One of the major concerns for users of cannabis is how long does cannabis stay in your system. Cannabis, also known as marijuana, weed, or pot, is a psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant. The drug is used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. However, the use of cannabis is still illegal in many countries, and in some, it’s only permitted for medicinal use.
Cannabis contains a psychoactive compound called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the drug’s euphoric effects. When cannabis is consumed, THC enters the bloodstream and is metabolized by the liver into various compounds, including 11-hydroxy-THC and THC-COOH. These compounds are then excreted from the body through urine and feces.
Frequency Of Use
The length of time cannabis stays in the body depends on several factors, including the frequency of use, the potency of the cannabis, the method of consumption, and the individual’s metabolism. In general, cannabis can stay in the body for several days to several weeks, depending on these factors.
For occasional users, cannabis can stay in the body for up to three days. For regular users, however, the drug can stay in the body for up to 30 days or more. This is because THC and its metabolites can accumulate in the body over time, and it takes longer for the body to eliminate them.
Cannabis Potency Make a Difference
The potency of the cannabis also plays a role in how long it stays in the body. Cannabis that is high in THC content will stay in the body longer than cannabis with lower THC content. Additionally, the method of consumption can affect how long the drug stays in the body. Smoking or vaping cannabis will result in faster onset of effects but also faster clearance from the body, while consuming edibles will result in slower onset but also slower clearance.
Your Individual Metabolism
Finally, individual metabolism can also affect how long cannabis stays in the body. People with faster metabolisms will eliminate the drug from their bodies more quickly than those with slower metabolisms.
It’s worth noting that drug tests for cannabis can detect the presence of THC-COOH in urine for several days or even weeks after use, depending on the individual’s frequency of use and potency of the drug. Hair follicle tests can detect THC for up to 90 days after use.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the length of time cannabis stays in the body depends on several factors, including the frequency of use, potency of the cannabis, method of consumption, and individual metabolism. While occasional users can expect the drug to be cleared from their system within a few days, regular users may need to wait several weeks before the drug is fully eliminated from their body. It’s important to be aware of these factors when using cannabis and to understand the potential consequences of using the drug, including legal and employment-related issues.
