Month: October 2021

Hair follicle drug tests are becoming increasingly more popular, and for good reason. Unlike urine or blood tests, they can detect drug use up to three months after the fact. If you’d like to learn more and find out how to pass a hair follicle drug test, keep reading. 

 

What Is a Hair Follicle Drug Test?

 

As the name suggests, a hair follicle test (or simply hair test) is just that — a sample from your hair is collected and examined for any signs of drug use. The most common drugs included in the test are opiates, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamines, and MDMA (Ecstasy).

 

The testing happens in two stages. First, the tester will use the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method to do a quick initial screening. Then, if the test gives a positive for a particular substance, a lab technician will perform a more in-depth analysis. The most common method here is gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and it’s used to rule out false positives. 

 

A negative (determined by the ELISA test) takes 24 hours to confirm, and further testing can take up to 72 hours. However, keep in mind that “further testing” doesn’t necessarily mean a positive result. Some foods, like poppy or hemp seeds, can trip up the ELISA test and cause false positives. So don’t freak out if you still don’t have your results after 24 hours.

 

How Accurate Is a Hair Follicle Drug Test?

 

Even though this type of drug test is a two-step process, it’s not infallible. There are several factors that can affect the amount of drug metabolites in your hair. Here are some (but not all) of them:

• The amount of drugs you have consumed
• Some permanent hair treatments, like hair bleaching/dyeing 
• Sweat production
• The amount of sebum on your scalp

 

As you can see, hair tests are not 100% reliable, and that’s something employers are well aware of. If you’re worried about getting/keeping your job because of a positive result, don’t be — you can dispute it and request a second test. 

 

How to Pass a Hair Follicle Drug Test

 

That said, it’s best to spare yourself the hassle and avoid any products/activities that might trigger a false positive. But first, here’s what will NOT impact the results:

 

• Certain types of shampoos/conditioners. If you’re worried about your favorite hemp shampoo causing you trouble, don’t be. Hair tests examine the hair’s structure itself, not its surface. 

 

The reason for that is simple — drugs affect the structure of your blood cells, which are part of your hair’s composition. Shampooing is a surface-level treatment, so it won’t affect the results in any major way. That also means that any products claiming to mask drug use are generally ineffective.

 

• Secondhand smoke. Any drugs that you ingest will enter your bloodstream, which means that they can be detected in your hair. However, the concentration of drugs that you’d ingest from secondhand smoke isn’t nearly enough to be any cause for concern. 

 

With that out of the way, here’s how to pass a hair follicle drug test.

1. Avoid Drugs Before the Test

The first and most obvious answer is, don’t do drugs if you know you’re going to be tested. Unfortunately, once they enter your system, drugs are there to stay, and there isn’t much you can do about that. So, if you’re job hunting or if your employer is known to do regular drug screening, be careful. While the occasional puff won’t trigger a positive, regular use definitely will.

 

The good news is that some drugs (like a weed, for example) will show up on test five to seven days after use. So, if you’ve only smoked recently, you have nothing to worry about. 

1. Let Your Employer Know if You’re on Any Medication

Certain types of medication, like opioid painkillers, can cause false positives. If you’re using any medications and suspect they might trigger a false positive, be sure to let your employer know. They may take your word for it, but in most cases, you’ll need to provide a prescription from a doctor. 

 

In Conclusion

 

Those are the only two surefire ways to pass a hair test. Of course, there are other things you could try, like hair detoxing or drug-masking shampoos. However, none of those methods are foolproof, and you shouldn’t bet your livelihood on them. So, while it’s probably not what you were hoping to hear, the answer to the question how to pass a hair follicle drug test is simple — don’t do drugs.

Although the effects of marijuana fade pretty quickly, that doesn’t mean that it disappears from your system at the same time. In fact, it may linger for up to 90 days depending on the type of weed you used or how frequently you used it. Different components linger longer in different parts of your body, too. So, how long does marijuana stay in your system? Read along to find out as we break down the most important information for you!

The Half-Life of Marijuana

The half-life is a parameter used to measure how long it takes your body to eliminate 50% of a substance you took. It is important because it tells us how fast the entire dose will take to disappear from your system. Usually, it takes substances up to six half-lives to disappear completely since the speed of elimination decreases with time. 

Depending on the type of weed you used, the half-life ranges from 20 hours to up to 13 days. One-time use is usually not detectable after about eight days. It is important to note that traces of marijuana stay longer in different parts of your system. So, the half-life also depends on what kind of test you have undergone and what part of your body was tested.

Blood and Saliva

Marijuana stays in your blood and saliva for only a few hours, which is why blood and saliva tests are rarely used. The only exceptions for this are road accidents or sobriety checkpoints. These tests only show whether you currently have THC in your system. However, if they want to see the level of intoxication, they will need a different kind of test.

