Category: Drug Testing News

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Hawaii Becomes the 26th State to Decriminalize Marijuana

On Tuesday July 9, 2019 the State of Hawaii, under the new legislation HI measure 1383 became law without the signature of Hawaii Governor David Ige.  This new bill will take effect on January 11, 2020 which removes any jail time associated with marijuana possession of 3 grams or less and now individuals will face a fine of $130.

Additional penalties outlined in this bill include Possession of more than 3 grams, but less than 1 ounce of marijuana is a petty misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days imprisonment and/or a fine of $1,000.

Possession of 1 ounce or more but less than 1 pound is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1-year imprisonment and/or a $2,000 fine.  Possession of 1 pound or more, of marijuana is a Class C felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Governor David Ige declined to sign the legislation but also didn’t veto it by Tuesday’s deadline.

States with Marijuana Decriminalization

The following states have passed laws either fully or partially decriminalizing certain marijuana possession offenses. Usually, decriminalization means no arrest, prison time, or criminal record for the first-time possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal consumption.

In most decriminalized states, these offenses are treated like a minor traffic violation.

Additionally, over 50 localities in about a dozen states have enacted municipal laws or resolutions either fully or partially decriminalizing minor cannabis possession offenses.

* Voters in each of these jurisdictions have subsequently approved legislation legalizing the adult use and personal cultivation of cannabis.

** These states have partially decriminalized certain marijuana possession offenses. Although the law still classifies marijuana possession offenses as criminal, the offenses do not carry any threat of jail time.

*** North Dakota’s law takes effect on August 1, 2019.

**** Hawaii’s law takes effect on January 11, 2020.

How does marijuana legalization effect employers?

Employers regulated by Federal law (DOT, HHS, Federal Drug Free Workplace Act) are still required to test for the Standard Federal 5 panel drug test which currently screens for the following drugs.

  • Marijuana (THC)
  • Cocaine
  • Amphetamines
  • Opioids
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)

Under ‘Opioids’, previously ‘Opiates’, DOT testing will continue to include confirmatory testing, when appropriate, for Codeine, Morphine, and 6-AM (heroin). 

HHS also added initial and confirmatory testing for the semi-synthetic opioids Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, and Oxymorphone to this Opioids group.  Some brand names for the semi-synthetic opioids include OxyContin®, Percodan®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, Lortab®, Norco®, Dilaudid®, Exalgo®.

 Non-Regulated Employers

In most states employers still reserve the right to be a drug free workplace regardless of specific State or local municipalities laws regarding recreational and/or medical marijuana.  We recommend that each employer review their drug free workplace policy and any specific State, local or case law that may impact testing for a marijuana prior to implementing a drug free workplace policy/program.

What Employers Can Do?

  • Create a culture of safety for your employees, customers and community
  • Research any State, local or case law that may impact your drug free workplace policy to ensure compliance
  • Update your workplace drug & alcohol policy, making sure it is clear on violations and consequences.
  • Your policy should include all forms of drug & alcohol testing that you intend to use.
  • Employees company-wide must be made aware of the workplace drug & alcohol policies and procedures. This is an on-going conversation that should occur on a regular basis.
  • Enforce your policies consistently and fairly.

For more information regarding establishing a drug free workplace policy call us today!

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Alcohol In A Urine Test

Alcohol testing unlike most drugs, has a much shorter detection window. A urine drug test can screen for ethanol, which is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, up to 12 hours. However, there are some types of urine tests that can identify alcohol byproducts for up 72 hours after the person’s last drink, but those tests can have significant limitations.

The vast majority of alcohol, about 90-95% is broken down by the liver. A small amount is expelled through someone’s breath and sweat. The remaining 1-2% is excreted in urine.  Alcohol usually shows up in a someone’s urine within an hour of consuming alcohol and it remains detectable for up to 12 hours. However, the time frame can vary depending on different factors such as, weight, health, gender and the amount of alcohol consumed.

The alcohol in urine testing can sometimes be used to estimate a person’s blood alcohol content. The amount of urine alcohol is approximately 1.33 times more than the amount of alcohol in their bloodstream. For more accuracy, at least two urine samples are  usually collected 30 minutes to an hour apart.  

Byproducts of Alcohol in Urine

Alcohol in a urine test does have a relatively short detection time, however certain byproducts remain in the body longer. One of these byproducts are EtG (ethyl glucuronide) can be detected in urine for up to 3 days after someone’s last drink. Another byproduct that some labs can test for is EtS (ethyl sulfate) which can signal for recent alcohol intake as well.

