Marijuana is one of the most commonly abused substances in America. In 2022, marijuana use in the U.S. reached an all-time high, with 44% of adults aged 19 to 30 and 28% of adults aged 35 to 50 reporting last year use.[1]
While marijuana abuse is common, the drug remains illegal on a federal level and is classified as a Schedule I Controlled Substance.[2] As a result, employers and other entities may screen for marijuana use.
THC, the main psychoactive component in marijuana, is what drug tests screen for. They can detect THC in your system for several weeks or months depending on the type of test used.
In this article, you will learn:
- How marijuana is metabolized in the body
- Factors that affect how long it says in your system
- How long weed shows up on a drug test
- How to detox from weed
If you or someone you love struggles with marijuana abuse or addiction, please reach out to our team at First Step Behavioral Health today to discuss your treatment options.
THC Metabolism in the Body
Marijuana is usually smoked, but may also be consumed in edible form. After it is inhaled, THC, the active ingredient, is absorbed by tissues and organs throughout the body. It is metabolized by the liver into two primary metabolites: 11-hydroxy-THC and carboxy-THC. After metabolism, about 65% of the drug is excreted from the body through feces and 20% through urine. The rest is stored in fat cells throughout the body before it is eventually released back into the bloodstream and metabolized by the liver.
In heavy marijuana users, THC builds up in fatty tissues throughout the body. As a result, they may test positive for marijuana weeks or even months after stopping using it.
Factors That Affect How Long Marijuana Stays in Your System
Everyone’s metabolism is different, and several factors influence how long weed stays in the body. These include:
- Frequency of use – Using marijuana more frequently allows it to build up in the body’s tissues, leading to longer elimination periods. Infrequent users will be able to clear it from their system quickly.
- Length of use – Using marijuana regularly for long periods of time causes it to build up in the body and stay in the system for an extended period.
- The potency of the marijuana – Some strains of marijuana are more potent than others, containing a higher percentage of THC. Using more potent strains can cause it to stay in the body longer.
- Weight and body composition – People with more body fat will retain THC longer while those with a lower body mass index (BMI) will metabolize it more quickly.
- Method of use – Edibles last longer and are metabolized more slowly, so they can stay in your system longer than inhaled marijuana.
Additional factors like age, gender, metabolism, overall health, and genetics also play a role. For example, women tend to have higher body fat percentages, so their bodies metabolize marijuana at a slower rate. As a result, it may be detected in females longer than males.
How Long Does Weed Show Up on a Drug Test?
THC is a fat-soluble compound with a long half-life, so it can stay in the body for quite a long time. The half-life measures how long it takes the body to eliminate half of a single dose of a drug. It takes about 4-5 half-lives for a drug to leave the body completely.
For THC, the half-life is approximately 1.3 days. But in frequent or heavy users, the half-life can be as long as 5-13 days.[3,4]
Additionally, the length of time weed shows up on a drug test depends on the sample taken and type of test used. Below are estimated marijuana detection times based on drug test type.
Urine test
Urine tests are the most commonly used type of drug test.[5] They are affordable, accurate, and minimally invasive. They are used by employers, schools, medical providers, and more. Urine tests are preferred when testing for cannabis use because THC retains a high concentration in urine for a relatively long time.
Depending on the frequency of use, marijuana can show up on a urine test for up to 30 days.
Saliva test
A saliva test is performed using a mouth swab to collect saliva from the cheek or tongue. Marijuana can be detected in saliva for up to 24 hours.
Blood test
Blood tests are rarely used. They are somewhat invasive and require a medical professional to perform. THC also leaves the bloodstream very quickly. THC can only be detected by blood tests for up to 12 hours.
Hair test
Hair tests have the longest detection window of all drug test types–up to 90 days. Hair tests use a sample of hair to detect traces of substances in the hair follicle. These tests can detect marijuana and other drugs for up to three months.
Can You Flush Weed Out of Your System Faster?
Over-the-counter detox kits and other products may be marketed to help people beat drug tests, however, there is little research available on these products, and some can cause unwanted side effects. Additionally, some states have passed laws that make it illegal to falsify a drug test.[5]
The only way to get weed out of your system is to stop using it and wait until it leaves your body naturally.
Detoxing From Marijuana
Marijuana is often perceived as safe and not addictive like other drugs. However, research has shown that nearly 3 in 10 people who use it have a cannabis use disorder.[6] Nearly 6 million people in the U.S. experienced a marijuana use disorder in 2016.[7] Not only that, but 47% of marijuana users experience withdrawal when they stop using it.[8]
Detoxing from marijuana can be challenging due to withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, and decreased appetite, which can persist for weeks after discontinuation. Although withdrawal is not life-threatening, it can be extremely uncomfortable, leading individuals to continue using marijuana for relief.
If you or someone you love are struggling with marijuana addiction, a substance abuse treatment program can help you detox safely and achieve long-term recovery.
Help for Marijuana Abuse and Addiction at First Step Behavioral Health
1st Step Behavioral Health is a licensed dual-diagnosis long-term addiction treatment facility that is accredited by the Joint Commission. We focus on the physiological rebalancing of the individual through medical, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual care. With a state-of-the-art medical detox facility and a full continuum of care, we’re equipped with the tools and support you need to stay sober. Contact us today to get started.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Marijuana and hallucinogen use, binge drinking reached historic highs among adults 35 to 50
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Marijuana/Cannabis
- National Institute of Health: Objective Testing – Urine and Other Drug Tests
- National Institute of Health: Chemistry, Metabolism, and Toxicology of Cannabis: Clinical Implications
- Florida Senate: Defrauding or Attempting to Defraud a Drug Test
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Understanding Your Risk for Cannabis Use Disorder
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): Marijuana use disorder is common and often untreated
- JAMA Network: Prevalence of Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms Among People With Regular or Dependent Use of Cannabinoids A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis