...

Showcase Professionalism with the PREview® Exam
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Status
Not open for further replies.
soysizle

soysizle

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Joined
Aug 14, 2016
Messages
287
Reaction score
369
Points
5,296
  1. Resident [Any Field]
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
So I’m starting medschool July 30 and my school is going to be conducting drug tests the week of orientation which is the first week anytime between July 30th and August 3rd. They say students can opt for a retest within a certain time frame if they fail the first time. Anyway, when should I stop smoking recreationally (about two times a week) so that I can pass the drug test? Btw recreational pot use is legal for people 21+ in my state.
 
Depends on how often and how much you smoke. Here's a fancy calculator that will determine it for you:

Calculator | Marijuana Central

Also, you probably shouldn't smoke during medical school. I know some preceptorships also drug test in addition to the medical school, I'm not sure if that's a thing at Stryker, though.
 
soysizle said:
So I’m starting medschool July 30 and my school is going to be conducting drug tests the week of orientation which is the first week anytime between July 30th and August 3rd. They say students can opt for a retest within a certain time frame if they fail the first time. Anyway, when should I stop smoking recreationally (about two times a week) so that I can pass the drug test? Btw recreational pot use is legal for people 21+ in my state.
Click to expand...

Pot is illegal by federal law in all states and that is enforced by the DEA, the same agency that regulates controlled substance prescribing right to medical professionals. And our current Attorney General, Jefferson Beauregard Sessions, the Third, has instructed said DEA to crack down on states breaking the law. In this case state law means squat. It is why no bank will risk having dealings with any pot stores. You do not want to piss off the DEA, the school does not want to piss off the DEA, the hospital system that is associated with the school does not want to piss off the DEA. You must assume from now until you have finished residency, that pot is illegal. You should have stopped months ago.
 
Last edited:
Depends on your metabolism and body type, but I'd say 2 months to be as safe as possible. That's on the very conservative side though.
 
AnatomyGrey12 said:
Doesn’t matter. Being federally illegal a school has grounds to end your medical career on a positive test.
Click to expand...
Yeah I know. Just trying to justify why I’ve been smoking and at least for now feel comfortable being open about it while I’m living in Ca.
 
Last edited:
You'll probably want to give it a minimum of 1 month. Seriously though, a positive drug test during medical school could be career ending, so best to avoid the stuff as much as you can from now on.

At least until there's some sensible people in office and the federal government decriminalized it + a few years for companies to stop treating it like the plague.
 
Listen, I love smoking weed as much as the next guy (from CA too), but I wouldn't risk getting a positive test result for medical school. I stopped smoking 4 months in advanced just in case. Stop now, you'll thank your body and anxiety later on.
 
soysizle said:
So I’m starting medschool July 30 and my school is going to be conducting drug tests the week of orientation which is the first week anytime between July 30th and August 3rd. They say students can opt for a retest within a certain time frame if they fail the first time. Anyway, when should I stop smoking recreationally (about two times a week) so that I can pass the drug test? Btw recreational pot use is legal for people 21+ in my state.
Click to expand...
Do you know if the test will be on urine, blood or hair? If the latter, or you're unsure, I'd agree with the four month approach.
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Catalystik said:
Do you know if the test will be on urine, blood or hair? If the latter, or you're unsure, I'd agree with the four month approach.
Click to expand...
I’m not sure to be honest, however they’re also screening for nicotine, and alcohol, as well as other controlled substances. Not sure if that would narrow down the type of test. Would it be too suspicious if I were to call and ask?
 
Risk vs benefits.

You could be like this guy.

2HODFSI5MFCKZGW5Q2XJSWQYJU.jpg


Unfortunately, the cat got out of the bag and now his career is essentially finished.
 
soysizle said:
I’m not sure to be honest, however they’re also screening for nicotine, and alcohol, as well as other controlled substances. Not sure if that would narrow down the type of test. Would it be too suspicious if I were to call and ask?
Click to expand...
At the places and companies/hospitals that I have drug tested at they have used urine tests (tested for all of those drugs in the urine test). Med schools might use a more detailed test however.
 
