[djm928]

I smoked weed 3 weeks ago, and I have to take a arug test with hair sample in 3 days any advice on what to do to pass the test?

[DrBill100]

Can't tell you how to pass but might advise if you are vulnerable. Hair testing seldom detects light infrequent use so it depends on how often you smoked up until that point.

[djm928]

I smoked weed often over the last few years, then I went away to college and I don't smoke while I am there but when I return to visit (which is every 6 weeks or so) I end up smoking again with my friends. I was offered a coop. position and was very excited but then they told me I will have to summit to a drug hair screen test so now it is very unlikely that I will get this great opportunity, however,I am going to give it my all. I ordered a hair cleanse product online and will probably get a fresh hair cut as well. I won't cut it too short because iI don't want them to use body hair , but I'm hoping for a miracle! Dr. Bill what do you think my chances are?

[DrBill100]

I smoked weed often over the last few years, then I went away to college and I dont smoke while I am there but when I return to visit (which is every 6 weeks or so) I end up smoking again with my friends. I was offered a coop. position and was very excited but then they told me I will have to summit to a drug hair screen test so now it is very unlikely that I will get this great opportunity, however,I am going to give it my all. I ordered a hair cleanse product online and will probably get a fresh hair cut as well. I wont cut it too short because iI dont want them to use body hair , but im hoping for a miracle! Dr. Bill what do you think my chances are?

Even heavy daily users have a 40% chance of passing a hair test for cannabis. “In contrast to other illicit drugs, hair analysis lacks the sensitivity to act as a detector for cannabinoids” (1)

Those that use infrequently are almost never detected as the metabolite hasn't accumulated in system. Exactly where that line of demarcation is in practical use such as times per week or volume to potency is hard to define.

Use of body hair, with the exception of pubic*, is of no consequence. There is little difference between detection in head hair and arm pit for instance. In fact, arm pit may be a little less sensitive to uptake of THCA but not much.

*most drugs register significantly higher in pubic hair but the labs avoid the test.

Musshoff F, Madea B. (2006) Review of biologic matrices (urine, blood, hair) as indicators of recent or ongoing cannabis use. There Drug Monit. Apr 2006;28(2):155-63

[djm928]

Thank you Dr. Bill for your timely responses, I will keep you updated with the results. Do you think I should dye my hair to get a more favorable result?

[DrBill100]

Thank you Dr. Bill for your timely responses, I will keep you updated with the results. Do you think I should dye my hair to get a more favorable result?

Just don't know... and now I venture into speculation: I do know that THC does not have an affinity for melanin (that's what gives hair it's color) like many of the base drugs. While dyeing (permanent color) and bleaching greatly diminishes drug content in hair in general it probably has no specific influence on THCA which seems to sit nearer the surface of the shaft and not incorporating into the center (cortex) than base drugs that attach to eumelanin and do incorporate more to center of hair strand.

While I'm familiar with testing, hair and physical properties, have never researched the various methods for detoxification that you find all over the web. Some look pretty painful.

ADDED: Think I launched into a soliloquy and neglected your question. Doubt that dyeing would have an effect. I think permanent coloring which penetrates and alters melanin and permanent waves that use harsh chemicals (both altering or damaging the outer cuticle) probably lie behind the reduction of drug content noted in literature.

[djm928]

OK thanks again Dr. Bill!