How Long Does Weed Stay in Your System?

Understanding how long marijuana remains in your system is crucial, especially for those facing drug tests or concerned about long-term health effects. Various factors influence how long THC, the active component in marijuana, stays detectable in the body, including genetics, frequency of use, body composition, and the type of drug test performed.

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What Happens When You Consume Marijuana?

Marijuana, also known as weed, pot, cannabis, or Mary Jane, is the most widely used federally illegal substance in the U.S., with over 55 million users reported in 2023. It comes from the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant.

The primary compounds in marijuana are:

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): The psychoactive component responsible for the “high.”
• Cannabidiol (CBD): Non-psychoactive and not impairing, though it may offer therapeutic benefits.

When marijuana is smoked, THC quickly enters the bloodstream, causing immediate effects. In contrast, edibles take longer to be absorbed, with effects setting in anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour and a half after ingestion.

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Short-Term Effects of Marijuana

The effects of marijuana vary based on factors such as genetics, body fat, and method of consumption. Short-term side effects typically last one to two hours but can persist for up to 24 hours, affecting cognitive and physical functions.

Common short-term effects include:

• Relaxation or euphoria
• Increased appetite (“the munchies”)
• Dry mouth
• Red, swollen eyes
• Distorted perception
• Difficulty with memory, coordination, and problem-solving
• Increased heart rate
• Anxiety or paranoia

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How Does the Body Process THC?

THC is a fat-soluble compound, meaning it is stored in fatty tissues such as the liver, lungs, and spleen. The liver metabolizes THC into active and inactive compounds, which are eventually excreted through urine and feces.

Enzymes responsible for this process, like CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, can vary genetically, leading some individuals to metabolize THC faster or slower than others.

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Factors Influencing How Long Weed Stays in Your System

Several factors determine how long marijuana remains detectable:

• Body Fat Percentage: THC is stored in fat, so individuals with higher body fat may retain it longer.
• Genetics: Some people metabolize THC more efficiently than others.
• Frequency of Use: Occasional users eliminate THC faster than chronic users.
• Other Medications: Certain drugs can speed up or slow down THC metabolism.
• Potency of Marijuana: Higher THC concentrations can take longer to clear from the body.

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How Long Does Weed Stay in the Body?

THC metabolites can remain in the body for varying lengths of time, depending on the method of testing:

Urine Tests

• Detect THC metabolites for 1 to 4 days in occasional users.
• Chronic users may test positive for up to 70 days.

Blood Tests

• THC is detectable in the bloodstream for 36 hours after use in most cases.
• Chronic use may extend detection up to 7 days.

Hair Tests

• Hair samples can detect marijuana use within the last 90 days, though they are less reliable for determining specific quantities or timing of use.

Saliva Tests

• Marijuana is detectable in saliva for approximately 34 hours after use.

Breast Milk

• THC can remain in breast milk for up to 6 days and may impact a newborn’s cognitive development and behavior.

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Marijuana and Employment Drug Tests

Many employers require drug tests as part of their workplace policies, even in states where marijuana is legal. Standard tests begin with immunoassay screening and, if positive, are confirmed with more sensitive gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) tests.

Failing a drug test can result in job termination, even in states where recreational or medicinal marijuana is legalized.

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Can You “Detox” From Weed?

The only reliable way to pass a drug test is to stop using marijuana entirely. While many techniques claim to “cleanse” the body of THC, most lack scientific backing.

Common myths include:

• Flushing the System: Drinking excessive fluids to dilute urine may mask THC but doesn’t eliminate it.
• Exercise and Saunas: While exercise can release stored THC from fat cells, it may increase THC levels in the bloodstream temporarily.
• Detox Products: Herbal teas and supplements marketed as detox agents lack proven effectiveness.

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Medical Detox for Marijuana

For individuals struggling with heavy marijuana use, detox under medical supervision can be a safer and more effective option. At The Recovery Village Indianapolis, we offer medically supervised detox programs where professionals manage withdrawal symptoms and support patients through the process.

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Marijuana Addiction Treatment

At The Recovery Village Indianapolis, we provide comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s needs. Our full continuum of care includes:

• Medical Detox: Safely manage withdrawal symptoms under professional supervision.
• Inpatient Rehab: Residential care focused on intensive recovery.
• Mental Health Counseling: Address co-occurring mental health disorders that may contribute to substance use.
• Aftercare Planning: Support for long-term recovery through counseling and peer support groups.

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Amenities and Support

Our facility offers a range of amenities to support recovery, including:

• Swimming pool
• Fully equipped gyms
• Basketball and volleyball courts
• Frisbee golf and horseshoe pits
• Comfortable, hotel-style accommodations

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Start Your Journey to Recovery

Our licensed and compassionate staff at The Recovery Village Indianapolis is dedicated to helping patients achieve lasting recovery. As a Gold Seal Joint Commission facility, we provide evidence-based care in a supportive environment.

Contact us today to begin your journey toward a marijuana-free life.