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9 min read
Editorial Team
Cannabis stays in your system for anywhere between 3 and 90 days. There are multiple factors that will influence if cannabis is detectable in the body including the type of test, the method of ingestion, the dose, and the tested individuals' metabolism.
Tests are designed to show the presence of THC or THC metabolites depending on the type of sample being analysed. Having THC or traces of past use of THC in your system does not imply you are impaired. Let’s take a look in more detail to understand the nuance.
A basic test to detect if there is THC present in someone's system is by analysing their saliva. This is done by inserting an absorbance pad into the mouth which wicks up the saliva in someone’s mouth. The pad with the saliva is then put into a solution requiring you to wait for the reaction.
Once enough time has passed markers on a PCR indicator will show if there is THC present. It will show if THC has been used within the last 8 hours but may still show a positive reading up to 24 hours. These kits work in a very similar way to COVID tests. These tests are fairly accurate but can provide false readings both ways. They do not tell you how much THC is in someone's system, only that it is there.
Another way to test to see if cannabis has been in the system is by urinalysis. Someone's urine can be collected and using a PCR test it will determine if the person has used THC. These tests are measuring a secondary metabolite THC-COOH (11-Nor-9-carboxy-THC) which is present as a result of cannabis use as long as 90 days ago, due to the way cannabinoids are stored in body fat and slowly released as fat is broken down.
To get the most accurate reading of the level of active THC metabolites in someone's system a blood test can be conducted. Using a hypodermic needle blood is withdrawn from the body. This analysis will determine the precise number of nanograms in THC per litre blood in the person. THC can be detected in the blood for around 12 hours after use but can be detected after longer periods including 24 hours.
The last way that the body can be examined to determine if cannabis is in the system is by testing the hair. New hair growth can show THC use from as far back as 90 days prior to testing. The THC that is detectable in hair will remain there until it is cut.
Cannabinoids get into the bloodstream through inhalation or oral ingestion. When cannabis or THC is taken orally it is processed by the digestive acids and passes through the liver before entering into the bloodstream. The onset of effects take around 45 minutes to an hour. Taking it with food can improve bioavailability and higher fat foods further increase bioavailability. Inhaled cannabinoids can enter the bloodstream in a matter of seconds allowing the effects to be felt almost instantly.
The factors that impact how long cannabis stays in your system depend on the individual, their body type, body fat stores, how they took cannabis, how much and how strong it was.
THC stays in your bloodstream for a sustained period of time. THC’s journey through the body is long and slow. As we have already explored, cannabinoids are fat soluble which the body readily holds onto. 80 minutes to 2 hours after taking THC, the metabolite THC- COOH and its glucuronide THC-COOH-gluc levels in the blood reach maximum levels where they remain for several days.
THC is metabolised relatively quickly and is converted efficiently or passed in urine or faeces. THC can be detected in blood tests anywhere up to 24 hours but the possibility of THC-COOH showing in your blood could last as long as the metabolite stays in the fat - up to 30 days but potentially as long as 90 days.
THC’s half-life is calculated at around 20-30 hours. 11-hydroxy-THC has a similar half-life of around 12-36 hours with it being longer in heavier users. Half-life is the time it takes for half of the drug to leave the system. Typically, the body will eliminate a drug within four to five half-lives.
The more CBD you take in a single dose, the longer it stays in your system. A study in the journal Therapeutic Drug Monitoring found taking 1.35 milligrams of CBD was detectable in the blood for around six hours after being taken, but higher doses were detected for longer.
The half-life of CBD, or cannabidiol, varies depending on several factors, including the method of ingestion and the individual's metabolism. Generally, the half-life of CBD is estimated to range from about 1 hour to as long as 5 days.
Medical cannabis influences our body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex cell-signalling system that plays a key role in regulating a range of functions and processes, including sleep, mood, appetite, memory, and pain.
It has been shown to help with a huge range of health concerns. Medical cannabis has been a legal treatment option in the UK since 2018, and can be prescribed (through a private clinic like Releaf) for almost any condition as long as the prescribing specialist believes it will benefit you.
The main difference between medical cannabis and recreational cannabis is the purpose for which it is used. Medical cannabis is prescribed by a doctor to treat specific health conditions, while recreational cannabis is typically used for leisure or social purposes.
Here in the UK, recreational cannabis remains illegal, while medical cannabis is legal under specific circumstances.
There is no 'one-size-fits-all' approach to taking medical cannabis. The best method and dosage will depend on your individual needs and the condition being treated. Your prescribing specialist will work with our multidisciplinary team to create a personalised treatment plan that suits your specific needs.
In most cases, patients are recommended to 'start-low, go-slow' when taking medical cannabis for the first time. This means starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it until you achieve the desired therapeutic effects.
As above, there is no universal answer to this question. Your prescribing specialist may recommend taking your medication at a certain time of day based on factors such as the condition being treated and the type of medical cannabis being prescribed.
UK medical cannabis patients are blessed with a wide range of cultivars (strains) and formulations to choose from. Your prescribing specialist will be able to advise on the most suitable option for your needs, but it may involve some trial and error to determine the right cultivar, dose, and method of administration for optimal relief.
In summary, the duration that cannabis components like THC and CBD stay in your system can vary widely, influenced by a myriad of factors such as the type of test used, the method of ingestion, dosage, and individual metabolism. The article offers a detailed look into various testing methods—ranging from saliva and urine to blood and hair tests—each with its own time frame for detection. Understanding these nuances is crucial for both medical and recreational users of cannabis, as well as employers and healthcare providers who may require this information for testing purposes.
Accessing medical cannabis can be challenging due to the stigma surrounding it. However, Releaf makes it simple with our tailored monthly packages, specialist consultations for medical cannabis, and a unique medical cannabis card for protection, all based on your cannabis prescription.
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It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
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Am I eligible?Editorial Team
Article written by the Releaf Editorial Team, a group of seasoned experts in cannabis healthcare, dedicated to enhancing awareness and accessibility in the field through their wealth of knowledge and experience.
Compliance Director
All of our articles are written by medical cannabis experts, guided by strict sourcing guidelines, and reference peer-reviewed studies and credible academic research. Our expert clinical team and compliance specialists provide valuable insights to ensure accuracy when required. Learn more in our editorial policy.
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