How Long Do Edibles Stay in Your Body?

Edibles are food products that contain cannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabis edibles are also known as “weed edibles,” “marijuana edibles,” and “cannabis-infused food or drinks.” 17 percent of Americans in 2023 smoke marijuana. Besides, most people in the U.S.A. consider cannabis harmless.

That’s why even if you do not smoke marijuana, you might want to try cannabis edibles. Because edibles are better than smoking or vaping and they do not have harsh effects on the lungs. However, since edibles are infused with THC, ingesting them may result in a positive drug test result. For this reason, many cannabis users ask, “How long do edibles stay in your system?”.

In this article, we will answer this question in detail.

Different Types of Edibles

First, let’s start by explaining some basics. Cannabis edibles are mainly classified into two types – THC edibles, and CBD edibles. Both CBD and THC are decarboxylated cannabinoids extracted from cannabis plants. However, they have different effects on the body and mind. THC edibles, which are primarily known as marijuana edibles, can produce mind-altering and intoxicating effects. CBD edibles, on the other hand, do not induce “high” or intoxicating feelings.

You can find various types of cannabis edibles including both THC and CBD varieties:

Gummies
Hard Candies
Capsules
Brownies and other baked goods
Chocolates
Hard candies
Tinctures
Infused Beverages

How Long Do Edibles Stay in Your System?

Edibles infused with marijuana offer some great experiences compared to smoking or vaping cannabis. Whether you are a recreational or medical user, understanding how long these edibles stay in your body is very vital.

To put it simply, cannabis edibles usually kick into your body within 30 to 60 minutes. In some cases, it may take up to two hours to feel the effects of edibles. Once absorbed by the system, the effects of edibles can last for 6 to 8 hours. However, THC and CBD metabolites from edibles can remain in the body for extended periods.

In blood, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can be detected for 3 to 4 days after use. Saliva test may detect THC for 1 to 3 days after the last use. Urine tests have broader detection possibilities, ranging from 3 to 30 days. In the case of hair follicle tests, it is possible to find CBD or THC in the body for up to 90 days after the edible is last ingested.

However, all these timelines aren’t absolute answers. There are various factors such as dosage, metabolism, frequency of consumption, weight, gender, and so on that can affect this duration.

Factors Influencing the Duration of Edibles in the Body

How long edibles will stay in the system can be affected by a lot of factors.

Metabolism and absorption
Dosage
Tolerance levels
Frequency of Use
Types of Edibles

Metabolism and Absorption

Your metabolism rate is one of the key factors that can affect how long the THC or CBD metabolites will remain in the body. Upon ingestion, edibles pass through the digestive system, where THC is metabolized in the liver. The rate of metabolism varies among people. For instance, if you’re a young, energetic, fitness enthusiast, you’re supposed to have a better metabolism rate. This can eliminate THC or CBD metabolites from the body quickly.

THC Dosage

The dosage of THC consumed through edibles directly impacts the duration of its effects and its presence in the body. Higher doses of THC result in longer-lasting effects and a longer duration in the system.

Tolerance Levels

Over time, regular users of cannabis edibles may get tolerant to THC. Higher dosages are required for this to have the intended effects. Because chronic users may have a build-up of THC in their systems, tolerance levels can extend the amount of time that THC remains in the body.

Frequency of Use

The frequency of edible consumption influences how long THC remains in the body. Regular consumption of edibles can result in THC buildup in your body. This can extend its presence in the system.

Type of Edibles

Different types of edibles, such as chocolates, candies, or baked goods, may have varying absorption rates and durations of effects. Factors like the presence of fats or oils in the edible can affect how quickly THC is absorbed into the bloodstream and metabolized.

How to Reduce the Duration of THC and CBD in Your System?

You can bring healthy changes in your lifestyle to minimize the duration of THC or CBD metabolites in your system more quickly.

Here are some tips for you to get rid of THC from your body:

Drink Plenty of Water: Always drink enough water to flush THC or CBD metabolites out of your system more quickly.
Exercise: Do regular physical exercise such as cardio workouts or strength training. Doing so can speed up metabolism and help the breakdown of cannabinoids (e.g., CBD, THC) in fat cells. Exercise also promotes sweating which can help eliminate THC through the skin.
Limiting THC Exposure: Stop eating cannabis-based products to keep your body from building up more THC.
Fiber Intake: Eating more fiber-rich foods, like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes, can help your body digest food better and keep your bowel movements regular.
Allow Time: The most effective way to reduce the duration of THC in your system is to allow time for natural elimination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some relevant questions and answers related to “How long do edibles stay in your system”.

What Is the Half-Life of Edibles?

Ans: The half-life of edibles is the amount of time it takes for the body to break down and get rid of half of the THC or CBD that was consumed. The half-life of THC in edibles is usually between 1 and 10 days, but this can change due to various factors.

How Long Does It Take for Edibles to Kick in?

Ans: It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for edibles to start working, based on factors like metabolism and stomach content.

How Long Can THC from Edibles Be Detected in Drug Tests?

Ans: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) from edibles can be found in blood, saliva, urine, and hair follicle tests. It can be detected in your blood for a few hours to a few days post-consumption, in your saliva for 1 to 3 days, in your urine for up to one month, and in your hair follicles for up to 90 days.

The Bottom Line

Cannabinoids from cannabis edibles can stay in your body for up to 90 days, depending on the different drug testing methods. Moreover, factors such as metabolism, dosage, and frequency of use can also influence this duration. While the onset effects of edibles last for 6 to 8 hours, traces of THC and CBD metabolites can remain in the body for days, weeks, or even months.