Understanding The Duration of Cannabis Detection In The Body Post-Cessation

How Long Does THC Take To Come Out Of A Person's System?

The duration for THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component in Cannabis, to fully clear from a person's system can vary based on several and multiple factors, not least the quantity or concentration of THC consumed, but also including frequency and route of use, metabolism, body fat percentage, and overall health.

Here's a general timeline for clearance of THC from urine although this will not apply to everyone as there is huge variation in how individuals metabolise Cannabis:

1. Occasional users: THC can typically be detected in urine for up to 5-7 days after use. However, in some cases, it might be detectable for longer.
2. Moderate users (using Cannabis 3-4 times per week): THC is often detected longer in the urine of regular users and may be detected in urine for several weeks after last use.
3. Frequent or heavy users (daily use or multiple times per day): THC may be detectable in urine for up to 30 days or more after discontinuing use. The more sensitive ultra detection Cannabis drug tests can now detect THC for even longer in some individuals.

Urine drug test strips to detect Cannabis use are available to buy here inlcuding the latest ultra sensitive THC detection drug test strips.

For other types of drug testing:

• Saliva Drug Tests: THC can be detectable in saliva for as little as a few hours or up to 1-2 days after use, a lot depends on oral hygiene. Saliva drug tests for THC are available to purchase here.
• Hair Drug Tests: THC can be detectable in hair for up to 90 days or even longer after use depending on the length of the hair sample.
• Blood Drug Tests: THC can typically be detected in blood for up to 1-2 days after use.
• Fingerprint Drug Tests (sweat test): THC is only detected for up to 24 hours on a fingerprint drug test.

It's essential to note that these are rough estimates and can vary widely depending on individual factors. Additionally, newer, more sensitive drug testing kits detect THC at lower levels and for longer periods. 

Why does a person's body weight affect THC clearance?

A person's body weight can affect THC levels primarily due to the way fat cells store THC. THC, the psychoactive compound in Cannabis, is fat-soluble, meaning it binds to fat stored in cells in the body. After use this fat stored THC is gradually released back into the circulation, and the larger the volume of fat, the more THC is released.

Individuals with higher body fat percentages typically have more fat cells available for THC storage. As a result, THC may accumulate in their bodies over time, leading to higher levels of THC in their system compared to individuals with lower body fat percentages.

The stored THC is then released from the fat cells slowly over time, which means that individuals with higher body fat percentages may take longer to fully eliminate THC from their system compared to those with lower body fat percentages.

Overall, while body weight itself may not directly affect THC levels, body composition, particularly the percentage of body fat, can influence the distribution, storage, and elimination of THC in the body quite significantly.

Frequently asked questions about cannabis detection

1) How long does Cannabis stay in your system?

The length of time Cannabis stays in your system depends on several factors, including frequency of use, metabolism, body fat, and the type of drug test being used. These detection times below are a guide it does vary from individual to individual, and also depends on the type and strength of Cannabis consumed and also the frequency of use.

General detection times for Cannabis and THC by drug test type:

1. Saliva (Roadside Drug Test - UK and also used in many workplace drug tests in UK)

• May be detectable for up to 24 hours after use in some individuals.
• In heavy users, it may be detectable slightly longer.
• Often in fact detected for a much shorter time 6-8 hours is more common

2. Urine (most common for workplace & legal drug tests including prison drug test)

• Occasional use (1-2 times per week): 1-3 days
• Moderate use (3-4 times per week): 5-7 days
• Frequent use (daily): 10-15 days
• Heavy use (multiple times daily): 30+ days

3. Blood

• Detectable for 1-2 days in occasional users.
• May be up to 7 days in chronic users.

4. Hair

• Detectable for up to 90 days, but only in new hair growth (hair tests are rarely used in routine drug testing).

2) What factors affect detection time of Cannabis on a drug test:

• Frequency & amount of cannabis used: Heavy users retain THC much longer.
• Body fat percentage: THC is stored in fat cells, so people with higher body fat may retain it longer.
• Metabolism: Faster metabolism clears THC more quickly.
• Hydration & diet: Staying hydrated may help, but it won’t significantly speed up clearance. 

3) How long does THC stay in saliva for a roadside drug test in the UK?

• Up to 24 hours after use, though chronic users may test positive slightly longer.

4) Can drinking water or detox drinks help pass a urine test?

• Drinking water may dilute urine temporarily, but most labs check for dilution and many workplace urine drug test kits now contain a test to see if the urine is the right concentration or if it has been diluted.
• Detox drinks may help mask THC metabolites but won’t remove them entirely.

5) Can secondhand smoke cause a positive test?

• Highly unlikely unless exposed in an enclosed, unventilated space with heavy smoke for a long period. Drug test detection levels are set at a level for Cannabis that means they should not give a positive drug test result from second hand smoke.

6) Does CBD show up on a drug test?

• Pure CBD shouldn’t show up on a Cannabis drug test, but some CBD products contain trace THC, which could cause a positive result.

7) Can you test positive after using THC once?

• Yes, but only for a short time 

8. Do edibles stay in your system longer than smoking?

• Yes, edibles take longer to process and can be detectable for longer in urine and blood.

Do you need further help with drug testing for THC? 

We hope you have found this information page helpful. If you need any help or advice purchasing drug tests for THC, please contact our customer support team. They are available by chat, telephone and email support available Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm.

You may also find our drug test quiz helpful