Hair Follicle Drug Test

[Godless]

So I just interviewed with a company today for an engineering co-op and I thought it went pretty well. However, they told me that if I were to get an offer I would need to do urine and hair follicle drug tests. I'm a little concerned about the hair follicle test since I have smoked marijuana a few times in the past. The last time I had smoked was eight months ago in April. Will the hair follicle test be able to pick up usage from that far back? Also, one of my roommates is a big pothead and I'm occasionally exposed to the smoke. Will being around someone who smokes marijuana also show up in a hair follicle test?

[The Magic Pudding]

I think Pickard is an elegant looking chap.



So is Gurney Halleck.

[hismikeness]

Certainly after 8 months of not smoking any THC is completely out of your body, including your hair. As for your roommate and exposure... unless you are locked in a car or other cramped and non ventilated space, the exposure is nothing to worry about.

I really disagree with the hair tests, as there are studies showing that coarser and thicker hair can retain certain things for longer than fine hair. The fact that weed is even illegal is pretty grotesque as it is, but that's another conversation.

Long story short- if you've really not smoked for 8 months you are clear. Pun intended. 

[Chronos]

Shave your entire body.

[Happy_Is_Good]

So I just interviewed with a company today for an engineering co-op and I thought it went pretty well. However, they told me that if I were to get an offer I would need to do urine and hair follicle drug tests. I'm a little concerned about the hair follicle test since I have smoked marijuana a few times in the past. The last time I had smoked was eight months ago in April. Will the hair follicle test be able to pick up usage from that far back? Also, one of my roommates is a big pothead and I'm occasionally exposed to the smoke. Will being around someone who smokes marijuana also show up in a hair follicle test?

Well...let's do some math and see how it comes out.

Now, from a Wikipedia article concerning hair growth, let's assume that hair grows an average of 0.5 Inches/Month.

Also, let us assume that it's going to take two months for the THC to get out of your system (it's usually 1 month or less, but I'm adding in a bit of safety margin (hey...ya' could have been a major-league stoner for all I know).

Also, I haven't heard of 2nd hand smoke being detectable - so you're ok no matter how much your roomate has smoked.

Also, I assume your going to wash you're hair very well the morning of the test so that it your hair's surface will be clean of any airborne THC. (this should be easy enough)

Now...when you quit smokin' back in April, the THC was still comming out of your body fat for 2 months (at very most, we added "Margin") and your hair grew about 1 inch during this time.  During that time the THC was coming out of your body, it was still be deposited in your growing hair (this THC is IN your hair - you can not wash this out!!!).  So, the 1 inch of hair just mentioned is "Dirty hair" which you don't want tested.   Then, another 6 months elapsed and another 3 inches of "Clean Hair" grew.

So, this means that the last 3 inches of hair you have grown is "Clean", and as long as your hair is no longer than 3 inches, you will be fine.

Hope this helps.

PS...most labs only test the 1.5 Inches growth nearest the scalp (last three months growth).
 

[Whitney]

Even if you happen to test positive the worst that can happen is that you don't get the job (though it may make you ineligible to ever be hired there, depending on company policy).

Tell the roomate to start smoking outside.  Maybe it's just me but it doesn't take much second hand contact for me to feel the effects (and in my case that is a minus because I don't like how it feels) and that means it gets into my system.  On the rare occasion that I'm around it I make whomever it is go outside and they understand because my husband can't be around it in case he gets tested (and it's always been his friends...and I think they all finally mostly quit too).

[squidfetish]

So I just interviewed with a company today for an engineering co-op and I thought it went pretty well. However, they told me that if I were to get an offer I would need to do urine and hair follicle drug tests. I'm a little concerned about the hair follicle test since I have smoked marijuana a few times in the past. The last time I had smoked was eight months ago in April. Will the hair follicle test be able to pick up usage from that far back? Also, one of my roommates is a big pothead and I'm occasionally exposed to the smoke. Will being around someone who smokes marijuana also show up in a hair follicle test?

Jeez.... is that testing legal?  ???

[Ecurb Noselrub]

So I just interviewed with a company today for an engineering co-op and I thought it went pretty well. However, they told me that if I were to get an offer I would need to do urine and hair follicle drug tests. I'm a little concerned about the hair follicle test since I have smoked marijuana a few times in the past. The last time I had smoked was eight months ago in April. Will the hair follicle test be able to pick up usage from that far back? Also, one of my roommates is a big pothead and I'm occasionally exposed to the smoke. Will being around someone who smokes marijuana also show up in a hair follicle test?

Jeez.... is that testing legal?  ???

Generally in the USA it is. May differ from state to state, but employers run routine drug tests all the time.  I had to take one before getting my current job.

[Whitney]

Jeez.... is that testing legal?  ???

Yes...many big companies do it.  The employee or potential employee has the option to decline but that usually comes with consequences such as not longer meeting employee requirements and being let go or not being hired.

Some hospitals have started testing staff for nicotine after initiating a zero tolerance towards any kind of smoking policy.

[squidfetish]

Good grief.... I understand the police force drug testing their recruits, but I didn't know it was commonplace in business generally.  As for zero tolerance to nicotine.... couldn't that be a human rights issue given that smoking isn't actually illegal..... yet?...   ???

[Crocoduck]

I've sold piss five times to pot heads trying to get jobs at a local resort. My going rate was $20 for clean piss...you provide the container. I've never been ask for hair though. 

[squidfetish]

I've sold piss five times to pot heads trying to get jobs at a local resort. My going rate was $20 for clean piss...you provide the container. I've never been ask for hair though. 

Now that, sir, is initiative!! 

[Whitney]

As for zero tolerance to nicotine.... couldn't that be a human rights issue given that smoking isn't actually illegal..... yet?...   ???

Smokers aren't protected under the civil rights laws. 

I'm pretty sure they justify it by saying they only want health conscious health care employees and therefore smokers are not qualified. 

Makes me wonder if they could legally fire and not hire staff over being fat....that would certainly cause a public stir since it would target most americans.

[Crocoduck]

I've sold piss five times to pot heads trying to get jobs at a local resort. My going rate was $20 for clean piss...you provide the container. I've never been ask for hair though. 

Now that, sir, is initiative!! 

I wish I'd thought of it but the way it started was they came to me...after the first guy says I'll give you $20 if you pee in a baby bottle liner and I said..OK  others just showed up. I guess word of mouth.

[Godless]

Just got accepted for the co-op! Now I really hope I can pass this drug test lol. Going to be moving to Atlanta next month