Both EtG and EtS tests can sometimes be used for court ordered, to see if people are complying with their probation requirements. Some rehab programs also use this test to monitor people in treatment and identify any potential relapses.

Even though EtG and EtS have longer detection windows, there are a few draw backs. The testing can be more costly and may not be widely available as a standard urine screening. It is currently unable to differentiate between ethanol from alcoholic beverages and exposure to alcohol from other products.

In some cases people who have taken over-the counter flu or cold medications and mouthwashes that contain alcohol may end up testing positive for EtG or EtS. Even typical use of other products that contain alcohol such as, body sprays, insecticides and hand sanitizer can sometimes result in a positive EtG/EtS test.

If you need to get a urine alcohol test done give us a call today at (800) 221-4291 or visit our website for more information at http://www.AccreditedDrugTesting.com

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New York City has now announced a law that prohibits many employers, labor organizations, and employment agencies from conducting pre-employment drug testing for marijuana and THC, which is the active ingredient in cannabis. This new law characterizes these drug tests as “an unlawful discriminatory practice.” Unfortunately, there are numerous exceptions that New York City may prohibit on all pre-employment testing for marijuana with some exceptions.

New York City Prohibiting Testing For Marijuana

Testing for THC and marijuana will be permitted for the following employment positions and for the following reasons only:

  • Police/law-enforcement officers;
  • Positions requiring construction safety training or OSHA certifications under New York laws;
  • Positions requiring commercial driver’s licenses;
  • Positions involving the supervision or care of children, medical patients, or vulnerable persons as defined under New York laws;
  • Other positions with potential to significantly impact health or safety as determined under the regulations to be enacted or identified on the website of the department of citywide administrative services;
  • U.S. Department of Transportation required testing;
  • Testing required under federal contracts or grants;
  • Testing required under federal or state statutes; and
  • Testing required under collective bargaining agreements.

New York City New Law

This law prohibiting pre-employment testing for marijuana in New York City, will become effective one year from today 5/13/2020. Therefore, this gives employers, labor organizations and employment agencies operating in New York City one year to review and revise their drug-testing policies and procedures to ensure they are in compliance. In the meantime during this year of transition, employers are wanting to have further guidance in regards to the compliance measures. The New York City Commission on Human Rights should provide these employers with more clarification on what types of employers and employees will be covered.

With all that being said, we are seeing more and more states joining the wave of allowing the use of marijuana. Now that New York City is first to make it law for employers to remove marijuana and THC in their drug policy’s. Many employers will need to have a new policy intact, here at Accredited Drug Testing we can do that for you. We also offer drug testing panels that exclude marijuana and THC. For more information on being in compliance with the new law in New York City give us a call at (800) 221-4291 or visit our website at www.AccreditedDrugTesting.com to get your drug policy revised today!

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Weed Breathalyzer Device

California product developers are in the works of perfecting a marijuana breathalyzer that will be able to determine if someone smoked marijuana before getting behind the wheel. The device will be hypersensitive and can detect whether someone has smoked in the past 2-3 hours. Currently there is no method that police or other law enforcement’s can accurately test a driver for marijuana in current time, meaning if the individual is currently high on marijuana.

Other current blood, breath and urine tests might not be reliable, as many can only determine if a driver was high at some point that day or week, instead of at that very moment, according to USA Today. Law enforcement is becoming more and more aware of the issue.

 In five Michigan counties where a pilot program was recently introduced, police are able to carry handheld devices to test for the presence of drugs in drivers’ saliva. Results are back in about five minutes. But nothing like that has rolled out statewide or nationwide, and it’s unclear how efficient this system really is. And as the laws pertaining to marijuana use continue to loosen across the U.S., it might make you wonder: What are police doing to keep stoned drivers off the roads? Shouldn’t there be one uniform way to test for marijuana?

Weed Device Of The Future?

Right out of Oakland, California a startup company named Hound Labs have invented a hypersensitive breathalyzer to help regulations for public safety. The device will be able to pick up any THC that might be present on a driver’s breath. Hound Labs had their second clinical trial this past February 2019 and the results are promising.

Stated by Hound Labs, “Results from this landmark study confirm – for the first time in a clinical trial – THC is present in breath for two to three hours after smoking, which is the same duration as peak impairment, according to government studies. The trial also concluded that detecting THC in breath for two to three hours requires the capability to measure complex molecules in breath at extraordinarily low levels – to one trillionth of a gram per liter of breath.” Hound Labs’ technology is indeed capable of detecting THC in breath in picograms, or parts per trillion — demonstrating that a portable breathalyzer can capture incredibly low concentrations, the company said.

