Cannabis Detection Times
How Long Does It Take To Get Below 50ng/ml?
Background
Many regions still haven't fully embraced the benefits of cannabis, partly due to lingering misconceptions fueled by past propaganda and misinformation. This has led to unprovoked and invasive drug screens, with approximately 57% of employers requiring pre-employment drug tests. Understanding cannabis detection times and the factors that influence them can help individuals navigate these tests more effectively.
Cannabis Is Quickly Metabolized, but THC Metabolites Can Linger
While the high from cannabis dissipates within a few hours, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) metabolites can linger in the body and be detectable for weeks, depending on usage frequency and quantity. THC enters the bloodstream shortly after use but is quickly metabolized into THC-COOH molecules. These metabolites are stored in fat and gradually excreted through urine (about 20%), feces (about 65%), and sweat.
Drug Screening Methods
The most common drug testing methods include hair, saliva, blood, and urine tests. Oral fluid and blood tests are less common since THC metabolites are typically detectable in saliva for up to 72 hours and in blood for up to 24 hours. Urinalysis, particularly 5 and 10-panel screens, is more popular due to its cost-effectiveness and extended detection times, making it the focus of this article.
Urinalysis Detection Times
THC metabolites have varying elimination half-lives. Some have a half-life of less than 24 hours, while others may linger in the body for 15 to 30 days. A study by the Mayo Medical Laboratories (last updated January 2024) provides insights into detection times based on frequency and quantity of use and individual metabolism.
This of course is dependent on how often a person smokes (frequency), how much they smoke (quantity), and their metabolism (general health, diet and exercise).
Urinalysis AccuracY
False positives for cannabis are rare due to the prevalence of testing. Initial screening is done using an immunoassay (EMIT or RIA), and positive results are confirmed with a more accurate GCMS test.
Can You Cheat Your THC Drug Screen?
Many online sources suggest ways to cheat drug tests, but these methods are often ineffective and detectable. Common suggestions include:
Dilution: Drinking excessive water to lower THC levels. While helpful, it is not foolproof.
Masking Agents: Substances that mask drug samples often result in retests.
Tampering: Adding substances to urine samples is the least effective and most detectable method.
How To Detox Naturally
If you need to pass a urine screen, a natural detox is the safest approach. Here's a guideline for boosting your body's natural excretion systems:
Abstain from cannabis: Stop using cannabis immediately.
Eat a clean diet: Focus on low-carb, low-sugar foods to encourage fat metabolism.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water and green tea to flush out metabolites.
Exercise and use saunas: Increase your metabolic rate and sweat out toxins.
THC Detox Kits
If you have less than two weeks until your THC urinalysis or are simply looking for additional assurance that you’ll pass, we recommend obtaining a natural ingredient detox kit. These natural kits are typically safer than many of the harsh masking agents on the market. Additionally, if you only have a short amount of time, detox kits that truly remove detectable THC metabolites from your system can be the missing link between your body’s excretion systems and passing your test. One of the natural detox kits that we recommend is Verdant Herbal's 48 Hour THC Detox Kit. Verdant Herbal's detox kit is a unique THC cleanse that has evolved over the past 8 years using customer research, feedback and independent studies done within the industry. They have isolated the most effective ingredients and brought them all together into one comprehensive formula using only pharmaceutical grade (certified) natural extracts. Each of the ingredients has a specific function for enhancing the detox process.
Conclusion
Preparing for a drug screen requires time, awareness of your usage habits, and understanding of your metabolism. While home drug tests can indicate if you'll fail, they cannot guarantee a pass. For those short on time, detox kits can provide extra assurance. Good luck to all!
Additional Guidance
Article resources
Huestis, M. A., et al. “Detection Times of Marijuana Metabolites in Urine by Immunoassay and GC-MS.” Journal of Analytical Toxicology, vol. 19, no. 6, 1 Oct. 1995, pp. 443–449, https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/19.6.443. Accessed 9 Mar. 2022.
“Marijuana - Mayo Clinic Laboratories.” Www.mayocliniclabs.com, www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/drug-book/specific-drug-groups/marijuana.
“How Long Does Marijuana Stay in Your System? Blood, Urine, and Hair.” Www.medicalnewstoday.com, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324315.