Hair

Frequent weed use can be detectable in your hair for up to 90 days. However, it isn’t a reliable test for irregular use and it cannot determine the amount of weed used. If you don’t smoke it frequently, you should be able to pass a hair test without much fuss. 

Urine

Traces of marijuana stay in your urine for about a few hours. That is why most workplaces use urine tests to determine whether you’ve smoked weed recently. Just as with blood and saliva tests, urine tests don’t show the amount of marijuana you took.

Other Factors That Determine Detection Time

Different factors also affect how long marijuana will stay in your system. These do not depend on the type of testing or the half-life but are more general. 

Body Mass

THC metabolites (what THC is broken down into) are stored in the fat cells of the body. So, the more body fat you have, the slower you’ll metabolize marijuana. Since women naturally tend to have more fat cells, this also means that they often metabolize weed at a slower rate than men. 

Hydration levels

If you are dehydrated, the level of THC in your system will be higher. However, this doesn’t mean that just drinking a lot of water will make THC disappear. It will only dilute your THC levels, but the test will still be positive or just inconclusive, which means you will have to take it again. 

Metabolism 

If your metabolism is naturally fast, THC traces in your system will be eliminated quicker. This also depends on your age, whether you exercise regularly, and whether you have some health conditions. 

The Method of Use

Another important factor in detection time is the method of use, or whether you’ve smoked, vaped, or ingested the weed. Smoking or vaping makes the THC levels in your system drop faster. Ingesting weed is a different story. Edibles take longer to break down, so your body retains traces of marijuana longer.

So, How Long Does Marijuana Stay in Your System?

As we discussed above, it depends on a lot of factors. These include the method of testing, frequency of use, as well as factors such as body mass, metabolism, age, sex, and so on. Passing a blood or urine test will only be possible after a certain amount of hours has passed, while hair tests can reveal weed use that is months old. It is important to remember all this before smoking your next dose, so you can enjoy yourself to the fullest while also staying safe and passing any surprise test you might have to take!

The Blackberry Kush strain is an indica-dominant hybrid. It’s one of the most underrated weed strains as it gives a mellow high and tastes great as well. However, it’s still fairly popular, especially for pain management, as it provides a strong body high.

This strain is quite low in CBD. Thus, if you want to see the effects of CBD while using Blackberry Kush, we suggest you try a CBD oil that’s low in THC (Gold Bee and Royal CBD are both great choices). Still, even without CBD, it’s a great strain that can help with many problems people face every day. If you want to learn more about Blackberry Kush, read on.

Blackberry Kush Strain Properties

Blackberry Kush buds are predominantly green, although they contain shades of purple, yellow, red, and black throughout. Although its heritage is unknown, it’s believed that it’s a cross between an Afghani strain, which is pure indica, and either a Blackberry or DJ short Blueberry strain. However, others claim that a cross between Bubba Kush and DJ Short Blueberry created this delicious strain.

Although its origins are a mystery, no one can deny how delicious Blackberry Kush is. The main taste of berries combined with an earthy diesel flavor is anything but disappointing. You get the strong blackberry taste as you inhale, while the earthy notes become apparent while exhaling. Still, the berry taste lingers on your palate long after you’ve inhaled.

In addition to the great taste, the sweet scent that fills up the room as you smoke is a real treat for the senses. And who wouldn’t want a scent of fresh blackberries to accompany their next high?

How Much THC and CBD Is in Blackberry Kush?

As we’ve mentioned before, Blackberry Kush is an indica-heavy strain, with it being 80% indica and only 20% sativa. That means it will give you a relaxing high, making it great for smoking before bed. The indica will give you a body high, in addition to calming your mind.

The Blackberry Kush strain is quite low in CBD, containing only 0.4% of it. It’s a moderately strong strain, as it contains between 16% and 20% THC. With it being somewhat low in THC, this strain is a great choice for those who tend to feel anxious when smoking strains with a high THC content.

What to Expect When Using Blackberry Kush?

When using this strain, you can expect many of the characteristics common for Blackberry hybrids. Among them is a numbing effect that relieves tension, similar to narcotics. That numbing feeling is apparent as soon as you use the Blackberry Kush strain.

After the initial numbness, you may experience a euphoric high. However, even though you’ll feel euphoric, the numbness of your body may make it hard for you to move. Because this strain is mainly indica, you can expect to be glued to your couch.

This strain is the best when used late at night, before bed. For the greatest high, we suggest a chill night with some calming music to accompany the light euphoria. Still, stay close to a bed or a couch, in case you get sleepy.

The Benefits of the Blackberry Kush Strain

Blackberry Kush is a great choice for people who are dealing with chronic pain, as the strain relaxes skeletal muscles. Additionally, like many indicas, it’s amazing in relieving muscle spasms. That’s why it can be a great choice for those who deal with pain during their menstrual cycle or sore muscles after a heavy workout.

