How Long Do Edibles Stay In Your System

Edibles can remain in the human body for as little as 3 days to 30 days, or in rare cases, longer, depending on preexisting conditions. Ultimately, it hinges on how much you use or how often you consume cannabis edibles [1]. It shows up on a drug test anywhere from about 3 to 12 days. However, with prolonged use, one could end up testing positive long after the initial exposure.

 

If you’re wondering about edibles, this article provides an in-depth exploration of everything you need to know. Including how long edibles hang around in your body, and how each kind of drug test (urine, saliva, blood, hair) picks up THC from edibles.

Types of Edibles

Edibles are a slang term that describes any food or drink that has cannabis extract in it. Most often, it is cannabinoid extracts, such as THC or CBD, that get mixed in [2]. Whatever type you go for, all edibles get those cannabinoids into your system by going through your stomach, without hurting your lungs. 

 

The most common form it’s consumed in is:

 

• Baked goods: Brownies, cookies, muffins, cakes, these are probably the ones everyone knows first. In it, cannabis goes into the butter or oil, then one bakes it up like usual. It is the most popular method because, after baking, the taste of cannabis is completely hidden.

• Gummies and candies: Gummies or hard candy are super popular because you can be exact about the dose. Easy to throw in your bag and consume anywhere, they are pretty popular.

• Chocolates: Cannabis chocolate bars or truffles are edibles where chocolate covers up the weed taste. These melt easily in the mouth, leaving hardly any trace of THC or CBD extracts.

• Mixed Drinks: Teas, coffees, sodas, juices, these work the same way as other edibles, but take a while to kick in [3]. 

• Protein bars or snacks: Consumed as granola bars or snacks, this type of edible is used by individuals who want a quick energy boost, without relying on candy or sweets.

• Frozen stuff or dried fruits: These edibles are popular as cannabis ice cream, popsicles, dried mango, or pineapple.

Different Types of Marijuana Edibles

Different cannabis compounds can affect their effects and possibly stay in your system.

• THC-Dominant Edibles
  Edibles with high THC are the leading choice for people wanting the classic “high” or needing help with pain or sleep [4]. These are strong, and the THC sticks around in your system. If you take higher doses or use these medications frequently, expect the metabolites to be detectable for some time.

• Balanced THC/CBD Edibles
  There are also products combining both THC and CBD. CBD can soften some effects of THC, but as long as there is THC present, you can still test positive.

• CBD-Dominant Edibles
  CBD edibles do not cause intoxication [5]. Many use them for anxiety or pain relief, without the high. Most standard drug tests do not check for CBD, but it’s worth mentioning that some products have trace THC. Even a small amount can still cause a positive result on a drug screen.

• CBG-Dominant and CBN-Dominant Edibles
  CBG and CBN aren’t as common. CBG is being investigated for its potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects [6]. CBN is what THC breaks down into over time and is sometimes sold as a sleep aid. Neither of these will cause intoxication, but CBN may still lead to a positive drug test in some cases.

• Full-Spectrum vs. Isolate Edibles
  Full-spectrum edibles contain a range of cannabinoids and terpenes, which may work together (“entourage effect”). Isolates are just one cannabinoid, either THC or CBD.

• Terpenes
  Terpenes contribute to the taste and aroma and may alter the experience [7]. They do not impact how long cannabinoids remain in your body.

How Edibles Work in the Body

When you eat a cannabis edible, things happen pretty differently than if you smoke it. First, the edible substance passes through your stomach and then into your intestines. That action helps THC and other cannabinoids get absorbed into your bloodstream. After that, the traces get sent over to the liver [8].

 

The process begins with the liver. It changes THC into something called 11-hydroxy-THC. This particular version is a lot stronger. It tends to last longer than the THC you get from smoking or vaping.

 

Onset and Duration Compared to Inhalation

 

• Because your body has to digest the edible and the liver has to do its thing, the effects don’t show up right away. Usually, nothing happens for at least 30 to 90 minutes. Sometimes it can take even longer, up to two hours, for some people. Once it does hit, the effects tend to come on a bit more suddenly compared to inhaling.

• The high from edibles also sticks around much longer. Most folks feel it for 6 to 12 hours, and sometimes there are leftover effects even after that. All of this is because the liver pathway keeps the THC working in your system a lot longer than just smoking or vaping.

Factors That Affect How Long Edibles Stay Detectable in the Body

How long cannabis edibles show up in your system can vary quite a bit. Here are some of the main things that make a difference with THC [9] :

1. Amount Consumed: Typically, a single, low-dose edible is absorbed from your system more quickly. However, larger doses or taking multiple edibles at once means more THC and metabolites hanging on.

2. How Often You Use: People who use edibles very rarely will clear THC faster. This is simply because the body tries to eliminate foreign substances as quickly as possible. 

3. Body Type and Metabolism: For some individuals, THC can get stored in fat cells and not just flushed out right away. Therefore, individuals with higher body fat levels may remain in the system for a longer period. People with slower metabolisms may also notice a longer window before it’s all gone.

4. Type of Edible: Some edibles, like candies or chocolates, can start absorbing right in the mouth. This leads to quicker uptake. Particularly, solid foods or baked goods need to be digested before they can be absorbed. This makes the absorption slower for some individuals.

