The compounds in Cannabis can take up to one month before they are eliminated from the urine. This is even longer than alcohol, cocaine and other drugs. So, if you’re hoping to have a clean urine test, you’ll be waiting for some time before it happens. Why does it take THC so long to clear out of your system?
What Are Cannabis Urine Tests Looking For?
First, it’s important to understand that urine tests for cannabis don’t measure the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol that’s in your system. The test only looks at the concentration of THC-COOH, a THC metabolite. The metabolites are proof that the body has broken THC down.
- If you regularly consume cannabis, it can take up to a month before your last consumption for the body to expel all the metabolites.
- If you use it intermittently, the metabolites are typically gone within two weeks of the last consumption.
A study from 1985 found that a habitual THC user had THC in their urine for up to 77 days. It also revealed that the average cannabis user could see a clean urine test after day 25.
A study sometime later noted that habitual cannabis users could have a clean urine test result after 27 days of the last consumption. Whatever the situation, it’s safe to say that 30 days after the last consumption tends to be the consensus that a clean urine test will be seen.
Of course, the average length the THC metabolites are detected will depend on how the compounds are tested. For example:
- Blood tests – One to seven days (14 days for habitual users)
- Fat – Multiple weeks
- Hair – 90 days
- Saliva – One to seven days
- Urine – Up to 30 days
Your Body Fat Is The Culprit
Surprisingly enough, you can blame your body fat for the long length of time. The fat stores the cannabis. After you ingest or inhale cannabis, the fatty tissue, such as your brain, soaks up the cannabis from the bloodstream and stores it. If you smoke a joint every now and then, the THC isn’t going to be detected after a week. But, if you regularly use cannabis, the fat has had a chance to soak up and store the cannabis.
How long detectable THC levels stay in the body depends on a multitude of factors:
- BMI (body mass index)
- Metabolism
- Amount of cannabis consumed
- How often you consume it
- How strong the cannabis is
- Kind of test being used
After the fat cells have soaked up the THC, the cannabinoid is released back into the body when the fat cells are used for fuel. Two separate human studies show that THC blood plasma levels were higher after workouts. What does this mean?
It means that after using THC, minute amounts of it release and re-release into the body creating the effects even after you’ve not ingested or inhaled it for some time. In one study, participants with higher BMIs had the highest amount of THC release after exercising. While this could be beneficial to some users, the THC the body releases is unlikely to show any prominent changes in cognitive abilities.
Of course, exercise is a natural way to experience a natural high!
Tips for Detoxifying Your System of THC
So, what can you do to speed up the process of getting THC out of your system? Unfortunately, there’s no magic wand to wave that will instantly get rid of it. However, there are a few things you can try to help flush it out of your system quicker.
Firstly, you can try increasing your water intake. Drinking lots of water helps to flush the THC out of your system faster. It’s also important to remember that exercising can have a positive impact on how quickly your body processes the THC. The more you sweat, the more THC your body will release.
Another way to speed up the process is to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Eating foods that are rich in fibre and low in fat can help your body to get rid of THC more quickly. Additionally, reducing your intake of junk food and sugary drinks can help improve your overall health and wellbeing, which can also aid in the detoxification process.
Lastly, while it may be tempting to try to cheat the system by using detox drinks or other quick fixes, it’s important to remember that these methods are often unreliable and can even be dangerous. The best way to get THC out of your system is to give your body time to naturally process it. And ultimately, the best way to avoid testing positive for THC is to avoid using cannabis altogether.
In conclusion, getting THC out of your system can take time and persistence, but there are a few things you can do to speed up the process. Increase your water intake, exercise, eat a healthy diet, and give your body time to naturally detoxify. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to a THC-free system in no time.
Cannabis Drug Testing Kits from Zoom Testing
IF you are looking to detox your system of THC, you may want to take a urine drug test for cannabis on a regular basis to check if you are free of any traces of the drug.
The Zoom Testing THC urine drug testing cassette test kit is designed to detect the presence of Cannabis for up to 5-30 days after last use with a 50ng sensitivity level. These quick and easy to use urine drug test cassettes enable you to detect Cannabis use in no time as result can be read in just 3-5 minutes.
These THC drug tests are fully CE & international quality certified, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and reliability. Each THC drug test kit is individually foil wrapped, ensuring that they are safe and hygienic to use. Zoom Testing drug tests boast an accuracy rate of 99.8%, guaranteeing that you get reliable results every time you use them.
Cannabis Drug Testing Kits from Zoom Testing make drug testing simpler, faster, and more accurate. Order now and take the first step towards a clean and drug-free system.
Photo Credit: “Joint Stuff” (CC BY 2.0) by halseike
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
This post was originally published in 2014. It was last updated in June 2023.