Blackberry Kush is commonly used to alleviate symptoms of many mental health illnesses, as well. Some of the most common uses of this strain are as a treatment for insomnia, depression, stress, and anxiety.

The Side Effect of the Blackberry Kush Strain

Common side effects of the Blackberry Kush strain are cotton mouth and dry eyes. Additionally, a low percentage of people reported feeling dizzy or having a headache while using this strain.

Although Blackberry Kush is generally calming, some report feeling paranoid after using it. That usually happens if someone with a low tolerance uses too much of this strain at once. To stay safe, keep in mind your tolerance to THC while using the Blackberry Kush strain, and start small.

Conclusion

The Blackberry Kush strain is a must-try if you’re a fan of the mellow feeling indicas provide. The taste and smell of berries is a joy, and it’ll leave you wanting more. Blackberry Kush can help alleviate symptoms of many physical and mental illnesses. Still, to avoid side effects, you should start small, especially if you’re not used to high-THC strains.

 

Lately, the medicinal marijuana sector has been overflowing with strains and hybrids, each one more potent than the next. From anxiety to muscle pain relief, it’s hard to buy into all the big claims. However, one product, called the Flo Strain, has been getting traction in the market. But how does it fare against other similar strains? And is Flo the miracle treatment many are looking for?

It’s All About the Flo Strain

The Flo strain is another popular indica-sativa hybrid, made up of 60% sativa. This hybrid has a famous genetic origin, being related to the Purple Thai Sativa and Afghani Indica. As a result of its history and uses, the Flo Strain has won the 1996 Cannabis Cup, spreading its fame further. What’s interesting about Flo is its low THC concentration. While most Sativa products tend to go over 25% concentration, this strain sits at about 16% concentration. However, that’s where the Flo Strains reputation comes into play. Despite its low THC concentration, this hybrid is well known for getting everyone high with just one or two hits. 

How Does It Look?

When it comes to looks, the typical Flo nugget is full of bright colors. The dominating colors, mostly, purple, green, and orange, are not blended, giving the nug its unique looks. What adds to Flo’s multi-colored aspect are the glistening sugar leaves and the thick coat of trichomes. Overall, every marijuana lover will love this strain’s interesting and eye-catching appearance.

How Does It Smell And Taste?

Moving on to smell, the Flo Strain does not disappoint. Users describe the smell as being fruity and intensely sweet, yet not nauseating. This hybrid amazes again as it gets rid of the classic marijuana smell and instead opts for a herbal aroma. While the smell is what attracts the users, the taste will make them stay for a second hit.    It’s another sweet delight that further moves away from the typical marijuana tropes. However, you won’t find the same memorable fruitiness when tasting this hybrid.   The Flo Strain proves again that it can surpass what people expect from marijuana products. The smoke is gentle and doesn’t feel as rough as other similar strains. If cured properly, this hybrid can offer a strong high without the downside of a sore throat.

What Are The Effects?

Results are all that matter and I’m glad to say that the Flo Strain stays true to its reputation. Many artists are choosing this strain for its creativity-enhancing properties. Not only is it a great creative booster but it also has uplifting and encouraging effects. This product is highly recommended for people that are struggling with sadness.    The perfect balance between Sativa and Indica means that this hybrid will not hit as fast as other marijuana products. Instead, it will slowly build-up, allowing you to avoid the classic couch-bound feeling of weed. Even so, the high is strong and will offer a relaxing vibe. 

Are There Any Medical Properties?

Flo is a well-known medicinal strain, acting as a great pain reliever. Its ability to help with muscle spasms, seizures, and chronic pain is still unmatched by other strains. Another common use is among people with eating disorders, as a result of the munchies, making Flo a great appetite stimulant.    Like most marijuana strains, Flo has positive effects on people with anxiety and depression. That is a result of its good uplifting and mood-changing effects. Aside from that, this hybrid doesn’t cease to amaze and can fix fatigue too. All in all, the Flo Strain is a stellar example of how medicinal marijuana should work. 

What About Side Effects?

As we’ve come to expect, most marijuana products have some side effects associated with them. However, this is where Flo shines the most, as its side effects are uncommon. That is due to its low THC concentration, meaning that dizziness, paranoia, and couch lock are unlikely to manifest.    The main things to look out for are dry mouth and itchy eyes. Yet plenty of water and moisturizing eye drops can fix those.

Conclusion

Overall, the Flo Strain is a clear winner when it comes to medicinal and recreational purposes. The low amount of side effects and the soft, slow hitting effects, make this hybrid a great choice for marijuana beginners. If you are struggling with creativity, appetite, and anxiety problems, give the Flo Strain a try.