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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Pharmacology > Pharmacy > THC absorbtion/elimination
Pharmacy - THC absorbtion/elimination
Expert: Dr. Ravindra Bhaskar Ghooi - 10/29/2009
Question
I am a lawyer. My client was ordered not to consume THC. He was tested immediately after the order and the urine test showed him positive for THC > 300 ng/ml. So, all we know is that it was higher than 300 ng/ml. Then, 32 days later he tested positive again at 150 ng/ml. He is 21 yoa, 6'1, 188lbs. The prosecutor has taken the position that his levels should be considerably lower, or completely eliminated after 30 days. Therefore, this recent test is proof that he has used THC since his original test. So - is the prosecutor correct. I've read that elimination is approx 50% every 8 days. So he would have to be way over 1000 ng/ml. Is this plausible. Just looking for some feedback. Thank you.
Answer
Hi Robert,
I am glad that a lawyer is taking some interest in drug testing and drug levels. Far too many people in the US are in trouble because of inaccurate testing, false positive reactions and the like. One of my correspondents has formed a self help group to fight this problem. May be you would like to represent them too! If yes, let me know I will provide her contact details.
Now coming to the half life of THC, it is variable and ranges from 20 hours to ten days. It is therefore very very difficult to calculate what the level should be after 32 days for your client.
However your client had 300ng in test #1 and 150 ng in test #2, this means the level reduced to 50 % in 32 days. The half life (if he has not taken another dose) is 32 days! Which appears a bit too high from reported values.
My opinion is that your client has taken a dose of THC, though I have no absolute proof but the allegation seems to be justified. Your clients half life falls way beyond the reported half lives and that seems to be the problem
Ravi Ghooi
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