Expert: Jacqui - 8/14/2009

Question
I've started a new job at a bank , i smoke "Hash" on daily basis with the freq. of 3 times a day ...They asked me to go have a "Medical Test" in their Medical Lab. , Now they said it will be a "Medical Test" they didn't mention anything about Drug Test , but i just want to make sure i would be on the safe side , so i have 2 questions :
(1) What exactly are they looking for in a Medical Test (urine) ? And can they detect Hash ?
(2) How long does it take for "Hash" to stay in my body ? And what is the detection Period of Hash for a Urine Test ?

I weigh 60 Kgs. , 187 Cms Long , i am skinny i don't have fats in my body what so ever . I Really Need this job , i haven't called yet to set an appointment , but it will be anytime during the coming 20 Days ( not before 10 days at least ) . I Really need this job . Last time i smoked was yesterday . I'm gonna excersise , drink alot of fluids , vinegar and water , coz i've heard they all help . So Please Please any help would be highly appreciated .


Answer
Hi Santiago,

Firstly, I must apologise for taking a while to respond to your email.  

Marijuana/hash can stay in the body for a significant length of time.  Not that it means it is affecting you, just that it is stored and detectable.  It stays longer in the body of people who smoke regularly.  I can't give you a definate date, but I would assume it would be detected for anything up to a month.

Unfortunately I can't say what they will test for.  You have every right to ask them though.  What country are you in?  In Australia (where I am) there was recently a legal decision that stated drug use outside of the workplace, that doesn't put someone in danger, isn't particularly relevant for the employer.  Also, if you are in the US, the is a massive proportion of adults who have used drugs (more than 30%) so, if employers didn't give jobs to people who have used,t hen they wouldn't have any staff!.

I would suggest you ask exactly what you are being tested for, as you may find that it is nothing to do with drugs.  

I hope that I have been some help. Please feel free to ask if you need any furhter information.

Kind regards,

Jacqui