How Long Does Weed Stay in Your Body? And How You Can Get It Out

When you consume cannabis, whether through smoking, vaping, or ingesting edibles, THC and other cannabinoids enter your bloodstream and are distributed throughout your body ^[1].

The bioavailability of THC varies depending on the method of consumption, with inhalation having a bioavailability of 10% to 35%, while oral ingestion has a lower bioavailability of 4% to 12%.

After absorption, THC travels to the liver, where it undergoes metabolism by enzymes such as CYP2C and CYP3A. The liver converts THC into its psychoactive metabolite, 11-hydroxy-THC, and then metabolizes it into the inactive compound, 11-COOH-THC. The remaining THC and its metabolites enter the circulation and reach various organs, including the brain.

In other words, congratulations you're now high!

THC is highly lipid-soluble, which means fat tissues rapidly absorb it in your body. This contributes to the varying detection times of THC in the body, with occasional users having a plasma half-life of 1 to 3 days, while chronic users may have a half-life of 5 to 13 days.

Several factors influence how long marijuana remains detectable in the body after use. The frequency of use plays a significant role, with chronic users retaining marijuana in their systems for much longer than occasional users ^[3].

Research suggests that detection windows for first-time users are about 3 days, while daily users may test positive for up to 30 days after they stop.

Body fat percentage also affects marijuana detection, as THC is fat-soluble and can bind to fat molecules, leading to slower metabolism in individuals with higher body fat ^[4].

Age, gender, and metabolism are additional factors, although these may be related to body fat percentage or metabolic rates.

The route of consumption also impacts detection times as well. Smoking or vaping cannabis takes effect quickly but is detectable for a shorter period compared to ingesting edibles, which have a longer time course.

Finally, the sensitivity of the drug test used determines the length of time marijuana can be detected. Urine tests can detect marijuana for 3-30 days after use, while blood tests only reliably test for 3-4 hours ^[6]. Hair tests are the most sensitive, detecting THC for up to 90 days after use.

Several types of drug tests can detect the presence of marijuana in your body, each with varying detection windows ^[31].

Urine testing is the most common method for detecting cannabis use. It can identify marijuana for approximately 1-30 days after last use ^[32].

If you've only smoked weed once, it's detectable for up to 3 days; for moderate use, 5-7 days; for daily use, 10-15 days; and for heavy use, more than 30 days.

Blood tests can detect THC for a few hours and up to 2 days after the last time you used it. Chronic heavy use may increase the length of time that it's detectable. However, blood tests are used less frequently as they are more invasive and have a shorter detection window than urine tests ^[36].

Saliva testing has a short window of detection, but in some cases, it may detect same-day cannabis use. THC can be detected in your spit for up to 72 hours after use in frequent smokers. In jurisdictions where cannabis is illegal, mouth swab tests may be used for roadside testing ^[39].

Hair follicle tests have the longest detection window, up to 90 days after use. A 1.5-inch hair sample taken close to the scalp can provide a timeline of cannabis use over the past 3 months. This is because of the slow rate at which hair grows and sheds. However, hair testing may occasionally show false positives due to external contamination ^[34].

Here are some natural ways to help detox and speed up the process of eliminating THC from your system so you can pass your drug test:

Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins, including THC metabolites, from various cells and tissues in the body ^[53]. Increased water intake stimulates urine production, promoting more efficient elimination of toxins.

Hydration also dilutes THC metabolites in the urine, potentially reducing their concentration and detectability in drug tests.

Aerobic exercises like jogging, swimming, and cycling accelerate THC elimination by stimulating metabolism and targeting the burning of fat cells where THC is stored ^[52].

Sustained moderate-to-high-intensity workouts promote fat cell metabolism and enhance blood circulation, transporting THC metabolites from fat cells to the liver for further processing and excretion.

Detox drinks temporarily remove toxins like THC from the body, primarily through increased urine production ^[50]. They typically contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, diuretics, and herbal extracts believed to support liver function and detoxification.

However, detox drinks offer only a temporary effect and their efficacy varies based on individual factors.

Natural remedies and dietary supplements are often touted to accelerate THC detox, but consumer experiences with their ability to aid in passing drug tests are mixed. The efficacy of such methods elicits varied feedback.

A diet rich in fiber from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables facilitates regular bowel movements, preventing the accumulation and reabsorption of toxins in the digestive tract. Fiber also binds to toxins, aiding in their removal.

Antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries and spinach combat oxidative stress and inflammation, supporting the body's detoxification pathways. Maintaining adequate hydration and avoiding excessive consumption of processed foods, sugars, and saturated fats further supports detoxification efforts.

The duration of cannabis detectability in the body depends on various factors, including frequency of use, body fat percentage, metabolism, route of administration, and the sensitivity of the drug test employed.

While occasional users may test positive for a few days, chronic heavy users can have detectable levels of THC for up to several weeks or even months. It's essential to understand these factors and the detection windows associated with different drug testing methods when considering the potential consequences of cannabis use.

Although there are natural ways to support the body's detoxification process, such as staying hydrated, exercising, and maintaining a healthy diet, the most effective approach to ensure a clean drug test is to abstain from cannabis use altogether. However, if you find yourself struggling with problematic cannabis use or dependence, seeking professional help and support is crucial for making positive changes and improving your overall well-being.