How Long Does Weed Stay in Your System?

Home Drug Test For Marijuana
Linda Parton/Shutterstock

Much is known about THC and how long it stays in the system. It is commonly agreed upon that it can remain in a person’s body for three to ninety days, depending on factors like metabolism, frequency of use, and the method of testing. However, fewer people know how long CBD stays in the body and whether drug tests can detect it.

  1. How Long Does THC Stay in Your System
  2. How Long Does Wax Pen Stay in Your Urine?
  3. Where Does Wax Pen’s THC Come From?
  4. How Does Your Body Process THC?
  5. Is CBD Harmful to the Brain?
  6. Does CBD Lose Its Effectiveness Over Time?
  7. How Long Can You Test Positive for CBD?
  8. How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?
  9. How Long Does Weed Stay in the System of an Athlete?
  10. Does CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?
  11. Detoxing from Weed
  12. Final Thoughts

  1. How Long Does THC Stay in Your System
  2. How Long Does Wax Pen Stay in Your Urine?
  3. Where Does Wax Pen’s THC Come From?
  4. How Does Your Body Process THC?
  5. Is CBD Harmful to the Brain?
  6. Does CBD Lose Its Effectiveness Over Time?
  7. How Long Can You Test Positive for CBD?
  8. How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?
  9. How Long Does Weed Stay in the System of an Athlete?
  10. Does CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?
  11. Detoxing from Weed
  12. Final Thoughts

How Long Does THC Stay in Your System?

Regular drug tests are a fact of life for many people, whether for their employer or legal and financial reasons.

The presence of something like THC, which is still illegal at the federal level, can prevent someone from gaining employment or getting fired from their job. That’s why it is essential to know the basic facts of how long something like tetrahydrocannabinol stays in your system to prevent positive tests.

Depending on usage, frequency of usage, and time before a drug test, THC can remain in someone’s system after their last use for up to a month. But heavy users may have detectable levels of THC for longer in their system.

Regular drug tests are a fact of life for many people, whether for their employer or legal and financial reasons.

The presence of something like THC, which is still illegal at the federal level, can prevent someone from gaining employment or getting fired from their job. That’s why it is essential to know the basic facts of how long something like tetrahydrocannabinol stays in your system to prevent positive tests.

Depending on usage, frequency of usage, and time before a drug test, THC can remain in someone’s system after their last use for up to a month. But heavy users may have detectable levels of THC for longer in their system.

How Long Does Weed Stay in Your Urine?

The THC from vaping a vape wax pen is an ultra — concentrated version of the compound that differs from smoking or vaping dry leaf cannabis.

  • THC levels for dry herbs range between 5 — 20%.
  • THC concentrate levels are much higher, with some reaching as high as 80 — 90% THC.

This form of THC, if used frequently, can also last longer in a user’s system than regular dry herb cannabis.

THC can remain detectable at such high levels in a person’s system for much longer than 30 days, especially if they are a frequent user. The chances of THC remaining in a person’s system also depend on the type of test — urine, blood, or hair — being taken.
Cannabis compounds can remain longest in the hair up to 90 days.

For moderate or occasional or first—time users, THC levels can decrease only after a few days, again, depending on the detection method and the time between last use and the day of the test.

  • Saliva test for moderate users: 1 to 3 days/for frequent users: 30 — 90 days
  • Hair test for moderate and heavy users: 1 — 3 months
  • Blood test for moderate users: 1 — 3 days/for frequent users: 10 — 25 days
  • Urine test for moderate users: 3 — 7 days/for frequent users: 15 — 30 days

The THC from vaping a vape wax pen is an ultra — concentrated version of the compound that differs from smoking or vaping dry leaf cannabis.

  • THC levels for dry herbs range between 5 — 20%.
  • THC concentrate levels are much higher, with some reaching as high as 80 — 90% THC.

This form of THC, if used frequently, can also last longer in a user’s system than regular dry herb cannabis.

THC can remain detectable at such high levels in a person’s system for much longer than 30 days, especially if they are a frequent user. The chances of THC remaining in a person’s system also depend on the type of test — urine, blood, or hair — being taken.
Cannabis compounds can remain longest in the hair up to 90 days.

