Cannabis-infused products are becoming more popular by the day. And THC drinks are emerging as a discreet and convenient way to consume tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in marijuana.
People use this substance for different purposes. Chances are, you’re using them recreationally, or medicinally. Whichever the case, it’s important to understand how long THC from these beverages stays in your system.
This is especially crucial if you’re facing drug testing or are concerned about lingering effects. So, how long do THC drinks stay in your system? That’s what we set out to understand in this post. Read to the very end before taking the first sip.
How THC Is Processed In The Body
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Understanding just how long THC might end up staying in your body comes down to several factors. None more so than how it is processed in the body. Here’s how it goes;
Upon taking a THC-infused beverage, it gets absorbed in your stomach and intestines. It then proceeds to be metabolized in the liver.
In this process, THC is converted into a metabolite known as 11-hydroxy-THC. This metabolite happens to have more potent and longer-lasting effects than the raw THC.
This explains why these beverages and edibles offer stronger, and more sustained effects than other types such as vaping or smoking. But, how long do THC drinks stay in your system?
What Plays A Role In How Long The Effects Of THC Last?
Once you ingest a THC-infused beverage, you won’t feel the effects right away. It may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to start feeling the high. However, just how long these effects are going to last boils down to several factors.
The dosage – Of course, the higher the amounts of THC that you ingest, the longer it’s likely to last in your body. Stronger doses often lead to more intense and prolonged experiences.
Metabolism – If you have a faster metabolism rate, you are likely to experience a shorter duration of the effects. Your body processes THC more quickly, which can reduce how long the high lasts.
Body’s tolerance – Users with high tolerance to THC are going to experience shorter or less intense effects. Regular consumers often build up a resistance, meaning they may need higher doses to feel the same impact.
Full Vs Empty Stomach – If you consume THC on an empty stomach, the effects could be short-lived. This will speed up the absorption and processing of the substance.
How Long Does THC Stay In Your System?
Now, onto the big question, how long will THC beverages linger in your body? While the effects may rise and fall, the THC and its metabolites might remain in your body for days. And sometimes, even weeks.
The detection times vary, sometimes based on various factors. However, this could also boil down to the testing method used.
Detection Windows By Test Type
Different testing methods will show the presence of THC traces in your body at various durations. Here are some of the main ones.
Urine Test:
- 3-7 days for occasional users taking beverages 1-2 times a week
- 7-21 days for moderate users consuming beverages 3-4 times per week
- 21-30+ days for chronic users with daily consumption
Note, urine tests top the list as the most common type used for testing and detection of THC metabolites and not active THC.
Blood Test:
THC is detectable in the blood for up to 1 to 2 days in occasional users, and sometimes up to a week in chronic users.
Saliva Test:
THC may be in your saliva for up to 24-72 hours in most cases, even longer for chronic users.
Hair Test:
A hair follicle test can detect THC in your system for up to 90 days. However, these are seldom ever used, and mostly only applied in more extensive screening.
Factors That Affect THC Retention
Just as is the case with THC absorption hinging on several factors, the same goes for its retention;
Frequency of use: Users who consume these beverages frequently tend to experience more retention than occasional users.
Body fat levels: THC is fat-soluble and easily stored in fats. People with higher body fat percentage, therefore, usually have higher retention levels.
Hydration and diet: A well-hydrated body is more likely to flush out the beverages faster. Drinking plenty of water supports kidney function and helps eliminate THC metabolites through urine.
Exercise: Physical activity can help speed up the metabolism of THC beverages, thus flushing them out faster. Exercise promotes fat metabolism, which can release stored THC back into the bloodstream temporarily.
To Wrap it Up
Unlike smoking or vaping, whose effects hit quite fast, these beverages take time before you feel the effects. But despite the slow onset, the effects are often long-lasting. It’s thus important to keep an eye on your level of consumption.
Fun and flavorful as they are, these beverages are not to be taken lightly. They can linger in your system for way longer than you expect. Make sure you know your limits, and understand how these beverages interact with your body.
In case you have an upcoming drug test, it’s best to tread cautiously. If possible, steer clear of the glass, especially if you won’t have enough time for detoxing. Above all, be mindful of local laws and regulations, as well as workplace policies.
