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How Long Does Marijuana Stay in Your System and What Affects It?

When it comes to finding out how long weed stays in your system, the answer depends on several factors. These include the amount and frequency of use, as well as individual metabolism rates. In general, though, marijuana can stay in your system for up to 30 days after use. The length of time that weed is detectable in your system also varies depending on the testing method used. For example, urine tests are typically more sensitive than blood or saliva tests and may detect cannabis use up to a month after the last use. Those who are tested using hair follicle analysis may have evidence of marijuana usage show up for even longer periods of time - potentially up to 90 days! Therefore, if you know that you will be subject to drug testing at any point in the future, it is best to abstain from cannabis use to ensure a negative result.

How Does Your Body Process THC?

THC is absorbed into different body tissues and organs (for example, the brain, heart, and fat) or metabolized by the liver into 11-hydroxy-THC and carboxy-THC (metabolites). Approximately 65% of cannabis is excreted in the feces, and 20% is excreted in the urine. 1 The remainder is stored within the body.

THC stored in body tissues is gradually released back into the bloodstream, where it is eventually metabolized by the liver.

1 THC accumulates in fatty tissues faster than it can be eliminated in chronic marijuana users, so THC can appear on a drug test many days or even weeks after an individual uses it. 

How Long Does Marijuana Remain in Your System?

THC, a highly fat-soluble compound, has an extremely long half-life—the time it takes for the concentration of THC in the body to decrease by half. The duration of residual THC levels in the body is determined by an individual's marijuana use. One study, for example, discovered that the half-life of marijuana for people who used it infrequently was 1.3 days. More frequent use revealed a half-life of between 5 and 13 days. 

Furthermore, the detection of THC is dependent on the sample used. The detection windows vary. 

Up to 12 hours for blood

Hair can last up to 90 days.

Saliva can last up to 24 hours.

Depending on the frequency of use, urine can last up to 30 days.

Saliva Examination

The mouth swab allows for a quick and non-invasive drug test. On the end of a stick, a sponge or absorbent pad is rubbed along the inside of the cheek or on the tongue. According to research, THC is significantly absorbed in the mouth, increasing concentrations for several hours after use. 

Urine Test 

THC remains at its highest concentration in urine for the longest period of time. Urine samples are typically the preferred method of drug testing to detect marijuana use.

Hair Examination

Hair testing has a wide detection range. For three months, scalp hair can indicate marijuana use. 6 According to research, a hair test is most reliable for daily or near-daily users but cannot detect light cannabis consumption. In fact, one study discovered that 75% of people who self-reported heavy marijuana use and 39% of people who self-reported light marijuana use tested positive for THC via a hair sample.

Blood Analysis

Marijuana only stays in the bloodstream for a short time, so blood tests for marijuana detection are rarely used. This is due to the fact that, while THC enters the bloodstream quickly (within minutes of inhalation), THC concentrations in the bloodstream rapidly decrease 3-4 hours after ingestion.

What Influences How Long Weed Stays in Your System?

Aside from the type of test, other factors that can influence how long marijuana remains detectable on a drug screen include:

The THC content of marijuana.

The consumption path. When marijuana is inhaled rather than ingested, THC enters the organs and bloodstream more quickly.

The dosage and frequency of administration.

The rate of metabolism and excretion routes of an individual.

The test's sensitivity and specificity.

The gender, level of hydration, body mass index (BMI), overall health, and genetics of the individual.

Attempting to Beat a Drug Test

Many products have been marketed to assist people in "beating drug tests." One such item is the detoxification kit for a marijuana drug test, which has become popular among those hoping to avoid a positive marijuana drug test. A quick internet search reveals a plethora of options, with most kits containing blends of milk thistle, dandelion, ginseng, and other herbs. While they may be safe to use (consult a physician before taking any supplements), the limited research available does not support the claims made by these products.

Many products have been marketed to assist people in "beating drug tests." One such item is the detoxification kit for a marijuana drug test, which has become popular among those hoping to avoid a positive marijuana drug test. A quick internet search reveals a plethora of options, with most kits containing blends of milk thistle, dandelion, ginseng, and other herbs. While they may be safe to use (consult a physician before taking any supplements), the limited research available does not support the claims made by these products.

Other methods of avoiding a positive drug test include masking the urine sample with a chemical such as soap, ammonia, or bleach or submitting a urine sample that isn't theirs (either synthetic urine or someone else's). 9 Specimen validity tests, on the other hand, can detect whether a urine sample has been diluted, adulterated, or substituted to produce a negative result by detecting masking agents as well as compounds found in human urine, such as cortisol. It can also test the urine for temperature, pH, color, gravity, smell, and dilution. 

Furthermore, several states have passed legislation making drug test deception illegal and punishable.

Weed Detoxification

Marijuana, contrary to popular belief, can be addictive. Marijuana addiction is diagnosed by healthcare practitioners based on the presence of specific signs, symptoms, and behavioral changes. Marijuana addiction is referred to as a marijuana use disorder or cannabis use disorder in those who meet the diagnostic criteria. Individuals suffering from the disorder are unable to stop using marijuana despite the negative effects it has on their relationships, work, school, and physical and mental health. 

According to recent research, approximately 30% of marijuana users may have some form of marijuana use disorder.

3 People who start using the drug before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop an addiction than adults.

If you or a loved one is struggling with marijuana addiction, American Addiction Centers (AAC) can assist you. Our facilities provide various levels of substance abuse treatment, ranging from inpatient rehab to outpatient programs that require onsite counseling and therapies a few times per week. Our treatment facilities are fully accredited and specialize in evidence-based care for all levels of drug and alcohol addiction.

According to current scientific evidence, a combination of behavioral therapy and medications may be effective in treating marijuana use disorder, especially in people who have co-occurring mental health disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy (MET), and contingency management may all be effective behavioral therapeutic interventions for someone suffering from a mental health disorder and addicted to marijuana.

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