Whether you’re a daily stoner or a first-timer, it pays to know how long THCA can linger in your body—especially if you have a drug test coming up!
So, how long does THCA stay in your system? Well, the answer isn’t always straightforward. It depends on your usage frequency and many other individual factors. But don’t worry, you’re in the right place!
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about THCA in your system, including drug screening and factors affecting detection windows from person to person. Read on to be in the know and make informed decisions on your cannabis consumption.
What is THCA?
Let’s start with the basics to make sure we’re all on the same page. So, what exactly is THCA?
THCA, or Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is one of the key cannabinoids found in raw cannabis plants, and it’s the non-psychoactive precursor to THC. When we say “non-psychoactive,” we mean that, unlike THC, it won’t get you high—at least not in its raw state. But here’s where THCA gets interesting.
When it’s heated—whether you’re smoking, vaping, or baking with it—it undergoes a transformation. It loses a part of its molecular structure (specifically, the “carboxyl group”) through a process called decarboxylation. This change converts THCA into delta-9 THC, which is what delivers those psychoactive effects that many users are after.
Now, since a lot of cannabis enthusiasts are keen on enjoying THCA in its heated form, it’s crucial to understand how it relates to drug tests. If you’re curious about whether THCA will show up on drug tests as THC, don’t worry; we’ll dive into that shortly!
How Long Does THCA Stay in Your System?
The duration that THCA lingers in your system isn’t a straightforward answer. It varies based on several factors, including how often you use it, your metabolism, and how you consume it.
Generally speaking, if you’re a light user who only occasionally enjoys THCA flowers, you might only have detectable THC metabolites for a few days.
On the other hand, if you’re a heavy user, it could stick around for a few weeks. Here’s a quick breakdown of urine tests (the most common type of drug test) for both light and heavy users:
- Light/Occasional Users: 3–5 days
- Heavy Users: 10–30 days or even longer
Keep in mind that these are just rough estimates. Everyone’s body is different, so let’s explore the key factors that influence how long THCA remains in your system.
Factors Affecting How Long THCA Stays In Your System
Metabolic rate
Your metabolism plays a key role in how quickly your body breaks down cannabis products. If you have a faster metabolism, you might clear THC metabolites more quickly, while those with a slower metabolism may hold onto them for a longer time.
Frequency of use
When it comes to frequency of use, there’s a big difference between using THCA occasionally and using it every day. Casual users might clear it from their system quickly, but regular users tend to accumulate more metabolites, which can extend the detection window.
Body fat percentage
Body fat percentage also matters because THC is fat-soluble. If you have a higher percentage of body fat, you might store more THC in your system, leading to a longer detection period.
Consumption method
The method of consumption is another factor. When you consume THCA through edibles like gummies or cookies, it has to go through your digestive system first, which means it’s absorbed more slowly into your bloodstream. This can result in it being detectable for a longer time compared to smoking or vaping.
Dosage
Lastly, dosage plays a significant role. The more you consume, the more cannabis your body has to process, which means THCA will remain detectable in your system for a longer duration.
Does THCA Show Up On A Drug Test?
Yes, THCA can indeed show up on a drug test. While most standard drug tests don’t specifically look for THCA, they do check for THC metabolites like THC-COOH, which are created when your body breaks down THCA in the liver.
Here’s the interesting part: THC metabolites can linger in your system longer than the active THC itself.
This is because they get stored in your fatty tissues and are gradually released back into your bloodstream. So, even if you’re not feeling “high,” those metabolites could still be hanging around, ready to trigger a positive drug test.
If you have a drug test coming up or are regularly tested—whether for work or sports—this is definitely something to keep in mind.
THCA Detection Windows for Different Types of Drug Tests
Employers, law enforcement, and even sports agencies have their own ways of testing for cannabis use, tailored to their specific needs. Let’s dive into the different testing methods and discuss how long THCA (or more accurately, its THC metabolites) can be detected in various scenarios.
Blood Tests
Blood tests aren’t the go-to for general drug screenings since they’re invasive, but they do come into play in certain situations like DUIs, accidents, or when checking if someone is currently under the influence.
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Occasional users: Up to 1-2 days
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Frequent users: Up to 7 days
These tests measure active THC, which is metabolized quickly, giving them a shorter detection window compared to urine and hair tests. They’re particularly useful for identifying recent cannabis use.
Urine Tests
Urine drug screenings are the most widely used type—especially by employers—because they’re affordable, effective, and non-invasive. They can detect cannabis use from days to weeks after consumption, thanks to how THC metabolites are stored and released from fat.
