With marijuana now decriminalized or fully legalized in most U.S. states, many people may wonder how this substance affects them, even when they’re not currently using it.
Despite the more relaxed legal landscape, marijuana can still impact your health, as well as your personal and professional life.it.
How It Affects Your System
The active component in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the chemical responsible for the “high” sensation. However, even after the high fades, THC can remain in your system for several days or even weeks.
Most people know that drugs can be detected through urine tests, which are the most common form of drug screening. This is why certain employers require routine urine drug tests for their workers. However, you might be surprised to learn that THC and its metabolites can also be detected in your hair, blood, and saliva.
A metabolite is a byproduct produced when the body processes a substance. When you consume marijuana, your body recognizes THC as the “parent drug.” As it breaks down the THC, various metabolites are formed. Although THC itself does not stay in the body for long, its metabolites can linger and are often detectable in urine for a longer period.
General Detection Periods
- Urine: THC can be detected for three to 30 days.
- Blood: It remains detectable for about three to four hours.
- Saliva: It can stay detectable for up to 24 hours, though some tests may pick it up for as long as 72 hours.
- Hair: Tests can detect THC use for up to 90 days.
While hair tests are the most sensitive, they may also produce false positives. Since the test measures THC absorbed through skin oils, simply being around someone who uses marijuana could trigger a positive result.
Factors Influencing Test Results
Marijuana drug tests are designed to detect the presence of THC, not the marijuana plant itself. The more frequently you use cannabis, the higher the likelihood of a positive test result compared to someone who only consumes it occasionally.
Several factors can influence marijuana drug test outcomes:
- Frequency of use
- Amount consumed
- Body fat percentage
- Sensitivity of the drug test
For occasional users (less than three times a week), THC metabolites may be detectable in urine for about three days after use. Those who use cannabis around four times weekly might test positive for five to seven days, while daily users may test positive for 10 to 15 days. For heavy, multiple-daily users, THC can be detectable for more than 30 days.
Additional Influences on THC Detection
- Metabolism: A faster metabolism helps eliminate THC and its metabolites more quickly.
- Gender: Since women tend to have more body fat, THC may metabolize more slowly.
- Hydration Levels: Severe dehydration can raise THC concentration levels.
In conclusion, while cannabis may be legal in some regions, it can still impair judgment and affect your perception. For individuals in recovery, using cannabis could potentially lead back to previous drug habits. If you’re concerned about cannabis use for yourself or someone else, reach out for help. Contact us today to learn more.
