How Long Does THC Stay in System? [4 Timeframes Revealed!]

THC is becoming more acceptable in today’s society. It provides potential health benefits, and it is great for recreation. But regular consumers may wonder, how long does THC stay in system? There are several reasons you may want to know how long THC will stay in your system. You may undergo regular drug tests for work or want to know for health reasons.

However, there are several factors to consider regarding how long you retain THC. Your metabolism is an important indicator. The drug test results will also be contingent on how often you consume THC and the dosage amount. Different types of drug tests also have longer detection times that affect how long THC stays in your system. This may sound confusing, but this article will break it down so you can determine how long THC will stay in your system. Keep reading to find out how long does THC stay in the body.

How Long Does THC Stay in Your System?

THC (Delta 9 THC, Delta 9, D9 THC, or D9) the euphoric cannabinoid in cannabis plants, can stay in your system long after the effects have worn off. The duration it stays in your system depends on various factors, such as frequency of consumption, potency, mode of consumption, individual metabolism, and the type of drug test used to detect its presence.

Regardless of how THC affects you, for occasional consumers, its effects will likely wear off in a few hours. But that doesn’t mean it is not in your system. Drug tests can detect THC for days, weeks, or even months.

Factors That Affect How Long it Takes to Eliminate THC Metabolites

The answer to the question of how long does THC stay in your system, we have to examine several factors. These factors will determine the amount of time THC exists in your body. Let’s examine each one in detail.

Frequency of the Dose and THC Half-Life

THC’s half-life is an important factor in how long a drug test will detect THC. The half-life refers to how long THC will take to reduce to half its concentration within the body. THC’s half-life will vary depending on how much you consume.

Occasional consumers will experience a THC half-life of 1.3 days. It takes about five half-lives for it to leave the body. If you multiply 1.3 and 5, you will get 6.5. THC will stay in your system for 6.5 days if you are an occasional consumer.

However, if you are a heavy consumer, THC will stay in your system longer. Here are some statistics to consider if you are getting a urine test, the most common type of drug test.

• Moderate Consumption (Four Times a Week). A urine test will detect THC for five to seven days after your last use.
• Once-a-Day Consumption. Urine tests will detect THC for 10 to 15 days after your last use.
• Frequent Consumption (Multiple Times a Day). A urine test may read positive for THC detection for up to 30 days after your last use.

THC Potency or Strength

Different products contain various amounts of THC. The higher the THC levels, the more it will be in your system. Thus, the longer the detection window will be. Consider that even low levels of THC could trigger a positive drug test. So whether it’s hemp plants with THC levels or marijuana plants with high THC levels, drugs tests are designed to detect marijuana and hemp-based THC and similar THC metabolites.

Mode of Consumption

The main mode of THC consumption is through inhalation or ingestion. Smoking THC offers high bioavailability so that you will feel the effects sooner. However, it will also be eliminated from the system more quickly.

If you ingest cannabis in the form of edibles like THC gummies, the body processes THC more slowly, resulting in lower bioavailability. However, it will stay in your system longer. It may show up positive on a blood test, hair test, or urine test for some time after consumption.

Metabolism

Metabolism is another factor that comes into play when you consider how long THC will stay in your system. If you have a fast metabolism, your body will metabolize the drug sooner so it leaves your body faster.

Your body mass index is a related factor. People with a high body mass index have more body fat. THC bonds with fat cells and may stay in your system longer. People with high body fat also tend to have slower metabolisms, leading to longer detection windows.

THC Detection Window

So how long for THC to leave system? THC detection times vary according to the type of drug test you are taking. Some kinds of cannabis drug testing can detect THC just a few days after your last use. Others will detect it weeks or months later. Here is a rundown on what to expect from your drug testing experience.

How Long Does THC Stay in Your Urine?

A urine sample can test positive for THC three days to six or more weeks after your last use. The results depend on how much THC you consume, dosage amounts, metabolism, and biological factors. Urine tests are the most common type of marijuana drug test. The clinic will test your urine to determine if THC is present.

How Long Can THC Be Detected in an Oral Swab or Saliva Test?

Saliva tests can detect THC for just 24 hours. However, if you consume THC frequently, you may test positive after 72 hours of last use. Saliva tests are a less common type of drug test. They are also called oral swab tests. The clinician will use a cotton swab to collect saliva inside your cheek. They will then test it for THC.

How Long Can THC Be Detected in Blood Tests?

A blood test will generally detect THC for up to seven days after it was last used. However, chronic consumption may yield positive blood tests for up to a month after they last use. Blood tests are a less popular type of drug test as they are more invasive than most. However, some businesses and American addiction centers and businesses will use them.

How Long Can THC Be Detected in Hair Tests?

A hair test provides the longest detection times. It is effective in detecting THC that has been used in the last 90 days. However, factors like dosage amounts, potency, and metabolism will also come into play.

THC can also get into your hair follicles. Therefore, hair tests can detect it. The clinician will pull a hair from your scalp at the root and test it for weed. The top 1.5 inches of hair will be scanned for THC. You may also get lucky if your hair grows quickly. The top 1.5 inches where weed is detectable may grow out before you take your test. People with slow-growing hair are not so lucky.

FAQs on How Long Does THC Stay in System?

How Many Hours Does It Take for THC To Wear Off?

The answer depends on the method of consumption. THC generally wears off in 2-3 hours after light consumption via inhalation. However, an edible form can take up to 24 hours to wear off, depending on its strength. Remember, just because the effects of THC are worn off that doesn’t mean it will not stay in your system.

What Is the Elimination Time of THC?

The elimination time of THC varies depending on the dosage amounts, how much THC you consume, its potency, and the consumer’s biological factors. It can range from a few days to a month or more.

What Are the Strong Forms of THC?

THCP may be the strongest form of THC. It is said to be up to 33 times stronger than traditional THC. THCH is also strong. However, even Delta 9 THC can be potent. Look at the label to check on the THC concentration before you indulge.

How Long Does It Take THC To Hit?

The amount of time it takes for THC to hit varies depending on the method of consumption. If you smoke THC, it will hit immediately within a few seconds. If you ingest THC, it can take thirty minutes to two hours to hit. Hold off on taking more until you determine how it will affect you.

Final Thoughts – How Long Does THC Stay in System? [4 Timeframes Revealed!]

THC is known for its euphoric and potential medical effects. But if you are subject to regular drug tests, you may wonder, how long does it take for THC to leave system? The answer varies on how you choose to consume THC and what type of drug test is used to detect it.

Many factors affect detection times including metabolism, frequency of consumption, potency, mode of consumption, and more. Consider these when you are about to undergo drug testing. Good luck getting a negative result and remember, if you want to pass with flying colors, it’s best to cease consuming all THC products.