In my opinion, probably urine. Cuz it's cheap. MDs use urine drug cup in my clinic, and it cost $5 when bought in bulk. Able to test 13+ substances. Although the accuracy is debatable...
 
I'm from the west coast too so I think our attitude about marijuana is less "doom and gloom" as it is in other areas. I mean, medical students DO smoke weed, it is not unheard of. I have yet to hear about a medical school/hospital/residency program using anything other than urine to test for marijuana (given you're not a repeat offender). They're not interested in learning about your bong experience when you were 18. It should be out of your system in 1 month (minimum). I've heard from friends that it tends to leave your system faster if you have less fat on your body but I've never researched this.

That being said, you should definitely stop smoking. It is still illegal by federal law and it's not worth compromising your medical career.
 
Nobody is asking the ethics, morals, or legality. All the poster wants is when to stop so it's out of your system.

I'd say 4 weeks just to play it safe, especially since you smoke often.
 
MedicalDoge said:
I'm kind of ignorant but how does an alcohol test work? When do you have to stop drinking for that? This seems a little ridiculous
Click to expand...

Well, there are multiple tests. If you're talking Breathalyzer, if you're not a heavy drinker you should be good after 15-24 hours (won't detect a .01). I've seen people blow a .01 after a full 30 hours after drinking heavily, could be that they don't break down alcohol fast enough, could also just be a false positive.

I think there is also urine test, which can actually confirm alcohol I think 3-4 days after ingestion (they use this for testing for sobriety and probably liver transplant patients).

I don't think testing positive for alcohol shouldn't be much of a problem however since it's actually legal in every state (and not federally illegal).
 
Spectar said:
Well, there are multiple tests. If you're talking Breathalyzer, if you're not a heavy drinker you should be good after 15-24 hours (won't detect a .01). I've seen people blow a .01 after a full 30 hours after drinking heavily, could be that they don't break down alcohol fast enough, could also just be a false positive.

I think there is also urine test, which can actually confirm alcohol I think 3-4 days after ingestion (they use this for testing for sobriety and probably liver transplant patients).

I don't think testing positive for alcohol shouldn't be much of a problem however since it's actually legal in every state (and not federally illegal).
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
MedicalDoge said:
Alright cool. I was just confused as to the point of an alcohol test since it leaves the system so quickly... Would people actually be dumb enough to get wasted the day before the drug tests?

Anyway, thanks!
Click to expand...
My theory is that this test looks for alcoholics. If you know you have a drug test coming up within the next couple of days and you can't put the bottle down well....... you have a problem
 
thegrind33 said:
My theory is that this test looks for alcoholics. If you know you have a drug test coming up within the next couple of days and you can't put the bottle down well....... you have a problem
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Spectar said:
Well, there are multiple tests. If you're talking Breathalyzer, if you're not a heavy drinker you should be good after 15-24 hours (won't detect a .01). I've seen people blow a .01 after a full 30 hours after drinking heavily, could be that they don't break down alcohol fast enough, could also just be a false positive.

I think there is also urine test, which can actually confirm alcohol I think 3-4 days after ingestion (they use this for testing for sobriety and probably liver transplant patients).

I don't think testing positive for alcohol shouldn't be much of a problem however since it's actually legal in every state (and not federally illegal).
Click to expand...

They use it for insurance approvals for expensive drugs/procedures (transplant being a great example) , and for people on parole/probation and it is a urine test.

MedicalDoge said:
Alright cool. I was just confused as to the point of an alcohol test since it leaves the system so quickly... Would people actually be dumb enough to get wasted the day before the drug tests?

Anyway, thanks!
Click to expand...

They randomize them if you’re on probation, as an example. But you’re dumb if you’re breaking the law while on probation.
 