Hound Labs Weed Breathalyzer

Once everything is finalized for the device this could be a monumental time the public safety regarding marijuana. The device also has other features as well, not only can the device detect current THC but it can also tests a person’s blood-alcohol level, as well. It can also pick up on whether someone has vaporized or eaten a marijuana product. For more details on the device click here to see how it all works.

This could be the device of the future, it is still early in the process but with all the collected data as of today it is more than possible. “We have had a great deal of interest in our breathalyzer from law enforcement and employers in the U.S., and across the globe,” Hound Labs says online. “(We) continue to receive new inquiries regularly. … We have tested versions of the Hound marijuana breathalyzer with law enforcement as part of the development of the tool. Multiple law enforcement agencies are planning to use our breathalyzer when it becomes available.”

We are excited for a new ventures in the drug testing industry, for any questions or if you would like schedule a drug test visit our website at www.AccreditedDrugTesting.com or give us a call at (800) 221-4291.

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Urine Testing

Urine drug testing is the method most used by employers and law enforcement agencies. Urine is tested for the parent compound of various drugs, as well as their metabolites. Most commonly, in a job setting usually checks for amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, opiates, nicotine and alcohol.

A urine drug test screening is quick, convenient, and quite accurate. Even after the effects of the drug has worn off, urine is still capable of detecting its presence. Drug testing timelines do vary depending on what type of drug it is.  The number of metabolites in your urine may increase and decrease which can lead to different results within the drug testing detection window.

How do I take a urine drug test?

To take a urine test, you will simply have to urinate within a specimen cup. The administrator will let you know how much urine is needed. Most drug tests will require at least 45 milliliters of urine. This is to ensure that there’s enough sample for the testing. It also makes sure that the specimen belongs to the right individual.

Urine Testing Detection Times

There are many factors that can play a role in the time length that a test can detect certain drugs in the body. Some of those factors are:

-Body Mass

-Hydration Levels

-The acidity of the urine

-How long ago a person took the drug

-How often the person took the drug

If someone uses a drug frequently or heavily, a urine test will detect the drug for a longer period of time. For example, the detection time for marijuana depends on how often someone may use it:

This table can show the average detection times for other drugs that may be tested in a Urine test:

Drug Detection Times

 If a person is taking any prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies or supplements, it is best to advise your test provider. That way the MRO (Medical Review Officer) can validate the results.

If you need a test, choose the best! Be sure to visit our website www.AccreditedDrugTesting.com and schedule a urine drug test the same day or give us a call at (800) 221-4291.

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Can You Fail a Drug Test For Alcohol?

The plain and simple answer is yes.  If a particular drug testing panel contains alcohol as a marker, it is possible you may fail a drug test for alcohol.  Oftentimes employers and individual’s think of drugs and alcohol as one in the same.  In fact, both substances have the ability to cause impairment of a person’s mental, physical abilities, cause long-term health issues, and can foster unsafe situations.

Due to the abuse of alcohol and its long-term impact on public safety, society, addiction and health problems, it is common for employers to establish a drug-free workplace testing program that includes both drug and alcohol testing.

Concerns regarding substance abuse and addiction concerns is sweeping the nation and various companies may choose to implement alcohol testing as a deterrent and promote safe and healthy working environments. For this reason, one common question many employers and employees have regarding workplace alcohol and drug tests is, “Does alcohol show up in a drug test?” Let’s find out .

Does Alcohol Show Up In a Drug Test?

As we take a deeper look at if alcohol will show up in a drug test, we find several options.  It is important to note that a standard drug test does not test for alcohol.  However, alcohol can be included in a drug test if specifically requested. Thus, if you’re interested in testing employees or individuals for both drugs and alcohol, simply consult with your drug testing provider to determine what type of program best meets your needs.

How Can An Employer Test For Alcohol In The Workplace?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends testing at the very minimum of the 5 most commonly abused drugs: (amphetamines, THC, cocaine, opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP) as well as alcohol. As stated previously, a standard drug test does not evaluate the presence of alcohol in a person’s system, but many companies elect to include alcohol in their written drug-free workplace policy.  The most common form of alcohol testing is a breath alcohol test; however, urine, saliva or hair testing options are available as well. In addition, with the current climate of the opioid epidemic, many companies are requesting their drug test include additional drugs beyond the standard five mentioned above (e.g., adding synthetic opioids and ecstasy).

