How Long Does Marijuana Stay in Your System?
The amount of time marijuana remains in your system depends on many factors, such as how much THC is in the marijuana, how often you use it, how much you use, and your metabolism. If you’re a daily user, the drug can remain in your system for up to a month or longer. Read on to learn more about how long marijuana stays in your system.
How is Marijuana Used?
Marijuana refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the cannabis sativa or cannabis indica plant. These plants contain THC and other similar compounds, which are responsible for the mind-altering effects of the drug.1
One of the most common ways to use marijuana is to smoke it through a joint, blunt, bowl, or bong.
Other forms of use include:1
- Edibles: Cannabis can be added to foods like baked goods, candies, and drinks.
- Oils and concentrates: Cannabis compounds can be extracted into oils or concentrates for vaping or dabbing.
- Lotions and balms: These are applied directly to the skin.
- Tinctures: Tinctures are cannabis-infused liquids taken under the tongue or added to food.
How Long Do the Effects of Weed Last?
The length the effects of weed last depends on the mode of ingestion and how much is done.
The effects of cannabis can develop within minutes if the drug is smoked. If eaten, users may not feel any effects for a few hours. The effects normally last 3-4 hours but can last longer if the drug is eaten.2
Marijuana does not easily leave the body. Most cannabinoids, including THC, are stored in fat cells. This means that the effects of marijuana or hashish can reoccur for 12-24 hours after use because the chemicals are slowly released from fatty tissue.2
How Long Does THC Stay in Your System?
The length of time that marijuana will show up on a drug test varies greatly from person to person.
Variables that can affect how long marijuana will show up on a drug test include:1
- Dose of THC ingested.
- THC concentration.
- Product ingredients.
- Method of use (e.g., smoking, edibles, etc.).
- Previous weed use.
- Existing medical conditions.
- Age, sex, and genetics.
The amount of THC in marijuana will affect how long it takes for the body to metabolize the drug. However, keep in mind that other factors can affect how long marijuana stays in your system.
How Long Does Weed Stay In Urine?
The amount of time that marijuana will show up on urine screenings depends largely on how often the individual uses it. The following are some basic guidelines on how long marijuana will show up on a urine test based on how often you use:3,5
- Less than twice per week smoker: 1-3 days.
- Several times per week smoker: 7-21 days.
- Daily smoker: 30 days or longer.
- Oral ingestion (edibles): 1-5 days.
How Long Does Synthetic Marijuana Stay in Your System?
Synthetic cannabinoids can be detected in drug tests. They can be detected up to 72 hours in urine and up to 24-48 hours in saliva.4
That said, some synthetic cannabinoids could have longer half-lives. That means they could have longer effects and show up in a urine test beyond the timeframe listed above.
In addition, the batches of synthetic cannabinoids can vary both in terms of the substances present and their quantity. This increases the risk of overdose.4
How Long Does THC Stay in Blood?
Depending on factors such as how frequently a person uses marijuana and how they metabolize it, this specific substance can be detected in blood anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks after use.3,5
Consider the following:5
- Infrequent marijuana use: Someone who uses marijuana infrequently can have it detected in their blood for 3 to 4 hours after use. The metabolized result of THC, known as 9-carboxy-THC, can be detected in the blood of those who use marijuana infrequently for 2 to 3 days after use.
- Frequent marijuana use: Those who participate in frequent marijuana use can have it detected in their blood for 4 to 8 hours after use. The 9-carboxy-THC can, however, be detected for up to two weeks in those who frequently use marijuana.
Other Types of Drug Screens
THC can be detected in saliva within minutes and up to 2 days.6 Hair testing can typically detect drugs such as marijuana for months after use (up to 90 days).7
Detoxing From Cannabis (Weed)
There are several websites that claim to be able to help people eliminate marijuana from the body fast enough to pass a drug test. Dietary supplements or over-the-counter medications, like vitamin B3, cayenne, milk thistle, or exclusive herbal remedies, are marketed to help the body process marijuana faster.
However, none of these methods are scientifically proven to speed up the marijuana detox process, and some kits or drugs specifically marketed for this purpose may be dangerous and contain unknown ingredients. There is no proven method for accelerating this process.
The marijuana detox process can be tough for people who struggle with marijuana dependence, so contact a healthcare provider or enroll in medical detox at an inpatient or outpatient program for help safely withdrawing from this drug. People who struggle with an addiction should seek out a rehabilitation program or some form of therapy to help them recover.
Get Help for Marijuana Addiction
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and are ready to take the first steps towards recovery, call one of our admissions navigators today at .
Desert Hope, our inpatient rehab facility in Las Vegas, NV, offers a full continuum of care for drug and alcohol addiction including:
Our admissions navigators will walk you through the process and help you verify your insurance coverage. If using insurance to pay for rehab isn’t the best option for you, there are other ways to cover the cost of treatment.
To start the rehab admissions process online, you can quickly now by completing a short confidential online form.
Are you or your loved one ready for recovery? Start the rehab admissions process today. We make starting treatment at Desert Hope easy.