How Long Do Edibles Stay In Your System

How Long Do Edibles Stay In Your System?

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If you are a seasoned THC consumer or someone who is just starting, knowing how long do edibles stay in your system is a legitimate concern. To answer this briefly and quickly, edibles affect your body for up to 12 hours.

However, some experts suggest that its residual effects may last 24 hours. In this post, we have done the research to give you reliable information about this issue. If you are eager to know more, then keep on reading.

How Does Your Body Process THC

Knowing how much time your body needs to metabolize THC is crucial for some important reasons. This is especially true if you are a subject of urine tests or saliva tests that are used for drug tests. Also, such information will help you estimate how long edibles remain inside you.

Now, here is the intricate process that your body undertakes as it processes THC:

Consuming hemp or cannabis edibles allows THC to enter your bloodstream swiftly. From here, this major cannabinoid will travel through various body organs of the digestive system, including the liver.

THC starts to break down in the liver, transforming it into THC metabolites. These metabolites circulate throughout the body and eventually get eliminated via urine, sweat, and solid wastes.

Now, the timeline for how long edibles stay within your system until the body eliminates THC is not straightforward. A few factors come into play, including frequency of use, dosage, metabolism, and individual genetics.

Now, if you are consuming edibles occasionally, THC is normally processed and eliminated from the body relatively quickly. As a safe estimate for infrequent consumers, THC from hemp and marijuana edibles stays in your system for a couple of days. In fact, some suggest that THC gets detected in the urine sample three days after hemp or marijuana use.

Now, it gets more complicated for habitual users of cannabis edibles. As they regularly consume edibles, the psychoactive cannabinoid can accumulate within fat cells faster than the body can eliminate THC. The mentioned process leads to a buildup of THC metabolites, making it stay in your system for longer periods.

In some cases, THC will stay in your system and be detectable in urine for weeks or even months after the last use. This still depends on the frequency and intensity of consumption.

Simple illustration to show THC metabolization in the human body.

How Long Does It Take for Edibles to Take Effect?

When you consume THC edibles (either Delta 8 or Delta 9 gummies), whether by using cannabis products (the most popular would be weed edibles) or hemp-based food products, the journey begins as the cannabinoids travel through the human digestive system.

As compared to smoking weed, consuming marijuana goods orally will make the edibles take a scenic route. Upon ingestion, THC consumed will take a path toward the liver, where THC undergoes transformation to 11-OH-THC. The latter is a more potent psychoactive compound. It is this metabolite that produces desirable effects.

Based on research, the onset of effects (including psychoactive effects) from THC and CBD edibles would typically occur from 30 up to two hours following consumption. The time it takes for THC effects to kick still differs from one person to another.

It is interesting to note that suggestion may lead to perceived mind-high effects of THC. A specific study demonstrated how individuals were told that they were consuming weed gummies with higher doses, where, in fact, these are just regular treats. The participants stated sensations of intoxication. This situation underscores the complex interplay between psychology and pharmacology regarding cannabis use.

When considering how long the effects last, be ready for a time frame of up to 12 hours, with lingering effects lasting for about 24 hours. Unlike the quick buzz from smoking or vaping, eating edibles gives you a longer and often stronger feeling.

Approaching hemp and weed edibles with caution is vital, especially if you lack experience or have concerns about drug testing. Begin with a small dose and wait patiently for the effects to kick in before considering more. Remember, the key principle of edibles is to start low and increase gradually if needed.

If you’re wondering about how long THC gummies can be detected in your body, it’s a bit complicated. Many factors like age, gender, weight, strength, amount taken, and how often you use them all play a role in how long cannabis stays in your system. Normally, it’s between 3 and 12 days, but everyone differs.

When it comes to drug tests, the time it takes to detect drugs changes depending on the type of test. Hair tests can find drugs for the longest time, maybe up to 90 days, while saliva tests only work for 1 to 3 days. It’s important to know that CBD products probably won’t make drug tests come back positive since more tests are looking for THC, not CBD.

What Factors Influence the Length of Time THC Edibles Stay in Your System

 

Tolerance

Tolerance to THC, the main active component in cannabis, is pivotal in determining how long edibles can stay in your system. This factor typically evolves over time with consistent cannabis use as your body adjusts to the effects of THC.

