? about Marijuana

DixieGirl_81 · Jan 6, 2004

I wish I could help you out with some information regarding this subject. I am also curious as to how long it stays in the system, as I have several friends who use marijuana and are about to be given a urinalysis for nursing jobs. It would be a terrible thing to lose the job because of them smoking a certain substance. Interesting thread I think.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jan 6, 2004

As far as I know, THC (the "active ingredient" in marijuana) stays in the body up to 30 days, although some people claim that you can get rid of it in a weekend by drinking gallons of fluids, especially cranberry juice, or by taking niacin tablets. Of course, the "head shops" carry stuff they claim rids the body of THC practically overnight......but somehow I doubt the credibility of those statements.

I do wonder how it is that the person in question can test positive after 44 days, though........are you sure he's been "clean" that long?

BTW, I'm an old hippie who smoked more than my share of the wildwood weed back there when, but my knowledge isn't exactly current!:imbar

rsmentkowski · Jan 6, 2004

THC may accumulate in fatty tissue for up to one month (heavy use and obesity can add to this). You can actually have a quant done and not smoke and have the next quant be elevated due to fat storage and metabolism.

Physical findings of intoxication, red eyes, dry mouth, increased heart rate, impaired coordination and reaction time. Behaviors include impaired learning and retention, personality changes, hazardous driving from poor coordination and judgement. There may also be occasional flashbacks, euphoria, silliness and heightened sensitivity to external stimuli. To name some. Adverse effects: Anxiety tremors, Hallucinations, slowed speech and thought patterns, impaired short term memory. Not to mention Males: decreased sperm count,decreased testosterone levels with gynecomastia. Females: Menstrual irregularities that may persist for months. And of course Anhedonia, and fear of insanity to name some.

with drawal symptoms include Irritability, restlessness, tremors, N/V/diarrhea, sleep disturbances to name some.

DID I MENTION YOU CAN LOOSE YOUR LICENSE??????

Wolfbeareagle · Jan 6, 2004

I haven't been friends with him for all that long...just since he was supposed to have quit. I do know that you can lose your license, that is why I am asking about this...I don't want to tell him where to go without having some good information and facts about this....

I am not going to risk my future license by being friends with him...I cannot afford that... I am drug free and alcohol free..and don't want to be involved with one that could hurt me...guilt by association? I am not sure he has been clean that long, but I also don't want to misjudge him..

Wolf

Jrnalist2RNinOR · Jan 6, 2004

The chemical in marijuana, THC, is absorbed by fatty tissues in various organs. Traces of THC can be detected by standard urine and blood tests for about 2 days up to 11 weeks depending on the persons metabolism, how much they smoked and how long they smoked. THC can be detected for the life of the hair. Again, the sensitivity of the test ranges from person from to person depending on many factors including the amount of body fat, differences in metabolism, and how long and how much they smoked.

http://www.teenhealthfx.com/answers/12.html

I know, I know - it is a teen health site - but...it gives a good explanation and I (who never inhaled) agree with what is said here

CCU NRS · Jan 6, 2004

I always heard 4-6 weeks depending on usage ie daily smoker 6 weeks ocassional smoke 4weeks again this is not exact scienc so I will just say this person should really consider their life choices if nursing and dependance are involved there will be conflict, this person will eventually be allowed access to many various drugs and temptaion as they say is a bugger.

sharann, BSN, RN · Jan 6, 2004

Just tell them to say Nope to Dope.

What is the point of doing an illegal drug anyway? If you wan't a buzz go to a bar, where you can get drunk, get in a car, then get a DUI, all legally.

I'm no angel, but I grew out of this phase at 17 yrs old. A person with a job should be more responsible don't you think?

allnurses Guide · Jan 7, 2004

Originally posted by sharann
Just tell them to say Nope to Dope.
What is the point of doing an illegal drug anyway? If you wan't a buzz go to a bar, where you can get drunk, get in a car, then get a DUI, all legally.
I'm no angel, but I grew out of this phase at 17 yrs old. A person with a job should be more responsible don't you think?

Great post!!!

steph

Sarah Kat · Jan 7, 2004

I think that maybe your friend wasn't clean for as long as he says. It is possible, but if he was, then he would have to have been a heavy chronic marijuana user.

A search on google for "drug test duration" yielded this

page. (a drug testing company)

Don't forget, a web search is always a good idea.

Not to pass judgment, but if your friend is a nurse, he should know better. And yes, you might want to distance yourself -- there is such thing as "guilt by association".

SaintsFan1 · Jan 7, 2004

You might check NORML's web site. I think there is a lot of valuable info found there. You are probably right to steer clear of this person until you are sure of his character. And while I am here, let me say that I do not agree with sharann's response about going to a bar, getting drunk, then getting behind the wheel of a car. Could this be any more irresponsible???? Just because something is legal does not make it right. While alcohol is a legal drug, it is far more dangerous than the illegal marijuana. Okay, I'll get down off my soapbox now.

1savvydiva · Jan 7, 2004

Originally posted by LucieRN22
And while I am here, let me say that I do not agree with sharann's response about going to a bar, getting drunk, then getting behind the wheel of a car. Could this be any more irresponsible???? Just because something is legal does not make it right. While alcohol is a legal drug, it is far more dangerous than the illegal marijuana.

Um, maybe you should re-read her post and take into consideration a thing called sarcasm :cool: . I think it was a great post as well!