Table of contents
Table of contents
So you’ve decided to quit consuming cannabis, either for work, health reasons or simply for the need to take a break. Your next question is, “How long does it stay in the system after quitting?”
The drug testing process is a primary factor in the timeline because of the different detection windows. Other aspects include frequency of use, dosing, and your preferred consumption method.
This article answers how long weed metabolites stay in the system after quitting and discusses the surrounding confusion and myths about it. Be sure to read until the end.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- “THC” or Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the metabolite varying drug screening methods detect to be considered marijuana-positive.
- The amount of time weed stays in the system after quitting will depend on several factors: metabolism, frequency of use, potency of the strain, and method of screening.
- For habitual users who consume cannabis daily, 30 days is the longest amount of time before THC can be expelled entirely from the body.
- Hair tests have the longest detection window for drug screenings at 90 days. Urine tests, the most common testing method, have a detection window of up to 30 days. Blood tests have the shortest amount of time, with 12 hours.
Why Does Weed Stay In the System So Long?
THC metabolites stored in fatty cells can be challenging to eliminate, hence adding to the period of THC presence in the system.
The body absorbs THC like any edible material. The cannabinoid is absorbed into different tissues and vital organs, like the brain, metabolized in the liver, and then enters the bloodstream.
65% of the THC that enters the body is excreted through feces, while 20% comes out in urine. The remaining 15% is stored in fat cells because THC is a fat-soluble compound. Over time, that stored THC gets released back into the bloodstream before going through another round of metabolization in the liver.
However, the metabolites that build up in fatty cells are more difficult to eliminate. This is the main reason why weed stay in the system for so long. It’s a problematic situation for heavy and chronic users since THC may remain in their bodies for weeks upon use. It may then result in possible drug test failures.
The longest is 3 months, while the shortest is within hours.
The presence of THC metabolites in the body after quitting or abstaining is mainly due to its fat-soluble nature. These particles may remain for longer, especially for someone overweight who has more fat molecules.
The answer to this question will depend on the preferred testing method. For example, a saliva test has a different detection window than a blood, urine, or hair test.
It will also depend on each person.
In general, the longest reported detection time of cannabis metabolites is 90 days (roughly three months) after consumption within a hair follicle test premise. The shortest is about hours, under a breath test.
Let’s explore in greater detail as the following sections discuss the various testing methods and detection windows. This will provide a clearer understanding of how long cannabis metabolites remain in the body.
How Long Does Weed Stay In Urine After Quitting?
Three to 30 days
Collecting urine samples is one of the most common drug testing methods. It’s quick and effective at detecting a wide variety of substances, from nicotine to methadone, opioids, and, of course, THC. Urine testing is a relied-upon approach by medical professionals, employers, and sports officials.
As for detection windows, it depends on the individual’s frequency of use, which means these numbers are variable. However, a 2017 study published in the Mayo Clinic suggests a rough timeline:
Frequency of Use | Window of Detection |
One-time users | Three days |
Moderate users (Up to five times per week) | A maximum of seven days |
Heavy users (Daily consumption) | A maximum of 15 days |
Chronic users (“Wake-and-bake”) | A maximum of 30 days |
It’s important to note that these estimates do not factor in the person’s metabolism and level of activity, as these also play a role in the length of time THC remains in the body.
How Long Does Weed Stay In the Blood System After Quitting?
12 hours to a month.
Blood tests for cannabis have the shortest detection window and are the most invasive method. This is why employers don’t utilize it as much as urine tests. However, they are a go-to method of law enforcement for investigations of possible DUIs, injuries, and accidents.
Typically, blood tests detect cannabis in the body within the first two to 12 hours after consumption. However, like with urine tests, frequency of use matters. In this case, these screenings can detect the presence of THC among heavy and chronic consumers for up to 30 days.
How Long Does Weed Stay In Hair Drug Test?
90 days after consumption.
Any individual or company that intends to measure a person’s quantity of usage and wants a longer detection window may rely on hair tests. These are usually for organizations with employees who perform jobs with a high injury risk, such as construction.
For the uninformed, hair follicle drug tests involve procuring a small sample from the person’s scalp before sending it to a lab for testing.