Individuals with higher tolerance for THC levels tend to metabolize THC more effectively, resulting in a faster processing rate within their bodies. As a result, this can lead to a shorter presence of THC in their system compared to those with lower tolerance levels.

Think of tolerance as your body’s response to prolonged exposure to THC. Similar to how regular caffeine consumption can decrease its stimulating effects, frequent consumption of tetrahydrocannabinol can diminish sensitivity to it over time.

Frequency of Use

How often you consume edibles for sleep also affects how much THC can stay in your system. Whether you consume edibles for mental health reasons or you are just consuming them for recreational purposes, regular consumption of cannabinoids will extend their stay in your system.

Imagine your body as a cleaning system. If you are an occasional consumer, your body can efficiently handle cannabinoid residues. But if you ingest these cannabinoids more frequently, you are constantly adding dirt even before your body has the time to eliminate tetrahydrocannabinol from the previous dose. Thus, edibles stay long enough that a drug test might detect the cannabinoid under consideration.

Dosage

Your affinity to higher doses may cause THC to stay in your system longer than those who consume them less. Essentially, the higher the dose of THC, the longer it will take to remain inside of your body.

Suppose that you consumed edibles consisting of 10mg, which is often considered to be the standard serving size. This may result in THC staying in your system for approximately four to 12 hours.

However, if your dosage is higher than 10mg, such as 20mg, the edibles will stay in your system for almost 24 hours. Such prolonged duration is due to the increased amount of THC quantity consumed.

Metabolism

Regarding metabolism, we refer to the body’s process of converting food and substances into usable energy. Basically, you either have a fast or slow metabolism rate.

THC gets broken down and eliminated from the body quicker for those with faster metabolisms. This means that the duration of its presence in their system is typically shorter as compared to consumers with slower metabolisms.

Conversely, individuals with slower metabolisms will take longer to process and eliminate the psychoactive compound from their bodies. As a result, psychoactive cannabinoids from edibles stay for a more extended period before being excreted.

Body Fat Percentage

THC, the psychoactive ingredient of both hemp and cannabis products, is fat-soluble, meaning it dissolves and stores in body fat. This suggests that individuals with higher body fat percentages may retain the psychoactive ingredient in their system for longer durations than those with lower body fat percentages.

Once edibles for sleep are ingested, they enter the bloodstream and eventually become stored in fat cells. If you contain high levels of body fats, chances are you have more storage cells for tetrahydrocannabinol.

Delta 8 and Delta 9 Gummies for Sleep and Drug Tests

THC edibles have gained popularity as a potential sleep aid due to their calming effects. Once it enters your system, THC interacts with certain brain receptors that can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

Unlike smoking marijuana or inhaled THC, which delivers the cannabinoid into the bloodstream, edibles take a longer time to kick in. However, they can offer a more sustained relief throughout the night.

However, although THC edibles can help you sleep, you should be aware of their potential implications, especially regarding a drug test. Because THC compounds coming from edibles stay in your system for a definite period, you have this chance to test positive from a standard drug test.

Yes, you are not guilty of drug use or marijuana addiction, but a drug test can detect the presence of THC via blood tests or urine tests.

It’s essential for individuals using edibles, especially for sleep, to understand the potential consequences of drug testing and to make informed decisions based on their specific circumstances. Consulting with a healthcare professional or substance abuse counselor can provide valuable guidance.

What are edibles?

Now that we have everything, we must address the question, “How long do edibles stay in your system?” we will briefly discuss what edibles are.

In the world of THC and CBD, edibles refer to food or beverage products infused with naturally occurring cannabinoids such as THC or CBD. Both can be derived from cannabis and hemp plants, although the 2018 Farm Bill has a more specific leniency for edibles that come from the latter.

Edibles are very popular among individuals seeking therapeutic effects of the mentioned cannabinoids while avoiding potential risks associated with smoking cannabis. If left unaddressed, it could potentially lead to cannabis addiction.

One typical benefit of edibles is promoting a good night’s sleep. Most people turn to edibles, such as Delta 8 and Delta 9 gummies, to help induce sleepiness and improve sleep quality.

