Testing for marijuana is an easy process. This process can be done in two different manners.



The first one is the most common technique and this is to collect the urine in a sterilized cup. This cup has a strip along the bottom or low on the side of it that shows if there is a drug present in the child’s system.



This test indicates if there are any of the common drugs in the child’s urine by changing the color of the strip in different locations. This test is very accurate, although it can be easy to fool if the child sees the test coming. He may use the urine of a clean friend or he may replace the urine with colored water. Both of these techniques would lead to a false negative. It is best if the child is surprised by the test and that he or she is watched while the test is being conducted.

The other method of testing for marijuana is less invasive and less precise. This method calls for taking a swab of the child’s mouth and then placing that swab in a small tube. The tube will have a chemical in it that reacts to marijuana. This test can be hindered if the child has not used marijuana in a few days or if there is an excess of thick residue in the mouth from candy or soda. An overly clean mouth will also provide a false negative because the cells have been removed from the mouth and are not able to adhere to the swab when brushed. The child may also attempt to avoid swabbing the mouth, instead simply wetting the swab, so it is important to watch the child while conducting the test.