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Cannabinoid Urine Drug Screening by Turbidimetry

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test checks for the presence of cannabinoids, the active compounds found in marijuana, in your urine. It helps determine if you’ve recently used cannabis.

Quick summary

["A simple urine test to detect recent marijuana use."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
111451-1
Short code
URICANN
Synonyms
Cannabinoids Msmt Ur
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile, leak-proof urine collection container; no preservative required for routine testing. For forensic or medico-legal testing, use tamper-evident container with chain-of-custody documentation.
Units
N/A
Ref low
1
Ref high
3
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
Immunoassay (screening) with confirmation by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
CPT
80307 (qualitative screening) or G0480-G0481 (definitive drug testing, by method and number of drug classes)
SNOMED
44220001 | Cannabinoid measurement (procedure)
Specimen volume
30-50 mL (minimum 10 mL for screening and confirmation)
Stability
Room temperature: up to 7 days (with proper handling). Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 14 days. Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 30 days for forensic specimens. For SAMHSA-mandated testing, specimens must be refrigerated within 48 hours of collection and frozen if not analyzed within 7 days.
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–72 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’ve been prescribed medication that could interact with cannabis, if you’re suspected of drug use for legal or workplace reasons, or if you’re part of a substance abuse evaluation. It can also be used for general screening in certain settings.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll likely be asked to provide a urine sample in a private area. No special preparation is needed, but avoid drinking excessive fluids before giving the sample to ensure a concentrated urine sample. If you’ve recently used cannabis, results may be positive even if you’ve stopped using it.

What the Test Results Mean

If cannabinoids are detected, it means you’ve recently used marijuana. The test doesn’t specify the type of cannabinoid or the amount used. A positive result doesn’t necessarily mean you’re impaired or have a substance use disorder—it simply indicates recent exposure.

What Happens If Results Are Positive?

A positive result triggers further evaluation, which may include a follow-up test for confirmation. Your healthcare provider will discuss next steps based on your situation, such as medical review, counseling, or additional testing if needed.

Reference range

Negative: <50 ng/mL (screening cutoff). Detection window varies by frequency of use: single use 1-3 days, chronic heavy use up to 30+ days. Quantitative results reported in ng/mL for 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-THC (THC-COOH).N/A

Specimen: urine

No special preparation required. Patient should be informed that certain prescription medications, hemp-containing foods, CBD products, and passive inhalation may produce positive results. Patient identity verification required for forensic, workplace, and compliance testing per chain-of-custody protocols.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Cannabinoid Urine Screen

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get test results?
Results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the lab’s processing time. Your healthcare provider will contact you with the results once they’re ready.
Can I drink alcohol before this test?
Alcohol itself won’t affect this test, but it’s best to avoid excessive fluid intake before giving your urine sample to ensure a concentrated sample. If you’ve consumed alcohol recently, it won’t interfere with cannabinoid detection.
What if I’ve used cannabis before but my test is negative?
If you’ve used cannabis recently, your urine may still test positive for cannabinoids for several days. If you’ve stopped using cannabis weeks or months ago, a negative result is more likely, but it doesn’t guarantee you’ve never used it.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy