How long does cannabis or THC stay in a person’s system?

In this article we answer how long THC remains detectable in your system and how your body metabolizes it.

How long does cannabis or THC stay in a person’s system?

The answer to this question can depend on a few personal factors.

How often you consume cannabis and how your body metabolizes it are among two. For people who consume cannabis daily, it can be detectable in your system for several months after last use. Cannabis that is more potent (higher in THC) may stay in your system for even longer. Other factors that influence detection of THC in tests include the dose of THC, your body fat and how much water you drink.

While THC is only detectable in the bloodstream for a short time after use, its metabolic byproducts can be detectable for quite some time afterward.

  • THC may be detectable in a person’s hair for up to 90 days.
  • THC may be detectable in a person’s urine for 1-30 days.
  • THC may be detectable in a person’s saliva for up to 24 hours.
  • THC may be detectable in a person’s sweat for 7-14 days.

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Metabolizing THC

THC is absorbed by your bloodstream and broken down in the liver. THC has over 80 metabolites and the most important ones for detecting cannabis in your system are 11-OH-THC (11-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and THCCOOH (11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). These metabolites accumulate in fat reserves throughout the body. Most tests look for those metabolites, which remain in your system longer than THC. Ultimately, these metabolites exit the body through urine and stool.

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What can I do to metabolize THC faster?

Once cannabis enters your body, it takes time to break down. Speeding up your metabolism may impact the rate at which your body expels traces of THC. Activities such as exercising and drinking a lot of water may help, but the result isn’t drastic or certain. You may also consider lowering your dose of THC so that your body metabolizes it faster.

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DISCLAIMER: THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.

All information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other materials contained on this site are for informational purposes only. No text, graphics, images or other materials on this site are intended to be professional medical advice or a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional medical advice because of something you have viewed on this site.