Cannabis edibles are popular products and a hot topic for consumers. But they don't come without their fair share of questions, particularly regarding how long weed edibles stay in your system. This article will give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about edibles and how long they stay in your system.
Key Takeaways:
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Edibles are food products that contain cannabis - typically either THC or CBD.
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Medical marijuana edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, depending on an assortment of factors.
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The effects of an edible high can last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours.
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An edible's amount, potency, and metabolism can affect how long the marijuana stays in your system.
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Medical marijuana edibles are detectable in your saliva for up to three days, blood for two days, urine for 30 days, and hair for 90 days, depending on the frequency and amount of use.
What Are Edibles?
Edibles are food products that contain marijuana - typically either THC or CBD. Marijuana edibles come in many forms, including gummies, brownies, cookies, candies, chocolates, and even beverages. Edibles offer a unique experience than smoking or vaporizing weed because the body metabolizes them differently.
Consumers enjoy edibles for many reasons. They offer a discrete and convenient way to consume cannabis, they can be delicious, and they provide a longer-lasting high than other methods of consumption.
How Do You Make Edibles?
Making weed edibles begins with extracting cannabinoids like THC and CBD from the marijuana plant. There are several ways to remove cannabinoids from the plant, but the most common method is to use a solvent like alcohol or CO2. Both methods are considered generally safe to use by the FDA.
They're also commonly used to extract compounds from other botanicals, such as essential oils. They then add the extract to an edible carrier, like oil or butter, used to make the final product. Brands and consumers use the oil or butter as a substitute for recipes that call for those ingredients. For example, they make a weed brownie using cannabutter instead of regular butter.
How Do Edibles Work?
When you eat an edible, you absorb the weed into the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine. From there, it travels to the brain, where it causes the psychoactive effects that users experience. The high from edibles lasts for several hours, depending on a few factors, which we'll touch on later.
The critical cannabinoid for edible consumption is THC. Your body metabolizes THC differently when eaten than smoked, which is why the high from edibles can last much longer. It's not delta 9, it's 11-hydroxy-THC that produces the high when you eat weed, and it's one of the more potent marijuana metabolites.
How Long Edibles Take to Work
It takes up to two hours for medical marijuana edibles to take effect. This is because it takes time for the marijuana to be absorbed into the bloodstream after going through the digestive system. Once it starts working, the high lasts for several hours. The intensity can vary throughout the duration. It's best to start with a low dose and work your way up to avoid any adverse effects.
When Does an Edibles High Peak?
The high from edibles typically peaks a few hours, about three or four, after ingestion. This is much longer than the peak when you smoke marijuana, typically about 30-60 minutes. Some people may experience a slightly longer or shorter high, depending on their physiology.
What's the Total Duration of an Edibles High?
The total duration of the high from edibles depends on a few factors, including how much you took, your tolerance, and your metabolism. However, edibles typically last for 4-12 hours. This is much longer than other methods of consumption, such as vaping or smoking marijuana. If you're taking edibles during the day, leaving the driving to someone else is best.
How Long Do Edibles Stay in Your Saliva?
Drug testing for edibles in your saliva is complex. Some studies suggest THC can be detectable in your saliva for up to three days, while others propose it's much longer—up to 29 days. The time depends on how frequently you consume weed. Occasional users will probably test positive for a shorter period than heavy users.
There are no specific saliva tests for edibles currently available, but that could change in the future. In the meantime, If you know you will be tested, it's best to abstain from consuming weed for as long as possible. For infrequent users, this may mean several days to a week. For chronic users, it could mean several weeks to a few months.
How Long Do Edibles Stay in Your Blood?
A blood test for THC edibles is much less standard than urine tests. THC isn't detectable in the blood for very long after consumption. In most cases, it's only detectable for one to two days, depending on how frequently you use it.
For infrequent users, THC may only be detectable in blood tests for a few hours after consumption. For chronic users, it may be detectable for up to two days. The best way to ensure THC isn't detectable in your blood is to keep away from all marijuana products, including edibles, for 48 hours before being drug tested.
How Long Are Edibles Detectable in Your Urine?
Urine drug tests are the most common way to test for THC. They're also the most sensitive, meaning they can detect THC levels lower than other methods. THC is typically detectable in urine for three to 30 days after consumption, depending on how frequently you use it.
For example, taking an edible daily may be detectable in your urine for up to 30 days. However, if you only take it once a week, it may only be detectable for three to seven days.
How Long Are Marijuana Edibles Detectable in Your Hair?
THC is detectable in your hair for up to 90 days after consumption. This method is much less common than urine tests, but it can be used to detect THC levels lower than other tests for marijuana use. For example, if you've only consumed cannabis once, it may only be detectable in hair tests for a few days. However, it may be detectable for up to three months if you're a chronic user.
If you know you have an upcoming drug test for marijuana use, the best way to ensure THC isn't detectable in your hair is to abstain from all cannabis, including edibles, for at least 90 days. For this testing method, some consumers consider cutting their hair short. However, this isn't always effective, as THC can be detected in hair follicles close to the scalp. So, you'd need to shave your head to be sure completely. This is extreme and may look suspicious to whoever is testing you.
