The length of time marijuana (THC) stays in your system varies widely depending on factors such as frequency of use, body fat, metabolism, and the type of drug test used. Detection times by test type:
- Blood: THC is detectable for about 12 to 48 hours after use in most cases; chronic users may test positive up to 7 days
- Saliva: Detectable for approximately 24 to 72 hours after last use; typically closer to 24-48 hours
- Urine: The most common testing method; detection ranges from 1 day to over 30 days depending on use frequency:
- Occasional users: 1–7 days
- Moderate users: 5–15 days
- Heavy or chronic users: Up to 30 days or even 70 days reported in extreme cases
- Hair: Can detect marijuana use for up to 90 days (about three months), but is less commonly used due to potential for false positives and delayed detection of recent use
Factors affecting how long marijuana stays in your system:
- Frequency and amount of use: More frequent and heavier use leads to longer detection times.
- Body fat percentage: THC metabolites are fat-soluble and stored in fat cells, so higher body fat can prolong detection.
- Metabolism: Faster metabolism clears THC more quickly.
- Potency and consumption method: Stronger cannabis and ingestion (edibles) can extend detection time.
- Genetics and gender: These can influence metabolism speed and fat storage
Summary:
- For occasional users, marijuana is usually undetectable in urine within 1 to 7 days.
- For regular or heavy users, it can remain detectable for 30 days or more.
- Blood and saliva tests have shorter detection windows (hours to a few days).
- Hair tests can detect use up to 90 days after last use.
Thus, marijuana can take anywhere from a day to several weeks or months to fully leave your system, depending on individual factors and testing methods
