How Long Does Weed Stay in your System? Cannabis testing.

Medically reviewed by Alexander Tabibi, MD
December 31, 2022
Weed In Blood: How Long Cannabis Stay in Organism
Weed In Blood: How Long Cannabis Stay in Organism

A positive cannabis test for some people is the end of their career. One joint two weeks ago on vacation could cost some people their homes, insurance etc. This article covers the important question of “How long does weed stay in your system”? Well, it’s a bit of a complicated question depends on a few factors.

In brief:

  • If you smoke or consume cannabis may be detectable in blood and urine up to 30 days. Hair tests for as much as 90 days – but they’re not dependable.
  • THC is stored in your fat cells and released over time so heavy users/usage tests positive for longer.
  • Factors such as age, weight, and overall health can affect the rate at which THC is metabolized

If you accidentally took a bunch of weed gummies (be safe please) and you’re wondering how long does weed stay in your system urine test. Turns out that if you’ve only smoked cannabis a little bit here and there or taken an occasional weed gummy, it’s probably going to be out of your system relatively quickly – as little as let’s say 3 days. But if you’re a heavy user, it’s going to take a bit longer – as much as 30 days. Note that CBD does not test positive for THC.

This may seem counter-intuitive as normally we hear about how e.g in alcohol heavy users metabolize faster. However to understand this you must understand how the urine tests detect THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis).

Unlike alcohol which is metabolized  THC and its metabolite, THC-COOH, can be stored in the body’s fat cells. When someone consumes cannabis, THC is absorbed into the bloodstream and then metabolized by the liver. The liver breaks down THC into THC-COOH, which is then stored in the fat cells.

Over time, the THC-COOH is gradually released from the fat cells and eliminated from the body through the urine. The length of time that it takes for the THC-COOH to be eliminated from the body can vary widely from person to person. Factors such as age, weight, and overall health can affect the rate at which THC is metabolized and eliminated from the body.

What Kinds of Cannabis Testing Kits are there?

Cannabis Urine Tests:

Urine tests are one of the most common types of drug tests used to detect THC. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to administer, which is why they are often used by employers and other organizations. THC can typically be detected in urine for up to 3-30 days after use, depending on the amount of THC that was consumed, the frequency of use, and the individual’s metabolism. It is worth noting that chronic, heavy users may test positive for THC in a urine test for longer periods of time.

Cannabis/THC Blood Tests:

Blood tests are another common type of drug test that can be used to detect THC. They are more accurate than urine tests, but they are also more expensive and invasive. THC can typically be detected in the blood for up to 1-2 days after use. However, it is possible for THC to be detected in the blood for longer periods of time in heavy, chronic users.

THC Hair Tests:

Hair tests are a less common type of drug test, but they can be used to detect THC. They are more expensive and time-consuming than urine or blood tests, but they have a longer detection window. THC can be detected in a hair test for up to 90 days after use. However, it is worth noting that hair tests are not as accurate as urine or blood tests, and they may produce false positives in some cases.

It’s important to note that the detection windows for THC can vary widely from person to person. Some people may be able to clear THC from their system more quickly than others. It’s also worth noting that other factors, such as your age, weight, and overall health, can affect the length of time that THC stays in your system. If you have any concerns about drug testing, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional or a substance abuse counselor for more information.