Cannabinoid (THC and CBD) Urine Drug Screen
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.
["Screening for recent marijuana use through urine samples."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 19289-8
- Short code
- CANNU
- Synonyms
- Cannabinoids Ur Ql Cfm
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof urine specimen container. Chain-of-custody container with tamper-evident seal recommended for forensic or workplace testing.
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- confirm
- CPT
- G0480
- SNOMED
- 164974000
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 30 mL; preferred 50 mL of urine for confirmatory analysis
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days. Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 30 days for long-term storage. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of marijuana use, such as dizziness, slowed reflexes, or if you’ve been suspected of using cannabis. It can also be part of workplace drug testing, legal testing, or routine health checks for certain conditions.
How the Test Works
The test uses a special urine sample to detect cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). It measures their concentration, which can indicate recent use. The method typically involves a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or immunoassay process to identify these compounds accurately.
Sample Collection
You’ll provide a urine sample, usually collected in a sterile container. The sample must meet specific volume and timing requirements to ensure accuracy. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully to avoid contamination or errors.
What to Expect Before the Test
Avoid drinking alcohol or consuming certain medications that might interfere with the test results. If you’ve recently used cannabis, the test may still detect it, even if you’ve stopped using it. Do not eat or drink anything other than water before collecting your sample.
Reference range
Negative (Cutoff: 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-THC ≥ 15 ng/mL for confirmatory testing). Reported as Positive or Negative for cannabinoids.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should be informed that this is a confirmatory test typically ordered after a positive screening result. Identity verification and chain-of-custody procedures may be required for medico-legal purposes.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Cannabinoid Urine Test
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What does a positive result mean?
Can I use marijuana legally before this test?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy