Quick answer
Not reliably detected by standard amphetamine screens; a dedicated assay is needed. Urine is typically positive for about 1–2 days. In California, marijuana status is: Recreational + medical legal.
Detection windows in California
| urine | |
|---|---|
| Any use | roughly 1–2 days (specialised assay) |
| saliva | |
| Any use | hours |
| hair | |
| Any use | detectable on specialised testing |
| blood | |
| Any use | hours |
Detection windows are the same nationwide; only state law and workplace policy differ. Ranges vary with dose, frequency and the assay.
Testing in California
California generally allows employers to test for cannabis and act on positive results, especially in safety-sensitive roles. A 2021 state law (AB 2188) restricts most pre-employment testing for off-duty cannabis use, but testing remains common and a medical card is not a blanket shield.
California's off-duty lawful-conduct law (Labor Code 96(k)) protects employees from adverse action for lawful off-duty conduct, but courts have held it does not bar drug testing or discipline for cannabis use in many cases.
About Khat (cathinone)
Khat is a plant whose leaves contain cathinone, a stimulant chemically related to amphetamine. Standard amphetamine immunoassays often do not detect it.
Detection generally requires a dedicated mass-spectrometry assay; a negative standard panel does not rule out khat use.
Cathinone degrades quickly after harvest, which is one reason its presence is difficult to standardise across tests.
Frequently asked questions
How long does khat (cathinone) stay detectable in California?
Detection windows do not vary by state — they depend on the substance, dose, frequency and specimen. See the table above for typical ranges.
Can an employer in California test for khat (cathinone)?
California generally allows employers to test for cannabis and act on positive results, especially in safety-sensitive roles. A 2021 state law (AB 2188) restricts most pre-employment testing for off-duty cannabis use, but testing remains common and a medical card is not a blanket shield.
Is marijuana legal in California?
California: Recreational + medical legal. California legalized medical marijuana in 1996 and adult-use marijuana in 2016, with retail sales beginning in 2018. Adults 21 and older may possess up to one ounce and grow up to six plants at home. Workplace drug testing remains lawful in many circumstances despite state legalization.