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Cannabinoid (THC and CBD) Urine Screen

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 cannabis use, important for workplace, legal, or medical evaluations."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
70145-8
Short code
CANNU
Synonyms
Cannabinoids Ur Ql Scn>50 ng/mL
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Clean, sterile urine collection container; no preservative required for initial screening. For chain-of-custody specimens, tamper-evident container required.
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
50
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
screen-ng-ml
CPT
80307
SNOMED
395147008
Specimen volume
30 mL minimum; 50-100 mL preferred
Stability
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days for confirmatory testing. Room temperature: not recommended beyond 24 hours.
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Doctors or employers may order this test to screen for recent cannabis use, especially in workplaces where drug testing is required, or if there are concerns about substance use affecting health or performance. It can also be part of a broader evaluation for certain medical conditions or legal purposes.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll likely be asked to provide a urine sample in a clean, private setting. No special preparation is needed, but avoid drinking excessive water before giving the sample to ensure accurate results. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a medical condition, let your provider know before testing.

What the Test Results Mean

Positive results indicate the presence of cannabinoids (like THC or CBD) in your urine, suggesting recent cannabis use. Negative results mean no detectable cannabinoids were found. Results are qualitative, meaning they only show presence or absence—not the exact amount or timing of use.

Possible Causes of Positive Results

A positive result could be due to recent cannabis use, but it may also appear if you’ve used cannabis in the past few weeks. Some medications or supplements might also affect test results, so always discuss your full medical history with your provider.

Reference range

Negative: <50 ng/mL; Positive: >=50 ng/mL (cutoff)N/A

Specimen: urine

No fasting required. Patient should be informed that results may be used for medical, employment, legal, or forensic purposes. Chain of custody may be required depending on testing context.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Cannabinoid urine screens are commonly used for workplace safety, legal compliance, or assessing substance use disorders. They can help identify recent use, which may impact judgment, coordination, or overall health. However, results should be interpreted alongside clinical judgment and patient history for accurate assessment.

Short name

Urine Cannabinoid Test

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get results from this test?
Results are typically available within 1 to 3 business days, depending on the lab and your provider’s office process. Some labs may provide results sooner, while others may require follow-up testing for confirmation.
Can I drink water before this test?
Yes, you can drink water before the test, but avoid excessive fluid intake to ensure the sample is representative. Drinking too much water might dilute the urine and affect accuracy. Follow any specific instructions your provider gives you.
What if I have a false positive result?
False positives can sometimes occur due to recent cannabis use, certain medications, or other factors. If you get a positive result, your provider may order a follow-up test (like a confirmatory urine drug test) to verify the finding. They’ll also review your medical history and symptoms to determine the cause.
  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