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Marijuana, also known as weed or cannabis, affects individuals in different ways and stays in the body for varying durations depending on a range of factors. The factors influencing the detection of marijuana in the system include dosage, usage frequency, THC potency, metabolism rate, body mass index (BMI), and the type of drug test.

Some drug tests can detect THC for up to 90 days after use, while other tests can detect it within hours of use. Understanding the detection window for THC can be invaluable for workplace drug testing and also for knowing the impact of marijuana on the body.

Factors Influencing The Detection of Cannabis (THC) in Your Body

With more states approving the legal use of marijuana and medicinal cannabis, THC products are becoming increasingly accessible. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana that is absorbed in various organs and body tissues and metabolizes in the liver. However, in many states, marijuana use is still illegal, and even in states where it is legal, many workplaces prohibit the use of it.

The length of time in which marijuana remains detectable in the body is influenced by a range of factors. From the amount of THC in the marijuana, such as an edible or a joint, to how often someone uses marijuana can result in a longer or shorter detection window.

A person’s metabolism rate and how much body fat they have can also influence how THC is processed and remains detectable in the body. The type of drug test taken, such as a urine test or a hair test, traces THC in different timeframes. Each of these elements provides insights into how the body processes and interacts with marijuana products.

Frequency of Cannabis Use

Individuals who regularly consume THC edibles or smoke weed are more susceptible to longer marijuana detection times. For individuals who occasionally use cannabis, the body typically processes and eliminates THC metabolites faster than someone who is a regular user. THC and its metabolites accumulate in fatty tissues and cells with chronic use, increasing detection windows as it takes the body longer to metabolize stored compounds.

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Dosage and THC Potency

Marijuana strains with high THC concentrations result in higher levels of marijuana in the bloodstream, which can prolong detection times. Consuming more significant quantities of marijuana in one session or over time can extend the presence of detectable THC metabolites in the body.

Type of Drug Test Used

Different drug tests detect marijuana in the system for varying periods. Drug tests can detect marijuana in urine, saliva, blood, saliva, and hair for hours to several days after use. Urine drug testing (UDT) is the most common type of drug test used to detect marijuana in the system, especially for employment purposes. Cannabis can be detectable for up to 30 days of last use in a urine test, whereas a hair test can detect THC for up to 90 days.

Metabolism Rate

An individual’s metabolic rate significantly influences how long weed stays in the system. People with faster metabolic rates tend to process and eliminate THC metabolites rather quickly. At the same time, individuals with slower metabolism may retain marijuana compounds in fat tissue longer. The rate at which the body processes THC and its metabolites can result in a shorter or longer detection window for drug tests.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Marijuana is fat-soluble, binding to fat cells and high-vascularized tissues. Individuals with higher body fat percentages may retain THC compounds longer than individuals with leaner body compositions. People with lower body fat may excrete cannabis metabolites faster since there’s less fat for THC to bind to. Leaner individuals who use cannabis products or smoke marijuana may have lower THC storage and retention times.

Method of Consumption

The method by which marijuana is consumed, whether through inhalation or ingestion, influences absorption rates and detection times. Vaping or smoking marijuana quickly delivers THC to the bloodstream, resulting in a faster onset of effects but shorter retention times.

Ingesting cannabis products like edibles or other orally ingested THC takes longer to metabolize in the body. When ingesting THC, users can expect delayed onset but potentially longer detection windows.

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Marijuana Detection by Drug Test Type

The duration marijuana and its metabolites remain detectable in the system is different in the urine, blood, saliva, and hair. While urine tests are the most common drug test type, these other tests show how long THC stays in your system.

Urine Drug Screen

Marijuana can be detected in the urine anywhere from 3 to 30 days. Occasional cannabis users can test positive on a THC urine test up to three days after their last use. Chronic THC users can test positive for up to a month following their previous use.

A study reported that heavy cannabis users continued to test positive on urine tests after 77 days of abstinence. This is a result of the long-term storage of THC and its metabolites in fat cells and tissues that are released gradually. Because of this, urine drug screenings can detect these compounds longer than saliva or blood tests.

Blood Tests

The THC detection window for blood tests is anywhere from 1 to 7 days after last use. Individuals who use marijuana every once in a while typically clear THC from their blood within a couple of days. However, people who smoke weed or take edibles daily might show traces of THC byproducts for up to a week.

Blood drug tests are typically used for immediate detection rather than long-term use, making them uncustomary in standard drug screenings.

Saliva Tests

Saliva tests can detect marijuana use within 24 to 72 hours of use. Law enforcement officers are the ones who primarily perform saliva drug tests since they have the shortest detection window. If an individual has used marijuana within 24 hours of taking a saliva test, it is most likely to be positive.

Hair Tests

Hair tests for drug screenings have the most extended detection window for marijuana of up to 90 days after last use. Even for individuals who don’t regularly use cannabis, a single use can result in a positive test result after several months. The reasoning behind this is that THC metabolites can be embedded in the hair shaft.

Hair testing is typically more effective for indicating heavy marijuana use within 90 days rather than light consumption. This type of drug screening is less prevalent due to its high cost. However, they can be used as a qualitative indicator for long-term cannabis consumption.

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Clearing THC from Your System: Marijuana Detox Program in Stuart, FL

Individuals who struggle with daily cannabis use can reduce THC levels in the body through a variety of strategies, including detoxification. Staying hydrated, engaging in regular physical exercise, and maintaining a well-balanced diet can assist when detoxing and clearing marijuana from your system.

Seeking a medical drug detox facility for marijuana abuse and addiction allows for a safe and more effective withdrawal process. Marijuana withdrawal can result in both physical and psychological symptoms, including mood swings, nausea, sweating, agitation, and insomnia.

Coastal Detox is here to help you overcome marijuana addiction and get clean today. Reach out for more information on our marijuana detox programs in South Florida.

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