How Long Does Cannabis Stay in Your System?
It’s one of the most searched questions about cannabis, here’s the real answer.
Whether for medical use, personal wellness, or navigating professional life, many people want to know: “How long does cannabis stay in my body?”
The answer is not as simple as a single number. It depends on how much you use, how often you use it, your body, and the type of test being performed.
How the body processes THC
When you consume cannabis, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) enters your bloodstream quickly, especially through inhalation.
THC is rapidly converted by the liver into metabolites, mainly THC-COOH.
These metabolites are stored in fat cells, meaning they can linger even after the high wears off.
This is why heavy or daily users often test positive longer than occasional users.
Detection times by test type
Here’s what current research shows:
1. Urine tests
- Most common testing method.
- For single use, THC metabolites may be detectable for 3–5 days.
- For moderate use (4x/week): up to 7–21 days.
- For daily use: sometimes 30 days or longer.
2. Blood tests
- THC itself is typically only detectable for a few hours to 2 days in occasional users.
- Metabolites can stay longer but are less often tested in blood.
3. Saliva tests
Detects THC itself, not metabolites.
Usually positive for 1–3 days after use.
4. Hair tests
- Least common, but can detect THC use for up to 90 days.
- However, hair testing for cannabis has low reliability and can produce false positives.
Factors that influence how long THC stays in your body
- Frequency of use: Regular users store more THC in fat tissue.
- Body fat percentage: THC metabolites accumulate in fat, so individuals with higher body fat may retain them longer.
- Metabolism speed: Faster metabolism = shorter detection window.
- Hydration and physical activity: Minimal impact despite popular myths.
What about CBD?
Unlike THC, CBD is not commonly tested in drug screens because it’s not intoxicating. However, full-spectrum products may contain small amounts of THC, potentially triggering a positive result.
Why this matters
- Patients need to know how cannabis may interact with medical tests.
- Workers in regulated industries must navigate drug testing policies safely.
- Policy discussions rely on science, not myths, to guide regulation.
The bottom line? There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Testing windows vary widely—and understanding them is crucial for responsible and informed cannabis use.
