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Editorial Team
A basic test to detect if there is THC present in someone's system is by analysing their saliva. This is done by inserting an absorbance pad into the mouth which wicks up the saliva in someone’s mouth. The pad with the saliva is then put into a solution requiring you to wait for the reaction. Once enough time has passed markers on a PCR indicator will show if there is THC present. It will show if THC has been used within the last 8 hours but may still show a positive reading up to 24 hours. These kits work in a very similar way to COVID tests. These tests are fairly accurate but can provide false readings both ways. They do not tell you how much THC is in someone's system, only that it is there.
Another way to test to see if cannabis has been in the system is by urinalysis. Someone's urine can be collected and using a PCR test it will determine if the person has used THC. These tests are measuring a secondary metabolite THC-COOH (11-Nor-9-carboxy-THC) which is present as a result of cannabis use as long as 90 days ago, due to the way cannabinoids are stored in body fat and slowly released as fat is broken down.
To get the most accurate reading of the level of active THC metabolites in someone's system a blood test can be conducted. Using a hypodermic needle blood is withdrawn from the body. This analysis will determine the precise number of nanograms in THC per litre blood in the person. THC can be detected in the blood for around 12 hours after use but can be detected after longer periods including 24 hours.
The last way that the body can be examined to determine if cannabis is in the system is by testing the hair. New hair growth can show THC use from as far back as 90 days prior to testing. The THC that is detectable in hair will remain there until it is cut.
Cannabinoids get into the bloodstream through inhalation or oral ingestion. When cannabis or THC is taken orally it is processed by the digestive acids and passes through the liver before entering into the bloodstream. The onset of effects take around 45 minutes to an hour. Taking it with food can improve bioavailability and higher fat foods further increase bioavailability. Inhaled cannabinoids can enter the bloodstream in a matter of seconds allowing the effects to be felt almost instantly.
The factors that impact how long cannabis stays in your system depend on the individual, their body type, body fat stores, how they took cannabis, how much and how strong it was.
Body Fat - because cannabinoids are fat soluble they bind easily to the fats in your body. The more fat stores you have, the greater chance your body has of holding onto cannabinoids for longer.
Frequency and Quantity of Use - using cannabis frequently will create an overlap of the THC metabolites stored in your system as there will be less time for them to clear.
Potency - the more THC someone takes, the longer it takes for it to leave the body due to greater amounts being stored in the fat.
Method of use - Oral use of cannabis causes THC to pass through the liver which is metabolised into other forms of THC which can cause more to store in the body fat than if THC is inhaled where it goes directly into the bloodstream.
THC stays in your bloodstream for a sustained period of time. THC’s journey through the body is long and slow. As we have already explored, cannabinoids are fat soluble which the body readily holds onto. 80 minutes to 2 hours after taking THC, the metabolite THC- COOH and its glucuronide THC-COOH-gluc levels in the blood reach maximum levels where they remain for several days. THC is metabolised relatively quickly and is converted efficiently or passed in urine or faeces. THC can be detected in blood tests anywhere up to 24 hours but the possibility of THC-COOH showing in your blood could last as long as the metabolite stays in the fat - up to 30 days but potentially as long as 90 days.
THC’s half-life is calculated at around 20-30 hours. 11-hydroxy-THC has a similar half-life of around 12-36 hours with it being longer in heavier users. Half-life is the time it takes for half of the drug to leave the system. Typically, the body will eliminate a drug within four to five half-lives.
The more CBD you take in a single dose, the longer it stays in your system. A study in the journal Therapeutic Drug Monitoring found taking 1.35 milligrams of CBD was detectable in the blood for around six hours after being taken, but higher doses were detected for longer.
The half-life of CBD, or cannabidiol, varies depending on several factors, including the method of ingestion and the individual's metabolism. Generally, the half-life of CBD is estimated to range from about 1 hour to as long as 5 days.
Taking CBD Orally: When CBD is consumed orally on an empty stomach, it tends to have a shorter half-life. This is because it gets processed by the digestive system and metabolised by the liver relatively quickly.
Influence of Food: Consuming CBD with food, especially fatty foods, can extend its half-life. Fats enhance the bioavailability of CBD, which means that more of it is absorbed into the bloodstream. As a result, it takes longer for the body to process and eliminate CBD, thereby increasing its half-life.
In summary, the duration that cannabis components like THC and CBD stay in your system can vary widely, influenced by a myriad of factors such as the type of test used, the method of ingestion, dosage, and individual metabolism. The article offers a detailed look into various testing methods—ranging from saliva and urine to blood and hair tests—each with its own time frame for detection. Understanding these nuances is crucial for both medical and recreational users of cannabis, as well as employers and healthcare providers who may require this information for testing purposes.
Accessing medical cannabis can be challenging due to the stigma surrounding it. However, Releaf makes it simple with our tailored monthly packages, specialist consultations for medical cannabis, and a unique medical cannabis card for protection, all based on your cannabis prescription.
It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
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Check your eligibilityEditorial Team
Article written by the Releaf Editorial Team, a group of seasoned experts in cannabis healthcare, dedicated to enhancing awareness and accessibility in the field through their wealth of knowledge and experience.
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Our articles are written by experts and reviewed by medical professionals or compliance specialists. Adhering to stringent sourcing guidelines, we reference peer-reviewed studies and scholarly research. View our editorial policy.
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