The detection window for THCA, particularly its decarboxylated form (THC), varies significantly depending on the testing method. While breathalyzers may detect THC for up to three hours after use, hair follicle tests can detect it for as long as 90 days.
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is known as the non-psychoactive precursor to Delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. THCA itself doesn’t produce mind-altering effects and isn’t typically the target of standard drug tests. However, when THCA is heated, such as through vaping or smoking THCA flowers, it undergoes decarboxylation and converts into THC. This conversion raises concerns about testing positive for THC in drug screenings.
Understanding how long THCA, or rather THC resulting from decarboxylated THCA, remains detectable in your system is crucial, especially if you face mandatory drug tests. This article explores the detection windows for decarboxylated THCA across various drug testing methods and discusses the factors that influence these timelines, helping you navigate drug screenings with greater confidence.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Different drug screening methods have varying detection windows for decarboxylated THCA (THC). Urine tests generally detect THC for the longest duration, up to 30 days, while blood tests have the shortest window, around 24 hours.
- THCA in its raw form is non-psychoactive and not typically screened for in drug tests. However, heating THCA converts it to THC, which can lead to a positive result on a marijuana drug test.
- Simply consuming raw THCA through edibles or juices is unlikely to cause a positive drug test for THC, as digestion alone doesn’t efficiently convert THCA to THC. The risk arises primarily from inhalation methods like vaping or smoking.
Does THCA Show Up on a Drug Test?
Most standard drug screenings are designed to detect THC metabolites, not THCA itself. Therefore, raw THCA is not typically what drug tests look for, and in its non-decarboxylated form, it won’t cause a positive result for marijuana.
THCA is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid found in raw cannabis. It’s distinct from THC, which is known for its psychoactive properties. Think of THCA as the raw, unactivated form of THC. Decarboxylation, usually achieved through heating, is the process that converts THCA into psychoactive THC.
To detect THC, derived from decarboxylated THCA, standard drug tests such as urine, saliva, blood, and hair follicle tests are used. While advanced tests might be able to detect THCA itself, it’s not the standard practice.
Consuming raw THCA, such as in edibles or juices, is less likely to trigger a positive drug test for THC. However, it’s worth noting that very high doses of raw THCA consumption have been associated with minor side effects like nausea or digestive discomfort in some individuals.
Real-life Case
In a notable 2020 case, an “Operations Technician” at Airgas, Murray Fisher, faced job termination after testing positive for THCA. Murray Fisher’s case highlights the complexities of drug testing and cannabis compounds. Despite THCA being non-psychoactive, the test was interpreted as a positive marijuana result, leading to his firing. The Sixth Circuit court ultimately sided with Fisher, and a settlement was reached. This case underscores that while standard tests target THC, interpretations and advanced tests can sometimes detect THCA or lead to misinterpretations regarding cannabis use.
It’s also important to be aware that THCA, like other cannabinoids, might interact with certain prescription medications. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you are taking medications and considering using THCA products.
THCA Metabolism Process: How Does the Body Absorb and Flush THCA?
How your body absorbs and metabolizes THCA depends significantly on the method of consumption. Whether you vape, smoke, ingest edibles, or use topical applications, the body processes THCA differently.
Let’s examine the journey of THCA through the body based on different consumption methods:
Oral Consumption
Phase 1: Oral Absorption
When THCA is ingested orally, whether in gummies, raw juices, or other edibles, it enters the digestive system. Digestion begins in the stomach and continues through the intestines and liver.
Phase 2: Metabolic Process
The liver is the primary site for THCA metabolism. During this phase, the THCA structure largely remains unchanged. Liver enzymes work to break down THCA into water-soluble forms, preparing it for excretion and limited circulation in the bloodstream.
Phase 3: Excretion
A significant portion of orally consumed THCA does not enter the bloodstream. Instead, it is directly routed for excretion via the kidneys and digestive tract. This means that oral consumption of raw THCA leads to lower bioavailability compared to other methods.
