Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the active ingredient in marijuana or cannabis. It causes mind-altering effects like euphoria, relaxation, dizziness, and more. While THC is legal for recreational and medical use in many states, you can become addicted to it.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Recent research estimated that approximately 3 in 10 people who use cannabis have cannabis use disorder.”[1]
If you or a loved one abuse marijuana, you might be wondering how long it stays in your system. The half-life of THC is 20 to 30 hours, which means it remains in your body for up to 6 days.[2] Keeping this in mind, the metabolites of THC remain in parts of your body longer, which means drug tests can detect it for an extended time.
What you will learn:
- How long the effects of weed last
- How the body metabolizes THC
- How long drug tests can detect marijuana
How Long Do the Effects of Marijuana Last?
Marijuana can lead to a variety of effects, from feelings of euphoria and pleasure to increased appetite and uncontrollable laughter. Some people have bad experiences when consuming THC, characterized by anxiety, paranoia, dizziness, and nausea. THC can even lead to episodes of psychosis among people with pre-existing mental health conditions.[3]
How long the effects of cannabis last depends on how you are using it. The main methods of administration are smoking and consuming it. Some people prefer to smoke the plant, while others cook it into foods like brownies or cookies.
When you smoke marijuana, the effects begin within one to two minutes and last for about 1 hour. Eating THC products is a slower process. The effects will not begin for 30 to 45 minutes and can last for 2 to 4 hours.
How Does the Body Metabolize THC?
When you smoke or consume marijuana, THC enters your bloodstream. A portion of THC will be stored in your organs and fatty tissues throughout your body. However, most of the THC will be processed in your liver.
The half-life of THC is between 20 to 30 hours. Because it takes four to five half-lives for your body to eliminate marijuana, it can stay in your system for three to six days.
People who have been consuming cannabis regularly on a long-term basis might have it in their system for a couple of weeks to months. This is because stores of THC build up in fat cells throughout your body, making it take longer for your system to eliminate it.
Even after your body eliminates THC through your urine, its metabolites stay behind. There are over 100 THC metabolites, but the two most common are called 11-OH-THC (11-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and THCCOOH (11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol).[4] These metabolites are what drug tests look for to determine if you have recently abused cannabis.
How Long Does Weed Stay in Your System?
A variety of factors affect how long weed stays in your system. For example, your metabolism rate, body mass index (BMI), the amount of THC you consume, and how often you use cannabis can play a role. First-time users of cannabis will test positive for a shorter amount of time than long-term users.
The detection window for marijuana depends on what type of drug test is being used. Hair follicle tests tend to offer the longest window of detection, while blood and saliva tests offer short windows.
Urine
Urine tests are the most commonly used drug tests for marijuana. The detection times for this method of testing vary depending on how often you smoke weed.
First-time users will test positive for about three days. Someone who has been smoking regularly (about 4 times per week) can test positive for up to 7 days. Chronic users (once daily) might test positive for more than two weeks after their last dose of THC.
Blood
Blood tests offer the shortest window of detection for THC testing among first-time users. You will usually only test positive for two to 12 hours after your last dose. However, chronic users could test positive for up to 30 days.
Saliva
Saliva tests also offer a short window of detection. Whether you abuse marijuana one time or every day, these tests can only detect it for 24 hours to 72 hours. This is because marijuana travels through your saliva first, meaning the metabolites will be eliminated faster.
Because of this, saliva tests are not commonly used to detect THC. However, the short window of detection might make them ideal for law enforcement officers conducting traffic stops and DUI testing.
Hair
Hair tests are not commonly used for a couple of reasons. First, they tend to be expensive to have analyzed in the lab. They also offer unreliable results because they can discriminate based on factors like hair color.
Despite this, hair follicle testing offers the longest window of detection. You can test positive for THC or any other substance for 90 days after your last dose.
Find Help for Marijuana Abuse and Addiction
If you or a loved one suffers from marijuana addiction, it’s time to seek help. Chronic use of cannabis can take control of your life, causing an array of physical and mental health issues. Thankfully, drug rehab programs can provide you with the tools and support you need to maintain long-term sobriety.
At PAX Memphis, we can connect you with a top-rated marijuana addiction treatment center in your area. Contact us today for more information on how to get started.
References:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Cannabis Facts and Stats
- Science Direct: Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is present in the body between smoking sessions in occasional non-daily cannabis users
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Know the Negative Effects and Risks of Marijuana
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Mechanisms of Action and Pharmacokinetics of Cannabis