How Long Does Marijuana (Weed) Stay in Your System? 

Marijuana doesn’t leave your body as soon as the “high” wears off. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in weed, can linger in your system for a few hours to several months. Blood and saliva tests can pick up THC for up to 24 hours, while urine tests can detect it for weeks. Hair tests? They can flag weed use even three months later.

THC is stored in fat cells, which makes it quite difficult to metabolize and excrete. Though often seen as benign, this substance can cause short and long-term mental health conditions. LGBTQ+ people sometimes turn to cannabis as a form of escape from unique stressors they face, but it instead worsens their overall well-being.

If you have a loved one dependent on cannabis or are considering quitting, knowing how long weed stays in your system can help you make informed decisions.

How Your Body Processes THC

When you use marijuana, Tetraenters your bloodstream and spreads throughout your body. Some of it is absorbed by tissues and organs like the brain, heart, and fat cells, while the rest goes to your liver, where it’s broken down into byproducts called metabolites. Your body then gradually eliminates these metabolites, mostly through feces (about 65%) and urine (around 20%).

But THC doesn’t leave your system right away. It gets stowed away in fat cells and is gradually released into your bloodstream. If you use weed regularly, THC builds up faster than your body can clear it, meaning it can linger in your system for days, weeks, or even months—long after the effects wear off.

How Long Can Cannabis Be Detected in a Drug Test?

How long THC lingers in your system depends on the type of drug test used. Some tests detect only recent use, while others can pick up traces of cannabis weeks—or even months—after your last use.

Urine Tests

Urine testing is the most common method for detecting THC. Detection times vary, but research suggests the following:

• One-time use (single joint or edible): Up to 3 days
• Moderate use (a few times a week): 5–7 days
• Daily use: 10–15 days
• Heavy use (multiple times a day): Over 30 days

Blood Tests

Blood tests typically detect cannabis for 2–12 hours after use. However, heavy users can have THC in their bloodstream for up to 30 days.

Saliva Tests

THC can enter saliva through direct use or secondhand smoke. While it usually disappears quickly, a 2020 study found that frequent users could still test positive 72 hours after use.

Hair Tests

Hair follicle tests can detect cannabis use for the longest period—up to 90 days. After use, THC reaches hair follicles through the bloodstream and sweat. Since hair grows at about 0.5 inches each month, a 1.5-inch hair sample can provide a record of use over the past three months.

What Affects How Long THC Stays in Your System?

Several factors influence how long THC and its byproducts linger in your body. Some of these have nothing to do with cannabis itself but rather how your body processes substances—things like your metabolism, body fat percentage, and overall health.

Then there are factors tied directly to your cannabis use, including:

• How much you use – Higher doses mean more THC for your body to break down.
• How often you use – Frequent use leads to THC buildup, which takes longer to clear.
• How you consume it – Edibles and oils tend to stick around longer than smoked or vaped weed.
• THC potency – Stronger strains with higher THC levels may take more time to leave your system.

Is Marijuana Addictive?

Many people believe marijuana isn’t addictive, but that’s not entirely true. While not everyone who uses it develops a problem, some people find themselves unable to stop, even when it starts interfering with their daily lives. Those who use marijuana frequently or start at a young age are more likely to struggle with dependence.

When someone tries to quit after long-term use, they may experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, anxiety, and strong cravings. These symptoms can make quitting difficult, leading some people to return to use just to feel normal again.

Overcoming marijuana addiction often demands more than willpower alone. Behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy can help people change their habits and build a life without reliance on cannabis. With the right support, recovery is possible.

Tired of the Cycle? Let’s Break It Together.

Weed might feel like an escape, but if it’s starting to take over your life, you don’t have to go through it alone. At Q Space Detox, we provide an affirming space where you can detox with medical support and a team that understands the unique struggles LGBTQ+ people face in recovery. 

You deserve to heal, grow, and build a life that feels like yours again. Call us today at 305-745-7768 to take the first step toward recovery.