How Long Does THCA Stay in Your System?

There are many reasons you might need to take a drug test, such as applying for a new job, maintaining current employment, or complying with court-ordered probation or parole terms. Regardless of the reason, understanding how long drugs remain in your system is crucial. THCA, a compound found in cannabis, can appear on drug tests. Although non-psychoactive in its natural state, when THCA is heated through smoking, vaping, or cooking, it converts to THC, which can stay in your system for some time.

Key Takeaways

• THCA is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis that typically isn’t detected on drug tests. 
• However, when exposed to heat or light, THCA converts to THC, which can result in a positive drug test. 
• THCA duration in your system varies based on factors like frequency of use, dosage, body fat percentage, and metabolism. 
• To help eliminate THCA metabolites more quickly, you can drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and abstain from cannabis use.

How Long Does THCA Stay in Your System?

When THCA is consumed raw, it does not convert into THC, so it does not produce the psychoactive effects typically associated with cannabis use. In this form, THCA is usually eliminated from the body relatively quickly, often within a few days.

However, when THCA is heated and converted into THC through smoking, vaping, or cooking, it metabolizes into THC-COOH, the compound detected by standard drug tests. Typically, THC-COOH can remain in your system for up to a month or longer, depending on several factors.

Factors Affecting How Long THCA Stays in Your System

The duration THCA remains in your system varies significantly from person to person and is influenced by several factors, including:

• Metabolic Rate – Individuals with a faster metabolic rate process and eliminate substances like THCA more quickly than those with slower metabolisms.
• Body Mass – Generally, a person with more body fat may store THCA longer than someone with less body fat.
• Hydration Level – Staying well-hydrated can help your body process and remove THCA more efficiently.
• Physical Activity – Regular exercise can speed up your metabolism and help your body eliminate THCA faster.
• Quantity and Potency of Consumed THCA – Consuming larger amounts or more potent forms of THCA can increase the time it takes for your body to eliminate it.

What is the Half-Life of THCA?

The half-life of THCA can vary significantly based on individual factors, but it generally ranges between 1 to 3 days. This means it usually takes about 1 to 3 days for the concentration of THCA in your system to decrease by half.

Does THCA Show Up On A Drug Test?

On its own, THCA is not typically included in standard drug test panels, so consuming raw THCA is unlikely to result in a positive drug test. However, when THCA is heated through smoking, vaping, cooking, or even exposure to natural body heat, it converts to Delta 9 THC. This process, called decarboxylation, transforms THCA into THC-COOH, the compound that drug tests detect.

Once converted, consuming THCA is akin to consuming regular THC, leading to potential psychoactive effects and a positive drug test for THC. Additionally, some extraction methods for creating THCA products may leave trace amounts of THC, which could also result in a positive test.

Understanding the source and production methods of your THCA products is crucial to avoid a positive drug test. While raw THCA is not psychoactive and won’t typically show up on a standard drug test, any exposure to heat can convert it to THC, likely resulting in a positive test for THC. Specialized tests can detect THCA, but these are not commonly used in standard screenings.

Estimated Duration of THCA in Different Parts of the Body

How Long Does THCA Stay in Your Saliva?

Saliva tests are commonly used for detecting recent use, such as in workplace drug testing or roadside DUI checkpoints. THCA can be detected in saliva for up to 72 hours after consumption.

How Long Does THCA Stay in Your Blood?

Blood tests, though less common for drug screening, are effective for identifying recent substance use. THCA does not typically persist in the bloodstream for long durations. While THC can remain in the blood for extended periods based on usage patterns, THCA is usually not detected after several hours post-consumption. However, if THCA has been converted to THC through smoking, vaping, or exposure to high temperatures, it may be detectable in a blood test.

How Long Does THCA Stay in Your Urine?

Urine drug tests are the most frequently used form of drug screening due to their cost-effectiveness, non-invasive nature, and accuracy. These tests typically target THC-COOH, a metabolite of THC, rather than THCA itself. 

