How does the body process THC?
After marijuana is used, THC enters the bloodstream and moves through the body, reaching the brain, organs, and fat tissues. That’s what causes the high. From there, the body starts breaking it down and clearing it out; but that process takes time.
THC is fat-soluble, which means it gets stored in fat cells rather than passing straight through the body. It’s slowly released over time and processed by the liver, where it’s converted into compounds like 11-hydroxy-THC (which can still cause effects) and carboxy-THC (which doesn’t get you high but sticks around longer). These metabolites are what most drug tests look for.
Most THC leaves the body through stool (about two-thirds), while a smaller portion (around one-fifth) exits through urine. The rest remains in fat stores, especially in people who use marijuana regularly.
For frequent users, THC builds up faster than the body can clear it. That’s why it can still be detected days or even weeks after someone stops using. Even if the effects are long gone, the body’s slow release and cleanup process means traces can still show up on drug tests.
How long does marijuana stay in your system?
If you are wondering “how long does marijuana stay in your system,” the answer depends on several factors, including how often you use it, how much THC the product contains, and the type of drug test being administered. After use, THC enters the bloodstream and is stored in fat cells, where it’s slowly released over time. This extended release is why marijuana can stay in your system far longer than the actual effects last.
The body processes THC and turns it into byproducts called THC metabolites. These metabolites are what drug tests look for—not the THC itself. Because they can linger in the body, someone can test positive long after their last use. Infrequent users might clear THC in just a few days, but in people who use marijuana regularly, it can take weeks to fully eliminate these compounds.
One study found the half-life of THC to be around 1.3 days in occasional users, while frequent users may retain THC for 5 to 13 days before levels begin to decline significantly. Still, how long THC stays in your system varies widely based on your metabolism, body fat, frequency of marijuana use, and other factors.
Here’s a general overview of how long marijuana may be detectable based on the type of drug test:
| Test type | Approximate detection time |
|---|---|
|
Blood |
Up to 12 hours; longer in heavy users |
|
Saliva |
Up to 24 hours; up to 72 hours in some cases |
|
Urine |
1 day to over 30 days |
|
Hair |
Up to 90 days |
Saliva tests
Saliva tests are simple, fast, and often used in roadside drug screenings. These tests are good at picking up recent marijuana use, especially within the first 24 hours. THC can linger in the mouth briefly after use, especially when smoking or vaping, which may lead to higher concentrations shortly after consumption. While not ideal for long-term detection, saliva tests can reliably detect THC within the first day and occasionally up to 72 hours in frequent users.
Urine tests
Urine testing is the most commonly used method to detect marijuana. These tests look for THC metabolites that the body releases over time. Because these metabolites are stored in fat and eliminated gradually, marijuana can stay in your system for much longer than the high itself.
General detection windows based on use:
- One-time use: up to 3 days
- Moderate use (a few times per week): 5 to 7 days
- Daily use: 10 to 15 days
- Heavy or long-term use: 30 days or more
People with higher body fat percentages may store more THC, causing it to stay in their system longer. While urine tests don’t measure current intoxication, they’re widely used in employment and legal settings because they can detect marijuana use that occurred days or weeks earlier.
Hair tests
Hair testing has the longest detection window and is typically used to identify consistent or long-term marijuana use. When THC circulates through the bloodstream, it leaves traces in the hair follicles. As hair grows, these compounds are preserved in the strand, which allows testing labs to detect THC use for up to 90 days.
Hair tests are more effective for identifying patterns of marijuana use rather than occasional use. In fact, one study found that 75% of daily users tested positive on a hair test, compared to only 39% of occasional users. It’s also worth noting that marijuana may not show up in hair until about a week after use, and secondhand exposure may sometimes cause false positives.
Blood tests
Blood tests are used less often because they have a short detection window. THC enters the bloodstream within minutes of use and typically clears out within 12 hours. However, in people who use marijuana regularly, THC may stay in the blood for several days. In some cases, heavy users have tested positive up to 25 days after their last use.
Because they’re invasive and more expensive, blood tests are usually reserved for specific situations, such as driving under the influence cases or workplace incidents. While not ideal for tracking long-term use, they can confirm whether someone has used marijuana very recently.
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How long does one-time use stay in your system?
For individuals who use marijuana only once, detection may still occur up to 72 hours afterward, depending on the type of test. Factors such as hydration, metabolism, and test sensitivity also play a role.
Factors that affect how long THC stays in the system
Several things can influence how long THC remains in the body, including:
- How much and how often marijuana is used
- Whether it’s smoked or eaten
- The THC content of the product
- Metabolic rate and general health
- Body fat percentage and hydration
- The test used and its sensitivity
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Do edibles show up in drug tests?
