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How long does THC stay in the system? The timeline of THC in the system is somewhere from 1 day to 30 days, depending on several factors. It typically relies on the type of test and individual factors like metabolism, fat percentage, etc. However, Marijuana use has been on the rise, yet many people remain unaware of its long-term effects. This makes it important to understand how long THC stays in the body and how it continues to affect the system over time. For a detailed answer, stay with us till the end!
Do you or someone you love struggle with marijuana abuse? ChoicePoint can help you overcome marijuana addiction through a personalized treatment plan. Get in touch with us today at 844.445.2565.
Table of Contents
Is Marijuana the Same as THC
THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main component of Marijuana, commonly known as pot, weed, or cannabis. It is a psychoactive chemical that produces “high,” along with other effects like changes in mood, thoughts, and perceptions.
After THC enters your body, it sticks around in fat-rich areas like your liver, lungs, spleen, and body fat. The liver breaks it down into other components that make you feel high. Gradually, however, the liver makes it inactive, and your body slowly removes it. Due to genetic differences, these enzymes can vary in activity between individuals, leading some people to metabolize THC faster or slower than others.
Difference between CBD and THC
How Long Does THC Stay in Your Body?
Most of the marijuana, nearly 85%, leaves the body through urine or feces. THC and its by-products (called metabolites) bind to fat molecules in your body. It takes a certain time before they leave your body. The duration between THC entering and ultimately leaving the body depends on many factors, like your metabolism, genetics, and how often you use it. However, below is the general timeframe:
| Type of User | Detection Time in Urine |
|---|---|
| One-time user | 1 to 3 days |
| Occasional user (a few times a month) | Up to 7–10 days |
| Regular user (a few times a week) | Up to 3 weeks |
| Heavy daily user | 30 days or more |
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Executive Clinical Director at ChoicePoint
How long can you test positive for THC on a drug test?Nothing can be said for sure. Everyone’s body processes THC differently, and factors like usage habits, body type, and metabolism all play a role. Whether you’re facing a drug screening or looking to start a detox journey, talking to a professional or taking a drug test can help you regain your peace of mind.
9 Common Factors That Affect How Long THC Stays in Your Body
- Body Fat Percentage: Higher body fat perce\ntages can lead to THC staying in the body longer or shorter.
- Metabolism: People with faster metabolism tend to process and eliminate THC more quickly than those with slower metabolic rates.
- Genetics: Genetic differences can affect how your body processes THC, especially enzymes in the liver that break it down.
- Frequency of Use: The more often someone uses cannabis, the more THC builds up in their system over time.
- Method of Consumption: Inhaled THC (through smoking or vaping) enters the bloodstream quickly and leaves the body faster than ingested THC.
- Frequency of Exercise: Regular exercise may increase the rate at which THC is released from fat cells into the bloodstream.
- Hydration and Diet: Staying well-hydrated may help your body flush out THC more efficiently,
- General Health Conditions: Overall health conditions may play a part in flushing out the THC from the system.
- Other Drug Intake: Some medications and substances can interfere with how your body breaks down THC.
Ask Our Doctor
Executive Clinical Director at ChoicePoint
How to flush THC out of your body safely and effectively?Yes! Medical THC drug detox is the safest and fastest way to flush THC from the system. If you are looking for quick fixes, there aren’t any. Attempting to detox on your own with the help of drug detox drinks or other such gimmicks can be risky, especially if you experience strong marijuana withdrawal symptoms. A medical professional can ensure the process is safe, comfortable, and more effective. So, seek help from our DEA-certified doctors now.
Delta-9-THC Drug Tests
There are many types of tests used to detect THC in the body. Some of the most common tests are described below.
Urine Drug Test THC
This is the most common test to detect the remains of THC in the human body. The presence of THC can be detected within 3 to 30 days, or longer, through the urine test. The detection of THC in the urine depends on many factors, including frequency of its use, body fat percentage, method of consumption, metabolic rate, and hydration levels.