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Occasional users: 3-5 days
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Moderate users: About a week
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Heavy users: 10-30 days (sometimes more)
Saliva Tests
Saliva tests are becoming more popular due to their speed, ease, and less invasive nature compared to blood draws. They’re great for catching very recent use, like during roadside checks..
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Occasional users: Detectable up to 24-72 hours
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Regular users: Up to a week
Breath Tests
Breath testing isn’t as common yet, but it’s gaining ground for law enforcement, similar to how alcohol breathalyzers work for detecting recent use.
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All users: Detectable within about 1-3 hours after smoking or vaping
With such a short detection window, these tests help authorities identify current impairment rather than past use.
Sweat tests
In some places, they use sweat tests—often in the form of a patch—to keep an eye on drug use over a longer stretch. This patch collects sweat and checks for THC metabolites over time.
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All users: Can detect for a week or more depending on how long the patch is worn
While sweat testing isn’t super common, it does come into play in legal or probation situations where ongoing monitoring is necessary.
Hair Tests
Hair tests are a different story; they can reveal cannabis use for months since THC metabolites settle in hair follicles and stick around as your hair grows.
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All Users: Up to 90 days or more
However, they won’t show very recent use (like within the last week), but they do provide a longer history of marijuana consumption.
Can You Flush THC Metabolites Out of Your System Faster?
Sometimes, we don’t plan our cannabis use as well as we should, and suddenly, a drug test pops up—yikes! If you find yourself in this situation, you might wonder, “Is there a way to speed up my body’s natural detox process?”
The short answer is: there’s no quick fix, but you can definitely support your body’s natural detoxification. Here are some tips to help your body clear THC metabolites more effectively:
Exercise
Regular physical activity can help burn fat, which may release stored THC metabolites from your fat cells. Just remember to stay hydrated when you work out.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking lots of water is great for your kidneys and helps flush out toxins. Plus, staying hydrated means you’ll sweat and pee more, which helps eliminate THC in the process.
Eat Well
A balanced diet filled with fruits, veggies, and high-fiber foods can give your liver and kidneys a boost. Healthy meals also help stabilize your metabolism, which can aid in detoxing.
Give It Time
Let’s be honest—the best detox method is patience. Your body needs time to process and eliminate any leftover metabolites, so rushing it isn’t really an option.
Detox Supplements
Some products claim to speed up or “guarantee” a clean test. Be cautious and do your due diligence. Most lack solid scientific backing, and results vary. If you try them, use them to supplement an overall healthy routine, not a cure-all.
Ultimately, there’s no instant trick to flush out THC metabolites and guarantee passing a drug test. The safest bet is to allow your body enough time and hope for the best.
Where To Buy The Best THCa Products?
Knowledge, as they say, is power! Now that you know how long THCA can stay in your system, you can make smarter decisions about your cannabis routine. But where do you find top-quality THCA? Let us point you to one of the best options: Bay Smokes.
Bay Smokes offers many THCA goodies—think THCA flower, concentrates like diamonds, prerolls, edibles, vapes, and more. Plus, every product is lab-tested and meets federal legal standards, so you can enjoy it with peace of mind.
Whether you prefer a quick dab, a tasty gummy, or a classic joint, Baysmokes likely has just what you need for your next session!
FAQS:
How long will one hit of a cart stay in your system?
A single puff or hit may result in detectable THC levels for around 1–3 days in your system, depending on individual factors like metabolism, BMI, genetics, and more.
How much THCA is needed for a positive test?
It doesn’t necessarily take a large dose of THCA to trigger a positive test result if it converts to THC. Even small amounts could lead to THC metabolites in your system. Factors like your body chemistry and how often you use THCA make a difference.
How long does thc stay in the body for a heavy user?
For heavy users, THC can linger in urine for more than 30 days due to the accumulation of THC metabolites in fat cells and slower metabolism.
How long can THCA be detected in urine?
In urine drug tests, THCA and its byproducts can be detected for 3–7 days for occasional users, 10–15 days for regular users, and over 30 days for heavy users on average.
Is THCA detectable in saliva tests?
Yes, THCA is detectable in saliva tests, but for shorter amounts of time, usually up to 72 hours. Please note that exposure to secondhand smoke could also lead to false positives in a saliva test.
How long does THCA high last?
A THCA high lasts for 1-3 hours in case of smoking or vaping and 4-8 hours for edibles. Factors like metabolism, tolerance, and dosage will affect the exact length of time.
Will THCA edibles show up on a drug test?
Yes, THCA edibles will show up in a drug test.