As laws change, talking about marijuana use is slowly becoming more common. Some people are assessing its medicinal value, while others are looking for ways on how to get THC out of your system because of drug testing or a simple desire to get toxins out of their systems. But what exactly are they flushing out, and how long would it take to happen naturally?
How long does THC stay in the System?
THC, the primary psychoactive compound found in marijuana, can be detected in various bodily fluids and tissues, including blood, urine, and fat cells. The duration for which THC remains detectable in the body varies based on several factors, including an individual’s metabolism and eating habits, exercise routine, body fat percentage, and the frequency and quantity of marijuana use.
Metabolism and eating habits play a crucial role in how long THC stays detectable. Individuals with a faster metabolism tend to process and eliminate THC more quickly than those with a slower metabolism. Additionally, consuming a high-fat meal before or after using marijuana can potentially prolong the detection time, as THC is lipophilic and can be stored in fat cells.
Regular physical exercise can also affect the detection time of THC. Physical activity increases metabolism and promotes fat burning, potentially accelerating the elimination of THC from the body. Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle may slow down the elimination process.
The percentage of body fat is another significant factor. THC is known to bind to fat molecules and can accumulate in adipose tissues. Therefore, individuals with higher body fat percentages may retain THC for a longer period compared to those with lower body fat percentages.
The frequency and quantity of marijuana use also impact the detection time. Someone who uses marijuana occasionally or in small amounts may eliminate THC from their system more quickly than a heavy or frequent user. Chronic or heavy cannabis use can lead to THC build-up in fat cells, resulting in a longer detection window.
Given the variability of these factors, there is no universally applicable detection time for THC. Estimates suggest that THC can be detectable for as little as two days or as long as several months, depending on the individual’s unique circumstances. It is important to note that these estimates are approximate and can vary widely from person to person. Factors such as individual genetics and the sensitivity of drug tests can further influence the detection time.
How to Get THC Out of Your System
In order to get rid of THC in your system you must undergo Marijuana Detox or do the following. The majority of marijuana detoxification methods aim to eliminate any traceable THC from the body. These detox kits typically consist of capsules, chewable tablets, drinks, shampoos, and mouthwashes, all designed to help individuals pass a saliva test.
However, if your primary concern is passing a drug test, detox methods can have unintended consequences that raise suspicion regarding your urine sample.
Cleanses and teas can lower THC levels by acting as diuretics. These products increase urination, essentially flushing out the kidneys. As a result, the specific gravity or density of the urine can decrease, which is considered an indicator of potential contamination during the test. In such cases, the specimen may be invalidated.
In addition, cleanses and teas have the potential to affect creatinine levels in the urine, which is another parameter drug tests assess. Abnormal creatinine levels can be interpreted as contamination, implying an attempt to manipulate the drug test.
While this does not necessarily result in a positive test, it renders the sample unacceptable, and you will likely be required to retake the test.