How Long Does THC Stay in Your System

Cannabis legalization has been a major milestone, transforming how people view cannabis and THC. What was once considered illegal and stigmatized is now recognized for its potential health benefits, like easing stress and relieving physical discomfort. As society becomes more open-minded, understanding how THC stays in your system is important, especially if you’re subject to regular drug tests. Let’s get to it.

How Long Does THC Stay In Your System

Delta-9 THC, or as many refer to it as “THC” is the main player in cannabis that gives you that familiar “high” feeling. When you consume it, Delta-9 THC gets to work with your body’s endocannabinoid system, creating effects like euphoria, relaxation, and even a little bit of time-warping.

So, how long does it stick around?  Well, that varies from person to person because many personal factors come into play such as:

Body Fat Percentage: Since Delta-9 THC loves fat cells, it tends to hang out longer if you have a higher body fat percentage.

Metabolism: Your metabolism is like your body’s engine. If it runs fast, you’ll process and eliminate THC quicker. If it’s a bit slower, THC might hang around for a while.

Frequency of Use: How often you enjoy Delta-9 THC makes a difference. If you’re an occasional user, it’ll clear out faster. But if it’s a regular part of your routine, it could stick around longer.

How You Consume It: The way you take Delta-9 THC also matters. Smoking or vaping tends to clear out faster, while edibles take their sweet time to leave your system.

How Does THC Drug Testing Work?

To understand what drug tests look for, you need to understand how THC works in your body. When you consume Delta-9 THC, it quickly enters your bloodstream and begins circulating throughout your body. Your liver then takes over, breaking down the THC into more than 100 different metabolites, with 11-OH-THC and THCCOOH being the most significant. These metabolites influence how long THC stays in your system and affect your overall experience. Eventually, your body eliminates these compounds through urine and stool.

Now, drug tests detect THC metabolites. But for how long they can detect them, depends on factors mentioned before and the type of drug test, and the sensitivity of said test. Let’s take a closer look at each one of them.

Frequency Of Use

How often and how much cannabis you consume play a major role in how long THC stays in your system. In simple terms, the more often you use cannabis, the longer it sticks around in your body.

According to a 2017 study, the detection window of THC can be from 3 days to more than 30 days depending on your frequency of use.

First-Time Users: If you’ve only smoked cannabis once, THC might be out of your system in about three days.

Occasional Users: If you light up three to four times a week, THC could stick around for about five to seven days.

Frequent Users: For those who enjoy cannabis every day (or more), THC can linger for 30 days or even longer.

Keep in mind that the type of test you take also plays a role. Some tests are better at detecting THC over longer periods, so the timeline can vary depending on the method. But overall, this study gives us a good idea of how frequency of use affects detection windows.

Methods Of Consumption

In short, the method you choose not only affects how quickly you feel the effects but also how long THC will stay in your system. Whether you’re puffing, munching, or placing a drop under your tongue, each method has its own timeframe.

Inhalables

When you inhale Delta-9 THC through smoking or vaping, the process starts right in your lungs. The smoke or vapor enters tiny air sacs called alveoli, where Delta-9 THC effortlessly slips into your bloodstream, like hopping onto the body’s highway system. Once in your blood, Delta-9 gets a direct ride to your brain, where it binds to cannabinoid receptors, sparking the effects that lead to that familiar high. Because this happens so quickly, you feel the effects almost immediately. However, the quick entry also means that THC levels start dropping faster. Typically, for occasional users, THC from smoking can be detectable for about 1 to 3 days, but frequent users might find it sticking around for up to 30 days, depending on factors like metabolism and body fat percentage.

Edibles

With edibles, THC has a more complex journey ahead. It first has to pass through your digestive system, which takes time. Once it reaches your liver, it gets processed and converted into a more potent form of THC called 11-hydroxy-THC. This compound then enters your bloodstream gradually, leading to a slower onset of effects that can last much longer than smoking. Because of this slower release, THC from edibles can linger in your system for a more extended period. For occasional users, it might be detectable for up to a week, but frequent users could have it show up for over a month.

Sublingual

Finally, there are sublinguals, such as tinctures, which you place under your tongue. This method allows Delta-9 THC to bypass the digestive system entirely, entering your bloodstream directly through the tissues in your mouth. The THC quickly reaches your brain, where it binds to those cannabinoid receptors, just like when you smoke it. The onset is faster than with edibles but slower than with smoking, and the duration of effects falls somewhere in between. As for detection, THC from sublinguals usually stays in your system for about 2 to 7 days for occasional users, with longer detection times for frequent users.

Types Of Drug Tests

For those mostly concerned about THC detection on drug tests, knowing the type of test makes a world of difference.

Blood Tests

Blood tests offer the shortest detection window for Delta-9 THC. Typically, blood tests can detect THC for only a few hours to a couple of days after use. This is because THC quickly leaves the bloodstream and gets stored in fatty tissues or metabolized by the liver. If you’re facing a blood test, keep in mind that it’s most effective at identifying recent use.

