Factors That May Influence How Long Marijuana Stays in Urine
How long does marijuana stay in urine? Everyone seems to have their own theories about how long THC stays in their system, but is there a more straightforward answer?
While many states have medical marijuana programs, people are still curious about THC detection times in urine.
So, how long does marijuana stay in urine? Well, there is no one definitive answer, as many variables are in play.
However, according to most sources, THC may be detected in urine anywhere from 3 days to 90 days after use. In this article, we go into more detail to better understand how long THC may be detectable in your system.
We also tell you about other ways of testing for marijuana use and how to get THC out of your system.
States have varying laws regarding testing for THC consumed by medical patients. However, a medical cannabis program may indicate some legal benefits regarding THC testing.
Are you looking to join Utah’s medical cannabis program? Book your appointment with Green Team Doctors’ qualified medical providers today and get approved within minutes.
So, how long does marijuana stay in urine? Here’s the detailed answer.
How Long Does THC Stay in Urine?
As mentioned above, the answer to ‘how long does marijuana stay in urine’ can be between 3 days and three months.
However, this is such a broad range and may not apply to you depending on how, how much, and how often you consume medical cannabis. So, is there a better, more specific answer?
Well, there is no 100% foolproof answer to how long does marijuana stay in urine or the system. But, we can get a more accurate estimate by understanding the various variables determining how long THC stays in your body.
Cannabis affects everyone differently because of the uniqueness of the human systems.
This applies to both effects and how long it takes to get rid of THC from the body. For some people with very high metabolism, their bodies can expel marijuana faster than others.
This means that cannabis may be detectable for longer in some people than others. However, other factors, such as the test’s sensitivity, type of test, and individual factors, come into play.
To find out how long THC stays in urine, we first have to figure out how the body metabolizes marijuana.
How the Body Metabolizes Marijuana
How your body metabolizes cannabis depends on the route of consumption. Metabolization, in this case, refers to how the body changes a food, chemical, or drug into a form that can be used by your body.
The products of metabolization are either used or excreted. This is the same for cannabis.
So, to better answer ‘how long does marijuana stay in your urine?’ we must determine if you are consuming it through oral ingestion or vaping.
Oral Consumption
If you use cannabis, edibles, THC, and the food item it is infused in, go through the digestive process before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
In some products, such as gummies, some THC may be absorbed in the mouth via the dense network of blood capillaries in the oral mucosa. This is similar to sublingual application, where the cannabinoids are absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
Most of the THC is still absorbed in the stomach and intestines.
THC and other cannabinoids are then taken to the liver in what is called the first pass effect. Here, the cannabinoids are broken down by enzymes.
Most of the THC is eliminated or metabolized. Liver enzymes turn THC into 11-Hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC), which has a similar psychoactive effect as THC but has a faster onset, making many believe it is more potent.
11-Hydroxy-THC is then converted into 11-COOH-THC, commonly known as THC-COOH. This is not psychoactive.
More than 20% of THC is excreted in urine and 65% in feces. THC-COOH is the main metabolite in urine, and 11-hydroxy-THC is the primary form in feces.
The remaining THC and metabolites enter circulation and reach the brain, causing the benefits and effects of cannabis. THC is highly lipid soluble, rapidly stored in fat tissues, and can be slowly released into the bloodstream.
Inhalation
Inhalation produces faster and stronger peak effects than cannabis consumed through oral consumption. THC enters the bloodstream via the lungs, and peak concentration can be achieved in as little as 10 minutes.
However, just as quickly, the concentration of THC subdues and is quickly excreted in the form of its metabolites.
Both inhaled and ingested THC produce approximately the same level of THC-COOH. THC-COOH is very stable and can be detected in the body longer than THC, which is rapidly metabolized and cleared.
Wondering how you can get approved for a marijuana card in Utah to access these and more forms of cannabis? Schedule your appointment with Green Team Doctors’ highly compassionate QMPs today.
Now that you know how THC is metabolized in the body, how long does marijuana stay in urine?
How Long Does Marijuana Stay in Urine?
According to studies, most cannabis consumed (80-90%) is excreted within 5 days. However, due to the metabolites having a longer half-life than THC, some tests can detect cannabis use for longer.
Despite being the most common drug testing method, THC detection times in urine can vary. A 2017 review of studies found that the detection window is directly proportional to the frequency of use.
So, how long does marijuana stay in urine for occasional use? The study suggests that THC and its metabolites can be detected in urine for up to 3 days for occasional users.
For moderate users, e.g., those who use marijuana four times a week, it may be detectable for 5-7 days and 10-15 days for chronic daily users.
How long does THC stay in urine for chronic heavy users, e.g., those who use marijuana multiple times daily? It may be detectable for more than 30 days.
As such, urine tests may not be the best for testing recent marijuana use. Here are the detection windows for other tests.
1. Blood tests
Blood tests for THC are often used in emergencies as they can typically detect recent cannabis use. These tests can detect THC consumed over the last 2 to 12 hours.
However, detection time may increase to 30 days in chronic heavy users.
2. Hair tests
THC can reach hair follicles via small blood vessels, sebum, and sweat. As the hair grows, it takes cannabinoid metabolites along.
Hair follicle tests can assess marijuana use for up to 90 days.
3. Saliva tests
Although rare, THC and its metabolites can enter your body through exposure to secondhand smoke. However, it can only be present in saliva through personal ingestion or smoking.
Saliva tests have a short THC detection window and are often used to test for same-day consumption. THC can be detected for up to 72 hours after use in chronic consumers.
Top 5 Factors that Affect How Long THC Stays in Urine
Here are reasons why the answer to ‘how long does THC stay in urine’ is not cut and dry.
1. Test sensitivity
Some tests are more sensitive than others. Some can detect a lower dose of cannabis, while some have a higher cutoff point.
So, what is a high THC level in urine? Urine drug testing for marijuana is based on THC’s main metabolite, THC-COOH.
The federal cutoff level is 50 ng/ml, although some tests may use a lower 20 ng/ml cutoff level.
2. How much THC you consumed, and what frequency
THC’s effects are cumulative, so a frequent consumer is more likely to test positive than someone who has only smoked cannabis once.
The dose also matters. A more potent product will contain more THC, leading to more metabolites in urine.
3. Body fat
THC is highly fat soluble. As such, it is often stored in fat cells and is released back into the bloodstream as the fat cells are metabolized.
As a result, if you have a higher body fat concentration, you may test positive longer than someone with lower body fat.
Females have more body fat than males, which means they metabolize cannabis more slowly.
4. Metabolism rate
How fast can your body get rid of THC and its metabolites? People with faster metabolism rates can eliminate THC quicker than those with slower metabolisms.
5. Hydration
While drinking a lot of water will not likely affect the chances of getting a positive THC test, dehydration can.
Dehydration increases THC concentration in the body, which may be enough to raise it to the test’s cutoff level.
How Can You Get Cannabis Out of the Body Faster?
Now that you know how long THC stays in urine, is it possible to get it out faster?
There is no proven method to get cannabis out of your system. However, some strategies may help speed up the process, although it is unclear if the impact would be significant.
Experts suggest that following a healthy dietary plan may help. Hydration may also help reduce THC metabolites by getting rid of them through urine.
Regular exercise may help break fat cells that store THC and release it into the bloodstream for further excretion. However, if you exercise too near to a test, you risk a positive result due to the THC released back into the bloodstream.
The Verdict
There is no definite answer to the ‘how long does marijuana stay in urine’ question. This is because of the various variables and individual properties, such as metabolism rates.
However, for occasional users, THC may take 3 days to leave the body and up to 30 days or more for heavy, frequent consumers.
Are you looking to get approved for a medical marijuana card in Utah but are worried about testing positive for a drug test? Book an appointment with Green Team Doctors’ qualified medical providers and get approved and all your questions answered.
At Green Team Doctors, we are a coalition of local physicians with over 300 years of combined medical practice experience. We are passionate about providing alternative ways to manage conditions and combating opioids.
An appointment with our highly compassionate QMPs means you are approved within 30 minutes or get your money back if we cannot approve your application.
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