Yes, marijuana edibles absolutely show up in drug tests. Whether you smoke it, vape it, or eat it, THC still enters your bloodstream and is eventually broken down by your liver into THC metabolites, the same compounds that drug tests are designed to detect.
When marijuana is consumed in edible form, the body processes it differently than when it’s inhaled. Instead of going straight from the lungs to the bloodstream, THC from edibles passes through the digestive system first. From there, it travels to the liver, where it is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a metabolite that is both more potent and longer-lasting than inhaled THC. This is one reason why the effects of edibles can feel stronger and last longer.
Because of this slower digestion and metabolization process, THC from edibles may stay in your system longer than THC from smoking or vaping. The detection window can sometimes be extended, especially in urine tests, which are sensitive to THC metabolites over time. Even if the high has worn off, those metabolites can continue to show up on a drug test days or even weeks later, depending on how much you consumed and how often you use marijuana.
All standard drug testing methods—urine, saliva, blood, and hair—can detect THC from edibles just as they can from smoked cannabis. The only difference is how quickly THC is absorbed and how long it remains detectable. For occasional users, THC from edibles may be detectable for several days. In regular users, it can stay in your system for much longer.
So while edibles may feel different from smoking marijuana, the body ultimately treats them the same when it comes to THC storage and detection. If you’re preparing for a drug test, it’s important to know that edibles aren’t a loophole. They will still show up.
Marijuana dependence and treatment
Marijuana can become habit-forming, particularly for individuals who use it frequently. When marijuana use begins to interfere with responsibilities, health, or relationships, and efforts to stop are unsuccessful, it may indicate marijuana addiction, also known as cannabis use disorder.
Research shows that approximately 30% of people who use marijuana may develop some degree of dependence. The risk is notably higher for those who begin using before age 18, as early use is linked to a greater likelihood of long-term struggles with marijuana use.
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Detoxing from weed
Although often seen as less harmful than other substances, marijuana can be habit-forming. When an individual becomes dependent on marijuana and continues to use it despite the consequences, it may be a sign of a marijuana use disorder, also known as cannabis use disorder.
Detoxing from marijuana refers to the period of time during which THC and its metabolites gradually leave the body. For individuals who use marijuana regularly, this process may be accompanied by withdrawal symptoms. These can include irritability, difficulty sleeping, restlessness, anxiety, changes in appetite, and cravings to use again. While withdrawal symptoms are typically less severe than those associated with substances like alcohol or opioids, they can still disrupt daily life and make it difficult to stop using without support.
Marijuana detox varies from person to person. Infrequent users may eliminate THC from the body within several days, while those who use marijuana heavily or daily may continue to show up as positive for several weeks. The rate of elimination depends on a variety of factors, including frequency of use, THC potency, body fat percentage, metabolic rate, and hydration.
In some cases, professional support may be helpful during detox—particularly for individuals who have developed a pattern of compulsive use (marijuana use disorder). Structured treatment settings can provide behavioral support, symptom monitoring, and tools to help individuals manage triggers and cravings. For those struggling to quit on their own, entering a program that addresses both detox and long-term recovery may lead to better outcomes.
Getting help for marijuana use
If marijuana is becoming difficult to manage, help is available. Treatment options range from full-time inpatient care to flexible outpatient services, and programs often include counseling, behavioral therapy, and ongoing support. Reach out to speak with an admissions specialist, learn about your insurance coverage, or explore available treatment options near you. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
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Admitting you have a substance abuse problem and asking for help is not always easy. If you or a loved one are struggling with drug addiction, alcohol addiction or another substance use disorder, help is available. Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (317) 707-9848 to learn about resources in your area or reach out to our team for personalized treatment.
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About the content
Written by: Carli Simmonds. Carli Simmonds holds a Master of Arts in Community Health Psychology from Northeastern University. From a young age, she witnessed the challenges her community faced with substance abuse, addiction, and mental health challenges, inspiring her dedication to the field.
Medical reviewed by: Jodi Tarantino, LICSW. Jodi Tarantino is an experienced, licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Program Director with over 20 years of experience in Behavioral Healthcare. Also reviewed by the RRR Editorial team.
Red Ribbon Recovery is committed to delivering transparent, up-to-date, and medically accurate information. All content is carefully written and reviewed by experienced professionals to ensure clarity and reliability. During the editorial and medical review process, our team fact-checks information using reputable sources. Our goal is to create content that is informative, easy to understand and helpful to our visitors.
