Using Medical Marijuana and Regular Weed: How Will My Doctor Detect the Difference?

With the increasing legalization of medical marijuana in many states, individuals are looking for ways to manage their health conditions. However, if one is on a New Jersey medical marijuana program and runs out of their supply early, they might end up using regular cannabis, which leads to a common concern - will their doctor detect this in a urinalysis?

Understanding the Differences Between Medical and Regular Cannabis

The key to understanding if your doctor will detect the other weed in your urine test lies in the difference between medical marijuana and regular cannabis. Both contain THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for many of the effects of cannabis use. However, the difference lies in the CBD content and the intended use.

Medical Marijuana vs Regular Cannabis

Medical marijuana is specifically prescribed by a doctor to treat or alleviate certain health conditions. These can include chronic pain, nausea, seizures, multiple sclerosis, and more. Generally, medical marijuana strains contain a higher concentration of CBD and lower levels of THC. The goal is to provide therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects.

Regular cannabis is consumed recreationally or for pleasure. These strains often have a higher concentration of THC and lower levels of CBD. They are not prescribed for medical purposes and are not regulated like medical marijuana.

Impact on Urinalysis

The process of urinalysis involves testing for the presence of certain compounds, including THC. If you are on a New Jersey medical marijuana program and have run out of your supply early, using regular cannabis can affect the results of a urinalysis. Here’s how it works:

Testing for THC

Aurinalysis is designed to detect the presence of THC metabolites in the body. These metabolites can remain in the system for several days to weeks after use, depending on the frequency of use and the individual’s metabolism. If you smoke regular cannabis, the increase in THC levels could lead to positive test results.

CBD Dominant Strains

If you use CBD-dominant strains with minimal THC, the amount of THC in your system will be minimized. However, if you then use regular cannabis, the THC levels will increase, which could be detected in a urinalysis.

Assessment by Your Doctor

Your doctor is typically not specifically looking for weed in a urinalysis unless there is a suspicion of drug abuse. Unless your doctor is specifically testing for THC or knows about a potential switch to regular cannabis, they may not detect the difference. This is because the psychoactive effects of THC are a significant concern in medical settings, and the CBD content is often used to mitigate these effects.

Key Points to Consider

Medical and Regular Cannabis Differences: Understanding the difference between medical marijuana strains and regular cannabis is crucial. Urinalysis Testing: While a urinalysis can detect THC, it may not differentiate between medical and regular cannabis strains. Contacting Your Doctor: If you are concerned about the results, it's best to inform your doctor about any changes in your use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while your doctor may be able to detect the presence of THC in your urine, they are unlikely to be able to tell the difference between medical marijuana and regular cannabis unless they are looking for it. However, using regular cannabis while on a medical program could have consequences beyond a urinalysis, such as potential changes in your condition and legal issues.

Always prioritize your health and follow your doctor's advice. If you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to them for guidance.