What should I do if I am falsely accused of smoking weed?

[Anonymous]

At my job recently, a list of so called "users" came out and I was on that list. I haven't done any drugs, but my name is on that list. Should I confront my boss and ask to be given a drug test, or just wait it out? I'm trying for a promotion as well, so I don't know whether I should try and clear my name or not? Also would secondhand smoke from a week and a half ago affect me if I was in the room for only five minutes?

[cun7n1nja]

I think you should just bring it up to your boss calmly, that you heard about some claims being made about drug use, and that your name was mentioned. Don't get defensive, just explain that there's no truth to the rumor. If your boss seems to take your word for it and is understanding, I wouldn't worry too much about it. If they react skeptically, that's when I would offer. Just say that you would gladly take a drug test to clear your name if they think that will be a necessary step.

And no, secondhand smoke won't make a difference. You'd have to actually inhale it yourself to have it in your system to a high enough degree to register on a drug test. And even if that HAD been the case, you don't smoke regularly or at all, and it was a week and a half ago. By the time any testing would be done, it would likely be out of your system. The general rule is 30 days or so, but a person who never smokes [and smokes a bowl or something randomly] gets it out of their system much more quickly than a person who smokes regularly. Like you would be fine. Me, as a person who used to smoke on a regular basis, 30 days is the standard, but I'd count on more like a month and a half, just to be safe, because it builds up in your system, lol. I haven't touched anything since like the middle of March though, so I'm deeefinitely in the clear by now. =P

[Animal_Girl]

Well, how formal was the list? If it was just passed around other co-workers, maybe it isn't such a big deal, but if it came from your boss or is going to be passed to your boss, it might be a little more serious.

I think if it was me, I'd go to my boss, and calmly state that, regardless of whether it affects my upcoming promotion evaluation, I'm not a user, and wanted her to be aware of it. Also, if you're on the list and you aren't doing drugs, maybe there are others, too. Try to keep it low-key, so it doesn't sound like you're protesting too much, but it's probably good that she knows. See how she reacts and goes from there.

Second hand smoke from a week and a half ago shouldn't affect you, but I'm not 100% about that, so don't quote me.

[Asker]

Well some coworkers actually gave a list of names to my boss, specifically people that I don't get along with. And thanks for the advice. I'm going to try and speak to my boss. Do you think I should offer to be tested?

[Animal_Girl]

Well they're just being childish and I hope your boss will see that you're being mature about it. Also, I think you should see how she reacts at first. She may not think it's a big deal at all, in which case you just leave it. If she seems worried or takes it more seriously and doesn't offer the suggestion herself, you can offer it if you think it would hurt your upcoming promoition evaluation. And yes, you can absolutely be tested for any drug, including marijuana.

[Asker]

Thank you! I'm going to do that tomorrow. And yes, it is childish and quite hurtful to me and several others. Hopefully my boss won't take it seriously, considering the source of the rumor. But it can't hurt to say something. Thanks again!

[Animal_Girl]

You're welcome! I hope it goes well! You seem mature and level-headed, and I'm sure your boss will see it too. It's just a silly rumor, but it could damage the possibility of your promotion, so I think it's worth it to mention it and see. Good luck! :)

[Anonymous]

you can't get a drug test for weed. try and clear your name. not worth losing a promotion over?

[Animal_Girl]

Yes you can. link "while most drug tests can only turn up evidence of other drugs if you’ve been taking the drug within a few days of the drug test, marijuana could still be detected in a urine test up to a month after the last time it is used." ... "Therefore, even though marijuana is one of the least harmful drugs out there, it is also the most likely drug to cause you to fail a drug test."

[cun7n1nja]

Lol of course you can. Marijuana is one of the main things tested for in a UA, and the thing that people fail for most often because it stays in your system longer than most other drugs, especially the ones commonly tested for [amphetamines, opiates, etc].

[Belgie]

Tell him you will bring him to court for slander / libel.

Tell him that he can't have evidence because you haven't done drugs, that you're prepared to take a drug test to prove it, and he'd better make this situation right, or he'll be in court so fast it will make his head spin.