How Long Does Weed Stay in Your System?

Every seasoned stoner and new smoker alike have asked this question at least once in their life. How long does weed stay in your system? Is there anything you can do to speed up detox or pass a drug test faster? Many variables play a role in how the human body processes THC, and there is no one correct answer for everyone. However, the following information should help you make an informed decision about how best to detox from THC.

How Long Does Weed Stay In Your System?

There are several types of drug tests designed to detect THC. Many of these tests also test for drugs like cocaine, methamphetamines, barbiturates, and phencyclidine (PCP) and are used by employers or law enforcement. Knowing what kind of test you have to take will help you develop the best action plan for cleansing your system of THC.

Urine Sample

Urinalysis is the most common method of drug detection. Employers often use it if an employee is suspected of drug use that violates company policy or as part of a pre-employment drug screening. The window of detection varies largely based on how much weed someone consumes.

A light or infrequent user who only smokes weed a couple of times a week can detox from THC in just a few days. Someone that smokes weed several times per week might need ten to twenty-one days to pass a urinalysis. Chronic, daily users can take a month or more to fully detox THC from a urine sample.

It’s important to note that there are additional factors affecting these results. See more about detection time factors below.

Blood Sample

Blood testing is much more invasive than urinalysis. For this reason, it’s not often used by employers to determine drug use. Cannabis makes its way into the bloodstream moments after inhalation, peaking at about three hours after use. However, it’s quickly distributed to the brain and body tissues before reabsorption back into the bloodstream.

A blood test detects THC for a few hours up to a couple of days. There are some rare cases where blood tests will detect THC for a few weeks, but this is only expected for chronic, daily users.

Saliva Sample

Saliva testing is gaining popularity as a non-invasive way to drug test yourself at home, or for an employer to test staff onsite. It is cost-effective and 97% accurate. To administer a saliva test, simply swab the inside of both cheeks several times to collect a sample and insert the spongy swab into a testing solution. A color change on the testing panel indicates a positive or negative result.

Light or infrequent users will test positive for THC for only one to three days. However, chronic, heavy users may fail a saliva test for up to several weeks.

Hair Follicle Sample

Hair follicle testing can detect THC up to 90 days after last use. When THC is broken down, the metabolites make their way into the hair shaft via tiny blood vessels. Since the THC is inside of the hair shaft, it can be difficult to fake this type of drug test. Shaving your head is not a suitable option, and the only way to pass is with a reliable hair follicle shampoo.

Detection Time Factors

Once you know the type of test you have to take, you can consider the additional physical and lifestyle factors contributing to your ability to pass. Each person is different, and no one processes and detoxes cannabis in the exact same way. Having a good understanding of what influences are the most critical can help you come up with the best plan of attack before your test.

Weight and BMI

Once THC is used up within the body’s organs and tissues, it turns into a non-active metabolite. These metabolites find their way into fat cells, where they reside until they are metabolized by fat-burning activities or exercise. Then, they are released back into the bloodstream, where they eventually make their way out of the body via feces or urine.

Because THC metabolites are stored in fat cells, people with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) tend to detox slower than people with a lower BMI. The amount of body fat plays a significant role in the time it takes to rid yourself of THC completely.

To help speed up the process, consider adding new or additional fat-burning exercises to your daily routine.

Dosage and Frequency

We talked about detection times for light, moderate, and heavy users, and there is plenty of variables left to consider. For example, it’s safe to assume that someone who smokes weed every day will take longer to detox than someone who smokes only once per week. However, the type of cannabis and its potency also affects detection time.

Consider a vape pen that contains 85% THC. Compared to a joint that has only 20% THC, it’s safe to assume that two people can smoke the same amount on the same schedule, and the person that chose the vape pen over the joint will have more THC in their system.

The same theory applies to cannabis-infused edibles. For example, many gummies and baked goods are infused with a highly concentrated hash oil, which holds a higher potency of THC than simply smoking a bowl.

How to Pass a Drug Test for THC

Now that you know a bit more about testing methods and detection factors, you can determine what you need to do to pass your next drug test.

Naturally

A natural detox is an excellent approach if you have plenty of time before a drug test or are simply looking to cleanse your system. Allow yourself three to four weeks to detox and stick to a few critical rules. First, drink plenty of water to keep your body healthy and hydrated and flush out THC via urine.

Then, modify your diet to include more antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and avoid foods that slow down digestion and detox. This includes alcohol, sugar, wheat, fried foods, caffeine, and red meat. Stick to lean meats and a plant-based diet. Additionally, be sure to get plenty of sleep and get your sweat on to increase your metabolism and burn those THC-containing fat cells.

Detox Programs

When time is not on your side, reach for a trusted detox kit to help you cleanse your system of all contaminants. This combination of supplements and dietary guidelines will help you detox in five or ten days, depending on your level of toxicity and timeline for testing.

Detox Drinks

A next-day (or even same-day) drug test might seem like the worst-case scenario. However, a detox drink can save the day. Formulated to work within as little as 90 minutes with results lasting up to six hours, it’s worth keeping one of these on hand for emergencies.

Concluding Thoughts

How long does weed stay in your system? Unfortunately, there isn’t one surefire way to determine how long it will take you to detox from THC. Keep a PassYourTest.com kit or drink on hand, and you’ll never have to worry about it. Follow the directions, reach out to their customer service support team if you have any questions, and keep puffin’ the good stuff.

By understanding these factors and seeking guidance when needed, you can make informed decisions about consuming cannabis edibles and ensure a safer and more responsible experience. Whether you choose to smoke THC or consume edibles such as gummies, following recommended dosages and being mindful of your personal circumstances will contribute to a positive and enjoyable use of these products.

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