To detox from cannabis, people must wait until the final traces of the drug have left the body. Many factors can affect how long a cannabis detox lasts, including the frequency and volume of use.
Cannabis contains many compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC and CBD attach to the same cannabinoid receptors as endocannabinoids, which are chemicals that the body naturally produces. The body mainly releases these compounds through urine and stool.
Keep reading to learn more about the side effects of cannabis detox, how long the drug stays in the body, how drug tests work, and some remedies that may help the detox process.
The amount of time cannabis stays in the body varies depending on many factors, such as how often a person uses it and for how long.
According to the advocacy group California Norml, a single use of cannabis may be detectable in the blood for up to 24 hours and in the urine for anywhere between 1 to 7 days. In some cases, traces may be in the urine longer than this.
However, for regular cannabis users, it takes longer for the drug to completely leave the body. It may be detectable in blood for between 2 to 7 days and in urine for anywhere between 7 and 100 days. In extreme cases, urine tests may be positive for THC for up to 3 months.
Another factor that affects how long cannabis stays in the body is the strain someone uses. Different strains of cannabis contain varying amounts of cannabinoids, which can affect how long they remain in a person’s body.
These varying factors may make it difficult to determine precisely how long cannabis, or more specifically THC, will remain in a person’s system after use.
Learn more about how long cannabis stays in the system.
Cannabis can create dependencies in people who use it heavily for long periods. When a person’s body becomes used to receiving THC and CBD, stopping using it may lead to a period of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms as the body readjusts.
However, individuals respond to detox in different ways. A 2022 study states that around half of those who regularly use cannabis will experience withdrawal after abruptly stopping.
If symptoms occur, they usually begin within 24 to 48 hours and peak within 2 to 6 days. Some symptoms may last several weeks, but this varies from person to person.
Some common withdrawal symptoms include:
- anxiety
- anger or irritability
- low mood
- loss of appetite
- vivid dreams or nightmares
Less common symptoms include:
- sweating
- chills
- headaches
- stomach pain
Support and education are the main approaches that help people through this transition. Some doctors may prescribe medications to manage specific symptoms as a temporary measure.
Cannabis withdrawal is usually not severe. However, if someone has intense symptoms, coexisting mental health conditions, or uses more than one substance, they may need additional help from a healthcare professional.
In-patient treatment may be necessary in some complex cases.
Whether a person smokes, vapes, or ingests cannabis, cannabinoids enter the bloodstream.
Though THC only temporarily remains in the blood, it is fat-soluble. This means the body absorbs it through fatty tissue, meaning that small deposits of THC can remain in the body’s fat cells.
Cannabinoids can also be present in the hair. For people who use cannabis regularly, compounds could remain in the hair for months. However, this does not affect health.
The most common type of drug test for cannabis is a urine test. Doctors often use this screening method because it is easy to perform and can still identify the presence of cannabinoids and metabolites days or weeks after use, unlike other tests.
Other types of drug tests may include:
- blood testing
- saliva testing
- hair testing, although this method can be inaccurate
The body is able to detoxify any substances that need removal. Usually, people do not need to do anything to encourage this process.
However, some companies make products that claim to aid the detoxification of cannabis. There is no evidence these work to speed up the process. Additionally, people cannot wash cannabis compounds from their hair.
Cannabis can stay in a person’s body for varying amounts of time, depending on the frequency and duration of use and the type of cannabis.
Cannabinoids also take differing amounts of time to clear from different body parts. It may leave the blood fairly quickly with one-off use but remain in urine for longer.
For those who use cannabis frequently, the detoxification process can take much longer, and some compounds may be present in hair or fat cells for months.
Some people experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping or reducing cannabis use. If the symptoms are intense or a person has difficulties with their cannabis use, they need to contact a doctor or support organization for advice.
