How Long Does Weed THC Stay in Your System?

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. After consumption, THC rapidly enters the bloodstream, where it is carried to various tissues and organs. The liver plays a central role in metabolizing THC into inactive metabolites. These metabolites are stored in body fat and gradually eliminated through urine and feces. The window of detection for weed in a person’s blood may be up to 12 hours.

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However, doing a lot of exercises right before a marijuana test can increase the concentration of THC. This is because THC is stored in fat, and if you exercise and that fat breaks down, THC is released back into your system. For occasional users, weed usually stays in urine for 3 to 7 days. However, this time frame can vary based on individual factors like metabolism and drug addiction hydration.

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For example, the Alere DDs 2 Mobile test system used roadside by law enforcement agencies has a cut off level for Delta-9-THC in saliva of 25 ng/ml. If you or a loved one struggles with marijuana use, American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help. Our facilities offer several levels of substance use treatment—from live-in inpatient rehab to outpatient programs that require onsite counseling and therapies a few times a week. Our treatment centers are fully credentialed and specialize in evidence-based care to treat all levels of drug and alcohol misuse.

Factors that Influence How Long Weed Stays in Your System

When there’s a lot on the line, it pays to be aware of just how long those incriminating cannabinoids hang around. Knowledge is power, and in this case it can also mean keeping your job. This means that a person who smokes several times over several days has consumed a higher THC dose than someone who smokes once, so they are more likely to test positive.

• Natural detox works best if you have weeks to prepare; otherwise, consider detox products.
• That’s how we can say with high probability that such an individual should pass a standard laboratory drug test for marijuana.
• Once THC has entered your system, your body needs time to break it down.
• Cannabis use cannot be detected in a standard blood test your doctor would use.
• These kits don’t work reliably, and drinking large quantities of water in a short period of time can be fatal.
• Other methods can include detox products, detox shampoos, synthetic urine, mouthwashes, and so on.

There’s been talk in the community about using detox drinks and supplements to reduce THC levels in the bloodstream. While these might affect urine tests by diluting the sample or masking the presence of THC metabolites, when it comes to blood tests, they won’t do much. https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/how-to-write-a-goodbye-letter-to-addiction/ Blood tests measure the active THC in the system, so once it’s there, it’s there. Ultimately, there is no definitive method to get cannabis out of the body faster. Additionally, tests can detect THC for longer periods in individuals who use cannabis products more frequently.

The difference between occasional users and frequent users can be vast. So, if you are frantically scouring the web for solutions to clean your system fast, you may be out of luck. Some people wonder if being exposed to secondhand marijuana smoke will result in a positive drug test.

Lee Johnson is the senior editor at CBD Oracle, and has been covering science, vaping and cannabis for over 10 years. At CBD Oracle, he focuses on research-driven deep dives into topics ranging from medical uses for CBD to industry… Abe pioneered and published first-author research with the Cannabis… It has more than 100 metabolites, but the most significant ones are 11-OH-THC (11-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and THCCOOH (11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). One of the most abundant components in cannabis is a chemical substance called THC, which stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

A 2017 study reports on testing where hair samples from 136 cannabis users self-reporting heavy, light, or no use of cannabis. For the study, researchers cut hair into 1-centimeter sections to test for exposure up to a month prior. Research on how long a test can detect cannabis shows a wide range of averages. Research from 2017 estimates a detection window for a single cannabis cigarette of about 3 days. Anyone concerned about drug testing will want to understand this process, as it highlights why THC can be detectable long after the effects have worn off.

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However, the actual substance dissipates quicker than the lingering how long does weed stay in your system cognitive effects suggest. While estimates hopefully these windows can help you better prepare yourself for the realities of what a drug test might detect. Not only will this help you be more aware of if you can be drug tested you will also know what your recourse is if you do trigger a positive result.Knowing your rights is key. Tests confirm if there are trace amounts of the drug or the byproducts your body makes after consuming them.

• People with a higher BMI may retain THC longer due to increased fat storage.
• At Windy City Cannabis, we not only provide high-quality cannabis products but also strive to educate our customers.
• Plus, the type of marijuana smoke – whether you’re using a dab pen, a joint, or a bong, also plays a part.

This isn’t to say it’s impossible for cannabis to still be detectable for more than 30 days. However, it is not as common or likely as most sources and ranges suggest. Only urine tests designed to detect THC metabolites will show cannabis use. A 2020 review found that THC was still detected in the oral fluid of frequent smokers 72 hours after use. THC may be detected in oral fluid longer than in blood after acute use. Saliva testing has a short window of detection and, in some cases, may detect same-day cannabis use.