Moonrock is a composite cannabis product created by coating a cannabis flower bud in hash oil or concentrate, and then rolling it in kief (resinous trichomes). This triple-layered structure delivers a massive dose of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It results in an extremely high concentration of THC, often exceeding 50%, compared to the 15% to 25% found in most standard cannabis flower strains. The sheer volume of this primary psychoactive compound dictates a prolonged clearance time, but the exact duration depends heavily on an individual’s metabolic rate, frequency of use, and the specific type of drug test administered.
What Makes Moonrock Different
The intense concentration of Delta-9 THC, the compound responsible for the intoxicating effects of cannabis, is the distinguishing factor of Moonrock. When inhaled, this high concentration is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, beginning a two-step metabolic process in the liver. Specific liver enzymes, primarily from the Cytochrome P450 system, convert Delta-9 THC into 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC). This first metabolite is psychoactive and may have a more potent effect on the brain’s cannabinoid receptors than the original THC compound.
The 11-OH-THC is further metabolized into 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THC-COOH), a non-psychoactive compound targeted by most standard drug tests. Because Moonrock introduces such a large volume of the parent compound, the body produces a significantly greater quantity of both the active metabolite and the inactive THC-COOH. This increased initial input translates to a larger reservoir of fat-soluble metabolites that must be slowly processed and eliminated, extending the overall detection window compared to less potent cannabis forms.
Detection Windows for THC Metabolites
The timeframe for detecting cannabis metabolites is a range determined by the testing method and the pattern of use. Urine testing is the most common method, targeting the inactive THC-COOH metabolite and offering the longest detection window. For infrequent users (e.g., a single instance of Moonrock use), the metabolite may be detectable for approximately three days. Moderate users (about four times per week) may find the detection window extends to five to seven days.
For chronic users who consume cannabis daily, THC-COOH can be detected for 10 to 15 days, potentially extending beyond 30 days with heavy, multiple-times-daily use. This prolonged window is due to the saturation of fat cells with lipophilic metabolites, which are slowly released back into the bloodstream for elimination. Blood testing, in contrast, primarily measures active Delta-9 THC, providing a much shorter window (typically 12 to 48 hours) used to determine recent use or impairment.
Saliva testing targets recent exposure, with a detection window of approximately 24 to 72 hours. This method is often employed for roadside or on-the-spot testing, indicating very recent consumption. Hair follicle testing offers the longest historical record of use, detecting metabolites incorporated into the hair shaft over time. This test can show evidence of cannabis use for up to 90 days, but it is less reliable for a single, recent instance of use.
Individual Factors Influencing Clearance Rate
The generalized detection windows are modified by several physiological and behavioral factors unique to each person. A primary variable is body composition, specifically the percentage of body fat, because THC metabolites are highly lipophilic (fat-soluble). Individuals with a higher body fat percentage have more adipose tissue where THC-COOH metabolites can be stored. This leads to a slower release and a longer overall clearance time, contributing to prolonged detection in urine.
An individual’s metabolic rate also plays a significant role in determining how quickly the body processes and eliminates the compounds. Genetic variations in liver enzymes, such as the Cytochrome P450 enzymes, affect the speed at which 11-OH-THC and THC-COOH are produced and prepared for excretion. A faster metabolism generally shortens the detection window.
The total quantity and frequency of use are important with a high-potency product like Moonrock. Chronic use leads to the accumulation and saturation of fat cells, resulting in a longer elimination half-life. While hydration and exercise can temporarily influence the concentration of metabolites in urine by diluting the sample, they do not directly alter the fundamental rate at which the body clears stored THC-COOH. These factors only impact the concentration measured at a specific point in time.