Cannabinoid Screening (Plasma)
This test measures the presence of cannabinoids, the active compounds found in cannabis, in your plasma. It helps detect recent use of marijuana or related substances.
["This test checks for recent cannabis exposure in your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 8170-3
- Short code
- CANNS
- Synonyms
- Cannabinoids SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top vacutainer tube (no anticoagulant) for serum; or lavender-top (EDTA) or green-top (heparin) tube for plasma
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 50
- 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
- SNOMED
- 39484000
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 mL of whole blood yielding 2-4 mL of serum or plasma
- Stability
- Serum/plasma stable at room temperature (20-25°C) for 24 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C) for 7 days; frozen at -20°C or below for up to 3 months for forensic or retest purposes
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 150
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 4–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’ve been suspected of using cannabis recently, if you’re under investigation for substance use, or if you’re experiencing symptoms that could be linked to cannabis exposure, such as altered mood, memory issues, or physical symptoms like dizziness or nausea. It may also be used in workplace or legal settings to assess substance use.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the blood draw, but this is not always required. Bring any medications you’re currently taking, as some may affect test results.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch or discomfort, but it usually takes only a few minutes. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are qualitative (positive or negative) and indicate whether cannabinoids were detected in your plasma. A positive result suggests recent cannabis use, but it does not specify the type or amount consumed. Follow-up testing may be needed for confirmation or further evaluation.
Reference range
Negative: <50 ng/mL (screening cutoff). Positive results require confirmation by GC-MS or LC-MS/MS. Quantitative results are reported in ng/mL (mass per volume) of serum or plasma.N/A
No fasting required. Patients should be informed that detection windows vary based on usage frequency, metabolism, and test sensitivity. Informed consent may be required for workplace, legal, or athletic testing. Specimen collection should follow chain-of-custody procedures when applicable.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Cannabinoid Screen (Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I drink alcohol before this test?
What if my test comes back positive?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy