“Wax” refers to a type of cannabis concentrate, a potent form of the cannabis plant. These concentrates contain high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for cannabis’s psychoactive effects. The duration that wax, or more specifically its metabolites, remains detectable in the body varies significantly among individuals.
How the Body Processes Cannabis Concentrates
When cannabis concentrates are consumed, THC is absorbed into the bloodstream and rapidly distributed throughout the body. The liver then metabolizes THC into various by-products, primarily 11-hydroxy-THC and 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC, often referred to as THC-COOH. This THC-COOH is a non-psychoactive metabolite that is lipid-soluble, meaning it readily binds to and accumulates in the body’s fat cells.
From these fat stores, THC metabolites are slowly released back into the bloodstream over time. The body primarily eliminates these metabolites through excretion, with approximately 65% leaving through feces and about 20% through urine. This storage and gradual release explains why THC and its metabolites remain detectable for extended periods, even after the psychoactive effects have worn off.
Factors Influencing Detection Time
The time THC metabolites remain detectable is influenced by several individual and usage-related factors. Frequency and amount of use is a significant factor; occasional users may have THC detectable for a few days, while chronic, heavy users could show positive results for a month or longer due to metabolite accumulation in fat cells. Higher doses of THC also mean more of the compound for the body to process, potentially extending the detection window.
An individual’s metabolic rate plays a considerable role; a faster metabolism generally leads to quicker elimination of THC. Body fat percentage is another influencing factor because THC metabolites are fat-soluble and stored in fatty tissues. Individuals with higher body fat percentages may retain these compounds for longer periods.
The potency of the cannabis concentrate (THC content) also affects detection times; higher THC content can result in longer detection periods. Hydration levels can influence the concentration of THC metabolites in urine, while overall diet and general health can affect metabolic processes. Although exercise can contribute to fat metabolism, its direct impact on quickly clearing THC from the system is complex and not a guaranteed rapid detox method.
Drug Test Detection Windows
Different types of drug tests have varying detection windows for cannabis metabolites. Urine tests are the most common method and can detect cannabis for approximately 1 to 30 days after use, depending on the frequency of consumption. For a single use, detection might be around 3 days, while for chronic daily use, it could extend beyond 30 days.
Blood tests primarily detect recent cannabis use, with THC typically detectable for a few hours up to 12 hours after consumption. However, in cases of heavy use, it has been detected up to 30 days later. These tests are often used to determine current impairment rather than past use.
Saliva tests are also used for recent use detection, with THC generally detectable for 1 to 3 days. Hair follicle tests offer the longest detection window, capable of identifying cannabis use for up to 90 days. These tests analyze THC metabolites that enter the hair follicles, providing a broader history of substance use.