As cannabis products become increasingly more popular, many people are curious to try marijuana edibles – edible gummies, chocolates, and beverages—as an alternative to smoking marijuana. If you’re new to edibles, you might be wondering how long they stay in your system and what this means for drug testing. This article will explain everything you need to know about how long edibles stay in your system.
What are cannabis edibles?
An edible is a food product, like a gummy or chocolate that is infused with cannabinoids like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) or CBD (cannabidiol). Unlike smoking cannabis, where cannabinoids are absorbed through the lungs, edibles are processed through the digestive system. THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, undergoes a complex metabolic process when ingested.
How long do edibles stay in your system?
How long edibles can stay in your system depends on several factors, including the dosage, your metabolism, and your overall health. Generally, the average duration of edibles can last from 4 to 8 hours, but traces of THC can be detected in your system for a longer period.
Digestive System Processing
When you consume an edible, it first passes through your digestive tract before it is metabolized in the liver. This process can take several hours, affecting how quickly THC is absorbed and how long it stays in your system. The liver metabolizes THC into 11-Hydroxy-THC, a potent metabolite that is more psychoactive and has a longer duration of effect than the original THC. This metabolic conversion can prolong the presence of cannabinoids in your system. The entire digestive and metabolic process can take from several hours to a day. The delayed absorption compared to smoking means that the onset of effects is slower but often more prolonged, affecting how long THC remains in your system.
Body Weight
The active ingredient THC is fat-soluble, meaning it can be stored in fat cells. Individuals with higher body fat percentage may store THC for longer periods compared to those with lower body fat. This can lead to extended detection times as the body gradually releases THC back into the bloodstream over time.
Dosage and Potency
Higher doses of THC or more potent edibles will take longer to be metabolized and excreted. The amount of THC in the edible directly influences how long it remains in your system. Lower THC levels are less likely to stay detectable in your system for extended periods compared to higher doses.
Metabolism plays a crucial role in how quickly your body processes and eliminates substances, including THC from edibles. Individual metabolic rates vary. Factors such as age, liver function, and overall health can affect how quickly cannabinoids are processed and cleared from your body. Our diet and hydration levels can impact metabolism and excretion. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can help your body process cannabinoids more efficiently.
Frequency of Use
Frequent users may accumulate cannabinoids in their system, leading to longer detection times compared to occasional users. Regular users (e.g., several times a week) accumulate THC in their system more than occasional users. Regular consumption can also lead to THC being stored in fat cells and gradually released over time.
Will edibles show up on a drug test?
Yes, edibles can show up on a drug test. The active ingredient in edibles, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), is the same compound tested for in most drug screenings. Most drug tests are designed to identify THC metabolites, the by-products of THC processing in the body. If an edible contains a significant amount of THC, it can be detected in your system for several days to a few weeks, depending on your usage patterns.
Detection Times in Drug Tests
Urine tests
THC and THC metabolites can be detected in a urine sample for up to 30 days in chronic users and for up to a week or more in occasional users. Urine test detection times vary based on dosage, frequency of use, and individual metabolism.
Blood tests
THC is typically detectable in blood for up to 1-2 days, though this can vary based on recent use and individual factors. A blood test is usually used for a situation where recent use is suspected, such as in medical emergencies, as they reflect recent usage more accurately than other tests.
Saliva Tests
THC from edibles can be detected in saliva for up to 24-72 hours. Saliva tests are less commonly used but can be used in certain situations.
Hair Tests
THC can be detected by doing hair follicle tests. THC can be detected for up to 90 days. Hair tests provide a long-term view of drug use and are less affected by recent consumption. Hair tests analyse the presence of THC incorporated into the hair follicles over time. Hair test is commonly used but can provide a long-term history of drug use.
Managing edible consumption
Dosage recommendations
To minimize prolonged detection, start with a low dose of edibles and gradually increase as needed. Be aware of the potency and THC content of the product you are consuming.
Timing and planning
If you are subject to drug testing, plan your edible consumption accordingly. Avoid consuming edibles close to testing dates to reduce the likelihood of detection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a safer choice to marijuana edibles?
If you’re concerned about drug testing but wish to consume cannabis, opting for CBD edibles might be a safer choice. CBD itself does not cause psychoactive effects and is less likely to result in a positive drug test.
What are the side effects of using edibles?
Edibles can cause side effects such as delayed onset of effects (taking 30 minutes to 2 hours), dry mouth, increased appetite, drowsiness, impaired coordination, nausea, and anxiety or paranoia, especially at higher doses.
Are edibles legal?
In the U.S., the legality of marijuana edibles varies by state. In states where cannabis is legal for recreational use (like California) cannabis edibles are legal and regulated. These states have specific rules for production, packaging, and dosage to ensure safety and compliance. However, in some states like Texas cannabis is still illegal for both recreational and medical use, so before buying and consuming edibles check your local laws to ensure you comply with your local laws.
References:
Chayasirisobhon, S., 2020. Mechanisms of Action and Pharmacokinetics of Cannabis. The Permanente Journal, 25, pp.1-3.
How long does Marijuana stay in your system? (n.d.). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/how-long-does-marijuana-stay-in-system-333747/
Kreuz, D.S. and Axelrod, J., 1973. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol: localization in body fat. Science, 179(4071), pp.391-393.
Free shipping on all orders over $60 