For moderate or occasional or first—time users, THC levels can decrease only after a few days, again, depending on the detection method and the time between last use and the day of the test.

  • Saliva test for moderate users: 1 to 3 days/for frequent users: 30 — 90 days
  • Hair test for moderate and heavy users: 1 — 3 months
  • Blood test for moderate users: 1 — 3 days/for frequent users: 10 — 25 days
  • Urine test for moderate users: 3 — 7 days/for frequent users: 15 — 30 days

Where Does Wax Pen’s THC Come From?

A cannabis concentrate is pure THC that has been extracted from raw plant material. The extraction method can vary depending on the manufacturer, but the most typical extract methods include:

  • Supercritical C02 — extraction
  • Ethanol or solvent extraction
  • Cold — pressed distillation

These are the most common forms of extraction, but many companies use a combination of all three and other purification or distillation methods.

Whatever the method, however, many producers strive to achieve the highest purity possible, which means that inhaling cannabis concentrate can lead to very high detectable levels.

A cannabis concentrate is pure THC that has been extracted from raw plant material. The extraction method can vary depending on the manufacturer, but the most typical extract methods include:

  • Supercritical C02 — extraction
  • Ethanol or solvent extraction
  • Cold — pressed distillation

These are the most common forms of extraction, but many companies use a combination of all three and other purification or distillation methods.

Whatever the method, however, many producers strive to achieve the highest purity possible, which means that inhaling cannabis concentrate can lead to very high detectable levels.

How Long Does The Wax Pen’s THC Test Go Back?

The duration of time between last marijuana usage and the date of the test determines how prevalent the compound will be detectable. The amount and frequency of use also determine how much THC will be found in bodily fluids and hair follicles, as casual users may not need as much time to elapse as frequent and heavy users.

If someone is a heavy user of highly potent cannabis concentrate, they can expect THC to be detectable for at least three months after last use. This is the average, but there have been cases where THC was detected even longer than three months.

Aside from heavy usage of marijuana concentrates, the chemical composition of THC also makes it last for longer in a person’s body.

The duration of time between last marijuana usage and the date of the test determines how prevalent the compound will be detectable. The amount and frequency of use also determine how much THC will be found in bodily fluids and hair follicles, as casual users may not need as much time to elapse as frequent and heavy users.

If someone is a heavy user of highly potent cannabis concentrate, they can expect THC to be detectable for at least three months after last use. This is the average, but there have been cases where THC was detected even longer than three months.

Aside from heavy usage of marijuana concentrates, the chemical composition of THC also makes it last for longer in a person’s body.

How Does Your Body Process THC?

THC is fat-soluble, so it bonds quickly to fat cells in the body.

This means that it can take longer to metabolize and be passed through a person’s system through either urine, sweat, or other bodily fluids.

Tetrahydrocannabinol is metabolized by the liver, producing chemical compounds in the bloodstream that can be reabsorbed and trigger a positive test, even after a reasonable amount of time has passed since its last use.

Traces of cannabis compounds can also travel through the blood vessels in the scalp, which is why hair testing is a standard method to detect THC.

*Hair testing is often the preferred test to measure a person’s long—term use of cannabis as it remains in the hair for a more extended period and takes longer to exit a person’s system.

THC is fat-soluble, so it bonds quickly to fat cells in the body.

This means that it can take longer to metabolize and be passed through a person’s system through either urine, sweat, or other bodily fluids.

Tetrahydrocannabinol is metabolized by the liver, producing chemical compounds in the bloodstream that can be reabsorbed and trigger a positive test, even after a reasonable amount of time has passed since its last use.

Traces of cannabis compounds can also travel through the blood vessels in the scalp, which is why hair testing is a standard method to detect THC.

*Hair testing is often the preferred test to measure a person’s long—term use of cannabis as it remains in the hair for a more extended period and takes longer to exit a person’s system.

How Does CBD Affect the Brain?