These screenings can detect THC metabolites for up to 90 days after consumption. However, the downside is that there is a high likelihood of false positive results for these tests because they rely on skin oil that transfers to the hair, making them less accurate.
How Long Does Weed Stay In Your Saliva?
24 to 44 hours.
Like blood screenings, saliva tests have a short detection window. The amount of time will also depend on the manner of consumption, whether smoking or oral ingestion.
A saliva drug test can detect the presence of cannabis after 24 to 30 hours of smoking. For other dosing methods like Delta 9 edibles or tinctures, these tests can detect THC for up to 44 hours after consumption.
Saliva tests aren’t as invasive as blood tests and require fewer steps than urine and hair screenings. Police officers usually prefer saliva tests when conducting roadside tests for potential DUI violators, and healthcare providers also use them to monitor substance abuse patients.
How Long Does Weed Stay In System After Quitting Smoking?
Three days to a month.
As previously mentioned, the amount of time will depend on the screening method and frequency of use. The THC in smoked cannabis may appear in a urine test in as short as three days after consuming a joint or a bowl.
The longest detection period to date is 30 days, and this is for chronic consumers who have made cannabis a part of their routine.
How Long Do Weed Gummies Stay In the System After Quitting?
A week and up to a month.
Edibles like Delta 9 gummies get absorbed by the body differently compared to smoking. It goes through the same process as food, where the liver metabolizes the THC before it enters the bloodstream.
Because of this prolonged process, the cannabinoid remains in the system longer than when combusted. Chronic users may have THC remnants for more than a month, while casual users may only need up to a week to expel it from their system.
How Long Does Weed Pen Stay In the System After Quitting?
Five days or up to a month.
The amount of time it takes to rid the body of THC through vaping is the same as when it is smoked. Likewise, factors like frequency of use, the person’s metabolism, body fat percentage, and product potency are at play here. The manner of testing also determines the detection windows.
That said, habitual cannabis vapers may need up to 30 days to have THC completely washed out from their bodies. Meanwhile, casual users may need between three and five days.
How Long Does THC Disposables Stay In Your System?
Five days or up to a month.
THC disposables are vape pens you can throw after use. They are a much more affordable and low-maintenance option for cannabis consumers who don’t want the abrasiveness of smoking but want a faster-acting high.
Therefore, the length of time it takes to expel THC is exactly the same as it is when using a vape pen.
How Long Does It Take for Your Brain to Recover From Weed?
THC effects wane after hours, but to lower one’s tolerance, an adult needs at least 21 days of abstaining from weed.
The brain is one of the major organs affected by THC, creating a mind-altering, psychotropic effect for its users. In most cases, a person may feel stress relief, calmness, a euphoric sensation, or an increased appetite.
How does THC interact with the brain?
The cannabinoid activates the reward system and promotes the release of dopamine, a chemical responsible for positive emotions. However, there are some downsides, such as anxious feelings, memory and cognitive problems, coordination and balance issues, and disorientation.
In a nutshell, the brain takes a hit with cannabis consumption, and teenagers may experience long-term and permanent damage. This is why cannabis use isn’t encouraged among younger people.
For adults, it may take up to one to two months of abstinence for the brain to recoup from THC’s effects. Many experts advise taking THC breaks, with a minimum period of 21 days. Doing so also helps lower tolerance levels.
How Long Does Anxiety Last After Quitting Weed?
In extreme cases, anxiety may last up to two weeks, but casual users typically get over it in just hours.
Anxiety is one of the withdrawal symptoms after abstaining or quitting weed altogether. The person may feel antsy and restless at best, but it may worsen for some people to the point of concern.
The duration of this anxiety period may be different from one person to another, but the height of it can last for up to two weeks. Users who experienced this unsettling feeling report that it lasted up to a few months.
Individuals struggling with anxiety after quitting weed are encouraged to undergo healthy coping techniques like mindfulness practices. However, professional help may be necessary if the condition worsens.
Factors Affecting How Long Weed Stays in Your System After Quitting
Besides the variance in the sensitivity of different types of drug tests, the following factors impact the window of detection of THC among individuals:
- The potency of THC per product used.
- Dosage
- How the THC product was consumed. What is through the oral route? Inhalation? Or sublingual?
- Frequency of use. Are you a casual user? Beginner? Or heavy user?
