What is Marijuana (Cannabis) Blood test? 

Marijuana blood test is performed to check for the active ingredients of marijuana in the blood of a person. 

Marijuana (cannabis) is a plant that is widely grown in different parts of the world. It produces psychoactive substances called cannabinoids and is most commonly abused for its effects on the brain. The two main active cannabinoids in cannabis are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC) and cannabidiol. Both these have almost similar effects on the body. Though THC is a major component of marijuana. 

The amount of THC in the body can thus point to marijuana abuse.

However, THC levels in the blood depend on the route and dose of use. For example, in case of smoked marijuana, THC peaks rapidly in the first few minutes of inhaling. High levels indicate that the person has used marijuana recently. Low but detectable levels may persist for hours in one-time users and for days in long-term users.

A marijuana blood test can also detect other cannabinoids such as cannabigerol or cannabinol.

  1. Why is Marijuana (Cannabis) Blood test performed?
  2. How do you prepare for Marijuana (Cannabis) Blood test?
  3. How is Marijuana (Cannabis) Blood test performed?
  4. What do Marijuana (Cannabis) Blood test results mean?

A marijuana blood test is used to detect recent marijuana use. It takes time for the end-products of marijuana breakdown (metabolites) to reach the urine, while it takes just a few minutes for active THC to peak in the blood after smoking marijuana. The levels then drop quickly within an hour. 

Although the marijuana urine test is commonly preferred because it is non-invasive and simple, the blood test is useful in investigating accidents, injuries and driving under the influence of the drug.

Doctors also order this test if they see any signs of drug abuse. Some side effects of the cannabinoids in marijuana are as follows:

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Your healthcare provider will explain the purpose of the test to you. Please share your complete medical history with the doctor, so that your results can be interpreted accurately. If you take any prescribed or non-prescribed medicines or any supplements, inform your doctor as these may interfere with the test results.

Your doctor or a lab technician will withdraw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pricking sensation when the needle is inserted - it will subside soon. If you have felt dizzy or faint during a blood test in the past or if you are scared of needles or the sight of blood, please inform your doctor or nurse so that they can help you feel more comfortable.

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Results of this test are interpreted on the basis of a cut-off value. Cut-off value may be defined as a point that separates a positive and a negative result. It is selected so as to minimize false-positive test results.

Normal results:

Normal results in this test are reported as negative. It means that no metabolite of marijuana was detected in the sample provided, or the amount detected was much below the cut-off value.

Abnormal results:

A positive cut-off value for 9-carboxy-THC (a metabolite of THC) is 5ng/mL.

THC-COOH (tetrahydrocannabinol) levels above 75ng/mL are associated with regular consumption of marijuana.

THC-COOH below 5ng/mL is associated with occasional consumption of marijuana.

Despite the cut off reference, a false-positive result may occur in some cases. So, if you get positive results, your doctor may order further testing to confirm if you are actually taking certain drugs or a drug.

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.

References

  1. National Cancer Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Cannabis and Cannabinoids (PDQ®)–Patient Version
  2. Balíková M, Hložek T. Time profile of serum THC levels in occasional and chronic marihuana smokers after acute drug use - implication for driving motor vehicles. Soud Lek. 2014;59(1):2-6. PMID: 24625019.
  3. Huestis MA, Mitchell JM, and Cone EJ. Urinary excretion profiles of 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol in humans after single smoked doses of marijuana. J Anal Toxicol. 1996 Oct;20(6):441-52. PMID: 8889681.
  4. Law B, et al. Forensic aspects of the metabolism and excretion of cannabinoids following oral ingestion of cannabis resin. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1984 May;36(5):289-94. PMID: 6145762.
  5. Ellis GM Jr, et al. Excretion patterns of cannbinoid metabolites after last use in a group of chronic users. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1985 Nov;38(5):572-8. PMID: 3902318.
  6. Grotenhermen Franjo, et al. Developing Science-Based Per Se Limits for Driving under the Influence of Cannabis (DUIC): Findings and Recommendations by an Expert Panel. DUIC Report. 2005 Sep.
  7. Skopp G, Pötsch L. Cannabinoid concentrations in spot serum samples 24-48 hours after discontinuation of cannabis smoking. J Anal Toxicol. 2008 Mar;32(2):160-4. PMID: 18334100.
  8. Karschner EL, et al. Do Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol concentrations indicate recent use in chronic cannabis users?. Addiction. 2009 Dec;104(12):2041-8. PMID: 19804462.
  9. Huestis MA, Henningfield JE, Cone EJ. Blood cannabinoids. I. Absorption of THC and formation of 11-OH-THC and THCCOOH during and after smoking marijuana. J Anal Toxicol. 1992 Sep-Oct;16(5):276-82. PMID: 1338215.
  10. American Association for Clinical Chemistry.[internet]. Washington DC (U.S.A). The New Era of Cannabis Testing
  11. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Blood Tests
  12. National Institute of Drug Abuse. National Institute of Health [internet]. U.S.A. Drug Testing
  13. University of Rochester Medical Center [Internet]. Rochester (NY): University of Rochester Medical Center; Cannabinoid Screen and Confirmation (Urine)
  14. National Health Service [internet]. UK; Blood Tests
  15. Musshoff F, Madea B. Review of biologic matrices (urine, blood, hair) as indicators of recent or ongoing cannabis use. Ther Drug Monit. 2006 Apr. 28(2):155-63. PMID: 16628124.
  16. ARUP Labs [Internet]. University of Utah. Salt Lake city. Utah. US; THC Metabolite, Serum or Plasma, Quantitative
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