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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

Weed, apprenticeship, drugs test

73 replies

BG2015 · 18/05/2021 17:28

My DS18 has just secured a fabulous 4 year apprenticeship with a multi-national company.

When he went for the aptitude test back in April, they were told that if they were successful they would have to take a urine drugs sample before taking the role.

He smokes weed, he uses it a few times a week. He knows I don't agree with it but he's an adult so what can I do. I don't fund him (apart from a driving lesson once a fortnight) so also out of my control.

When he got the email 2 weeks ago about the interview (which was on Friday) he stopped smoking it.

I've bought some tests and he's done one today - positiveSadbut we knew that would be the case.

Anyone have an experience with this. We're not exactly sure when the apprenticeship will start, his dad thinks September which will be ok if they don't call him in soon.

This is a big wake up call for him and I think he's realised that a fantastic opportunity could slip through his fingers through recreational drug use!

I've googled how long it stays in your system but it seems to vary so much!

I couldn't sleep last night for worrying

OP posts:
Squeejit · 18/05/2021 17:32

He knew a drugs test was part of the application and he waited till he was invited for interview to quit. If he doesn’t get it, he’ll learn a lesson on priorities, that’s for sure.
I think it stays in the system around a month, but this is completely on him. Apprenticeships are hard to come by.
Sorry he’s causing you the worry though.

DeadlyMedally · 18/05/2021 17:33

It's a common problem in the US. Have a read of this:
"How to pass a drug test for weed–the ultimate guide | Leafly" www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/how-to-pass-a-drug-test-guide

Original poster
BG2015 · 18/05/2021 17:42

I actually read that article last night.

It suggests smuggling someone else's urine in (whilst keeping it warm) - which is terrible.

If this makes him realise he's been an idiot then I'm glad.

Obviously I don't want him to miss this opportunity but it's down to him not me. One of life's lessons learnt.

He's quite chilled about it, typically just me that's panicking!

OP posts:
LauraLovesLemons · 18/05/2021 17:46

I'm not a drug user (last time I took anything was back in the last century) but I wouldn't want to work for an organisation that thought it could control what I do in my free time.

Bluntness100 · 18/05/2021 17:47

As he’s a heavy drug user it is likely to be at least a month. If he is able to stay off it and say it’s not for another month he should be ok.

Can he stay off it?

Original poster
BG2015 · 18/05/2021 17:52

@Bluntness100

As he’s a heavy drug user it is likely to be at least a month. If he is able to stay off it and say it’s not for another month he should be ok.

Can he stay off it?

He says he can.
OP posts:
Divebar2021 · 18/05/2021 17:57

Of course some organisations should drugs test... presumably you don’t want police officers on the streets with guns or pilots taking drugs? I’m guessing they’re more interested in opiates than weed but I wouldn’t be in a hurry to tell him that. I think cannabis is detectable in hair for a long time ( which can be tested by taking a hair. ). I was subject to a random drugs test at work and they just arrived unannounced on the dept. I had to go and immediately give a urine sample while someone waited outside the toilets. There would be no way of predicting when the testing would be . If he’s asked at any point about whether he’s used drugs I would suggest he be honest to a point ( admit the use but not the extent) and reassure them he’s no longer interested in pursuing that lifestyle.

anon5678 · 18/05/2021 17:59

OP I think you can only be there to guide him.
I know at 18 it took me a few mistakes to get my act together (a couple of hungover job interviews, no money for rent from smoking too much weed, etc) to get my act together.

Ultimately no parent would have stopped me making those mistakes and I am now in my 30s as a homeowner and working full time in a good job.

As you say, he's an adult. But just be there to support him if he messes this up!

Original poster
BG2015 · 18/05/2021 18:09

His apprenticeship is in an engineering role and involves using machinery so using drugs is a no!

I think honesty is the best policy too.

I don't like him smoking weed, neither does his girlfriend and this could be the making of him

OP posts:
wearetheweirdosmr · 18/05/2021 18:24

So it isn't just about passing the initial drug test. Presumably they will test periodically so his days of recreational use need to be over.

Fingers crossed he gets it!

