Health

Can poppy seeds make you fail your drug test?

Poppy seeds may show positive results for morphine if consumed before drug test. A standard 5-panel drug test may detect the usage of morphine. Poppy seeds undergo cleaning and processing before consumer use, but still, they might contain traces of opiates that might affect your drug test. According to research, morphine and codeine might show up within 48 hours in urine after consuming poppy seeds containing foods like bagels, cakes, muffins, etc. This blog will explore poppy seeds and their impact on your drug test.

Concentration of Opiates in the Poppy seeds

The amount of opiate residue in the poppy seeds might vary according to the country. In the United States, nearly 90% of opiate residue is removed and processed before consumer use. The 10% of the opiate concentration might not create any effects on your body but they might show positive results in your drug test. This is based on the amount of consumption too. If you have taken more pastries and your drug test is within 48 hours, then you might fail your drug test for sure.

According to trusted sources, the poppy seeds might get detected in your body after two hours of consumption. Depending on how much you consume, it may stay in your system for about 48 hours to 60 hours in your urine. If you take pastries regularly, there are chances that opiate traces may show up in your system for a much longer time.

Foods that contain Poppy seeds

Poppy seeds are not only present in pastries but also in many other food products that might make you fail your 5-panel drug test. For instance, the opioid content in poppy seed tea is higher than in a muffin. Here are some foods that contain poppy seeds.

  1. Bagels, Muffins, and other pastries.
  2. Salad Dressing
  3. Poppy seed tea.
  4. Babka (Jewish Dessert)
  5. Granola

Type of Drug Test that Poppy seeds show up

Poppy seeds may show up in a urine drug test as the opiate traces might stay in your bladder for 48 to 60 hours after your last intake. Hair drug tests might not show opiate traces if you consume poppy seeds.

Why do Poppy seeds make you fail your drug test?

Research has shown that morphine cut-off levels due to poppy seeds intake were about 155 nanograms per milliliter to 1400 nanograms per milliliter. The DDHS (Department of Health and Human Services) changed the cut-off levels from 300 to 2000 ng/ml for morphine in 1998. But some private employers consider the former cut-off levels that lead some people to test positive even after consuming small amounts of foods containing poppy seeds.

How to pass my 5-panel drug test if I have taken Poppy seeds?

It is all about time and metabolism.

  • Prevent taking poppy seed-containing foods 48 hours before your drug test.
  • Drink lots of water.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Keep your metabolism healthy.

Follow the points mentioned above and pass your drug test despite consuming poppy seeds. This may not work for those who are consuming poppy seeds in excess.

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