In an era of more attention on cannabis use, understanding THC’s body metabolism is crucial. For those facing cannabinoid screening, wax or shatter (semi-solid concentrates) are no-go zones. They have 50%-90 % THC, much higher than the 15%-30 % in commercial cannabis buds.
On one hand, whether facing blood, saliva, or urine tests, one should resolutely avoid using cannabis pens. Similarly, cannabis vaporizers are also on the prohibited list. However, the belief that using THC vape pens can easily clear toxins from the body in a short time is a misconception. The likelihood of a positive drug test result is essentially the same regardless of the method of cannabis use.
Inhaling THC leaves traces in the body that are hard to eliminate. Determining how long it stays is challenging due to individual physiological differences. Factors like metabolism, weight, age, and health conditions affect its detectability duration. Fast metabolism helps quick excretion, while higher body fat can store THC longer.
Do Employers Still Conduct THC Tests?
As of May 2023, on the legal map of the United States, a total of 23 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws legalizing recreational cannabis. The prevalence of medical cannabis is even more extensive, with 27 states having legalized it to varying degrees. Despite advances in cannabis legalization, it remains illegal at the federal level as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, prohibiting any THC residue in the body.
In cases of long-term cannabis use, long-term cannabis use further extends the retention time of THC in the body. In some extreme cases, it may even take up to 2-3 months for the THC residue in the body to completely disappear and return to normal levels.
Saliva Testing
Oral swab testing is a convenient and fast method mainly used to detect whether there has been cannabis use in the recent period, especially in the past few days, especially in the past 24 hours. This is because the retention time of THC in saliva is relatively short.
If someone smokes or dabs cannabis one time, saliva can detect it for up to 1.5 days. For people who smoke cannabis two or fewer times a week, we can extend the detection time to up to two days. For regular cannabis users, saliva testing can detect THC within three days after smoking. Traces of long-term cannabis use can remain in saliva for up to a month.
In 2021, with the advent of new testing devices similar to breathalyzers, THC saliva testing became more convenient and efficient. This new device can more accurately reflect the cannabis intake in the past 12 hours, and the accuracy reaches its peak 6 hours ago.
Blood Testing
Similar to saliva testing, blood testing can also confirm the use of THC within a few days.
For one-time users and those who smoke cannabis three or fewer times a week, the sensitivity of THC blood testing is roughly the same. If there has been cannabis use in the past 1.5 to 2 days, whether it is dabbing, smoking, or using a water pipe, the blood test result may be positive. For daily cannabis users or long-term cannabis users (about a month), blood testing can also effectively identify it.
Hair Testing
Hair follicle testing is the most sensitive of all testing methods, but also the least common. There are two main reasons for this. First, many laboratories cannot conduct hair follicle testing. Second, for employers, the cost of hair follicle testing is relatively high.
Longer hair samples can provide more accurate test results, but the drawback is that they may detect any cannabis use in the past three months, even just a one-time use. Of course, people who often or long-term smoke cannabis are more likely to get a positive test result.
These testing methods are highly accurate because THC and other cannabinoids are stored in cells throughout the body, including hair follicle cells. The hair follicle is like a “database” that records the history of cannabis use and can store THC-related information for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Delta 8 THC Show Up in Drug Tests?
Delta 8 THC is considered the legal “gray cousin” of Delta 9 THC (the standard form of THC). While trace amounts occur naturally in cannabis, most Delta 8 products are synthetically derived. Like Delta 9, Delta 8 is fundamentally THC and metabolizes similarly in the body. This also applies to other cannabis-derived cannabinoids like Delta 10 THC, HHC, and THCP.
Although the high caused by Delta 8 THC is relatively mild, trying to ensure passing a drug test by switching to Delta 8 tablets before the test is not a reliable method. Delta 8 THC will show up in drug screening results. Black market Delta 8 products are riskier because their contents are unknown and might be mixed with various substances, increasing the likelihood of failing a drug test.
Do Drug Tests Screen for CBD?
CBD, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is often used to promote physical and mental relaxation. Unlike delta 8 or delta 9 THC, CBD does not make people high.
Generally, commercial drug tests do not specifically screen for CBD. However, it should be noted that some CBD products may contain trace or even small amounts of THC. If such products are taken for a long time, the THC in them may be detected during a drug test. To minimize this risk, it is recommended to give priority to full-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate products, which have a relatively more thorough removal of THC during the production process.
Does a Dab Pen Stay in Your System Longer Than Flower?
Theoretically, this may be true, but it depends on the situation. When assessing THC retention in the body, the total amount of THC matters more than the method of consumption. While cannabis pens and wax have higher THC concentrations than dry herbs, sometimes several times more per weight, occasional, low-dose pen use may result in shorter retention than frequent, long-term flower use. It’s inaccurate to assume pens always retain THC longer, as frequency, dosage, and other factors must be considered.
Can a Drug Test Determine the Method of Inhalation (THC Cartridges, Cannabis Lighters, etc.)?
The answer is no. The main purpose of cannabinoid screening is only to detect the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its metabolites in the body, and it cannot determine the specific method by which the substance finally enters the body. That is to say, when a laboratory conducts a test, it cannot judge whether the tested person ingested THC by smoking, dabbing, or eating cannabis based on the test results. Whether using a THC cartridge, a cannabis lighter, or other cannabis-using tools.
