Cannabis
How Long Does Weed Stay in Your System? A Comprehensive Guide
Jun
Cannabis is becoming more widely accepted and legally available across Canada. As more people explore the benefits of weed for recreational or medicinal use, many also wonder: how long does weed stay in your system? Whether you’re getting ready for a drug test, trying to understand your body better, or just curious, knowing how THC interacts with your system is important.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, including how long THC stays in your system, how different consumption methods affect detection time, and what to expect in urine tests.
What Is THC?
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. It’s what gives you that “high” feeling after smoking a joint or eating an edible. When you consume weed, THC enters your bloodstream and gets stored in fat cells. From there, it slowly leaves your system over time.
Even after the high wears off, THC can stay in your system and be detectable in drug tests days or even weeks later.
How Long Does Weed Stay in Your System?
The short answer? It depends. There is no universal timeline for how long weed stays in your system because it varies based on multiple factors:
- Frequency of use
- Body fat and metabolism
- THC potency
- Consumption method (smoking vs. edibles)
- Hydration levels
In general:
- Occasional users: 1 to 3 days
- Regular users (few times a week): 7 to 21 days
- Heavy users (daily or multiple times a day): 30+ days
These are rough estimates, and actual times can vary significantly from person to person.
How Long Does THC Stay in Your System?
When we talk about THC staying in your system, we mean how long your body takes to metabolize and eliminate it. THC breaks down into metabolites—primarily THC-COOH—which are what drug tests look for.
Here are general detection windows for THC:
- Blood: Up to 36 hours (for occasional users)
- Saliva: 24 to 72 hours
- Urine: 3 to 30+ days
- Hair: Up to 90 days
The most common question we hear is: How long does THC stay in your urine?
How Long Does THC Stay in Your Urine?
Urine tests are the most common form of cannabis drug testing. They’re easy to administer and can detect THC for longer than other tests. Here’s a closer look:
- One-time use: Detectable in urine for 1 to 3 days
- Moderate use (3–4 times per week): Detectable for 5 to 10 days
- Daily use: Detectable for 10 to 30 days or longer
In some heavy users, THC has been detected in urine up to 60+ days after last use.
Factors that influence how long THC stays in your urine include:
- Body fat: THC binds to fat, so individuals with more body fat may retain it longer.
- Hydration: Drinking water helps dilute your urine, but doesn’t necessarily speed up THC elimination.
- Activity level: Exercise may help metabolize fat, but there’s no guarantee it will clear THC quickly.
How Weed Consumption Method Affects Detection Time
Different methods of using weed can impact how quickly THC enters and exits your system:
- Smoking or Vaping: THC enters the bloodstream quickly, and effects are felt almost immediately. Detection time tends to be shorter.
- Edibles: THC is processed through the digestive system and liver. Effects take longer to kick in, and THC metabolites may linger in your system longer.
- Tinctures or Oils: Similar to edibles, but may absorb more quickly depending on the method of ingestion (e.g., under the tongue).
In general, edibles tend to stay in your system longer than smoked or vaped cannabis.
THC Detection by Test Type
Here’s a quick breakdown of how long THC is detectable in different types of tests:
| Test Type | Detection Window (Occasional Use) | Detection Window (Heavy Use) |
| Urine | 1–3 days | 30+ days |
| Blood | 12–24 hours | 7+ days |
| Saliva | Up to 24 hours | 3+ days |
| Hair | Not used for recent use | Up to 90 days |
What About CBD?
Unlike THC, CBD (cannabidiol) is not psychoactive and is usually not tested for in drug screenings. However, full-spectrum CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC that could result in a positive test.
If you’re concerned about testing, look for broad-spectrum or THC-free CBD products.
How to Get THC Out of Your System Faster
There is no guaranteed way to speed up the process, but some people try the following:
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water may help dilute your urine (not a foolproof method)
- Exercise: Burns fat cells that store THC, but can also temporarily increase THC levels in your bloodstream
- Time: Ultimately, only time will completely clear THC from your body
Avoid shady detox products that promise to “flush THC instantly” — many don’t work or could harm your health.
THC and Drug Tests in Canada
In Canada, cannabis is legal, but drug testing can still occur, especially in workplaces with strict substance policies (e.g., transportation, government jobs). Employers may require testing for safety-sensitive positions.
Even though weed is legal, testing positive for THC could still have consequences depending on your job or industry. This is why understanding how long weed stays in your system is important.
What Can Affect How Long Weed Stays in Your System?
1. Frequency of Use
THC builds up in the body. Daily users will retain it much longer than someone who uses once a month.
2. Body Composition
More body fat = longer THC storage. THC is lipophilic, meaning it binds to fat molecules.
3. Metabolism
A faster metabolism may eliminate THC more quickly.
4. THC Potency
High-THC strains or concentrates like wax, shatter, or edibles result in longer retention times.
5. Hydration & Lifestyle
Staying active and hydrated helps your body function efficiently, though it doesn’t guarantee faster detox.
Summary: Key Points to Remember
Here are the major takeaways from this guide:
- Weed can stay in your system for 1 to 30+ days, depending on use and body factors
- THC is detectable longest in urine, especially for heavy users
- Edibles and high-potency products tend to linger longer
- No foolproof method exists to flush THC instantly—only time works
- In Canada, cannabis is legal, but drug testing policies still exist in some workplaces
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does weed stay in your system after one use?
A: Usually 1–3 days in urine, but it can vary based on your metabolism and the product consumed.
Q: Can drinking water flush THC from my system?
A: Water can dilute your urine but doesn’t eliminate THC from your fat cells.
Q: Do edibles stay in your system longer than smoking?
A: Yes, edibles take longer to digest and process, often resulting in a longer detection window.
Q: How long does THC stay in your urine for a heavy user?
A: It can be detectable for 30 to 60+ days, depending on frequency and body composition.
Q: Will secondhand smoke show up on a drug test?
A: It’s highly unlikely, unless you were exposed in a small, enclosed space for an extended time.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. For personalized guidance, speak with a healthcare professional.
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REFERENCES:
Health Canada (2020, January 23). Cannabis Laws and Regulations. Government of Canada. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/laws-regulations.html
Department of Justice. (2019, October 17). Cannabis Legalization and Regulation. Available at: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/cannabis/
Wagener, M. A. (2021, November 19). How Long Does Pot Stay in Your System? American Addiction Centers. Available at: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/marijuana-rehab/how-long-system-body
Carly V. Medically reviewed by Eloise T., RN, MSN, AGPCNP-BC. (2024, April 23). How Long Does Weed Stay in Your System?. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-weed-stay-in-your-systemÂ
Dr. Louisa Degenhardt, Ph.D. AO, FAA, FASSA, FAHMS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisa_DegenhardtÂ