, it is essential to drink lots of water to help eliminate toxins, including cannabinoids. However, it is important to be careful not to overhydrate, as excessive water consumption can lead to water intoxication.

Another trick to follow is to ingest nutritious foods to support your metabolism and overall health. Focus on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Since cannabinoids are stored in fat cells, opting for low-fat foods can reduce the risk of storing more cannabinoids.

Engaging in regular physical activity can increase your metabolism and aid in the elimination of cannabinoids. Cardiovascular exercises such as running, cycling or swimming are particularly effective.

Saunas or hot baths can also help you expel toxins, encouraging sweating and activating the elimination process through it.

Some herbs, such as dandelion, fennel, and horsetail have diuretic properties that can aid in detoxification. Taken in herbal tea or as supplements they can help eliminate THC and other cannabinoids.

While these steps can potentially help your body reduce THC levels and eliminate cannabinoids faster, there is no fully effective method to ensure their complete removal in a short amount of time or to successfully evade a test. Always approach drug testing situations with honesty and awareness of the potential results.

Is CBD traceable in tests?

As regards CBD (cannabidiol), present in cannabis light, there is currently no standardized method for measuring its levels within the body. Most tests focus primarily on detecting THC, and CBD itself usually does not show up in typical drug tests, as it does not produce the same impairing effects as THC.

However, there is a caveat: some CBD products may contain percentages of THC, especially if they are derived from full-spectrum extracts. While these amounts are typically very low, they may be enough to generate a positive result in particularly sensitive drug tests. CBD isolate products, on the other hand, contain negligible amounts of THC and are less likely to be detected in tests.

Conclusion

In a world where drug testing occurs in the most diverse scenarios, understanding the complexities of cannabis detection is more important than ever. Different tests, from urine to hair, along with the methods they employ, shed light on an individual's history of cannabis use. As factors such as frequency, power, and metabolism interact to influence detection windows, it is clear that interfacing with this reality requires a combination of knowledge and awareness. By learning these notions you can undergo any tests equipped with the fundamental information to be able to navigate this experience with awareness and prudence.