Sublingual Consumption
Phase 1: Absorption
Sublingual administration, typically using tinctures or oils placed under the tongue, offers a different absorption pathway. THCA is absorbed through the thin mucosal tissues in the mouth, directly entering the bloodstream. This method bypasses the digestive system, leading to quicker absorption.
Phase 2: Partial Metabolism
Once in the bloodstream, THCA circulates and eventually passes through the liver, undergoing partial metabolism. However, because it bypasses initial digestion, a higher proportion of THCA reaches the bloodstream compared to oral ingestion.
Phase 3: Excretion
After liver metabolism, THCA metabolites are primarily excreted in bile, which is then eliminated through feces. A smaller portion is excreted through urine. Sublingual administration generally results in higher bioavailability and potentially faster excretion compared to oral consumption.
Inhalation (Vaping/Smoking)
Phase 1: Absorption
Inhalation, whether through vaping or smoking THCA-rich cannabis, involves rapid absorption. When inhaled, THCA is decarboxylated by the heat into THC and quickly enters the bloodstream through the lungs. This method provides the fastest and most efficient absorption, with THC reaching the brain and other organs rapidly.
Phase 2: Metabolism
Once in the bloodstream, THC is metabolized by the liver. Inhalation leads to a higher and faster peak concentration of THC in the blood compared to other methods.
Phase 3: Excretion
THC metabolites are primarily excreted through urine and feces. Due to the rapid and efficient absorption via inhalation, the detection window in drug tests becomes more relevant, as THC and its metabolites are produced more quickly and in higher concentrations.
What Factors Affect the Detection Window of Decarboxylated THCA (THC) in Your Body?
Spoiler Alert!
Several factors influence how long decarboxylated THCA (THC) remains detectable in your system:
- Age: Metabolism naturally slows down with age, potentially affecting the rate at which your body processes and eliminates THC.
- Metabolic Rate: Individuals with faster metabolisms tend to process and eliminate substances more quickly than those with slower metabolisms.
- Frequency of Use: Regular and frequent cannabis use leads to accumulation of THC metabolites in the body, extending the detection window.
- Dosage/Potency: Higher doses and more potent cannabis products result in a longer detection period compared to infrequent or low-dose use.
- Consumption Method: As discussed earlier, different consumption methods affect absorption and metabolism rates, influencing how long THC remains detectable.
- Type of Drug Test: Different drug tests (urine, hair, saliva, blood) have varying detection windows due to their sensitivity and the way they detect substances.
- Body Composition (Fat Percentage): THC is fat-soluble and can be stored in fat cells. Individuals with higher body fat percentages may retain THC metabolites for longer periods.
- Hydration Levels: While not a direct detox method, hydration can influence urine concentration, potentially affecting urine test results to a minor degree.
Metabolic rate is closely linked to age. As we age, our metabolism tends to slow down, which can impact the speed at which the body processes and eliminates THC.
Frequency of use is another critical factor. The more frequently you consume decarboxylated THCA (leading to THC in your system), the longer it will take for your body to completely eliminate the compounds. Similarly, larger doses will take longer to process than smaller doses.
The consumption method also plays a role. Oral ingestion involves a longer digestive process compared to inhalation or sublingual administration. This difference in metabolic pathways can influence the duration THC remains detectable in your system. Inhalation and sublingual methods lead to faster absorption and potentially quicker elimination, but they also result in rapid spikes in THC levels, which are relevant for short-term detection windows.
How Long Does THCA Stay in Your System Urine Test?
Direct Answer
For a single instance of decarboxylated THCA (THC) use, urine tests can typically detect THC metabolites for approximately three to five days.
It’s important to reiterate that standard urine drug tests detect THC metabolites, not THCA itself. Therefore, when we discuss THCA detection in urine, we are referring to the THC that results from decarboxylating THCA (primarily through heating).
Urine tests are commonly used for drug screenings due to their relatively long detection window and non-invasive nature. They work by detecting THC metabolites, which are byproducts of the body breaking down THC. The detection window in urine tests is influenced by the factors mentioned earlier, such as frequency of use, metabolism, and dosage.
Take Note
In the following sections, “THCA” refers to “decarboxylated THCA,” which converts to THC when heated, as is the case with vaping or smoking.
Using THC detection as a guide, as it is the compound of concern in drug screenings related to cannabis, we can estimate detection windows for decarboxylated THCA.
For infrequent or one-time cannabis users, THC metabolites are generally detectable in urine for about three to five days.
Moderate users, who consume cannabis up to four times per week, might have THC detectable in their urine for up to seven days or slightly longer.
Daily users of cannabis can have THC metabolites detectable in urine for a more extended period, potentially up to 15 days.
Chronic and heavy cannabis users may test positive for THC metabolites in urine for 30 to 45 days, or in some cases, even longer depending on individual factors.
| Frequency of Use | Urine Detection Window |
|---|---|
| One-time Use | 3-5 days |
| Moderate Use (up to 4x/week) | Up to 7 days or more |
| Daily Use | Up to 15 days |
| Daily and Heavy Use | 30-45 days or longer |
How Long Does THCA Stay in Your Hair?
Direct Answer
Hair follicle drug tests have the longest detection window, capable of detecting THC (from decarboxylated THCA) for up to three months, or approximately 90 days.
Hair follicle tests offer a significantly longer detection window compared to urine, saliva, or blood tests. This is because hair follicles trap drug metabolites as the hair grows, providing a historical record of substance use. Hair tests are less invasive than blood tests and can provide a much longer history of use than urine or saliva tests.
Hair samples for drug testing are typically collected from the back of the head, near the scalp, as this area provides hair growth closest to the scalp and recent substance use. Hair follicle tests are often mandated by companies for safety-sensitive positions or by legal entities in probation, child custody, or domestic violence cases due to their ability to detect long-term substance use history.
Hair follicle tests can detect substance use history for as far back as three months or 90 days, making them the most extensive method for detecting past THC exposure from decarboxylated THCA.
However, it’s important to note that hair follicle tests might have limitations in detecting very recent use (within a few days) as it takes time for hair to grow and for metabolites to become detectable in the hair follicle.
A 2015 study assessing the accuracy of hair follicle tests for cannabis use found that they could identify over 52 percent of recent cannabis users. While not 100% sensitive, hair follicle tests provide a strong indication of longer-term cannabis use history, making them effective for detecting THC exposure over an extended period.
How Long Does THCA Stay in Your Saliva?
Direct Answer
Saliva drug tests typically detect THC (from decarboxylated THCA) for a shorter duration, ranging from 24 to 48 hours, with some studies suggesting up to 72 hours in heavy users.
Saliva drug tests are a non-invasive and relatively quick method for drug screening. The process involves collecting an oral fluid sample using a swab or absorbent pad placed in the mouth, usually inside the cheek. Saliva tests are easy to administer and provide rapid results, often within minutes for on-site screening, although lab confirmations may take up to 24 hours.
For individuals undergoing saliva testing, it’s generally advised to abstain from eating or drinking for about ten minutes prior to the test to ensure sample integrity.
Saliva tests have a shorter detection window for cannabis compounds compared to urine or hair tests. Generally, THC is detectable in saliva for approximately 24 to 48 hours after last use.
Some studies indicate that inhaled THC might be detectable in saliva for up to 30 hours, while ingested cannabis (edibles) may be detectable for slightly longer, up to 72 hours in some heavy users due to slower metabolism and prolonged oral presence. However, the typical range remains within 24 to 48 hours for most individuals and usage patterns.
How Long Does THCA Stay in Your Blood?
Direct Answer
Blood drug tests have the shortest detection window for THC (from decarboxylated THCA), typically ranging from 2 to 24 hours.
Blood drug screenings are considered more invasive as they require blood sample collection, usually through venipuncture. While blood tests offer the shortest detection window, they provide the most accurate indication of current or very recent substance use.
Companies or legal entities may mandate blood tests to assess immediate impairment, for instance, in cases of workplace accidents or suspected drug-induced behavior. Blood tests are effective in detecting the presence of active THC in the bloodstream, indicating recent consumption.
The detection window for THC in blood is relatively short, generally ranging from 2 to 24 hours after last use. In some cases, with very heavy and frequent use, THC might be detectable for up to 48 hours in blood, but this is less common.
Due to the short detection window, blood tests are less commonly used for routine drug screenings that aim to detect past substance use history. However, they are valuable when assessing current impairment or very recent use is critical.
Can Breath Tests Detect THCA?
The ability of breath tests to detect THCA is not straightforward and depends on the technology used.
Currently, standard alcohol breathalyzers are not capable of detecting substances other than alcohol. Law enforcement officers typically rely on other methods like saliva tests or field sobriety tests to assess potential THC impairment. There isn’t yet a widely available chemical breath test equivalent to an alcohol breathalyzer for measuring cannabis impairment.
However, emerging breathalyzer technologies are being developed that can detect THC in breath. These newer devices are designed to isolate and identify active THC molecules in exhaled breath.
The critical factor for THC breathalyzer detection is timing. THC breath tests are most effective within a very short window after inhalation. To detect THC particles in breath, testing needs to be conducted within the first two to three hours following cannabis consumption through inhalation (vaping or smoking).
Therefore, while standard breathalyzers cannot detect THC, new technologies are emerging that can, but their detection window is limited to a very short period immediately after inhalation.
Why Is Unheated THCA Typically Undetected?
Unheated THCA, in its raw form, is not psychoactive and is not the primary target of standard drug screenings. Drug tests are typically designed to detect psychoactive substances and their metabolites, primarily focusing on THC when it comes to cannabis.
THCA only converts to THC when subjected to heat through decarboxylation. It’s the THC that produces mind-altering effects and is the compound that drug tests are designed to detect.
However, it’s not entirely accurate to say that unheated THCA is completely undetectable. Advanced or specialized tests that are designed to capture a broader range of metabolites might, in some cases, detect THCA or its metabolites in the system. As seen in the Murray Fisher case, specific tests can identify THCA, although this is not the norm.
In general, for standard drug screenings, you don’t need to worry about unheated THCA causing a positive result. The concern arises when THCA is heated and converted to THC, which is a detectable substance.
How Long Does It Take THCA to Leave Your System?
Direct Answer
The time it takes for THCA (or more accurately, THC from decarboxylated THCA) to leave your system varies, ranging from approximately three to 30 days, depending on factors like frequency of use, metabolism, and the type of drug test.
As previously discussed, several factors influence the duration THC and its metabolites remain in the body. Metabolism rate, age, frequency of cannabis use, body composition, and overall health all play a role.
Individuals with faster metabolisms and lower body fat percentages tend to eliminate THC more quickly. THC is fat-soluble, meaning it can be stored in fat cells, and individuals with higher body fat may retain THC metabolites for longer periods. Regular exercise and hydration can support overall metabolic function but are not quick fixes to “detox” from THC.
Providing a general timeframe, for infrequent users, THC might be detectable for around three to seven days. For heavy, chronic users, it could take as long as 30 days or more, particularly in urine tests, for THC metabolites to fall below detectable levels.
The shortest detection window is roughly three hours (for breathalyzers assessing immediate use), and the longest is up to 90 days (for hair follicle tests reflecting long-term use history).
Does THCA Stay in Your System as Long as THC?
Because THCA itself is not an illegal or controlled substance and is not the primary focus of drug testing, there is limited research directly comparing its detection time to THC. However, based on current understanding, it’s plausible that THCA, in its raw form, may be metabolized and eliminated more quickly than THC.
THCA is non-psychoactive and has a different metabolic pathway compared to THC. It’s less readily stored in fat cells compared to THC. Therefore, if you primarily consume unheated THCA, you likely don’t need to be as concerned about prolonged detection windows in standard drug screenings, as the tests are primarily targeting THC.
However, if you are consuming decarboxylated THCA (leading to THC), then the detection times discussed throughout this article for THC apply.
