How Long Does Cannabis Stay in Your System?

Whether you have a marijuana card and use marijuana for medical use or you use the drug for recreational use, you should know how long the plant stays in your system. How often you use marijuana, consume it, and how your body processes it all affect how long it stays in your system. Making decisions about when to use, how often to use, and when it's safe to resume activities like driving or working requires knowledge of this information. In this blog post, we will discuss all factors that influence how long marijuana stays in your body and other information you should know. 

How is weed detected in the body? 

When someone smokes marijuana, the active ingredient, THC, enters the bloodstream and travels throughout the body. THC and other cannabinoids are then metabolized by the body, resulting in metabolites that can be detected in various bodily fluids.

Urine testing is one of the most common ways of detecting marijuana use. Depending on the frequency and intensity of use, THC and its metabolites can be seen in urine for up to thirty days after use. Urine tests are typically performed by collecting a urine sample and analyzing it for THC metabolites.

Another method of detecting weed use is blood testing, which is especially effective. THC and its metabolites don't stay in the blood for too long, only being able to show up on tests for up to 12 hours. Blood tests are performed by collecting a blood sample.

Hair testing is a less common method of detecting weed use but can provide a longer detection window. Depending on hair length and frequency, THC can be found in hair for months after use. 

Saliva testing is also used to detect weed use. THC and its metabolites can be seen in saliva for several hours to a day after consumption. Typically, saliva tests are performed by collecting a saliva sample and analyzing it for the presence of THC and its metabolites.

 Marijuana use can be detected in the body using different methods, like urine, blood, hair, and saliva testing. The detection method and duration can vary depending on several factors, including consumption method, frequency of use, and individual metabolism.

How long does weed stay in your bloodstream?

Several factors can influence how long marijuana remains in your bloodstream. The frequency and intensity of use can affect how long the drug stays in your system. Furthermore, the method of consumption can play a big role, as smoking or vaping weed can result in a faster onset and shorter duration of effects than eating edibles. Individual differences in metabolism and body composition can also influence how long marijuana remains in your bloodstream. THC, the primary psychoactive component in marijuana, can be detected in the bloodstream for up to a few hours after use. Blood tests are not usually used due to the small window they work under. Some studies have suggested that frequent and heavy weed use may result in a longer detection window, whereas occasional use may result in a shorter one. It's worth noting that the amount of time weed stays in your bloodstream doesn't always indicate how it affects your cognitive and physical ability, as the drug can have long-lasting effects even after it's no longer detectable.

How long do the effects last?

Various factors, including mode of consumption, potency, and individual physiology differences, can influence the duration of marijuana's effects. In contrast to edibles, smoking or vaping weed can result in a faster onset of effects but in a shorter period. The effects of smoking or vaping typically peak 30 minutes to an hour after use and last for about 2-3 hours, though this can vary depending on the individual. Consuming edibles, on the other hand, can take longer to kick in, usually between 30 minutes and 2 hours, and can last for several hours, or even up to 12 hours, depending on the dosage and individual metabolic rate.

It's worth noting that the potency of marijuana strains can also influence how long the effects last. Increased THC concentrations in marijuana products can produce more intense and long-lasting results. Furthermore, physiologic differences between individuals, such as body weight, metabolism, and genetic makeup, can affect the duration of the drug's effects. Regular marijuana users may develop tolerance over time, resulting in shorter outcomes. However, caution is advised because marijuana can have short-term cognitive and physical ability effects. This is especially important for people who operate heavy machinery, drive vehicles or do other things that require concentration and coordination.

Detoxing

Various factors, including frequency and intensity of use, method of consumption, and individual differences in metabolism and body composition, can influence the process of removing marijuana from the body. THC, the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, is naturally eliminated by the body over time. However, the time required can vary.

One of the most effective ways to clean out your body is to stop using marijuana. Marijuana metabolites, such as THC, accumulate in the body over time and can take weeks to clear out. Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water can help in flushing out your system. Regular exercise can also help to boost metabolism and promote detoxification.

Consuming antioxidant-rich foods in fruits and vegetables can aid in eliminating free radicals from the body, which also helps clean your body. 

Finally, allowing the body to eliminate THC and its metabolites naturally is the most effective way to detox from marijuana. Depending on the individual, this process can take several days to weeks. Users should be careful and avoid activities like driving until they are sober.

False positives 

False positive marijuana drug tests can happen. Urine tests are a common type of marijuana drug test, but they are imperfect. They can result in false positives due to cross-reactivity with other chemically similar compounds to THC. Although blood and saliva tests are more accurate than urine tests, false positives can occur due to foods or medications in an individual's system.

False positives for marijuana drug tests are possible, but they are uncommon. To rule out false positives, laboratories typically confirm positive results with more specific tests. Individuals concerned about potential false positives should notify their healthcare provider of any medications or supplements they are taking and any recently consumed foods. Individuals can reduce the risk of false positives and ensure accurate test results.

Employee Protection with Medical Marijuana Card in Virginia

Did you know with the passage of House Bill (HB) 1862, it is now illegal for most Virginia companies (with some exceptions) to take punitive action against their employees for the lawful use of medical cannabis while away from the job? One benefit of getting your Virginia marijuana card in 2023 is that you can receive legal protections such as HB 1862. This law was passed in March 2021, signed by Governor Ralph Northam, and took effect on July 1, 2021. If you currently use cannabis to treat or alleviate the symptoms of any medical condition, then you should consider getting your Virginia medical cannabis card so you can receive the protections of HB 1862.

The Bottom Line

Well, there you have it, everything you need to know about how long cannabis stay in your system. Knowing this can help you stay out of trouble and live a healthy life. For more information on medical marijuana, visit our conditions page for issues marijuana can help you treat.