Cannabinoid Substance Concentration (Urine)
This test measures the presence of cannabinoids, the active compounds found in marijuana, in your urine. It helps detect recent use of cannabis.
["This test checks for recent marijuana use by detecting its chemical compounds in your urine."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 18282-4
- Short code
- CANNU
- Synonyms
- Cannabinoids Ur Ql Scn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof urine collection cup without preservative (typically 50–120 mL capacity)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 1–99 years
- Method
- screen
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 442638005
- Specimen volume
- 30–50 mL (minimum 10 mL required for testing)
- Stability
- Room temperature (15–25°C): up to 2 hours; Refrigerated (2–8°C): up to 7 days; Frozen (≤ -20°C): up to 30 days. For prolonged storage, freeze at -20°C or below.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have concerns about recent marijuana use, such as after a workplace drug screening, legal testing, or if you’re being evaluated for substance use disorders. It can also be part of routine monitoring for certain conditions or after exposure to cannabis.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to provide a clean-catch urine sample in a sterile container. Avoid drinking alcohol or certain medications that could interfere with results for 24 hours before testing.
What the Test Results Mean
Positive results indicate recent cannabis use, typically within the past few days. Negative results suggest no detectable cannabinoids in your system. Results alone don’t confirm the amount or frequency of use but help track exposure over time.
Possible Side Effects or Considerations
There are no physical side effects from the test itself, but false positives can occur if other substances (like certain medications) are present. If you’re concerned about results, discuss them with your provider.
Reference range
Negative (cutoff concentration: 50 ng/mL for THC-COOH, as per SAMHSA guidelines). Positive screen results should be confirmed by GC-MS or LC-MS/MS.N/A
No fasting required. Patients should be advised to disclose all medications, supplements, and recent food intake (e.g., hemp products) prior to specimen collection to aid in interpretation. Informed consent may be required depending on institutional or jurisdictional policy.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cannabinoid urine tests are commonly used in legal, workplace, or medical settings to assess recent cannabis exposure. They’re not diagnostic for addiction but can indicate patterns of use. Results may influence treatment decisions or legal outcomes.
Short name
Urine Cannabinoid Screen
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can I drink water before the test to dilute my urine?
Will this test show if I’ve used cannabis long-term?
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