Marijuana (THC)

Slang Term(s): pot, weed, grass, smoke, dope, ganja, reefer, Mary Jane, and Aunt Mary

Screening Cut-off in Urine Instant Test: 50 ng/mL

Drug Information

THC (Δ9–tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana). When smoked or orally administered, THC produces euphoric effects. Users have impaired short-term memory and slowed learning. They may also experience transient episodes of confusion and anxiety. Long-term, relatively heavy use may be associated with behavioral disorders. The peak effect of marijuana administered by smoking occurs in 20-30 minutes and the duration is 90-120 minutes after one cigarette. Elevated levels of urinary metabolites are found within hours of exposure and remain detectable for 3-10 days after smoking. The main metabolite excreted in the urine is 11-nor-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (Δ9-THC-COOH).