Marijuana use: Persistence and urinary elimination

Marijuana continues to be one of the most widely used illicit drugs in this country. Unlike most other drugs, it is persistent in the body and elimination occurs only gradually. Using the Syva EMIT Cannabinoid Assay test, a readily available semiquantitative immunochemical urine test for marijuana metabolites, a group of ten chronic marijuana users was monitored while hospitalized. The results of the monitoring are presented as are two representative case reports. Implications regarding the interpretation of results and interpretation of “significant” urinary marijuana levels are discussed. Specific implications for use in treatment programs and general primary care settings are also discussed.