Blood Test For THC
THC remains in the blood for a short time, so its detection is possible within 12 hours. However, in the case of chronic heavy use, it can be detected in the bloodstream for up to 7 days. Mostly, blood tests are conducted when the recent use of marijuana needs to be determined, such as driving or working under the influence.
Saliva Drug Test THC
A mouth swab test (also called an oral fluid test) to screen for THC can give correct results within a few hours of its use. Unlike a urine test, which detects THC’s metabolites, a saliva test detects THC itself. It gives fast results and is easy to administer. That is why it is used for roadside drug testing, workplace screening, and probation compliance checks.
Hair Test
THC metabolites traveling in the bloodstream get stored in the hair as it grows. deposited into hair follicles and become part of the growing hair shaft. A hair collected for a test represents up to 90 days of potential drug use. However, hair tests do not detect recent use (within the last 7 days).
How Long Does THC Stay in Urine?
Urine tests are the most common way to check for marijuana, or its psychoactive component THC. However, the detection window depends on many factors, mainly on how often you use it.
- For casual, once or twice use, THC may be detected in the urine for 1 to 3 days.
- For regular or heavy use, it can hang around for 10 to 30 days or even more
Explanation: That’s because THC gets stored in your body fat and is slowly released over time. So, even if you haven’t used it in weeks, it could still show up on a urine test.
How to Get THC Out of Your System? THC Detox
To safely get marijuana out of the system, it is important to get admitted to a THC detox near you. This treatment focuses on thoroughly flushing THC from the body. The individual may also require a detox process to manage withdrawal symptoms. At-home detox is not recommended, as these symptoms can sometimes become severe and pose a risk to the individual. Medical detox is always the safest choice when a comprehensive approach is needed to fully clear THC from the system.
About ChoicePoint Drug Rehab in NJ
ChoicePoint is an addiction rehab center in NJ where you can receive treatment for substance addiction. Many people use detox drinks to flush THC from their system. These drinks are not only ineffective but can sometimes be risky to your health. THC detox is the best option and is available in different settings and forms to suit your preferences. ChoicePoint offers THC detox under medical supervision to provide safe and quick relief. The treatment plans are also insurance-covered, accepting major commercial insurances to offer financial support to our patients. Verify your insurance, learn about our client treatment journey, and get admitted to our drug rehab today!
FAQs
Still need to know more about THC and marijuana? Here are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions.
How long does THC stay in your body after one-time use?
For occasional users, THC is usually detectable in urine for up to 3 days, in saliva for 24–72 hours, in blood for 1–2 days, and in hair for up to 90 days.
Does the method of using marijuana affect how long THC stays in your body?
Yes. Smoking or vaping leads to faster absorption and shorter detection times, while edibles may result in longer-lasting THC in your system due to slower digestion.
What factors influence how long THC stays in your body?
Key factors include frequency of use, body fat percentage, metabolism, hydration levels, dosage, and the type of test used.
Why is medically supervised treatment recommended for marijuana dependence?
A medically supervised program provides professional monitoring, emotional support, and symptom relief, which helps reduce the risk of relapse and addresses any mental health issues that may be contributing to marijuana use.
Is it safe to detox from marijuana at home?
For some people, especially those with severe withdrawal symptoms or co-occurring mental health conditions, at-home detox may not be safe. Medical detox is recommended for a safer, more supportive experience.
Sources
- Cannabis and hallucinogen use among adults remained at historic highs in 2023 | National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024, August 29). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2024/08/cannabis-and-hallucinogen-use-among-adults-remained-at-historic-highs-in-2023#:~:text=Cannabis%20use%20in%20the%20past,in%20the%20past%2030%20days).
- Sharma, P., Murthy, P., & Bharath, M. S. (n.d.). Chemistry, Metabolism, and Toxicology of Cannabis: Clinical Implications.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3570572/ - Cannabis and brain health. (2024, February 15). Cannabis and Public Health. https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/brain-health.html
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.
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