Though legal in many states and more to follow, THC can still be tested for when applying to a number of jobs. Thecannabinoid may be detectable in urine, blood, or even hair, and if you've recently consumed cannabis, there's a possibility that a drug test will show it in your system. There's no quick and easy way to fully rid your body of THC before a test, but knowing why is helpful.
Learn more and bust some myths about cannabis, drug testing, and what you should be aware of if you're concerned about taking a drug test in the future.
What is detoxification?
Detoxification, often shortened to "detox," is the process by which your body eliminates or neutralizes harmful substances, such as toxins, chemicals, and waste products. This process is carried out by various organs and systems within your body, including the liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, and digestive system.
How long does it take to detox from THC?
The amount of time it takes for your body to detox from THC can vary significantly depending on factors such as frequency of use, individual metabolism, body mass and fat percentage, and the sensitivity of the test used to detect THC.
THC is fat-soluble, meaning it's stored in your fat cells and released slowly over time. So even though your high may have only lasted a few hours, it can take a few days to several weeks for your body to eliminate the THC you consumed.
Here are some rough estimates based on the frequency of use:
- Occasional consumers (less than once per week):THC may be detectable in your urine for up to 3 days after last use.
- Moderate consumers (a few times per week):THC may be detectable in your urine for 5 - 7 days after last use.
- Frequent consumers (daily or near-daily):THC may be detectable in your urine anywhere from 10 days to a month after last use.
Note: these estimates are based on a general understanding of how THC is metabolized and excreted from the body and on findings fromvarious studies and reviews. However, the detection window for THC in urine can vary significantly from person to person.
Common ways to get weed out of your system
Though it's best to allow THC to leave your body simply through time, some attempt to “speed up the process” with various methods. The scientific and medical communities often debate the effectiveness and necessity of these practices since the human body is generally well-equipped to handle detoxification on its own.
Here are some of the most common THC detox methods and whether they work for getting weed out of your system.
Exercise
Go to any hot yoga class, and your instructor might talk about sweating out toxins. Can vigorous exercise and breaking a sweat cause THC to leave the body?
We spoke to Dr. Bonni Goldstein, owner and medical director of CannaCenters and medical advisor to Weedmaps, for answers, “In a 2013 study,14 regular cannabis consumers who abstained from THCthe night before the study exercised on a stationary bicycle for 35 minutes. Blood levels of THC were checked before exercise, immediately post-exercise, and two hours post-exercise. The results showed that exercise induced a small, statistically significant increase in THC levels for about two hours after the exercise,” Dr. Goldstein shared.
“This showed that stored THC is released into the bloodstream due to exercise. Unfortunately, the study did not include urine THC testing, so we still lack concrete evidence of the effects of exercise or sweating when it comes to drug testing.”
Detox drinks
Detox drinks such as cranberry juice or green tea may seem like good solutions to flush THC out of your system, but can they literally remove the cannabinoid? Not exactly.
Dr. Goldstein explained, “Evidence to support the use of detox drinks to clear the body of THC is lacking. There are anecdotal reports of people passing drug tests with these, but this may be more of a factor of the sensitivity of the drug test rather than the efficacy of a detox drink.”
Detox kits
A detox kit may also seem like a quick fix to cleanse your system of THC, but these methods may be even less reliable than detoxing with fluids.
First, THC detox kits are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning they could be more harmful than helpful. While it could be possible to fool a drug test with a kit, it may not be worth risking your well-being for a product of questionable origin and safety.
Drinking more water
Hydrating with beverages such as herbal tea and purified water won't rid your system of THC any quicker. Still, drinking plenty of water can benefit general health, which is often not the case for unregulated products such as detox pills and kits.
Diet
A healthy diet may have a modest impact on the detoxification process of THC from your body. While it won't drastically speed up the elimination process, certain dietary habits — like eating lots of fibrous, leafy greens — can support your body's natural detoxification processes and potentially help remove THC metabolites more efficiently.
Drinking vinegar
Drinking vinegar is not a scientifically proven or medically recommended method to detox THC faster from your body. While there are anecdotal claims that consuming vinegar may help with passing drug tests, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims, and it can be potentially harmful.
When consumed in large amounts, vinegar is highly acidic and can cause gastrointestinal issues, such as stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. It may also lead to tooth enamel erosion and throat irritation.
Niacin supplements
There is acommon misconceptionthat niacin (vitamin B3) supplements can help detox THC faster. This belief is primarily based on anecdotal evidence and has not been scientifically proven. In fact, using high doses of niacin to speed up THC detoxification can be dangerous and cause adverse side effects.
Niacin is an essential vitamin that helps the body convert food into energy and supports various bodily functions.Excessive amounts can lead to side effectssuch as skin flushing, itching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and liver damage.
FAQ
How can I use cannabis and still pass a drug test?
If you want to enjoy cannabis but don't want any evidence of the plant to appear in a blood or urine sample, there are other options to consider.
Hemp-derived CBD products such as oils and tinctures contain only trace levels of THC and may be ingested on their own or prepared in recipes for tasty edibles.
Another option is to smoke strains that have low levels of THC. Popular cannabis strains purported to have less than 15% THC include:
- Charlotte's Web
- Harlequin
- ACDC
For even lower levels, tryRingo'sGift, which usually contains around 7% THC, making it a good choice for beginners, too.
What is the best way to detox from THC?
The best way to detox from THC is to allow enough time for the cannabinoid to exit your system naturally. Sipping water, trying detox drinks such as cranberry juice, and practicing yoga may not speed up the process, but they can make you feel good and assist with any withdrawal symptoms you may be experiencing.
“Abstinence and allowing your body the time it needs is recommended if you want to clear your system of cannabinoids,” said Dr. Goldstein. Home remedies like drinking water with small amounts of lemon juice and apple cider vinegar carry potential health benefits, but it's a myth that they can strip your system of THC.
Some vitamin-rich fluids may be able to mask cannabis in your bloodstream and urine, but this outcome is not predictable and depends on numerous factors, including your body composition, frequency of cannabis consumption, and even the potency of the weed.
What are the symptoms of a weed detox?
Thewithdrawal symptoms of a weed detoxcan vary from person to person and may include irritability, anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, headaches, and sweating.
Bottom line
As much as we all love a quick fix, abstaining from cannabis for 30 days or more may be the only way to guarantee that THC won't appear on a drug test.
This article was medically reviewed byBonni Goldstein MD.
Sources
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American Addiction Centers. (2022). Persistence of Tetrahydrocannabinol in the Human Body: An Overview. American Addiction Centers.
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Bonnet, U., & Preuss, U. W. (2017). The cannabis withdrawal syndrome: current insights. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, 8, 9-37.
Budney, A. J., Moore, B. A., Rocha, H. L., & Higgins, S. T. (2002). Clinical trial of abstinence-based vouchers and cognitive-behavioral therapy for cannabis dependence. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70(4), 1070–1080.
Featured image by Gina Coleman/Weedmaps
