How Long Does Cannabis Stay in Your System?
The length of time cannabis stays in your system depends on several factors: how often you use it, how much you take, your metabolism, and even how much body fat you have. When you consume cannabis, THC—the compound that gets you high—enters your bloodstream. It’s broken down by the liver into metabolites, which are stored in fat cells. This is why cannabis can stick around for quite a while.
Here’s a general idea of how long cannabis can be detected, based on different tests:
- Urine Tests: These are the most common tests. If you only use cannabis now and then, it could be out of your system in a week. But if you're a frequent user, it could stay for up to 30 days or more.
- Blood Tests: Blood tests only pick up cannabis for a short period, usually around 2 days, but regular users might show traces for a longer time.
- Saliva Tests: These tests can detect cannabis use for about 1 to 3 days after consumption.
- Hair Tests: These are less common, but hair tests can detect cannabis for up to 90 days. However, they don’t show recent use.
How Does Cannabis Work in Your Body?
Cannabis contains chemicals called cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, that interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system. This system regulates things like pain, mood, and inflammation. THC is the one that gets you high, and it’s the compound drug tests usually look for.
Once you consume cannabis, THC gets absorbed into the bloodstream, and your liver starts breaking it down. Some of the metabolites are stored in fat cells and can stay in your system for days, weeks, or even longer.
What Affects How Long Cannabis Stays in Your System?
Several things can impact how long cannabis stays in your system, including:
- How often you use it: If you’re a regular user, it’s likely to stay in your system longer compared to someone who only uses it occasionally.
- Body fat: Since THC is stored in fat, people with more body fat may retain it longer.
- Metabolism: If you have a fast metabolism, your body will process and eliminate THC quicker.
- How much you use: Higher doses or stronger strains of cannabis could lead to longer detection times.
Legal Issues Around Medicinal Cannabis
If you’re prescribed medicinal cannabis in New Zealand, it’s important to stick to the laws. Always carry your prescription with you and know the rules about driving. THC can impair your coordination and reaction time, so driving while under its influence is illegal—even with a prescription.
Driving After Using Cannabis
If you’re using medicinal cannabis and need to drive, it’s crucial to be cautious. THC can impair your judgment, so it’s best to wait before getting behind the wheel. Here are some general tips:
- Wait before driving: After using cannabis, wait at least 8 hours before driving if you’ve taken a moderate dose. If you’re unsure or took a larger dose, wait 24 hours.
- Get a ride if needed: It’s always a good idea to plan ahead. Arrange for a taxi, rideshare, or public transport if you need to drive after using cannabis.
- Talk to your doctor: They can help you figure out how cannabis affects your ability to drive, based on your personal situation.
How to Handle Drug Testing and Cannabis Use
If you're worried about drug testing, here are a few things you can do:
- Know what’s in your medicine: If you’re using CBD, check the label. Some CBD products contain trace amounts of THC, which could show up on a test.
- Give yourself time: If you know you have a test coming up, try to stop using cannabis ahead of time to give your body time to clear it out.
- Hydrate and exercise: These won't speed up the process significantly, but staying hydrated and active can help your body metabolize THC faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can cannabis be detected if I’m using it for medical purposes? Yes, even if you use cannabis medically, it can still show up on a drug test. Always inform your tester about your prescription.
- How can I get rid of THC faster? There’s no surefire way to speed up the process, but staying hydrated, eating healthily, and exercising can help support your metabolism.
- Are CBD-only products detectable in drug tests? CBD itself isn’t typically tested for, but if there’s any THC in your CBD product, it could trigger a positive test result.
- Can I drive after using medicinal cannabis in New Zealand? No, it’s illegal to drive under the influence of THC, even if you have a prescription. Always plan ahead.
- How long should I stop using cannabis before a drug test? It depends on how often you use it. Occasional users might need a week or so, while heavy users may need a month or more.
Conclusion
Cannabis can stay in your system for different lengths of time depending on how often you use it, how much you take, and other factors like body fat and metabolism. If you're using cannabis for chronic pain relief, it’s important to be aware of how it affects your body, especially when it comes to driving and drug testing. Stick to the laws, plan ahead, and always talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
For more information on medicinal cannabis in New Zealand, check out the Ministry of Health’s website or talk to your healthcare provider.
