How Long Do Edibles Stay in Your System? A Scientific Guide

Key Takeaways:

• No single answer exists for how long edibles remain detectable; it varies significantly by individual and product.
• Cannabinoid metabolism involves the liver and produces metabolites like THC-COOH, which drug tests target.
• Factors influencing detection time include frequency of use, dosage, individual metabolism, body fat percentage, and the type of drug test.
• Detection windows vary from days to months depending on the testing method and individual factors.
• This information is for educational purposes only and not legal or medical advice.

There is no single answer to how long edible cannabinoids remain detectable in your system, as the detection window depends on a wide range of individual factors. This scientific guide explains the process of cannabinoid metabolism and the variables that affect how long they persist in your body.

Understanding How Your Body Processes Edibles

When you consume an edible, your body processes it differently than other forms of cannabinoid intake. This journey significantly influences how long edibles stay in your system.

First-Pass Metabolism

Upon consumption, an edible travels through the digestive system. Unlike inhaled cannabinoids, which enter the bloodstream directly through the lungs, edibles are subjected to “first-pass metabolism” in the liver.

During this process, liver enzymes break down the cannabinoids, converting them into various metabolites before they enter the general circulation. This metabolic pathway is why edibles typically have a delayed onset but often produce longer-lasting effects compared to other consumption methods.

Cannabinoid Metabolites

Drug tests primarily detect not the original cannabinoid compounds like THC, but rather their metabolites. The most commonly targeted metabolite is THC-COOH. This particular metabolite is highly fat-soluble, meaning it can be stored in the body’s fat cells.

The storage and gradual release of THC-COOH from fat cells contribute significantly to its extended detection window, making it detectable much longer than the psychoactive effects of THC might last.

5 Factors That Influence Detection Time

Several variables determine the precise duration edible cannabinoids remain detectable. Understanding these factors is crucial for comprehending the complexity of cannabinoid elimination from the body.

1. Frequency of Use: For individuals who consume edibles infrequently, cannabinoid metabolites may clear from their system within a few days. Conversely, for chronic, daily users, these metabolites can accumulate in the body’s fat reserves, potentially remaining detectable for 30 days or even longer.
2. Dosage and Potency: The quantity of cannabinoids consumed directly impacts detection time. Higher doses of cannabinoids, particularly THC, require more time for the body to process and eliminate. For example, Each of Nuleaf Naturals’ THC gummies contains a precise serving of 10mg of cannabinoids.*
3. Individual Metabolism: An individual’s metabolic rate significantly influences how quickly substances are processed and removed from the body. People with naturally faster metabolic rates will typically process and clear cannabinoids more rapidly than those with slower metabolisms.
4. Body Fat Percentage: As metabolites like THC-COOH are fat-soluble, they are stored within fat cells throughout the body. Individuals with a higher body fat percentage possess more storage capacity for these metabolites, which can lead to longer detection periods.
5. Type of Test: Different drug testing methods have distinct detection windows, varying in their sensitivity and the duration for which they can identify cannabinoid metabolites. Each test targets the presence of these substances in specific biological samples.

Approximate Detection Windows

While it is impossible to provide an exact timeframe due to individual variability, general estimates suggest the following detection windows. These are not a guarantee and can vary significantly based on the factors discussed above.

• Urine: 3-7 days
• Blood: 1-2 days
• Saliva: 1 to 3 days
• Hair: up to 90 days

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.