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Cannabinoid screening in urine (qualitative)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 15, 2026

This test detects 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 check for recent marijuana use."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 15, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
48942-7
Short code
CANNS
Synonyms
Cannabinoids Spec-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top serum tube (no anticoagulant) or serum separator tube (SST); for forensic/legal testing, chain-of-custody collection container is required
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
10
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
Immunoassay (screening) with confirmatory Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
CPT
80307
SNOMED
44263009
Specimen volume
3-5 mL of whole blood yielding at least 1-2 mL of serum
Stability
Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. For prolonged storage, freeze at -70°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Hemolysis max
100
Lipemia max
200
Icterus max
50
TAT
24–72 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’ve been suspected of using marijuana, if you’re required to submit to drug testing for work, school, or legal reasons, or if you’re experiencing symptoms that could be linked to substance use, such as changes in mood or behavior.

What to Expect Before the Test

There are no special preparations needed for this test. You’ll likely be asked to provide a urine sample in a private area of a clinic or lab. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to spend about 10–15 minutes at the facility.

What Happens During the Test

The test involves collecting a small amount of your urine in a sterile container. The sample is then analyzed in a lab to detect cannabinoid compounds. Results are typically available within a few days.

What the Results Mean

If the test is positive, it means cannabinoids were detected in your urine, indicating recent use. A negative result means no detectable cannabinoids were found. However, results can vary based on how often you use marijuana and the half-life of cannabinoids in your system.

Reference range

Negative: <10 ng/mL (screening cutoff) and <5 ng/mL (confirmatory cutoff); Positive: ≥10 ng/mL indicates recent cannabinoid use. Cutoffs vary by laboratory and intended use (clinical vs. forensic).N/A

Specimen: serum

No fasting required. Patients should be informed that cannabinoid metabolites may be detected for extended periods (days to weeks) after last use depending on usage patterns. Specimen collection for forensic purposes may require chain of custody documentation.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Urine Cannabinoid Screen

Frequently asked questions

Cannabinoid screening is commonly used for workplace safety, legal compliance, and monitoring substance use disorders. It can also be part of broader evaluations for behavioral or medical concerns linked to substance exposure.
This test is qualitative, meaning it only tells you whether cannabinoids are present or not, not the amount. False positives can occur if you’ve recently consumed other products containing trace cannabinoids, such as hemp-based foods.
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Results are usually available within 1–5 business days, depending on the lab’s processing time. Your healthcare provider or testing facility will contact you once they have the results.
Can I drink water before this test?
Yes, you can drink water before the test, but avoid excessive hydration, as it may dilute the sample. Follow any specific instructions provided by the lab or clinic if you have them.
  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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy