Edibles Explained: How Long Do They Stay in Your System?

Whether you’re new to edible consumption or existing, the most common question that may arise in your mind always is- How Long Do They Stay in Your System?

Well, on average, THC edible will stay for a few hours and its traces may last up to 90 days. But how much of it is true, needs a check. So, let’s join this post and explore the effects of edibles, how they are digested, and the factors that impact how long they can be detected. Let’s begin!

Edibles- What Are They Exactly?

Edibles are food or beverage products infused with cannabis extracts, which often contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) or CBD (cannabidiol). Common edibles include gummies, brownies, cookies, chocolates, beverages, and even savory treats. One of the unique characteristics of edibles is the delayed onset of effects, which can last from 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating.

When you consume edibles, THC is absorbed by your digestive tract and metabolized by the liver. The liver transforms THC into a more potent molecule known as 11-hydroxy-THC, which has substantial psychoactive effects. This conversion process is why edibles may feel more intense than smoking or vaping cannabis.

Factors That Affect How Long Edibles Stay in Your System

The time it takes for THC from edibles to leave your system depends on several factors:

1. Dosage and Potency
   The more potent the edible, the longer it will stay in your system. Larger doses of THC take longer for the body to metabolize and eliminate.
2. Metabolism
   People with faster metabolisms tend to process THC more quickly than those with slower metabolic rates. Age, activity level, and overall health also influence metabolism.
3. Frequency of Use
   Regular cannabis users tend to retain THC in their bodies for longer periods. Frequent use leads to THC building up in fat cells, making it detectable for a longer time.
4. Body Fat Composition
   THC is stored in fat cells, so individuals with higher body fat percentages may retain THC metabolites for longer than those with lower body fat.

How Long Edibles Stay in Your System?

The amount of time edibles stay in your system is determined by a variety of factors, including metabolism, dosage, and frequency of usage. Here’s an overview of how long they can be identified in various tests:

Urine Test: THC from edibles can be detectable in urine for 3-30 days after ingestion. If you are a light, infrequent user, THC can leave your system in 3-7 days. However, for frequent or heavy users, it may be noticeable for up to a month or more.

Blood Test: THC is only detectable in the blood for a brief length of time, typically 1-2 days for occasional users. For chronic users, it can remain in the blood for up to a week.

Saliva Test: THC can be detectable in saliva for 1-3 days following usage in most people.

Hair Test: THC can be found in hair follicles for up to 90 days after use, although this sort of test is less generally utilized due to its extended detection window.

Factors that Influence the Long-lasting Stay of Edibles

• People with faster metabolisms process THC faster than individuals with slower metabolisms.
• The higher the concentration of THC, the longer it may take your body to eliminate.
• If you use edibles frequently, THC might accumulate in your system and take longer to eliminate.
• THC is retained in fat cells, thus people with higher body fat percentages may be able to maintain it for longer.
• Staying hydrated and engaging in physical activity may help your body process and eliminate THC more quickly.

What’s the Effect?

Edibles can have far longer-lasting effects than smoked cannabis. On average, the effects last 6 to 8 hours, with a peak about 3 hours after ingestion. However, bigger doses or more effective drugs may have effects that last 12 hours or more.

Edibles often produce a more intense psychoactive effect compared to smoking. This is because the liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound that crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily, resulting in stronger effects. Many people report feeling a more body-focused high with edibles, along with heightened sensory experiences, euphoria, and relaxation. However, in higher doses, edibles can also lead to intense anxiety, paranoia, and confusion.

The effects of edibles can vary widely from person to person based on factors such as body weight, metabolism, and tolerance levels. Additionally, consuming edibles on an empty stomach versus after eating can alter the onset time and intensity of the high. Those with slower metabolisms may experience the effects more intensely and for a longer duration, while those with faster metabolisms may feel the high fade more quickly.

Why Does THC Stay in the System Longer After Edibles?

Edibles differ from smoked or vaporized cannabis in the way the body processes them. After consuming an edible, the THC is metabolized in the liver, where it is converted into the more potent 11-hydroxy-THC, which is then slowly released into the bloodstream. This process not only prolongs the effects but also increases the time THC stays in your system. Additionally, THC is fat-soluble, meaning it binds to fat cells in the body, which contributes to its extended presence.

• Metabolized in the Liver: Unlike smoking, THC from edibles is broken down in the liver, converting into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent and longer-lasting form of the compound.
• Delayed Absorption: Edibles must pass through the digestive system before being absorbed, causing a slower release of THC into the bloodstream, which prolongs the effects.
• Stronger Metabolite: The 11-hydroxy-THC metabolite crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily, resulting in a more intense and longer-lasting high compared to smoked cannabis.
• Fat-Soluble Compound: THC binds to fat cells in the body, meaning it can be stored and released over time, extending how long it stays in the system.
• Higher Doses: Edibles often contain higher doses of THC compared to smoking, leading to more THC in the body that takes longer to fully eliminate.
• Slow Release: The stored THC in fat cells is released gradually, which can prolong the detection window and increase the time it takes for the body to fully process and eliminate it.

