Marijuana leaf with different types of edibles in the background
This entry was posted in Drug Facts on by .

It’s important to understand the risks associated with consuming edibles, particularly for those in recovery or looking to avoid relapse. Cannabis products, including baked goods and other food products, can have significant psychoactive effects due to compounds like 11-hydroxy THC. These effects might not only impact your recovery journey but can also be detected in various types of drug tests. For instance, saliva tests might reveal recent use, while blood tests can indicate THC levels in your system for a few days.

The detection times of drugs including marijuana edibles can vary greatly, with some substances staying in your system for 30 minutes to a few hours, and others for much longer periods like up to 90 days in hair tests. Understanding the side effects and the amount of THC present in cannabis edibles is important, as is recognizing how these factors differ from smoking cannabis. The aim of this post is to provide you with the information needed to manage these challenges and support a drug-free lifestyle.

Chocolate edibles with cannabis THC

How long do marijuana edibles stay in your urine?

Urine tests can detect marijuana edibles for a period ranging from 1 to 30 days. These tests are widely used because they are non-invasive, cost-effective, and easy to administer. Urine tests are often employed in workplaces, legal settings, and rehabilitation centers due to their ability to identify recent drug use.

Drug urine tests provide a reliable way to monitor drug consumption over a significant timeframe, making them a popular choice for employers and authorities who need to enforce compliance with drug-free policies. The broad detection window of urine tests ensures they can effectively capture even sporadic use, offering a clear picture of an individual’s drug use history.

How long do marijuana edibles stay in your blood?

Blood tests can detect marijuana edibles for about 3 to 4 days. This type of test is particularly useful in situations where immediate detection of drug use is necessary, such as in accident investigations or medical emergencies. Blood tests provide precise information about the current level of THC in the bloodstream, offering insights into recent consumption and potentially current impairment. 

Blood tests are often used in legal contexts, such as DUI cases, to establish the presence and amount of THC at a specific point in time. Although more invasive and costly than other methods, blood tests offer a high degree of accuracy and are invaluable for short-term detection needs.

How long do marijuana edibles stay in your saliva?

Saliva tests can detect marijuana edibles for 24 to 72 hours. These tests are favored for their convenience and non-invasive nature, making them ideal for on-the-spot testing. Saliva tests are often used by law enforcement during roadside checks and by employers for random testing due to their ability to detect recent drug use.

Saliva tests are simple to administer and provide quick results, which is why they are increasingly popular in various settings. Saliva tests are particularly effective at identifying immediate past use, providing a snapshot of drug intake over the past few days. This becomes ]critical for assessing current impairment.

Dry buds of cannabis with marijuana infused edible donuts in the background

How long do marijuana edibles stay in your hair?

Hair tests can detect marijuana edibles for 30 to 90 days. These tests are unique because they offer a long-term view of an individual’s drug use history. Hair tests are often used in situations where a comprehensive overview of past drug use is needed, such as in probation cases, pre-employment screenings, or during custody disputes.

The lengthy detection window is due to the way drug metabolites are incorporated into hair as it grows, reflecting a longer history of use. Although more expensive and requiring specialized analysis, hair tests provide a detailed record of drug consumption over several months, making them invaluable for assessing long-term patterns of use.

Best substance abuse treatment center in Lake Forest, CA

It’s important to know that  these time frames can vary depending on the individual’s metabolism, frequency of use, and body fat percentage. As such, it’s always best to consult with a medical professional for personalized information.

Always remember that while cannabis is already legal in several states in America, it does not mean that being dependent on cannabis will not have any consequences for your overall health and well-being. When you are addicted to any substance, it is usually caused by an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. In these situations, getting help from a professional treatment center is the best course of action to ensure that you can lead a substance-free life once and for all.

At Zoe Behavioral Health, our goal is to help you  overcome your addiction and provide comprehensive treatment to address any underlying mental and behavioral challenges that may have contributed to your addiction. Our treatment center in Lake Forest, CA offers personalized care and evidence-based therapies to help you on your journey to recovery.  Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can assist you.