Which Alcohol Test Is Right For Me?

Let’s dig a little deeper and determine if alcohol will show up in a drug test?  If you plan to test for alcohol, it is important to understand the different testing methods available and the amount of time that alcohol is detectable in the human body.

In hair, alcohol is present for up to 90 days. In blood or oral fluid, it is present for 12-24 hours. Finally, in urine alcohol can be present for 6-80 hours (depending on the method used for testing).

The two most common ways an employer can test for the presence of alcohol are through breath and saliva tests:

Breath: This method is the most common method for alcohol testing in the workplace.  Breathalyzer is the brand name of the original device and is the one of testing methods that provides a real time result and will measure impairment.  The Department of Transportation (DOT) has established strict requirements for the devices used to perform breath alcohol tests.  All devices used for DOT alcohol testing must be on the Conforming Products List of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  We recommend that employers or individuals only utilize devices that meet these high standards.

Saliva: This detection method detects the presence of ethanol, a by-product of beer, wine, and spirits. Although slightly more expensive than urine tests, saliva tests are easy to perform and can also detect alcohol ingested within the past day or two.

Finally, blood, hair and urine tests are most often used in forensic, legal and civil testing but infrequently in the workplace.

For more information call us today, 800-221-4291

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What will the drug testing look like?

“We are delighted to be able to work in partnership with Boomtown this year to help reduce drug-related harm on site”, said Measham, the President of The Loop, in a statement. “We will be providing our free, anonymous, drug safety testing – MAST – for the first time at Boomtown this year and hope that this will help inform all services on site, as well as festival-goers, who may encounter substances of concern”.

Why Now?

Many times music festivals can be the breeding ground of unsafe, tampered drugs and the people that sell them. Over the years several drug overdoses and deaths have happened at music festivals because of synthetic drug use. So The Loop is aiming to solve this growing problem by making sure BoomTown is a fun and safe environment for attendants. The issue is not so much convincing festival organizers that it is a good idea, but getting police to prize safety over criminalizing people. This allows them to come forward with their drugs without fear of being arrested on their way out of the testing tent.

BoomTown will increase security to stop dangerous drugs from entering the festival grounds to begin. And with drug abuse rates the highest they have been in 10 years, there is no room for lack of safety control when possible. BoomTown will also have a section of its website dedicated to raising awareness of current dangerous drug trends at festivals and further educational information.

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NBA Player kicked Out Of League For Drug Use

July 5 2016

NBA Player kicked Out Of League For Drug Use

O.J. Mayo could have made a lot of money in the 2016 free agency period, not necessarily because he’s that good, but because money is getting thrown around to everyone nowadays. But he will not have the chance. The former Bucks guard has been banned from the NBA.

NBA release:

“The NBA announced today that free agent O.J. Mayo has been dismissed and disqualified from the league for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program.

Under the Anti-Drug Program, Mayo is eligible to apply for reinstatement in two years.

The NBA, NBA teams, and the Players Association are prohibited from publicly disclosing information regarding the testing or treatment of any NBA player under the Anti-Drug Program, other than to announce a player’s suspension or dismissal from the league.”

Mayo was suspended 10 games for using a steroid in 2011, but the typical sequence of punishment for steroid violations is 20 games, 45 games, dismissal from the league.

Testing positive for a drug of abuse — amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine LSD, opiates heroin, codeine, morphine or PCP — can trigger an automatic dismissal and disqualification.

We may never find out for sure, but Mayo can attempt to come back to the league in two years.

Accredited Drug Testing – We work hard everyday to help inform and educate the public on drug safety. It is rare we see celebrities actually receive fair punishment when it comes to drug abuse. The message sent by removing this player from the NBA is strong. The various sport leagues and the athletes that play carry a responsibility to be a good example particularly to the younger fans. It is important for young people to see that you can loose everything you’ve worked so hard for no matter how famous or big you get.

Brandon Rains
Director Of Online Marketing
https://accrediteddrugtesting.net
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing Inc
Health Screening USA Inc

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DEA temporarily bans synthetic opioid ‘pink’ after 46 deaths

Dec 13 2016

DEA temporarily bans synthetic opioid 'pink' after 46 deaths

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said it had temporarily categorized a synthetic opioid nicknamed “pink” as a dangerous drug, after receiving at least 46 reports of deaths associated with its use.

There is a huge epidemic in the U.S. with regards to the abuse of opioids – a class of drugs that includes heroin and prescription painkillers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 78 Americans die every day from opioid overdose.