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a chemical compound from cannabis that has various medicinal effects. For example, researchers have found it to be effective in helping to relieve the symptoms and effects of anxiety, epilepsy, chronic pain, and several other conditions because of how it influences the body’s endocannabinoid receptors.

weed in system
NightTampa7597/Shutterstock

People may assume that CBD has a negative effect on the brain because they associate it with the addictive properties of THC. That is not the case, however. The World Health Organization issued a report in which they concluded that CBD does not have any addictive potential.

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a chemical compound from cannabis that has various medicinal effects. For example, researchers have found it to be effective in helping to relieve the symptoms and effects of anxiety, epilepsy, chronic pain, and several other conditions because of how it influences the body’s endocannabinoid receptors.

weed in system
NightTampa7597/Shutterstock

People may assume that CBD has a negative effect on the brain because they associate it with the addictive properties of THC. That is not the case, however. The World Health Organization issued a report in which they concluded that CBD does not have any addictive potential.

Does CBD Stop Working After a While?

The effects of CBD will wear off after the compound leaves the system. Once this happens, the symptoms of whatever ailment the CBD was being used to treat can reappear. If a doctor prescribes cannabidiol to treat a chronic or acute condition, it is important to take the supplement as he or she instructs.

The effects of CBD will wear off after the compound leaves the system. Once this happens, the symptoms of whatever ailment the CBD was being used to treat can reappear. If a doctor prescribes cannabidiol to treat a chronic or acute condition, it is important to take the supplement as he or she instructs.

How Long Does CBD Stay In Lab Tests?

CBD typically stays in the body for two to five days; however most drug tests screen for THC, not CBD. Also, CBD products contain less than 0.3 percent of THC; it is very unlikely that a urine test will flag someone who uses CBD because so little THC is present in the product.

Most drug tests are urine tests. A study was conducted in 2016 to determine how long CBD is detectable in urine. One of the test subjects underwent urinalysis after 24 hours and the compound was not detected.

CBD typically stays in the body for two to five days; however most drug tests screen for THC, not CBD. Also, CBD products contain less than 0.3 percent of THC; it is very unlikely that a urine test will flag someone who uses CBD because so little THC is present in the product.

Most drug tests are urine tests. A study was conducted in 2016 to determine how long CBD is detectable in urine. One of the test subjects underwent urinalysis after 24 hours and the compound was not detected.

How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?

Various factors affect how long CBD stays in your systems, such as frequency of use and body composition.

How Much and How Often You Use It

People who frequently consume high doses of CBD can expect it to stay in the body for an extended period. Those who use it infrequently or take it in small amounts can expect it to leave the body more quickly.

How Long Does Weed Stay In Your Body

Metabolism and body mass are also important factors to consider. A fit person with a high metabolism can expect the compound to exit the body sooner than someone overweight with a slow rate of metabolism.

Various factors affect how long CBD stays in your systems, such as frequency of use and body composition.

How Much and How Often You Use It

People who frequently consume high doses of CBD can expect it to stay in the body for an extended period. Those who use it infrequently or take it in small amounts can expect it to leave the body more quickly.

How Long Does Weed Stay In Your Body

Metabolism and body mass are also important factors to consider. A fit person with a high metabolism can expect the compound to exit the body sooner than someone overweight with a slow rate of metabolism.

Will CBD Ruin Your Drug Test?

Most drug tests are designed to detect controlled and illegal drugs like THC. There are few, if any, drug tests designed to detect CBD. Even so, people who are on parole or probation; active duty, reserve, National Guard personnel; and those whose employment depends on passing a drug test should inform their parole or probation officer, a chain of command, or employer of their wish to use CBD.

It is inadvisable to take CBD if a request is refused for the following reasons:

  • Violating probation or parole could result in extended parole/probation or returning to prison.
  • Consuming CBD while in the military when told not to is a violation of Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (failure to obey an order) and can result in non-judicial punishment and loss of pay and benefits, demotion, restriction to base/quarters, and even involuntary separation.
  • An employer can fire an employee who fails a drug test. In a Right-to-Work state, the employee has little recourse.

