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We’re not here to promote drug use, but we also won’t pretend like none of our readers ever indulge. If you do and find yourself needing to pass a drug test for work, it could be useful to know how long certain substances linger in the places most commonly tested: your urine, blood, and hair.
This Business Insider video provides a straightforward overview of how long various drugs generally stay in your system after use. However, be aware that the drug’s metabolites may last longer than the primary substance. Factors like your age, body composition, usage frequency, general health, and even hydration levels will affect the timeline. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:
Alcohol
Urine: 3-5 days
Blood: 10-12 hours
Hair: Up to 90 days
Marijuana
Urine: 7-30 days
Blood: approximately 2 weeks
Hair: Up to 90 days
Amphetamines
Urine: 1-3 days
Blood: around 12 hours
Hair: Up to 90 days
Methamphetamines
Urine: 3-6 days
Blood: 24-36 hours
Hair: Up to 90 days
Cocaine
Urine: 3-4 days
Blood: 1-2 days
Hair: Up to 90 days
Heroin
Urine: 3-4 days
Blood: Up to 12 hours
Hair: Up to 90 days
LSD
Urine: 1-3 days
Blood: 2-3 hours
Hair: Up to 3 days
MDMA
Urine: 3-4 days
Blood: 1-2 days
Hair: Up to 90 days
Certain workplaces may test for substances like THC (the main component in marijuana), cocaine, opiates (heroin, vicodin, percocet, etc.), amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP). These tests usually involve a urine sample, but in some cases, they might also include saliva, blood, or hair testing.
These are not fixed ranges, especially for frequent and heavy users. For instance, a first-time marijuana smoker might pass a urine test in just a few days. However, long-term, heavy smokers could need to wait at least 10 days. The best approach is simply to stop using if you know you'll be tested regularly.