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Controlled Substances

WMed is committed to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of its students, staff, and patients. To carry out this commitment, we seek to assure that a drug-free workplace is maintained and that students perform their duties unimpaired by the effects of alcohol, tobacco, and controlled substances (including cannabis). The medical school does not admit or enroll students who: abuse alcohol, as evidenced by binge drinking, public intoxication, and other signs of excessive use; use tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, smokeless tobacco, snuff, nicotine gum, nicotine patches, e‑cigarettes, and vaporizers; use controlled substances without a prescription; use illegal drugs; use cannabis or cannabinoids in any form, with or without a prescription or registration card; or have a substance dependence. All applicants who accept an offer of admission are required to undergo testing prior to matriculation or during the Transition to Medical School course for alcohol, tobacco (which screens for cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, smokeless tobacco, nicotine gum, nicotine patches, e‑cigarettes, and vaporizers), and controlled substances. Applicants/students who test positive on the initial test may request a second test.

Applicants who refuse to be tested, and applicants whose initial and second test results are positive and who do not have an appropriate prescription, are in violation of this policy, will have their admission rescinded, and will not be permitted to re-apply for admission for one year.
Spectar said:
+Lecom?
Click to expand...
Quoted directly from my school’s website
 
mistafab said:
si2.gif

Mayo clinic - time range substance is detectable from urine samples.
Click to expand...
Isn’t it ironic how potentially fatal substances leave your body in a couple days whereas weed can last upwards of a month or more lol
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Tenk said:
Now. Smoking is stupid as hell and damages your lungs. Use edibles instead.
Click to expand...
Just felt I needed to share, had an edible trying weed for the first time, 45 minutes of muscle contractions, heart rate at 120 Bpm (how I had the sense of clarity to pull out my phone and measure while this blasted I don't know), and feeling like I was simultaneously falling into the floor with tendrils of my ether holding me to this plane of the firmament (I remember saying this outloud) felt like HOURS. Then waking up high as hell for a dance class in a strobing studio. Horrible experience.

The moral of this story is that you can stop smoking immediately if you feel bad, but once the brownie is inside you're in for whatever ride you signed up for.
 
ChymeofPassion said:
Just felt I needed to share, had an edible trying weed for the first time, 45 minutes of muscle contractions, heart rate at 120 Bpm (how I had the sense of clarity to pull out my phone and measure while this blasted I don't know), and feeling like I was simultaneously falling into the floor with tendrils of my ether holding me to this plane of the firmament (I remember saying this outloud) felt like HOURS. Then waking up high as hell for a dance class in a strobing studio. Horrible experience.

The moral of this story is that you can stop smoking immediately if you feel bad, but once the brownie is inside you're in for whatever ride you signed up for.
Click to expand...
Had a similar experience! That pretty much sums up why I’m not into edibles. The concept seems amazing though. Eat delicious treats and get high so you can eat more delicious treats lol!
 
I’m confused as to how an alcohol test would give indication of alcohol abuse.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
soysizle said:
So I’m starting medschool July 30 and my school is going to be conducting drug tests the week of orientation which is the first week anytime between July 30th and August 3rd. They say students can opt for a retest within a certain time frame if they fail the first time. Anyway, when should I stop smoking recreationally (about two times a week) so that I can pass the drug test? Btw recreational pot use is legal for people 21+ in my state.
Click to expand...
Stop smoking pot. No one knows the long term effects, and I think it personally screwed me up. So cut it out. Seriously.
 
MCATISEZ said:
I’m confused as to how an alcohol test would give indication of alcohol abuse.

Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...

I drink half a glass of alcohol maybe once a month and now I’m freaking out about forgetting I have a drug test and drinking from my husband’s glass or something dumb like that. Do all schools test for that when they do the drug test? Also, I don’t handle alcohol well at all (full glass of wine = drunk) so does that mean it would take me longer to clear my system?


Sent from my iPad using SDN mobile
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top Bottom