Marijuana is a drug derived from a cannabis plant that alters mood. After consumption, you may feel euphoric, and after a while, the effects of the drug start to fade out. The plant contains a chemical, known as Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which can make people high even after several days.

Marijuana, which is commonly called weed, may remain in the body for a few days if it’s an occasional user. However, chronic users can have THC in their system for several weeks and months.

The length of time this drug stays in the blood varies and is determined by some factors, such as;

  • The number of use, or consumption.
  • The quantity of smoke inhaled.
  • The type of drug test.

THC, which is the essential ingredient in marijuana, can stay in the blood for as long as 2-7 days.

How Long Is It Detectable Via Drug Testing?

Drug tests can detect THC in urine, hair, and blood for several days after use. The detection window for a marijuana user depends on the frequency of usage and kind of tests carried out on the person. A study shows that for a single marijuana user who smokes, the detection window does not exceed three days.

For someone who smokes more than twice in a week, tests may detect THC for about 5-7 days. Detection window ranges from 30 days or longer for a user that smokes more than once in a day.

Drug tests being carried out on a marijuana user includes;

  • Urine Tests.
  • Saliva Tests.
  • Hair Tests.
  • Blood Tests.

Urine tests detect marijuana in the urine for about 3-30 days after use. Saliva tests can detect marijuana between 24 and 72 hours after use. Hair tests detect THC for up to 90 days after use. It’s the most sensitive type of drug testing because it doesn’t prove substantially if a user tested positive or not. Hair tests are conducted using the hair follicles, which is an ideal method of testing for the substance. However, a user can transfer to a non-user by contact, which means anybody directly in connection with the user will test positive with this test. This makes it more or less, an unreliable drug test.

A blood test can detect THC for a maximum of 4 hours.

How Long Does It Take to Break Down (Metabolize)?

The amount of time it takes for marijuana to breakdown in the system ranges from a few hours to about 90 days. This duration depends on how frequent the user consumes marijuana.

What Factors Affect How Long It Stays In Your System?

Many factors influence the duration of marijuana in your system. These factors that influence the longevity of marijuana in your system include;

  • Frequency of Use

Chronic marijuana users tend to have a higher concentration of THC in their system than mild or average users for a more extended period.

  • Rate of Metabolism

People with faster metabolism tends to eliminate THC from their systems than people who do not. In other words, people with slow metabolic rate tends to have a longer detection period.

  • Dehydration

Lack of drinking sufficient water will increase the concentration of cannabinoids in the system compared to those who drink lots of water. This may likely lead to a shorter detection window.

  • Exercise

A study of a small percentage of marijuana users concluded that 35 minutes of exercise would likely increase the amount of concentration of THC in the body. This means that exercising too close before a test will increase your chances of testing positive. Again, the ratio of Body Mass Index to THC is directly proportional, which means that exercises cause fats to release THC. The more exercise, the higher THC is significantly increased in your system.

  • Dose

The quantity of marijuana that you consume determines the amount of THC in your system. A chronic user will have a higher concentration of THC in their system than those who smoke once a day or at an average.

  • Body Fats

People with a higher concentration of body fats metabolize fats slowly than those who have a low Body Mass Index. THC is a lipid-soluble chemical, which means that it binds to body fats, which means that THC is likely to stay in your system longer than those who have low body fats. Besides, females have more body fats than their male counterparts, so they will likely have more concentration of THC.

How Long Does It Take to Feel the Effects?

Inhaling or consuming marijuana has an instant effect on the user. The user usually feels high, but the effects do fade away after some time.

How Much Do You Have to Smoke to Fail a Drug Test?

The amount of THC concentrations in marijuana varies. There is no specified quantity that you have to smoke to fail a drug test. However, chronic marijuana users are more likely to fail a drug test than mild users.

How to Get Marijuana Out of the Body?

Most marijuana users try to get THC out of their bodies in preparation for a drug test. There are several strategies you can employ to drive out marijuana from your system.

Drinking plenty of water can decrease the concentration of marijuana in your system and prolong detection windows. This means that you are likely to test negative when your body is adequately hydrated.

Engaging in exercises may help the body to fasten metabolism. By exercising, you are causing the body to shed some fats, which acts as storehouses for THC. However, exercising too close to a test will increase the chances of testing positive in a drug test.

Teas and cleanses also can lower THC concentrations in the system. They are diuretic and will increase the frequency of your urination. Since urine test is a major drug test for marijuana, frequent urination can get THC concentrations out of your body.

These tips doesn’t eliminate THC from the body totally, but will lower concentrations to a considerable amount.