What is an Occasional Weed Edible User?
All answers vary by how often you consume weed. An occasional cannabis edible user is someone who consumes edibles only once per week. So, it's understandable that people who only enjoy an edible every once in a while often ask, "How long does marijuana stay in their system?"
If you fall into this category, THC will likely be detectable in your urine for up to 90 days after consumption, depending on the screening type. Although a urine test is the most common, blood tests and hair follicle screens can also detect THC and possible. Plan accordingly if you know ahead of time that you will be screened.
What is a Frequent Marijuana Edible User?
A frequent weed edible user consumes edibles twice or more per week. In this case, THC may be detectable in urine for up to 30 days after consumption. However, if a more sensitive blood or hair follicle test is used, THC may be detectable for up to 90 days after consumption.
Chronic Cannabis Edible User
A chronic marijuana edible user is someone who consumes edibles daily. If you're a chronic user and stop consuming edibles and all cannabis products, it may take several weeks for THC to be eliminated from your system. If you have a hair follicle test coming up, it's best to abstain from cannabis for at least 90 days beforehand.
What Factors Affect How Long Edibles Stay in Your System?
Several factors affect how long edibles stay in your system. The most crucial factor is how often you consume cannabis.
Frequency of Use:
THC builds up in your fat cells and is released into your bloodstream over time. The more you consume cannabis, the longer it will stay in your system. To determine your user type, refer to the definitions above.
Body Fat Percentage:
THC is stored in your fat and released into your bloodstream as they are metabolized. So, people with body mass index may have THC in their system for longer than those with lower body fat percentages.
Metabolism:
THC is metabolized by your liver and excreted in your urine. So, people with faster metabolisms may clear THC from their system more quickly than those with slower metabolisms.
Age:
Older adults tend to have slower metabolisms and may store THC in their fat cells longer than younger adults. But factors such as exercise and diet can increase metabolism regardless of a person's age.
Gender:
Women tend to have more body fat and slower metabolisms than men, which may cause them to store THC in their bodies for longer. However, a man with more body fat may still keep THC longer than a woman with less body fat.
How Much You Consumed:
The more THC you consume, the longer the edibles stay in your system. For example, a dose of 10 mg THC may remain in your system for a shorter time than high doses of 50 mg THC or more. This is because you'll have more THC in your fat cells and bloodstream.
The type of edible you consume:
Different types of edibles are metabolized differently and can affect how long they stay in your system. For example, an edible high in fat (such as a brownie) may remain in your system for longer than an edible low in fat (such as an all-natural, sugar-free gummy bear).
The Potency of the Edible:
Brands are making edibles stronger by using concentrates like shatter or wax. These products have a higher THC content (up to 99%), so they can make edibles more potent. When you use a standard full-spectrum extract, the THC percentage is reduced by the other compounds in the extract.
What Edibles Dose Lasts the Longest For a Drug Test?
The type of edible you consume and how much THC it contains will affect how long it stays in your system. In general, high THC and fat edibles will remain in your system for the longest. For example, a brownie with 50 mg THC may stay in your system for up to four days if you're an irregular consumer.
The bottom line is the more THC you consume, the longer it will stay in your system. It doesn't matter if it's a small dose daily or several edibles over a month. THC will build up in your system and be detectable for days or weeks after you stop consuming.
How Can You Get Edibles Out of Your System Before Drug Tests
Another common question is how you can get edibles out of your system. The answer depends on how long you need to be clean. If it's for a drug test, the best way to ensure THC is out of your system is to abstain from cannabis for at least 90 days. This will give your body time to metabolize and eliminate all the THC from your system.
If you don't have 90 days, there are still things you can do to help speed up the process.
Drink Plenty of Water:
Water helps flush THC out of your system. So, drink eight to ten glasses of water daily to help your body metabolize and eliminate THC. Don't consume too much. Diluting your urine sample can result in a repeat test because they'll want to confirm the results.
Exercise:
Exercise helps increase your metabolism, which can help your body clear THC from your system more quickly. So, try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise three to five times a week. However, stop exercising the week before your drug test, as this can release THC into your bloodstream and make it detectable.
Eat Healthy Foods:
Eating healthy foods helps improve your metabolism and overall health. So, focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. And avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive alcohol intake.
Get Plenty of Sleep:
Sleep is essential for overall health and can help boost your metabolism. So, aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
Manage Stress:
Stress can impact your metabolism, so it's crucial to find ways to manage it. Exercise, meditation, and deep breathing are all great ways to reduce stress.
Yes, some products claim to help you detox from THC, but there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. And most of these products are expensive and don't work. So, the best way to get rid of THC in your system is to abstain from cannabis for at least 90 days.
While there's no guaranteed way to get rid of edibles in your system, these tips may help speed up the process. Remember, it's essential to be patient and give your body time to metabolize and eliminate all the THC from your system. Be sure to check out our products!