Cannabis edibles are food or drink products infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects. They offer an alternative way to consume cannabis compared to smoking or vaping. The duration THC and its metabolites remain detectable in the body is not fixed and varies significantly among individuals, influenced by physiological and consumption-related factors.
How Edibles are Processed
When cannabis is consumed orally, it undergoes a distinct metabolic pathway compared to inhalation. Unlike smoking, where THC enters the bloodstream directly through the lungs, edibles travel through the digestive system. THC is absorbed in the small intestine and then travels to the liver.
In the liver, THC undergoes “first-pass metabolism.” Liver enzymes convert delta-9-THC into 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC), a more potent metabolite. This conversion is why edibles have a delayed onset, typically 30 minutes to two hours, and produce more intense, longer-lasting effects than inhaled cannabis. 11-hydroxy-THC effectively crosses the blood-brain barrier, contributing to its strong impact. Once metabolized, these cannabinoids are released into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body before being eliminated, primarily through urinary excretion.
Key Factors Affecting Detection Time
Several individual and consumption-related factors influence how long THC metabolites from edibles remain detectable. The quantity of THC consumed directly impacts detection time; higher doses and more potent edibles require a longer period for the body to process and eliminate.
Frequency of use is another important factor. Regular or chronic users accumulate THC and its metabolites in fat cells, leading to significantly longer detection times compared to infrequent users. Individual metabolic rates also play a role, as those with faster metabolisms tend to eliminate THC more quickly. Genetic factors can influence enzyme activity, affecting how efficiently THC is broken down.
Body fat percentage is also a significant determinant because THC and its metabolites are fat-soluble compounds. They bind to and are stored in fat cells, meaning individuals with higher body fat concentrations may retain these compounds for longer periods. General health, hydration, and diet can support the body’s natural metabolic processes and influence elimination rates.
Common Detection Methods and Windows
The duration THC from edibles remains detectable also depends on the specific type of drug test employed.
Urine Tests
Urine tests typically detect cannabis for 1 to 30 days after use, with the range depending on consumption frequency. Infrequent users might show detection for 3-4 days, while chronic users could test positive for a month or longer. These tests primarily identify the non-psychoactive metabolite THC-COOH.
Blood Tests
Blood tests have a shorter detection window and are generally used to identify recent cannabis use. THC is typically detectable in blood for 12-24 hours, though it may be present for up to a few days for chronic users. These tests detect both active THC and its metabolites.
Saliva Tests
Saliva tests offer a relatively short detection window, typically finding THC for a few hours up to 2-3 days after use. Occasional users may show detection for 24-72 hours, while regular users might test positive for up to 1-7 days. These tests are often used for roadside checks or workplace screenings due to their quick results and non-invasive nature.
Hair Follicle Tests
Hair follicle tests provide the longest detection window, detecting THC and its metabolites for up to 90 days. THC enters hair follicles via the bloodstream and remains trapped in the growing hair shaft. This method can reveal a history of cannabis use over an extended period.