Even though cannabis is legal in many US states and hemp is federally legal, unfortunately, many jobs administer drug tests. And unlike alcohol, THC lingers in the body for much longer. Depending on marijuana consumption method, genetic makeup, daily habits, and what type of test someone is administered, cannabis can be detectable through drug tests at different periods.
What is THC and How Does it Affect the Body?
THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis and is what creates the "high" effect that many seek from cannabis use. After consuming THC, many people report feeling light, relaxed, happy, giggly, and even more hungry.
Cannabis, similar to alcohol, is a depressant, but can also be classified as a stimulant and hallucinogen. Common examples of these three effects include: a sense of relaxation (depressant effect), mild euphoria or elevated mood (stimulant effect), and heightened sensory perception (hallucinogenic effect).
How long do cannabis drinks stay in your system?
This depends on several factors, but typically cannabis will stay in your system for about 30 days unless you are a high-frequency or chronic user. If you are anticipating an upcoming drug test, it is recommended that you do not indulge in any THC products for at least 1 - 2 months beforehand. If you have any additional questions or concerns about this, you should seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
How THC is Processed and Eliminated
How the Body Processes THC Edibles & Drinks
When cannabis is consumed in edible form, is travels through the digestive system and liver. Once fully metabolized, the THC goes into the bloodstream and is distributed throughout the body, including the brain.
How the Body Processes Smoking THC
When cannabis is smoked, that THC is absorbed through the lungs, into the bloodstream, and then into the brain. This is by far the fastest delivery system of cannabis because the THC enters the bloodstream so quickly.
How the Body Eliminates THC
THC is absorbed by the bloodstream, and some of is it is also stored in fatty tissues and organs when it is first consumed. The body then eliminates it overtime through feces and urine.
The reason cannabis can stay in the body longer than other substances is because cannabis metabolites are fa-soluble, allowing them to bind to fat molecules in the body which then takes longer to leave. Also, the more fat someone has, the longer it can take for the cannabis to leave your system,
Factors Affecting THC Detection Times
Dosage
The amount of cannabis you consume plays a significant role in how long THC and its metabolites stay in your system. Higher doses mean more THC to metabolize and eliminate, extending the duration it remains detectable. For occasional users, even a single high dose can result in prolonged detection times. On the other hand, regular users who consume smaller doses may still experience extended clearance times due to accumulation.
Frequency
The frequency of cannabis use is another critical factor. Those who use cannabis frequently, such as daily or multiple times a day, are likely to build up higher levels of THC in their bodies over time. This cumulative effect can make it harder for the body to eliminate THC quickly, resulting in longer detection times. Infrequent users typically clear THC from their system faster, though even occasional use can be detectable for days or weeks, depending on other factors like dosage and potency.
Consumption Method
The route of administration—whether smoking, dabbing, or edibles—affects how quickly THC enters and leaves your system. Smoking or vaping introduces THC directly into the bloodstream, leading to faster effects but also quicker clearance.
Edibles, on the other hand, are metabolized through the digestive system and liver, which can result in THC staying in the body longer. Sublingual methods, such as tinctures, allow THC to enter the bloodstream quickly but still involve some processing in the digestive system.
Potency
The overall potency of the cannabis, particularly its THC content, significantly influences how long it remains in your system. Cannabis with higher THC levels means a greater concentration of THC metabolites that your body must process and eliminate. Consequently, higher potency cannabis can extend the detection window. Lower potency cannabis might clear from your system more quickly, but it still depends on the dose and frequency of use.
THC Detection Times for Different Tests
Urine Test
Urine tests are the most common method for detecting THC and its metabolites. For occasional users, THC may be detectable in a urine test for up to 3 days after use. Regular users might test positive for 7-21 days, while heavy, long-term users could show traces for up to 30 days or more. Factors like metabolism, hydration levels, and the frequency of cannabis use influence the variability in detection time.
Blood Test
Blood tests detect the active presence of THC, making them useful for determining recent cannabis use. THC is typically detectable in blood for a few hours to 1-2 days after consumption. However, for chronic cannabis, THC can be detected for up to 30 days. Since THC rapidly moves from the bloodstream into fat tissues, blood tests are less reliable for long-term detection compared to other methods.
Saliva Test
Saliva tests are often used for detecting recent cannabis use, particularly in situations like roadside drug testing. These tests can detect THC in saliva within minutes of consumption and typically remains detectable for up to 24-72 hours. For heavy users, THC might be detectable for a few days longer. Saliva tests primarily identify active THC, making it a good indicator of current impairment.
Hair Test
Hair tests can detect marijuana use over a much longer period, often up to 90 days or more. As hair grows, it incorporates THC metabolites from the bloodstream, providing a long-term record of drug use. However, hair tests generally require a significant amount of THC to be present for detection, making it less effective for identifying occasional or light users. It’s more often used in scenarios where a history of use is being assessed rather than recent consumption.
How to Prepare for Cannabis Drug Testing
When preparing for a drug test after consuming THC drinks, it’s essential to be aware that while many products claim to expedite THC elimination, there's limited evidence supporting these claims. Some of these products could even pose health risks, such as liver dysfunction.
Attempting to alter or falsify a drug test sample is illegal and can be easily detected by testing facilities. Instead, focusing on regular exercise, a healthy diet, and staying well-hydrated may support your body’s natural detoxification process, though these methods won’t guarantee passing a drug test.
Can You Beat a Drug Test?
Unfortunately, there’s no surefire way to rapidly clear THC from your system after consuming THC drinks. While strategies such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and adequate hydration might aid in gradually reducing THC levels, they cannot accelerate the process enough to “beat” a drug test. The best way to pass a drug test is to abstain from use for at least 1 - 2 months beforehand.
How Long Does THC Stay in Your System?
The duration THC from drinks stays in your system can vary, with detection times influenced by factors such as the consumption method, frequency of use, and individual metabolism. Typically, THC and its metabolites might linger in the body for anywhere from 1 to 30 days after consuming a THC drink. For regular users, THC can accumulate, leading to elevated levels that persist even after a period of abstinence, making detection more likely during drug testing.
Understanding Drug Tests and THC Drinks
When drug tests are conducted after consuming THC drinks, they measure the presence of THC and its metabolites in the body. Depending on the test type, it can detect THC in blood or saliva within 2 to 24 hours after consumption. Urine and hair tests have longer detection windows, potentially identifying THC from 1 to 90 days after the last use. THC is fat-soluble, meaning it binds to fat in the body, which can prolong the time it remains detectable. Even a single THC drink could be traceable for several days, particularly in regular users, due to the retention of THC in fat cells.
Common FAQs
Does body fat affect the amount of time cannabis stays in your system?
Yes, it can. THC is fat soluble, and binds with fat in the body, causing it to be detectable over longer periods. The more body fat someone has, the more likely that cannabis will stay in their system longer.
How much cannabis do you have to consume for it to stay in your system?
Consuming any amount of THC creates the possibility of it staying in your system long enough to show up on a drug test. If you are anticipating a drug test, it is best to refrain from any cannabis use.
How long does weed stay in your system?
This depends on some consumption and biological factors, but typically cannabis stays in your system for anywhere between 1 - 30 days after last consuming it.
