What Is a Saliva Drug Test?
A saliva drug test is a quick and easy way to detect the use of drugs. The saliva drug test is non-invasive and painless, which makes it the preferred method for workplace drug testing.
Saliva tests are also known as oral fluid tests, oral fluid specimens, or mouth swabs. They are similar to urine tests in that they can detect the presence of drugs in your system. However, they have a shorter detection time than urine tests and can be used more often than blood tests.
The main advantage of this type of test is that it is not invasive and does not require you to provide a sample of blood or urine. This means you do not need to worry about going to a lab or hospital for the test. Saliva drug tests can be carried out anywhere and results will be known in just minutes.
The best selling saliva drug test which includes cannabis is the Zoom Testing 3-in-1 saliva drug test kit.
Cannabis is a controlled substance that is illegal in many parts of the world, and in the UK, cannabis is a Class B drug. Though it may seem like you can use it without any consequences, you could be subject to drug testing at work, school or court. The detection time for cannabis in saliva drug test kit is up to 12 hours. This means that if you use cannabis, it will take about 12 hours before the THC metabolites are no longer detectable in your saliva.
As with most drug tests, drug detection times for cannabis in saliva will vary depending on the individual. Factors such as weight, metabolism and frequency of use can all play a role in how long cannabis stays in your system. It is important to know that THC levels will not be the same for everyone. This is because people have different metabolisms and body sizes which will impact how quickly the drug leaves their system.
Factors Affecting Cannabis Detection in Saliva
While saliva tests can detect cannabis use for up to 12 hours, several factors influence this window. Your metabolism, body mass, and hydration levels all play a role. But here’s the kicker: frequency of use is a game-changer.
If you’re an occasional toker, THC might vanish from your saliva quicker than you can say “puff, puff, pass.” But for heavy users? THC can linger like an unwanted houseguest.
Here’s a pro tip: don’t try to outsmart the test. Those “miracle” mouthwashes? They’re about as effective as using a water gun to put out a forest fire. Instead, your best bet is to simply abstain if you know a test is coming up.
Remember, different cannabis consumption methods can affect detection times too. Edibles might stick around longer in your system than a quick toke. It’s not just about how much you use, but how you use it.
Ultimately, if you’re worried about drug testing, the safest route is to just say no. But if you do partake, at least now you’re armed with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
Drug Detection Times for Drugs in Saliva
The table below shows the general detection times for all drugs when using a saliva drug test kit.
Name of Drug | Code | Detection Period | Cut off: |
---|---|---|---|
Alcohol | ALC | Real time | 0.02%BAC |
Amphetamines | AMP | 2-3 Days | 50ng/mL |
Benzodiazepines | BZO | 2-3 Days | 50ng/mL |
Buprenorphine | BUP | 2-3 Days | 10ng/mL |
Cannabis | THC | 8-12 Hours | 12ng/mL |
Cocaine | COC | 1-2 Days | 20ng/mL |
Cotinine | COT | 1-2 Days | 20g/mL |
Ecstasy | MDMA | 2-3 Days | 50ng/mL |
Methadone | MEP | 8-12 Hours | 30ng/mL |
Methamphetamine | mAMP | 2-3 Days | 50ng/mL |
Opiates | OPI | 7-21 Hours | 40ng/mL |
Oxycodone | OXY | 2-3 Days | 50ng/mL |
Phencyclidine | PCP | 12-24 Hours | 10ng/mL |
Spice (Synthetic Cannabis) | K2/Spice | Up to 48 Hours | 25ng/mL |
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
This post was originally published in 2019. It was last updated in July 2024.