“Pink”, known to chemists as U-47700, comes from a strain of deadly synthetic opioids that are far more potent than heroin, and is usually imported to the United States mainly from China.  This drug gets its name from the pink-purple hue that comes from the way it is cut or processed.

The DEA said it had temporarily categorized U-47700 as a “Schedule 1” substance, effective Nov. 14, classifying it as a dangerous addictive drug with no medicinal use, placing it on par with heroin, cannabis and LSD.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2016-27357.pdf

The classification of “Pink” as a schedule I will last for two years, with a possibility of a longer extension if the DEA requires more data to determine whether it should be permanently scheduled.

Reports indicate that of the 46 fatalities, 31 occurred in New York and 10 in North Carolina of cases reporting between Oct. 2015 and Sept. 2016.

www.dea.gov


For information regarding the effects of drug abuse – Click Here
For  information on a drug free work place – Click Here
For  information on substance abuse programs – Click Here
For information on DOT Drug / Alcohol Testing requirements – Click Here
 

John Burgos, CPC
Business Development Manager
https://accrediteddrugtesting.net
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing Inc
Health Screening USA Inc

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WADA The Updated 2017 WADA Prohibited List

Dec 7 2016

WADA The Updated 2017 WADA Prohibited List

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published the updated 2017 WADA Prohibited List, which will go into effect on January 1, 2017. This list regulates athletes, support personnel, including coaches, parents, physicians, trainers, and dieticians which should take some time to review the updated WADA Prohibited List to help understand how specific changes may impact them.

The Prohibited List is comprised of nine categories of prohibited substances and three categories of methods that are prohibited.

Individuals regulated by WADA can utilize the following link for more information on the prohibited status of an ingredient and/or medication. GlobalDRO.com.  This is an easy-to-use and trusted source that is available 24/7/365 to all athletes and support personnel.

In addition to reviewing the updated WADA Prohibited List and using Global DRO please find below some of the highlighted changes for 2017:

Substances and Methods Prohibited At All Times (In and Out-of-Competition)

  • Anabolic Agents
    • New Prohibited Substance Added: 5α-androst-2-ene-17-one, commonly known as “Delta-2” or 2-androstenone, was added as an example of metabolite of DHEA, more recently found in dietary supplements.
  • Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics
    • Prohibited Substance Added: GATA inhibitors (e.g., K-11706) and Transforming Growth Factor- β (TGF-β) inhibitors (e.g., sotatercept, luspatercept) were added.
  • S3: Beta-2 Agonists
    • New Examples of Prohibited Substances Added: Examples of selective and non-selective beta-2-agonists were added (fenoterol, formoterol, higenamine, indacaterol, olodaterol, rocaterol, reproterol, salbutamol, salmeterol, terbutaline, vilanterol). 
  • S4: Hormone and Metabolic Modulators
    • Example of Prohibited Substance Added: Androsta-3,5-diene-7,17-dione (arimistane) was added as a new example of aromatase inhibitor.

Prohibited Methods

  • Manipulations of Blood and Blood Components
    • Clarification on supplemental oxygen use: Supplemental oxygen administered by inhalation, but not intravenously, is permitted. To clarify this, M1.2 now reads “excluding supplemental oxygen by inhalation.”

Substances and Methods Prohibited In-Competition

  • Stimulants
    • Example of Prohibited Substance Added: Lisdexamfetamine was added as an example to S6.a; it is an inactive pro-drug of amphetamine
  • Narcotics
    • Prohibited Substance Added: Nicomorphine was added. It is an opioid analgesic drug, which is converted to morphine following administration.

 ** For a full listing of updates and clarifications please review the WADA Prohibited List in its entirety.

Athletes may have medically justified illnesses or conditions that require them to take a specific medication/substance, or undergo certain procedures/methods.

If an individual’s substance or method appears on the WADA Prohibited List, athletes may be granted a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE), which gives them permission to take a substance or use a method. These exemptions are only granted if the athlete provides the medical documentation necessary for an independent TUE Committee to determine that a substance or method is medically necessary to return the athlete to a normal level of health. Learn more at: www.usada.org/substances/tue.

For information regarding the effects of drug abuse – Click Here
For  information on a drug free work place – Click Here
For  information on substance abuse programs – Click Here
For information on DOT Drug / Alcohol Testing requirements – Click Here

John Burgos, CPC
Business Development Manager
https://accrediteddrugtesting.net
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing Inc
Health Screening USA Inc