5. Individual Health: Individual factors, such as age and overall health, can influence the effects. This means that older adults or anyone with reduced liver function will generally clear THC more slowly.

6. Potency of the Product: Stronger edibles can lead to a longer detection window compared to products made with only THC isolate.

What Are the Detection Times for Edibles?

The Detection Windows for Edibles and THC Gummies are different by test type [10].

 

• Urine: For most people, metabolites can be detected in urine for approximately 3 to 30 days. If someone only uses cannabis rarely, however, the body might clear the traces and test negative within a few days. People who use it regularly or take higher amounts can have positive results for a month or even longer.

• Blood: THC is usually present in the blood for 2 to 12 hours. In particular, people who use cannabis heavily or very often might show up in blood tests. It can last for up to 30 days. 

• Saliva: THC traces can stay detectable in saliva for about 24 to 72 hours. In those who use it frequently, however, the detection window can sometimes reach 3 days.

• Hair: Hair testing looks for THC metabolites that are deposited into new hair as it grows. So, the answer to the question, How long do edibles stay in your hair? With this method, THC can be detected for up to 90 days. Hair analysis is primarily used to detect long-term or repeated exposure, rather than single or occasional use.

Potential Effects and Duration of Impairment

For most people, THC is still hanging around in the blood for several hours after they eat an edible. However, the actual high can last anywhere from 6 to 12 hours, sometimes even longer, depending on the dosage and your tolerance.

 

What can you feel?
It could be anything from feeling good and mellow to feeling sleepy, or experiencing unusual sensations, such as feeling anxious or disoriented, nausea, or a racing heart. Usually, it hits harder and drags on longer than smoking.

How Can You Reduce the Duration of THC in Your System?

Once an edible is ingested, it is absorbed and metabolized by the body through natural physiologic processes. There are frequent questions about whether one can accelerate the elimination of THC after consumption, but there is no proven method to instantly “flush” the system.

• Hydration: Drinking enough water is essential for hydration, as it helps the kidneys filter out waste. In this case, THC traces are found in the body.

• Exercise: THC is stored in body fat. Hence, slow and steady fat loss achieved through consistent exercise may help accelerate progress. 

• Healthy Habits: Eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep are crucial for enabling your liver and kidneys to function correctly. 

• Commercial Detox Kits: There are also plenty of products that promise a quick fix. They are products usually a mix of herbs, vitamins, or diuretics. Most of these aren’t supported by substantial evidence and aren’t regulated. 

Worried About Edibles Showing Up on a Drug Test?

There’s no quick fix to get THC out of your system. If you’ve got a drug test coming up after using edibles, here’s what helps:

 

1. Stop using now: The sooner you stop, the faster your body can begin clearing things out. In reality, quitting is the only proven method to help reduce detection time.

2. Give it time: This is the main one. If you only use it occasionally, you might pass a urine test within about a week. If you’re a daily user, it can take a few weeks, and the process may even be longer if you have a preexisting condition. 

3. Drink water: Staying hydrated helps your body detox faster and more efficiently. But it should be kept in mind that chugging gallons won’t flush THC out any quicker, and honestly, too much water can be dangerous.

4. Eat real food and move your body: Healthy eating and regular exercise are essential for a healthy metabolism. Folks with more body fat sometimes test positive for longer, but there’s only so much you can do about that.

5. Be cautious with detox kits: Most so-called “detox” products have little evidence to support their claims. Labs are also increasingly able to detect fake urine or masking agents, which can cause additional problems.

 

FAQs

How long do edibles stay in your urine?

For most people, THC will show up on a urine test for anywhere from 3 to 12 days if you don’t use it often. If you use it more regularly, it can hang around for a month or even longer.

 

Do edibles clear out faster?

Nope. Edibles take longer to clear out than smoking or vaping. They get processed slowly, and the leftovers can sit in your fat for a while.

 

How long does an edible high last?

Usually, you’ll feel it for 3 to 6 hours. Sometimes, especially if you take a bigger dose, the effects can drag out to 12 hours or so.

 

How long do edibles last in the bloodstream when smoked? 

Your body takes way more time to deal with edibles, so the traces of THC can stick around way longer in blood than if you’d just smoked it.

How long do THC gummies stay in your system?

THC gummies can stay in your system for anywhere from 3 to 30 days, depending on your usage habits, metabolism, and the type of drug test used.

Get Treatment for Cannabis Misuse at Alliance Recovery

If you are struggling with cannabis misuse or any other substance abuse, professional help is available. At Alliance Recovery, our experienced team, many of whom have personal recovery experience, is dedicated to supporting your journey to wellness.

 When you choose Alliance Recovery, you’ll receive:

• Individual and group therapy tailored to your needs.

•  A supportive, sober community.

•  Comprehensive aftercare planning and career assistance.

Call our treatment team at (844) 287-8506 to get started.

Sources:

[1] https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cannabis-marijuana

[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7605027/

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24819969/

[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10604755/

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556048/

[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5312634/

[7] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7763918/

[8] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8803256/

[9] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0379073820300505

[10] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5890870/