Does Spice show up on drug tests?

Yes. Spice can be detected in urine. But Spice will not show up on a standard drug screen. More on Spice and drug tests here.

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minute read

Yes. It is possible to screen for Spice in urine.

But, no. Spice won’t show up on a standard drug test. Although Spice is similar to marijuana and contains synthetic cannabinoid substances, it doesn’t show up on tests for marijuana or THC. And pre-employment drug screens or random drug tests don’t normally include specific tests for synthetic cannabis ingredients like Spice. The urine tests are still expensive and not used across the board.

Here we review why employers test for Spice and how. Plus, we invite your questions about drug tests for Spice at the end of the article. We try to answer all Spice questions ASAP and welcome your comments, questions or feedback about Spice here.

Why order a drug test for Spice?

Many people don’t know this but most of the ingredients in Spice are illegal to own or use in the US (you can die from Spice). In fact, some of the more common synthetic cannabinoids are currently classified as Schedule I controlled substances, just like marijuana, while authorities learn more about the dangers of the drug. So you might be tested for Spice in the context of employment or a law enforcement situation.

Spice use is also prohibited in the U.S. Military – which can and does run regular screenings for illicit substances, including Spice. Keep in mind that synthetic cannabis deaths are possible, and government organization drug tests can be in your best interest.

Types of Spice drug tests

Currently, Spice is detected using special urine tests which look for the synthetic substances typically used in various brands of the drug. The list includes:

  • HU-210
  • JWH-018
  • JWH-073
  • CP-47,497

However, these tests are not part of any routine labs. Usually, a test for Spice will only be ordered if there’s some reason to suspect a person has used the drug. For example, if a soldier’s commanding officer found some evidence of the drug in his or her possession. Or if your employer or probation office specifically wants to know if you have been using “legal herb” as a marijuana substitute.

Spice detection

Since so little is known about the synthetic cannabinoids that are in Spice, it’s not entirely clear just how long it stays in the human body. In fact, most of these chemicals have only been discovered and reproduced in the past few decades.

However, we do know about the half life and detection times for THC in the body. For example, marijuana can be detected in the body for up to five weeks after the last time it was taken, so these synthetic cannabinoids may have a similar detection window. Additionally, laboratory testing websites claim to be able to test for Spice in urine for 2-3 days after use.  And the duration of Spice in the system is about 3 days.  How long Spice stays in the blood and hair, though, is less apparent.

Positive drug testing for Spice

If you test positive for Spice you could be arrested, as use of the drug is illegal across the United States. Or you may lose a job opportunity or be fired from a current position. If you test positive for Spice and you’re an employee of the U.S. Military, you could lose your job. You may even be demoted or dismissed entirely.

When you or a loved one of yours come up positive on a drug test for synthetic cannabis…this may be a sign of a bigger problem. If you are concerned that along with Spice abuse, addiction to the drug might also be in the picture…don’t panic! Help is available. Learn more about Spice and K2 addiction treatment process and programs to learn what you can do to help yourself or someone you care about TODAY.

Spice and drug test questions

Do you still have questions about drug testing? Please leave your questions here. We try to respond to all queries with a personal and prompt reply. And feel free to let us know more about your experiences with Spice. We welcome all comments and feedback about Spice use here.

Reference Sources: DEA: Chemicals Used in “Spice” and “K2” Type Products Now Under Federal Control and Regulation
US Army: Spice: The other marijuana

NIDA: InfoFacts: Spice
DEA Office of Diversion Control: Spice Cannabinoid
US Army: Spice is now illegal
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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