Most drug tests are designed to detect controlled and illegal drugs like THC. There are few, if any, drug tests designed to detect CBD. Even so, people who are on parole or probation; active duty, reserve, National Guard personnel; and those whose employment depends on passing a drug test should inform their parole or probation officer, a chain of command, or employer of their wish to use CBD.

It is inadvisable to take CBD if a request is refused for the following reasons:

  • Violating probation or parole could result in extended parole/probation or returning to prison.
  • Consuming CBD while in the military when told not to is a violation of Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (failure to obey an order) and can result in non-judicial punishment and loss of pay and benefits, demotion, restriction to base/quarters, and even involuntary separation.
  • An employer can fire an employee who fails a drug test. In a Right-to-Work state, the employee has little recourse.

How Long Does Weed Stay in the System of an Athlete?

The length of time THC remains in the system depends on a variety of factors:

  • Frequency of Physical Activity: Active people who exercise daily usually have less body fat than those who do not. THC gets stored in fat molecules and leaves the body when fat is burned. So those who exercise will retain THC for a shorter time than those who do not.
  • Metabolism: People with faster metabolism break down THC faster than those who do not
  • Dosage and Usage: Those who frequently use cannabis at high dosages retain THC longer than those who do not use it often.

What Gets Tested

The most common testing method is urinalysis, which detects THC-COOH, a byproduct of THC.

THC-COOH can be detectable in heavy users for up to 30 days, a week for moderate users, and three to seven days for occasional users.

There are also hair, blood, and saliva tests but they are not commonly used. THC can be present in the blood and saliva for one to three days and 90 days in hair follicles.

How Can Athletes Beat a Weed Drug Test?

The best way to beat a drug test is not to do drugs. Simple, right? Simple, indeed.

But some people cannot help themselves, so here are some tips for that demographic.

  • Urinate before the urinalysis so that the tested urine is less concentrated and contains fewer THC byproducts.
  • Stay hydrated so that the THC passes through the system faster.
  • Buy a detox kit. Detox kits provide instructions and products that help people get THC out of their bodies sooner than usual. If a urinalysis test is looming and you have smoked marijuana, consider buying a detox kit.

The length of time THC remains in the system depends on a variety of factors:

  • Frequency of Physical Activity: Active people who exercise daily usually have less body fat than those who do not. THC gets stored in fat molecules and leaves the body when fat is burned. So those who exercise will retain THC for a shorter time than those who do not.
  • Metabolism: People with faster metabolism break down THC faster than those who do not
  • Dosage and Usage: Those who frequently use cannabis at high dosages retain THC longer than those who do not use it often.

What Gets Tested

The most common testing method is urinalysis, which detects THC-COOH, a byproduct of THC.

THC-COOH can be detectable in heavy users for up to 30 days, a week for moderate users, and three to seven days for occasional users.

There are also hair, blood, and saliva tests but they are not commonly used. THC can be present in the blood and saliva for one to three days and 90 days in hair follicles.

How Can Athletes Beat a Weed Drug Test?

The best way to beat a drug test is not to do drugs. Simple, right? Simple, indeed.

But some people cannot help themselves, so here are some tips for that demographic.

  • Urinate before the urinalysis so that the tested urine is less concentrated and contains fewer THC byproducts.
  • Stay hydrated so that the THC passes through the system faster.
  • Buy a detox kit. Detox kits provide instructions and products that help people get THC out of their bodies sooner than usual. If a urinalysis test is looming and you have smoked marijuana, consider buying a detox kit.

Detoxing from Weed

Detoxing from THC can take up to a few weeks to a few months, depending on the last usage and if someone is a light, moderate or heavy user. The more a person consumes cannabis concentrates, the more time it will take for the compound to leave their system. But there are ways to speed up the process:

  • Frequent hydration — drinking lots of water can help flush out THC from a person’s body, much like it does for any other unwanted compound
  • Strenuous exercise — doing strenuous physical exercise where someone sweats a lot can also help eliminate traces of THC from a person’s body, as well as eliminating the fat cells that store THC in the body
  • Counseling and support — one part of successful marijuana detoxing is abstaining from using, which can require people to get professional help and support to help them stop using

Several detoxification kits promise to rid your body of all detectable levels of the compound, but they are scientifically suspect and can be dangerous. There are currently no recognized, medically supported ways to decrease levels of THC in your bloodstream. The only safe way is to stop using and hydration, exercise, and other than the natural methods.