The mentioned gummies contain sleep-promoting cannabinoids (Delta 8 and Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol) that have sedative properties. When ingested, they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, potentially leading to feelings of calmness and drowsiness.

Types of Edibles

Gummies

Cannabis—and hemp-based gummies are the most popular edibles. They are colorful, chewy candies available in various shapes, flavors, and potencies. One reason gummies are loved is that they provide consumers with a convenient and discreet way to consume Delta 8 and Delta 9 cannabinoids.

Baked Goods

Baked goods such as brownies, cookies, and muffins are classic choices for weed-based treats. These may be homemade or commercially produced and are very effective in giving you a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of Delta 8 and Delta 9.

Chocolates

Who does not love chocolates? But what if you could infuse these all-time favorite sweets with potent THC cannabinoids? Wouldn’t that be a better experience? Tetrahydrocannabinol-laden chocolates also come in various forms – bars, truffles, and chocolate-covered nuts or fruits. Cannabis chocolates are available in different potency levels, allowing users to choose the dosage that best suits their needs.

Beverages

THC-infused drinks have surged in popularity recently because they offer a refreshing way to consume Delta 8 and Delta 9. They provide a discreet and convenient way to enjoy the effects of hemp and cannabis on the go.

What to Look for in Buying Edibles

Brand reputation

Purchase edibles from trusted brands such as Stirling CBD, which is known for its quality and consistency. Additionally, Stirling has a 100% human-responsive customer support system. We have also received positive reviews from thousands of satisfied customers.

Lab testing

Choose edibles that have undergone third-party lab testing to verify their potency, purity, and safety. Lab-tested products have a Certificate of Analysis (COA) available to confirm they meet regulatory standards and are free from contaminants.

Ingredients

Check the list of ingredients to ensure the edible contains all-natural, federally legal ingredients. Avoid products with artificial additives, preservatives, or excessive sugars. Look for edibles made with organic and non-GMO ingredients whenever possible.

Conclusion

Understanding how long do edibles stay in your system is a piece of crucial information before taking THC edibles. Although the duration may vary according to some factors (dosage, metabolism, and frequency of use), responsible consumption is still highly advisable since this will have some implications for upcoming drug testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are THC edibles legal?

The legality of these plant-based consumables in regions or jurisdictions where cannabis is permitted for medical purposes. If the product is sourced from the industrial hemp plant (it contains less than 0.35% THC), then it is federally legal, as declared by the 2018 Farm Bill.

However, local laws may still differ based on region and state. It’s essential to research and understand the specific cannabis laws in your area before purchasing or consuming sleep-inducing edibles.

Are CBD edibles legal?

CBD derived from the hemp plant is legal on the federal level, provided that the hemp plant contains less than 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol.

When is it safe to take a drug test after consuming edibles?

Detection times for edibles vary on several factors, such as the type of test and individual metabolism. Generally speaking, tetrahydrocannabinol may be detected in urine for up to 3 – 30 days following consumption, in blood for 3 – 4 days, and in saliva for 1 – 3 days. However, this detection window varies from person to person.

Does THC stay in your hair?

Yes, THC may stay in your hair follicles. A hair test can detect the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol may be detected in hair samples. Hair follicle tests can detect Delta 8 or Delta 9 for up to 90 days or longer. However, it takes time for the cannabinoid to accumulate in one’s hair follicles.

Does THC stay in your saliva?

Yes, THC can remain detectable in your saliva following cannabis consumption, like smoking THC or ingesting edibles. The presence of THC in one’s saliva can be identified using a saliva test. Generally, THC is detectable in saliva for up to 1 – 3 days.

Does THC come with health risks?

One of the main concerns about edibles is the psychoactive effect that they bring. Excessive use of THC may result in some side effects, such as impaired cognitive function, mental health effects, and respiratory issues. However, these adverse reactions may only last for a few hours.

joe
Joe Kryszak

A leader in the Hemp Industry since 2014, Joe has been at the forefront of the Hemp Industry's innovation and growth. He is passionate about creating an atmosphere of collaboration and education in the Hemp Industry through the growth of Stirling Oils. Prior to this, Joe led strategic growth teams and initiatives at HP, Lenovo, and Amazon. With a degree from SDSU and an MBA from Pepperdine, Joe guided numerous businesses beyond the $1b threshold.