A 2020 study found that 1 in 5 men and 1 in 4 women have used or are using THC. This may be a real problem in some states, where laws are not necessarily favorable to cannabis consumption. It is therefore necessary to understand how the THC molecule remains in the body.
THC time in the blood: what you need to know
The presence of THC in the blood varies according to several factors, including dose, frequency of use, mode of administration and individual metabolism.
When inhaled, THC reaches its blood peak within minutes and rapidly diminishes within hours, although traces can persist for up to 12 hours in occasional users. In the case of ingestion, such as the consumption of space cake or THC gummiesgummies, the liver's slower metabolism prolongs its presence, often for up to 24 hours.
For regular users, THC accumulates in fatty tissue due to its liposolubility. This accumulation can release small quantities into the bloodstream for several days, or even weeks, after the last consumption.
In the case of frequent users, traces can be detected for up to 30 days in the blood and up to 70 days in the urine. This time also depends on the effectiveness of screening tests, which measure not only active THC, but also the level in fat cells via blood sampling.
By binding to these receptors, THC disrupts neuronal communication, resulting in short-term effects such as euphoria, impaired memory or impaired concentration. This can be problematic for a driver who has consumed THC shortly before taking the wheel. It is therefore essential to remain vigilant and not to drive under the influence of cannabis.
How does a THC test work?
A THC test aims to detect the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol or its metabolites in the body. Several methods are used:
- Blood test: measures active THC, indicating more or less recent consumption. It is accurate and widely used when checking after a positive saliva test.
- Urine test: Identifies THC metabolites, often up to 3-30 days after use, depending on frequency of use. It is commonly used for regular screening and can remain for up to 70 days for regular users.
- Saliva test: detects active THC up to 72 hours after consumption. Easy to administer, it is preferred for roadside checks.
These tests vary in sensitivity, depending on their ability to detect even low doses, and their effectiveness in differentiating THC from other substances. Procedures and penalties can vary from country to country, depending on the legislation in force.
Have you ever heard of a false positive?
A "false positive" is when a test detects a substance, such as THC, even though it is not actually present in the body, or at levels that are too high. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as the use of certain drugs, foods or cosmetics, which contain compounds similar to THC.
In screening tests such as urine or saliva, a false positive can occur, leading to misinterpretation of results. That's why it's essential to confirm results with a more precise test, such as a blood test. As mentioned above, THC remains longer in the bloodstream .
How to speed up THC elimination: myths and realities?
Accelerating THC elimination? A dream for some, but a far more complex reality.
If you think a marathon or gallons of water will get rid of THC faster, you're wrong. In fact, THC is a molecule that stagnates in body fat for a long time. Physical exercise may release some of the THC stored in fat, but it doesn't eliminate the molecule any faster. Drinking gallons of water will only make you urinate more often, but will in no way alter the absorption of THC in your liver.
And no, there's no miracle solution for eliminating THC from the bloodstream. So be patient and let your body evacuate the molecule at its own pace. However, there is a solution that could camouflage THC in saliva. The kleaner spray could save you from positive saliva tests.
How long THC remains in the blood depends on many factors, including frequency of use, dose and individual metabolism. While occasional users can eliminate THC within a few days, regular users will often have to wait several weeks.