Urine Tests

Urine tests are the most commonly used for drug testing, especially for employment purposes. A urine test usually has a longer detection window compared to blood tests. For occasional users, THC might be detectable for up to three days. However, for regular users, it can stick around for weeks, even up to a month.

Hair Tests

A Hair test takes the crown when it comes to long detection windows. After you consume Delta-9 THC, traces of it can be detected in your hair for up to 90 days. Hair follicles store a record of drug use as they grow, making hair tests a reliable method for detecting long-term or past use. However, it’s important to note that hair tests might not detect very recent drug use, as it takes about a week for new hair to grow long enough to be tested.

Saliva Tests

A Saliva test is becoming more popular due to its non-invasive nature and quick results. It can detect THC within a few hours of use and up to about 72 hours afterward. Since THC remains in the saliva for a shorter period, saliva tests are great for detecting very recent use. However, they don’t offer the extended detection window of urine or hair tests.

How To Flush THC From Your System

If you’re looking to flush THC from your system, you’re not alone! Whether you’re preparing for a drug test or simply want to reset, there are some things that can help.

First things first, staying hydrated is crucial. Drinking plenty of water helps your body naturally flush out toxins, including THC. Think of water as your body’s best friend during this process. Not only does it keep you hydrated, but it also dilutes your urine, which can be a bonus if you’re facing a drug test soon.

Next, let’s talk about your diet. Eating clean, whole foods can significantly boost your body’s detox capabilities. Focus on fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods. These help your body eliminate waste more efficiently, which includes any lingering THC. Plus, foods rich in antioxidants, like berries and leafy greens, support your liver, the organ responsible for processing and eliminating toxins.

Exercise is another key player in flushing THC from your system. When you work out, especially with cardio, your body burns fat. Since THC is stored in fat cells, burning fat helps release and expel THC from your body. Just remember to stay hydrated, as exercise can also dehydrate you.

Lastly, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to detox, Don’t hesitate to seek help. There are professionals and resources available to guide you through this process. Whether it’s consulting a healthcare provider or looking into detox programs, don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support. Your health and well-being are important, and sometimes a little help can go a long way.

Is THC Legal?

The biggest law that affected cannabis legality is the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill made a big splash by legalizing hemp and all its derivatives at the federal level. But what does that mean for THC? Well, the Farm Bill specifically allows for products that contain Delta-9 THC as long as the concentration doesn’t exceed 0.3% on a dry weight basis. This is the key number to remember: 0.3%. If a product stays under this limit, it’s considered legal at the federal level.

However, that isn’t the case when it comes to THC derived from marijuana. Unlike hemp, these varieties are still classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. This means that they are still illegal at the federal level, regardless of the concentration.

And let’s not forget that each state has its own set of laws regarding THC. Some states have fully embraced the legal use of both recreational and medicinal cannabis, while others remain more restrictive. For instance, in a state like California, you can legally purchase THC products derived from both either cannabis plant. Meanwhile, in other states, you might only find legal hemp-derived THC products or none at all.

Legal THC Products To Enjoy

If you’re looking to explore the world of THC, our BioWellnessX full-spectrum products are a great place to start. They’re packed with a variety of cannabinoids that work together to create the “entourage effect,” giving you a balanced and enjoyable experience.

Want something stronger? Our Organic Delta 9 THC Gummies come in 10mg and 25mg options. These hemp-derived gummies offer a smooth, euphoric experience that leaves you feeling calm, focused, and maybe even a bit more productive. Plus, they taste amazing!

For a serious boost, try our THCp Gummies. These powerful treats mix Delta-9 THC, CBG, and THCp, a cannabinoid that’s up to 33 times stronger than regular THC. They’re perfect for lifting your mood, chilling out, or easing minor aches.

Need help winding down at night? Our THCp Gummies with CBN are just the thing. They’re designed to help you relax and get a good night’s sleep, with a gentle, slow release that keeps you calm and creative. Start with a quarter of a gummy, and let the relaxation begin!

Final Thoughts: How Long Does THC Stay in Your System

THC and its metabolites can hang out in your system anywhere from a few days to a few months after you use cannabis.

Different drug tests have their own detection windows. Generally, if you use cannabis more often or in larger amounts, it might stay in your system longer.

Keep in mind, that drug tests just show if cannabis was used within a certain period, they don’t indicate cannabis addiction or drug abuse or if you’re currently impaired.

Happy Hemping!

Legal Disclaimer:
By reading this information presented, you agree to release the author of any liability that comes from using this data. This post does not constitute legal advice. Claims about cannabinoids have not yet been approved by the Food and drug administration FDA. Read the full legal disclaimer here.

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• Delta-9 THC Gummies for Energy: Do They Work?
• Cannabis smoking and respiratory health: Consideration of the literature

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• How long does Delta-8 stay in your system.
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Resources:

1. Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill – 07/25/2019 | FDA
2. The Controlled Substances Act (dea.gov)
3. American Addiction Centers

FAQs About THC in Your System