Detoxing from THC can take up to a few weeks to a few months, depending on the last usage and if someone is a light, moderate or heavy user. The more a person consumes cannabis concentrates, the more time it will take for the compound to leave their system. But there are ways to speed up the process:

  • Frequent hydration — drinking lots of water can help flush out THC from a person’s body, much like it does for any other unwanted compound
  • Strenuous exercise — doing strenuous physical exercise where someone sweats a lot can also help eliminate traces of THC from a person’s body, as well as eliminating the fat cells that store THC in the body
  • Counseling and support — one part of successful marijuana detoxing is abstaining from using, which can require people to get professional help and support to help them stop using

Several detoxification kits promise to rid your body of all detectable levels of the compound, but they are scientifically suspect and can be dangerous. There are currently no recognized, medically supported ways to decrease levels of THC in your bloodstream. The only safe way is to stop using and hydration, exercise, and other than the natural methods.

Fail Safe Kit

For High Exposure to Toxins

Fail Safe Kit

This detoxification kit is for people who need to remove toxins from their bodies on very short notice. It contains a proprietary blend of ingredients specially chosen because they work efficiently to cleanse the body of anything that might cause someone to fail a drug test. Additionally, it works perfectly for people who have high body fat compositions. This easy-to-use product will cleanse the body on the same day, taking effect an hour and a half after use, lasting up to six hours.

Pros

  • Fast-acting
  • Last six hours
  • Works for people with high body fat content

Cons

  • Not a permanent detoxifier

For High Exposure to Toxins

Fail Safe Kit

This detoxification kit is for people who need to remove toxins from their bodies on very short notice. It contains a proprietary blend of ingredients specially chosen because they work efficiently to cleanse the body of anything that might cause someone to fail a drug test. Additionally, it works perfectly for people who have high body fat compositions. This easy-to-use product will cleanse the body on the same day, taking effect an hour and a half after use, lasting up to six hours.

Pros

  • Fast-acting
  • Last six hours
  • Works for people with high body fat content

Cons

  • Not a permanent detoxifier

Folli-Clean Shampoo

The Leading Cleansing Shampoo

Folli-Clean Shampoo

This shampoo is one of the most trusted in the industry by people who want to detoxify their hair. It is designed for people who need to detoxify their hair quickly, and it lasts up to 24 hours while it removes the toxins. In addition, it is safe for permed and dyed hair. Other advantages of using this shampoo are customer support from the manufacturer, a free cleansing guide, and a money-back guarantee.

Pros

  • Works for 24 hours
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Cleanses hair in an hour

Cons

  • Not a permanent solution for detoxification

The Leading Cleansing Shampoo

Folli-Clean Shampoo

This shampoo is one of the most trusted in the industry by people who want to detoxify their hair. It is designed for people who need to detoxify their hair quickly, and it lasts up to 24 hours while it removes the toxins. In addition, it is safe for permed and dyed hair. Other advantages of using this shampoo are customer support from the manufacturer, a free cleansing guide, and a money-back guarantee.

Pros

  • Works for 24 hours
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Cleanses hair in an hour

Cons

  • Not a permanent solution for detoxification

Closing Thoughts About How Long Weed Stays in Your System

Marijuana can stay in the body for quite a long time, but this is not the case with CBD, which stays in the body for no less than a week in most cases. The amount of time it stays in the body depends largely on factors like metabolism, body mass, and frequency of use.

Although it stays in the body for a short period, and most drug tests do not screen for it, some people should not take it for reasons of employment and parole, and probation conditions.

Marijuana can stay in the body for quite a long time, but this is not the case with CBD, which stays in the body for no less than a week in most cases. The amount of time it stays in the body depends largely on factors like metabolism, body mass, and frequency of use.

Although it stays in the body for a short period, and most drug tests do not screen for it, some people should not take it for reasons of employment and parole, and probation conditions.

Published: June 10, 2021 Updated: June 29, 2022


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