Edibles are cannabis-infused food products. Blood tests can detect these compounds, identifying evidence of cannabis use from edibles. Understanding their processing and detection windows is important. This article explores the compounds blood tests look for, detection times, influencing factors, and comparisons to other cannabis methods.
How Edibles Are Detected in Blood
When edibles are consumed, the primary psychoactive compound, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), undergoes a metabolic process. After ingestion, the edible travels through the digestive system, where THC is absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the liver. In the liver, THC undergoes “first-pass metabolism,” where enzymes convert delta-9-THC into a more potent metabolite, 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC). This conversion makes 11-OH-THC more potent and able to cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively than delta-9-THC, contributing to the distinct and often more intense effects associated with edibles.
Blood tests look for delta-9-THC and its metabolites, especially 11-OH-THC and 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THC-COOH). While THC indicates recent use, the presence of these metabolites confirms that the body has processed the cannabis. The liver further metabolizes 11-OH-THC into THC-COOH, which is an inactive metabolite and is eventually excreted from the body.
Detection Windows and Influencing Factors
The timeframe during which edibles can be detected in blood tests varies, but generally, THC can be found in the bloodstream for approximately one to two days after consumption. Some sources indicate a detection window of up to three to four days for edibles. For heavy or chronic users, THC might remain detectable for up to a week or even longer. The highest levels of THC in the blood occur within one to three hours after consuming an edible.
Several factors influence how long edibles remain detectable in the blood. The dosage of THC directly impacts detection time; higher doses lead to longer periods. Frequency of use also plays a significant role, as regular consumption can cause THC metabolites to accumulate in fatty tissues, extending the detection window. Individual metabolism rates vary, with faster metabolisms clearing THC more quickly; body fat percentage is another factor, as THC is lipid-soluble and stored in fat cells, slowly releasing into the bloodstream. Other factors such as hydration levels, age, and overall health can also influence how quickly THC is eliminated.
Comparing Edibles to Other Cannabis Consumption Methods
The detection profile of edibles differs from other cannabis consumption methods like smoking or vaping due to their metabolic pathways. When cannabis is inhaled, THC rapidly enters the bloodstream directly through the lungs, leading to a quicker onset of effects and a sharp, high peak concentration of THC in the blood. This rapid absorption also means that THC levels in the blood tend to drop faster after inhalation compared to edibles.
In contrast, edibles undergo a slower absorption process because they must first pass through the digestive system and liver. This results in a delayed onset of effects, ranging from 30 minutes to two hours, and a longer duration of effects, which can last up to 12 hours. While blood tests are effective for detecting recent cannabis use across all methods, the specific concentrations of THC and its metabolites, particularly 11-OH-THC, can vary. Edibles often lead to higher levels of the more potent 11-OH-THC due to the liver’s first-pass metabolism, even though the peak concentration of delta-9-THC might be lower compared to inhaled cannabis. This difference in metabolism means that edibles may result in a slightly longer detection period in blood tests compared to smoking.