Worrying about how long marijuana will remain detectable in your system before a drug screening test can be stressful. You are not alone in feeling this way.
The primary chemical in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Even though the effects of THC wear off within hours, it can still be detected in the body for weeks.
The time detection windows that THC can be found in your bodily systems depends on the method of testing. You can expect it to be detectable for:
What you will learn:
- Up to 12 hours in a blood test
- 24 hours in a saliva test
- 30-45 days in a urine test
- Up to 90 days in a hair follicle test
Factors that Affect How Long Weed Stays in Your System
It’s difficult to predict exactly how long THC will stay in the body. However, various factors can affect how long THC remains in your system.
- Body Mass Index (BMI): THC is stored in the body’s fat cells. People with less body fat clear THC faster. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and enough sleep can help the body function better and eliminate THC faster.
- Exercising just before a marijuana test can increase THC concentration because it is released from fatty tissues during exercise.
-
- Each person’s metabolism rate is different, affecting how THC is broken down and how long it stays in the system.
- Gender: Women generally have higher body fat percentages than men. As a result, cannabis can take longer to break down in their bodies and may be detectable for a longer period of time.
- Frequency of Marijuana Use: People who don’t use marijuana often get rid of THC from their bodies more quickly than regular users.
- Genetics: Some people with faster metabolisms reduce the time weed is detectable, while slower metabolisms may prolong detection.
- Potency and Rate of Consumption: All cannabis products will offer a different amount of THC, which will affect how long it is detected in your system. Also, when you eat cannabis, it tends to stick around longer than when you smoke it.
Is it Possible to “Beat” a Drug Test?
Many products are out there claiming to help folks pass drug tests. These are known as marijuana detox kits, which many people use to try to avoid testing positive for weed.
If you do a quick search online, you will find many options. Most kits contain herbal ingredients such as milk thistle, dandelion, and ginseng.
These kits are not unsafe. We always recommend that you consult a medical professional before taking supplements. Still, the limited evidence makes it hard to determine if these kits work as intended.
Some individuals will try to mask their results by using synthetic urine or adding a cleaning agent such as soap or bleach. Most drug testing facilities can confirm if a sample is genuine by checking for masking agents and identifying substances in human urine.
Are THC False-Positives Possible?
In rare instances, false-positive results may occur with certain medications, such as dronabinol, an anti-nausea medication commonly used for chemotherapy patients.
Keep in mind that other medications and herbal supplements containing cannabidiol might also lead to false-positive test results.
Can Secondhand Smoke from Weed Result in a Positive Test?
A common question people have is whether being around secondhand marijuana smoke could make you fail a drug test. It could happen, but it’s not very likely. Studies have shown that being exposed to secondhand smoke has caused positive tests in some cases.
Detoxing from Weed
Many people think marijuana is not addictive, but it can be. Healthcare providers diagnose marijuana addiction by looking for certain signs, symptoms, and behavioral changes.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says that between 9% and 30% of people who use marijuana have trouble controlling their use, even when it is problematic in their daily lives.
NIDA says that young people are at higher risk. If they start using marijuana before 18, they are seven times more likely to end up with a marijuana addiction than those who start when they are older.
When someone is addicted to marijuana, they may experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, mood swings, and trouble sleeping.
This can affect their daily life, including work, school, and relationships. It’s important for those struggling with marijuana addiction to seek professional help and support.
Based on what we know from scientific research, using counseling along with medication may help treat marijuana addiction, especially for people who are also dealing with mental health conditions.
Different types of counseling, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy, and contingency management, can be helpful for someone with a dual diagnosis of mental health and marijuana addiction.
We are Here to Help
If you or a loved one is struggling to stop using marijuana, we can offer the support you need.
At Alamo Behavioral Health, our marijuana detox program incorporates various behavioral therapies, as well as medications, to help provide you with a comprehensive recovery.
Our facility offers a variety of care systems to suit your specific needs. Depending on the severity of your addiction disorder, inpatient, partial inpatient, and outpatient options are available to help you reach long-term recovery.
We are thrilled to have an outstanding team of dedicated professionals at our center committed to delivering exceptional patient care.
What makes us unique is our staff’s availability to address any questions or concerns our patients may have 24/7.
We are dedicated to ensuring that the treatment process is as smooth and supportive as possible. We understand that it can be overwhelming and are here to help.
Choose to get better with Alamo Behavioral Health. The doors to our facility are always open and ready to help you take the next steps to a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle.
References:
- National Institutes of Health: Chemistry, Metabolism, and Toxicology of Cannabis: Clinical Implications
- Food and Drug Administration: Scientific Memorandum: Cannabidiol
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Cannabis
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Is Marijuana Addictive?
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Learn About Marijuana Risks