Original poster
BG2015 · 18/05/2021 18:30

@wearetheweirdosmr

So it isn't just about passing the initial drug test. Presumably they will test periodically so his days of recreational use need to be over.

Fingers crossed he gets it!

I presume so, which is music to my ears.

I've told him to stick to beer and just life to get his high!

OP posts:
iusedtohavechickens · 18/05/2021 18:44

I Randomly drug test my teens the leaflet I got with the tests say weed can stay in the system for upto 30 days and the longer it's used the longer it will take to get a negative result.

Squeejit · 18/05/2021 19:26

Yeah, they aren’t trying to spoil his fun. They need to make sure he’s fit to operate heavy machinery. It looks like now is a good time for him to weigh up what direction he wants his life to go in.

I have an 18 year old son too. Planning ahead and thinking through consequences isn’t their strong point is it?

MidnightHangingTree · 18/05/2021 19:34

Why are you paying for driving lessons? Do you realise the trouble he could be in (and potentially the instructor too, no idea how the law would work there) if the police had reason to do a roadside drug test for whatever reason? I would be stopping the driving lessons until he could prove that he'd stopped. Up to him if he still drives, but you shouldn't be funding and condoning drug driving.

Original poster
BG2015 · 18/05/2021 20:05

It's a block of lessons bought and paid for before the last lockdown and before I knew about the weed.

He decides when his lesson is, I presume after not smoking it for a week or so. He's 18! He's an adult.

I certainly don't condone drug or drink driving.

OP posts:
FifteenToes · 28/05/2021 15:50

I've told him to stick to beer and just life to get his high!

Because alcohol is completely harmless and causes no personal or societal problems, unlike the evil killer weed.

FifteenToes · 28/05/2021 15:52

@MidnightHangingTree

Why are you paying for driving lessons? Do you realise the trouble he could be in (and potentially the instructor too, no idea how the law would work there) if the police had reason to do a roadside drug test for whatever reason? I would be stopping the driving lessons until he could prove that he'd stopped. Up to him if he still drives, but you shouldn't be funding and condoning drug driving.
What makes you think he drives when stoned?
Original poster
BG2015 · 28/05/2021 16:29

@FifteenToes

I've told him to stick to beer and just life to get his high!

Because alcohol is completely harmless and causes no personal or societal problems, unlike the evil killer weed.

Mmmm but alcohol is more socially acceptable and not illegal - but that's a whole other thread!
OP posts:
BarbarasStripedHands · 28/05/2021 21:17

Is it for HS2 by any chance?

Original poster
BG2015 · 29/05/2021 07:56

@BarbarasStripedHands

Is it for HS2 by any chance?
No not for them

He's still showing positive on the tests we have at home but it's taking a lot longer for the line to show up whereas the first time it was instant.

He has 6 days to go! I personally don't think it will be clear.

OP posts:
Travelban · 29/05/2021 10:13

Can he say that he has caught the flu and go in a week later? Clutching at straws but a week might make the difference if its borderline

NoSquirrels · 29/05/2021 10:19

There is the option of being isolated for coronavirus test-and-trace purposes... not that I think it’s great to condone lying but if he’s stayed off the weed, is serious about this opportunity and it’s borderline and he needs a few more days for a potential whole-career thing I would turn a blind eye.

TerribleCustomerCervix · 29/05/2021 10:27

Depends on the type of test they use- I work in HR in construction and we use a company who’s “quick” test only flags usage within the last 48 hours.

It’s only if there are issues or suspicions that we’d commission one of the tests with the longer test period as they’re much more expensive.

I’d be more worried about him not taking the whole thing seriously, if what you say about this being a great opportunity is true.

Original poster
BG2015 · 29/05/2021 10:34

He's totally committed to this apprenticeship. He wants it and is talking like he'll be starting work on the 4th July.

On Friday (the day of the medical) it will be 21 days since he last smoked it.

The test and trace idea is a good one. I don't condone lying but It may just give him the time he needs.

He's since had another apprenticeship interview but not heard back from that yet.

OP posts:
TeenMinusTests · 29/05/2021 10:35

Could he have to self isolate just to give himself a bit longer?