I need some advise about honesty

Take the test. If they deny based on it, try an appeal.

Don't stress out either way. :)

Great question ! Couple of points:

If the job is in the same state as you went to college, then they shouldn't be able to reject you because of a positive test for marijuana. They might be more concerned about other drugs.

Unless you were a heavy user, you might be below detectable levels already.

My suggestion: Chill man! Delay taking the test if you can, but not too much. Take the test. If you pass the test - then you were worried about nothing. If you don't pass the test, then you have a nice easy chat with the manager you had the good interview with. At that time explain as you did here, it was for a reason and you have gone off it. Offer to do another test at the end of your probation period to confirm that you've kept your promise.

Do a search on reddit (lots of pot smokers over there) on how long pot takes to clear your system or if there is anything you can do to accelerate the process. You might already be safe. If you are still in the detectable time period accept the job but say you can't report till X date because you have some personal matters to tend to where X is long enough to test negative. If this is not feasible talk to your hiring manager (i.e. not HR) and explain that you don't normally smoke pot but had a few puffs (and didn't inhale just like a former President) during some recent graduation parties and that it is legal in your state and maybe the test can be delayed or you can retake it in a month if it comes up positive. If your manager has any company "juice" he can get you past this hurdle. Ideally you want to test negative so its not in your permanent record.

Recreational marijuana is legal in your state? That means getting a medicinal marijuana card would not be all that hard. Do you have chronic migranes and trouble sleeping? That's probably enough.

Drink 5-6L water a day (which you already should be doing, American!) and hope for the best. If not, explain you medicate for sleep. I think you're fine.

What company is doing anything interesting that drug tests? If you tell anyone at the company that you have in the past or do now do drugs or try to stall you won't get the job. Second, who cares if they reneg on the job? There are literally tens of thousands of companies at which to work. Every single company on the face of the planet wants CS people. The only course of action if you want the job is don't say anything and just do the test. Otherwise don't waste your time or theirs.

> I will not cheat the screen because I feel like that is unethical

Is it ethical for them to require your pee so that they can assess your performance based on it? What's next, full medical checkup? Installing a camera in your appartment to see if you're getting enough sleep (instead of say binging on video games during the night)?

Cheat the test, drink lots of fluids (you'll find detailed information if you google it).

There is no possible scenario where you tell these people that you're/were smoking and then you land the job (or at least damage your reputation before even starting there).

They are doing pre-employment drug screens because it gets them a break on their corporate insurance rates.

I want to be clear here: There is no way that you will get the offer if you either tell them you've recently used, or fail the test. They almost certainly don't have any leeway here because it's an all-or-nothing thing.

Go to the test while being high. Turn your bright red eyes to your interviewer, and say : "I smoked the most I could ! Can't fail your test".

Ask for a change of start date. It is not their business what you do with your personal life. All you have to say is you had something personal come up and you need to move your stuff out by a month.

You run the risk of them rejecting you, but otherwise it seems the company policies will have rejected you anyways. Most companies are willing to wait for an employee they've already agreed to.

Also it is very possible that they're looking for things other than marijuana. You should find out what the type of test is.

Odds are that you are not the first person that's smoked weed and pissed in a cup when applying. Odds are that they won't care if the job does not entail high security clearances or operating heavy equipment or driving company vehicles. I mean they're hiring recent college grads.

My random internet advice is assume "don't ask, don't tell" is in everyone's interest. If the company asks, point out it is legal where you live.

Otherwise demonstrate discretion because that's more important to the company than an occasional bonger.

Good luck.