How to Get THCA Out of Your System Fast?
There is no scientifically proven method to rapidly “flush” THC (from decarboxylated THCA) out of your system to pass a drug test faster. Many purported “detox” methods are myths or ineffective.
Commonly suggested methods like drinking excessive amounts of water, consuming cranberry juice, or using “detox teas” or kits are not reliable ways to eliminate THC metabolites quickly. These methods might temporarily dilute urine, potentially affecting urine test results for a short period, but they do not fundamentally accelerate the metabolism or elimination of THC from the body.
The most effective way to ensure THC is not detectable in your system is to reduce or abstain from cannabis consumption. As mentioned earlier, for occasional users, THC metabolites typically become undetectable in urine within a few days to a week. Reducing your frequency and dosage of cannabis use is the most straightforward approach to minimize detection time.
What Contributes to False Positive Tests?
Direct Answer
False positive drug tests for cannabis (THC) can occur due to various factors, including consumption of certain hemp food products, use of synthetic THC drugs, and cross-reactivity with some medications.
Contrary to a common myth, passive inhalation of secondhand cannabis smoke is highly unlikely to cause a false positive on a drug test. Studies have shown that even in cases of significant secondhand smoke exposure, it’s highly improbable to exceed the standard THC cutoff threshold of 50 nanograms per milliliter in urine drug screenings.
However, certain hemp food products, such as hemp oils and seeds, can potentially lead to false positives. These products may contain trace amounts of THC or cannabinoids that could be detected in sensitive drug tests, particularly if consumed in large quantities.
Medications containing synthetic THC, such as dronabinol (Marinol), can also cause positive drug tests for cannabinoids. Dronabinol is a prescription medication used to stimulate appetite and treat nausea, particularly in patients with AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy.
Additionally, some medications, although not directly related to cannabis, might cause cross-reactivity in certain drug tests, leading to false positive results. It’s crucial to inform your testing facility about any medications or supplements you are taking to avoid potential misinterpretations of drug test results.
If you are facing a drug test, transparency about any hemp product consumption, medications, or supplements you are taking is essential to ensure accurate interpretation of the results and avoid false positives.
Final Thoughts
As of now, standard drug tests do not specifically target unheated THCA. However, when THCA is decarboxylated (primarily through heating), it converts to THC, which is a controlled substance and is detected in drug screenings.
Understanding the detection windows for THC across different testing methods is crucial, especially if you are subject to drug testing. Factors like frequency of use, metabolism, and the type of test significantly influence how long THC remains detectable in your system. Being informed about these factors and detection timelines can help you make informed decisions and navigate drug screenings effectively.
Before concluding, let’s address some frequently asked questions:
FAQs
Will THCA show up on a drug test?
Yes, but indirectly. THCA itself is not typically screened for. However, if you consume decarboxylated THCA (e.g., through vaping or smoking), it converts to THC, which will be detected on a drug test. Raw THCA consumption is less likely to cause a positive test for THC.
How long does THC stay in your system after one hit?
THC from a single inhalation of cannabis, whether from a joint or vape cart, can remain detectable in the body for approximately 2 to 24 hours, primarily in blood and saliva. Urine detection may be possible for a few days in sensitive individuals. The exact duration depends on individual factors and the sensitivity of the test.
Does THCA help with sleep?
Research on THCA’s effects on sleep is limited. Some studies suggest THCA may have potential therapeutic benefits for pain and nausea, which indirectly could improve sleep quality by addressing these issues. However, direct sleep-promoting properties of THCA are not well-established.
Does THCA get you high?
No, THCA in its raw, unheated form is non-psychoactive and does not produce a “high.” It needs to undergo decarboxylation (heating) to convert into THC, which is the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis.
What are the factors that affect the detection window?
Key factors influencing the detection window of THC (from decarboxylated THCA) include age, metabolic rate, frequency and amount of cannabis use, consumption method, body composition (fat percentage), hydration levels, and the type of drug test used. These factors collectively determine how long THC and its metabolites remain detectable in your system.
