Explore treatment options today. For general drug info, contact your doctor.
The effects of marijuana edibles last for a few hours, but traces of the drug can remain in the body for much longer, depending on variables like dose, frequency of use, and the type of drug test.
This guide explores the varying length of detection times for marijuana edibles and addresses concerns like “Do edibles stay in your system longer than smoking?” You will also learn how to get compassionate, effective treatment for any addiction.
Edibles are food or drink products that have been infused with cannabis. This means they contain the active ingredient found in marijuana [1] called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). People consume edibles to experience the effects of marijuana without smoking it.
Edibles come in many forms, from brownies and gummies to chocolates and beverages. They are popular because they are easy to use and can be more discreet than smoking marijuana.
When you eat an edible, it takes longer to feel the effects than when smoking the substance. This is because the THC has to be digested and processed by your liver before it enters your bloodstream. The effects can be strong and long-lasting, so be careful with the amount you consume.
Here are some of the most common types of edibles:
Each type of edible has its own unique taste and way of delivering THC to your body.
If you eat an edible, your body processes THC differently [2] than if you smoke marijuana. Here’s how it works:
Because edibles have to go through your digestive system, it takes longer to feel the effects than smoking marijuana. The high from edibles can also last much longer, so start with a small amount and wait to see how it affects you.
Edible detection times depend on several factors, including:
However, edibles typically leave your system in the following timelines:
Blood tests are not commonly used for regular drug testing because THC leaves the blood relatively quickly.
Urine tests are the most common method for detecting THC because they are easy to administer and can detect THC for longer periods.
Saliva tests are not as common for THC detection but can be used to find recent use.
Hair tests are useful for showing patterns of use over several months.
Several factors can affect how long THC from edibles stays in your system and is detectable by these tests:
When you consume THC, whether by smoking or eating edibles, your body goes through several steps to process it. Here’s how your body handles THC:
Understanding how your body processes THC can help you use marijuana more safely and be aware of how long its effects might last. How long does edibles stay in your system, then?
When you eat an edible, it takes some time to feel its effects. This is because the THC in edibles has to go through your digestive system first. Here’s what happens:
The effects of edibles can start to be felt anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption. This delay can cause some people to consume more, thinking it isn’t working, which can lead to an uncomfortably intense high known as a greenout. The high from edibles can last much longer than smoking, too – often from 4 to 12 hours, and sometimes even longer, depending on the dose and your body’s metabolism.
How you consume marijuana can make a big difference in how quickly and how long you feel its effects. Here’s a comparison between edibles and inhaled cannabis:
Edibles:
Inhaled cannabis:
If you need to get THC out of your system faster, here are some tips that might help:
When you consume edibles, THC enters your bloodstream through your digestive system. This process takes longer than smoking, but the effects last longer, too. Once in the bloodstream, THC is carried to your brain and other organs, producing the marijuana high [5].
For those who use marijuana occasionally, THC from edibles can be detected in the blood for 1 to 2 days. It might be detectable in the blood for a week or more in those who use the drug regularly.
Hair tests are used to detect long-term drug use. When you consume THC, small amounts are deposited in your hair follicles through your bloodstream. These deposits can show up in a hair test long after the effects have worn off.
Hair tests are not normally used to detect recent drug use. They are more useful for showing patterns of use over time.
Urine tests are one of the most common methods for detecting THC. When you consume edibles, THC is broken down in your liver into metabolites [6]. These metabolites are then excreted through your urine.
The detection times can vary based on factors including the amount of THC consumed, your metabolism, and how frequently you use cannabis.
THC gummies are a popular edible form. When you eat a THC gummy, the process is similar to other edibles:
How long do gummies stay in your system can vary. For someone who eats a single gummy, the THC might stay in the system for a few days. For those who use marijuana regularly, it can linger for weeks.
If you or someone you love needs help getting back on track from drug addiction, we can help you at Gratitude Lodge in Southern California.
When you begin your recovery from drug addiction with our supervised detox program, you can access 24/7 clinical care and medications to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. After detoxing from marijuana for about one week, you can move into treatment at one of our rehabs by the beach.
All drug addictions present differently, so all Gratitude Lodge inpatient treatment programs provide a personalized combination of therapies like:
Call our recovery experts to begin treatment for addiction today 844-576-0144.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563174/
[2]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5260817/
[3] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/11-Hydroxytetrahydrocannabinol
[4]https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26743138_Reintoxication_The_release_of_fat-stored_D_9-_tetrahydrocannabinol_THC_into_blood_is_enhanced_by_food_deprivation_or_ACTH_exposure
[5] https://cannabis.colorado.gov/health-effects/immediate-health-effects
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3570572/
"*" indicates required fields
Drug detox can vary according to the patient’s addiction factors, including the substance abused, how long the addiction has lasted, the patient’s medical condition, if any other disorders are present, and more. Our skilled and credentialed team at Gratitude Lodge work closely with every patient going through drug detox, facilitating the beginnings of a successful recovery at our rehab addiction centers in Orange County, CA.
Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body. Alcohol detox at the luxurious rehab addiction centers at Gratitude Lodge leeches your body of these toxins in preparation for successful treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse. Alcohol detox may not take as long or produce severe withdrawal symptoms, but it is still an essential beginning to your recovery.
Use Our 24 Hour text line. You can ask questions about our program, the admissions process, and more.