Expert: Jacqui - 6/30/2010

Question
i am in drug rehab program urine test given weekly. my levels for cannibas were going down. however most recent test went from 75 to 125. i did not and have not smoked weed between test. i did begin taking prenatals, i am 10 weeks pregnant. how can this be ? program thinks i am a liar I have no reason to lie i am in program voluntarily. please tell me what you think

Answer
Hi Tanya,

Unfortunately I can't give you a definitive answer on this one. I do, however, know that measuring THC (the active component in cannabis) isn't an exact science.  Unlike other substances, it stays in the body for an extended period of time and is stored in the fatty tissue.  I am only hypothesizing but perhaps differing fat distributions in the body might change the reading.  

I am on the record as saying I don't like drug tests.  If drug users weren't treated so badly, then perhaps they wouldn't need to hide their drug use.   If you are there voluntarily, then that is great.  I hope that your pregnancy does well.  If you continue to receive unsatisfactory responses about the test, can you ask for a second opinion (perhaps from someone who has more experience reading the tests)?

I wish you all the best with your pregnancy!  If there is anything else I can help with, please don't hesitate to let me know,

Take care and whatever you do, do it safely,

Jacqui