Cannabis edibles are foods or drinks infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis. Edibles come in many forms – baked goods, sweets, chocolates, lozenges, and beverages. They may look harmless, but they contain an illegal, mind-altering substance. If you choose to consume edibles recreationally, you need to understand how drug testing works and the potential consequences.
Unlike smoking or vaping cannabis, eating edibles leads to slower absorption and longer-lasting effects. It can take 1-2 hours before you feel high from an edible. The euphoric effects also persist for up to 12 hours due to slower metabolism. This extended timeframe makes it more likely for cannabis to be detected in drug tests after consuming edibles.
Drug testing analyses biological samples like urine, blood, saliva or hair to detect illicit drug use. Testing methods are not error-proof but provide reliable results in most cases. The detection window for cannabis ranges from a few days to a few months depending on factors like dosage, frequency of use, metabolism and testing method.
For edibles, detection windows are generally longer than smoking or vaping:
- Urine testing can detect edible cannabis use for up to 30 days compared to 3-7 days for smoking.
- Blood tests can detect edibles for 3-4 days versus 3 hours to 2 days for inhaled cannabis.
- Saliva and hair testing have similar detection windows regardless of consumption method.
Frequent edible use results in accumulation of THC in fat tissues and slower excretion from the body. Even a single use can show up, especially in urine or blood tests. Attempting to beat or cheat drug tests is also considered an offence by most employers and authorities.
In summary, while edibles offer a discreet, tasty way to get high, they can have adverse legal and career consequences if detected in drug tests. The safest option is to avoid consumption of all forms of cannabis if you are subject to mandatory drug testing. Moderate, responsible usage is key for recreational users not wanting to fail a drug test. However, abstinence is the only sure way to pass. Consider both the short-term enjoyment and long-term implications before consuming cannabis edibles.
Photo by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Testing
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