How to Flush Out Edibles from Your Gut?

• Drink plenty of water to flush your system.
• Exercise can boost metabolism and help burn down THC deposited in fat cells.
• Eating healthful, fiber-rich foods will help your body digest and utilize THC more effectively.
• Time is the most efficient technique to eliminate THC from your system. Depending on your usage and body type, this procedure could take days or weeks.

Risks of Edibles for Individuals in Recovery

Edibles, while seemingly harmless compared to smoking cannabis, can present significant risks, particularly for those in addiction recovery. The delayed onset can lead users to consume too much before the effects are felt, which can result in unintended overconsumption. Overdoing it with edibles can lead to extreme drowsiness, confusion, paranoia, and heightened anxiety, which are especially dangerous for individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders like anxiety or depression.

For those seeking recovery from addiction, THC from edibles can complicate the detox and treatment process. Residual THC can remain in the body long after the initial high has worn off, potentially leading to setbacks in treatment or even relapse. Additionally, cannabis use can impact the effectiveness of certain treatment modalities, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), both of which are often employed in recovery programs to address emotional and behavioral issues.

The Importance of Professional Support in Overcoming Substance Use

For individuals struggling with cannabis addiction, whether through smoking or consuming edibles, professional help is essential. At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, we understand the complexities of addiction and offer personalized Addiction Treatment Programs designed to address each individual’s unique needs. Our multidisciplinary team provides a holistic approach to recovery, including:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  A widely used therapeutic approach to help individuals identify and change harmful thought patterns that contribute to substance abuse.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  A type of therapy that focuses on building emotional regulation skills, which is crucial for individuals struggling with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Addiction Therapy Programs
  These comprehensive programs include individual counseling, group therapy, and family therapy to support recovery from substance use and the mental health challenges that often accompany it.

Finding Expert Help for Edible Abuse? Call GBAC!

Are you struggling with edible cannabis overuse or dependency? GBAC, Substance Abuse Treatment Center provides professional support to help you recover. Our professional creates tailored treatment plans that meet the issues of food abuse, allowing you to regain control and live a healthy lifestyle. Take the first step toward healing today, call us directly at (617) 749-0166 to get the support and guidance you need!

Conclusion

Edibles may seem like a safer, more discreet way to consume cannabis, but they come with significant risks and can remain in your system far longer than other forms of marijuana. For individuals seeking recovery or dealing with substance abuse issues, it’s important to be aware of how long THC from edibles can affect your body and mind. If you are struggling with cannabis or any other substance, professional support from a Substance Abuse Treatment Center like Greater Boston Addiction Centers can help you regain control of your life.

FAQ on Edibles Explained

How long does it take for edibles to kick in?

Edibles typically take between 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, depending on factors like your metabolism, the dosage, and whether you’ve eaten recently. Unlike smoking, which has immediate effects, the onset with edibles is delayed.

How long do the effects of edibles last?

The effects of edibles can last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, with some people experiencing residual effects for up to 24 hours. The duration depends on dosage, individual metabolism, and tolerance.

How long can edibles be detected in a drug test?

The detection window varies depending on the type of drug test:

• Urine tests: THC can be detected for 1-3 days in occasional users and up to 30 days or longer in frequent users.
• Blood tests: THC is typically detectable for up to 24 hours but can remain longer for chronic users.
• Saliva tests: Edibles can be detected for up to 72 hours.
• Hair tests: THC can be detected in hair for up to 90 days.

Does body fat affect how long edibles stay in your system?

Yes. THC is stored in fat cells, so individuals with higher body fat may retain THC metabolites for longer periods than those with lower body fat.

What factors influence how long edibles stay in your system?

Several factors affect how long THC from edibles stays in your system, including dosage, frequency of use, metabolism, body fat, and the type of drug test being administered.

Why do edibles stay in your system longer than smoking marijuana?

Edibles must pass through the digestive system and are metabolized by the liver into 11-hydroxy-THC, a potent form of THC that stays in the bloodstream longer. This process leads to a longer duration of effects and a more extended detection period in drug tests.

What are the risks of edibles for people in recovery?

The delayed onset and stronger effects of edibles can lead to overconsumption, increasing the risk of paranoia, anxiety, and other adverse effects. For individuals in recovery, lingering THC can complicate detoxification and increase the risk of relapse.