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MedievalMan

I used to be a heavy pot smoker (1/2 - 1 joint/day)... I quit back in August because I started a prescription of Celexa for depression.

Anyway, I had to take a urine test for a software engineering job I started in October (as for some reason the recruiting company, Aerotek, forgot to give me the pre-employment screening.)

I figured the pot wouldn't still be in my system to any measurable amount.. I did "flush" (ie drank a ton of coffee and water the day before and day of) just incase.. I passed the inital screening (the computer came up with a "pass" after they put it in the coffeemaker, heh.)

However, I got a call from the screening doc a few days ago (she sounds like an uber bitch, btw) saying that I tested +'ve for marijuana. I told her that should be impossible, etc , etc, but she said that was no excuse. She told me , get a perscription or fail, and I have 5 days to do so, basically.

I did some reading on the net, and apparently THC gets into your fat tissue, and can come up on urine tests months after your last smoke (should have did this first, huh?) As well, it seems antidepressants can also effect the THC half-life.

I'm doing a great job so far at work, numerous projects, my boss wants to hire me permanently already, etc etc. I really don't want to lose this position over something as trivial and stupid as this (I live in Canada, btw, and commute to the US). I haven't asked the company I work for on their policy on the drug tests (however, I know Aerotek's is zero tolerance). I love it, the USA, a country that claims to be democratic, yet you are guilty until proven innocent

Anyway, I have an appointment with my doctor/psychiatrist tomorrow.. I'm going to basically explain the situation w/ paperwork to him, and see if he'll give me a temporary prescription for "marijuana tablets" (heh) to avoid these problems (not sure how that will go.)

Any other advice/possible ideas?

 

Nambus

You can attempt a retest under supervision by asking your boss

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MedievalMan

Is it mainly US companies that do drug testing since Regan's drug policies in the 80's? I've never heard of Canadian companies doing it.

IMO, drug testing is absurd. What you do on your own time is your own time. Sure, you shouldn't be able to come in drunk/stoned/etc, but personal time is personal time.

Nambus

For insurance reasons many companies are required to test employees some employers may just want a clean test on file

MedievalMan

About the doctor being a bitch, I guess I'd be a bitch too if I was a doctor and yet screened piss all day.

 

Nambus

You actually made me laugh good one

MedievalMan

Thanks for the suggestion and advice.

How realisitic is my idea about asking the doc? Somehow I think some might consider it unethical.

I think if it comes down to it, I will ask for a re-test, and make sure to take every measure possible to past the test (I'm thinking the "NH" suggestion thread on this forum, or something similar.)

Nambus

you'd be asking him to break the law

MedievalMan

Talked to the Doc: his comment was "bloody stupid Americans". He was mildly surprised that it was still in my system, thinking that the antidepressants/ativan could certainly throw drug tests off (apparently Ativan makes you pop up for opium, though I believe it is technically an opiate).

He said what I was thinking already: if they really like you, they'll keep you on. If not, it wasn't meant to be (and I'll probably look for a job here in Canada again.)

I'm going to inform my recruiter representative and my boss before the med doctor calls - I figure this would be a good idea, as I'm not "hiding it" till the very last minute.

Any other suggestions?

-Medieval

Sec

Asking for a re-test rarely works. The company already tested you, why would they do it again? If you fail the second test, will they "re-test" you a third, fourth, and fifth time?

Asking for a MMJ recommendation won't help you. Marijuana is an illegal drug and is not recognized by any entity as a medication. Besides, as a parallel, if you had a prescription for vicodin, that doesn't mean you should be under the influence of the drug while working. The same philosophy is applied to marijuana.

I know, you are going to say that you aren't under the influence of marijuana while at work; but it is in your system. That is the reality of it and that is what the employer is looking at.

Good luck, but most companies don't drug test so they can "weed" out the slackers and ignore the positive drug test results of the good workers. Either you are negative and keep your job or you are positive and are dismissed (or offered rehab).

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