- Unique individual metabolism rate and overall health status.
- Gender
- Level of hydration
- Diet
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Genetics
How Long Does It Take To Feel the Effects of Weed?
It depends on the manner of consumption. The fastest is 30 minutes, achieved through vaping or smoking. The latest is two hours for edibles.
The answer to this question depends on the preferred manner of consumption. Vaping and smoking are the fastest ways to get high. You may feel its initial effects within the first five minutes and are expected to peak in 30 minutes.
Tinctures are the second longest to take effect. After that first sublingual drop, the high begins to kick in within the first 15 minutes. For some people, it may take half an hour. However, you must let the tincture drops sit under the tongue for at least 30 seconds, as swallowing it directly may hinder its efficacy.
Edibles take the longest time to take effect because of the extensive process the THC goes through before it reaches the bloodstream. You may have to wait at least 30 minutes to feel an altering effect, but it may take up to two hours for some people.
How Long Does It Take for the Effects of Weed to Wear Off?
An hour or up to half a day.
The answer to this question also depends on several factors, namely the method of consumption and the potency and type of strain. The high from vaping and smoking typically lasts for an hour and a maximum of three hours.
However, cannabis consumed orally, whether eaten or drunk, may last for much longer. Some people report feeling a high until the morning after they’ve ingested an edible.
Specific strains also have a longer-lasting effect. Some notable names on the list include Durban Poison, Girl Scout Cookies, Bruce Banner, and Purple Haze. THC-H, a cousin to the Delta-9 THC that we all know, is also reputed to have a kick that takes longer to wear off.
How to Make Weed Last Longer?
Eating mangoes or drinking tea.
Staying high longer may be challenging if you’re an experienced user because you’ve probably built a tolerance for it. However, there are known practices for staying afloat longer, and eating mangoes is one of them.
The explanation is that mangoes contain Myrcene, a terpene found in cannabis. Myrcene produces a relaxing, almost sedating effect similar to an Indica strain. Many experts and seasoned smokers suggest eating a mango before the cannabis session for a longer-lasting high.
Tea is also an excellent supplement to a smoking session, as it can help enhance the calming effect of weed. It is known to create a balanced experience by eliminating the paranoia associated with cannabis. It also helps keep the mouth hydrated to combat the annoying dryness.
How to Eliminate Weed From System Faster?
Abstaining coupled with exercising, hydrating, and eating a clean diet.
You may have read about supposed foolproof methods of eliminating weed from your system faster, like vinegar detox or drinking cranberry juice and excessive amounts of water. You may even come across sites that try to sell you “detox kits.”
Unfortunately, these are myths. The fastest way to expel and eliminate THC from your body is to stop using it. Give your body a break and allow your system to recover.
Exercising more helps because it removes excess fat, which THC binds with. A clean diet is an excellent supplement for fat loss and a healthier lifestyle.
Do You Want to Lessen the Risk of Testing Positive and Still Enjoy Cannabinoids?
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FAQs
Synthetic cannabinoids typically have shorter detection windows. They can appear in urine tests up to 72 hours after consumption and up to 48 hours for saliva screenings.
Withdrawal symptoms of cannabis vary from one person to another. However, the average length of time may last up to three weeks.
Thirty days is the longest time before weed completely leaves the body. This is usually the case for habitual and chronic users who consume cannabis daily.
Similar to THC, abstaining from CBD is the best way to rid your body of it. Drinking more water and regular exercise also helps flush it out via urine and sweat.
No, you cannot. This is a common myth debunked by many experts, as neither passive nor extreme exposure can cause a drug test failure.
All drug test panels test for THC metabolites. These range between six panels to 12-panel tests.
Yes, it will show up. One-time use of cannabis in whatever form can render a positive test up to three days after consumption.
Delta-8 THC can stay in your hair for up to 90 days. In some cases, the detection window may be longer.
THCA can stay in the system for up to 45 days. However, it is important to note that most drug screenings won’t detect it because it isn’t part of the list of substances.
According to current findings, THCA can stay in the hair for up to 45 days. However, more research is needed to make a more definite conclusion.
The longest time THC can stay in the body is 30 days. In the case of edibles, you can get rid of it in 12 days with moderate consumption (staying within the recommended doses).