While THCA is not the primary focus, its breakdown products, including THC, can be identified. If THCA is metabolized into THC, it will most likely be detected in a urine drug test. Generally, raw THCA can stay in your urine for around 2-4 days after consumption. If converted into THC, it can be detectable for up to 30 days.

How Long Does THCA Stay in Your Hair?

Hair drug tests are less common than blood or urine screenings due to their higher cost and the need for specific laboratory processes. However, they offer a significant advantage with a much longer detection window.

While urine tests are ideal for identifying recent drug use, hair tests can detect patterns of long-term drug use spanning weeks or even months.

However, it’s important to note that hair tests’ sensitivity to THCA may not be as robust as other substances. The ability of these tests to detect THCA can vary significantly based on the composition and individual characteristics of your hair.

In general, hair tests are more effective at detecting THC-COOH, a metabolite of THC, which means they may not be as reliable for identifying THCA consumption.

Photo by Kym MacKinnon on Unsplash

How to Flush Out THCA Metabolites

Flushing THCA metabolites from your system involves a combination of factors and cannot be achieved overnight. The time it takes for your body to eliminate these metabolites depends on various aspects, including your metabolism, body fat percentage, and hydration levels. Generally, the more frequently you consume THCA or other cannabis products, the longer it will take for your body to clear the metabolites. 

Abstaining

The first and most straightforward step to flushing THCA metabolites from your system is abstinence. Refrain from consuming any cannabis products to give your body a chance to eliminate the metabolites over time naturally. This may be challenging, but it’s essential for clearing your system.

Persistent abstinence can test your patience, as it may take weeks or even months for regular cannabis users to clear their system of THCA metabolites completely. The duration largely depends on the frequency and quantity of use. Light users may clear their systems within a few days, while heavy users might need to abstain much longer. During this period, avoid situations where you might be exposed to secondhand cannabis smoke, as it could potentially contribute to the THC levels in your system.

Lots of Hydration

Hydration plays a significant role in flushing out THCA metabolites. Drinking plenty of water helps dilute the concentration of metabolites in your body, accelerating their excretion through urine. This contributes to detoxifying your system and promotes overall health.

However, it’s essential to strike the right balance. Research suggests drinking one to two liters of water daily. While chugging gallons of water to flush out THCA is tempting, excessive consumption can lead to serious health risks, such as water intoxication, characterized by electrolyte imbalances.

While hydration is not a quick-fix solution to eliminate metabolites, it’s a positive step toward hastening the detoxification process. Consistency is key when it comes to hydration’s beneficial effects on detoxification.

Diet of Organic Foods

Certain foods support the detoxification process by promoting liver function and aiding in eliminating toxins from the body. These include cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale and antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries and spinach.

Avoid processed or fatty foods that can slow detoxification and contribute to toxin buildup. A diet consisting mainly of organic, whole foods can greatly benefit your body in the long run and assist in flushing out THCA metabolites.

Exercise Regularly

Incorporating regular exercise into your routine can help speed up the elimination of THCA from your system. Physical activity promotes sweat production, one of the body’s natural ways to release toxins. It also increases blood flow and metabolism, aiding in the breakdown of THCA metabolites.

Exercise supports overall health and wellness by reducing stress levels and improving mood, which can be especially helpful during the detoxification process when you may experience heightened anxiety or discomfort.

Suitable forms of exercise include cardio activities such as running, swimming, or cycling, as well as strength training exercises like weightlifting or yoga. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity per day to reap the detoxification benefits.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how long THCA stays in your system is crucial, especially if you’re anticipating a drug test. While exact timelines can vary based on factors such as metabolism, frequency of use, and body composition, it’s always best to err on caution.

If possible, allow for an adequate detox period before any scheduled drug tests. Remember, while physical activity and staying hydrated can help your body metabolize and eliminate THCA faster, these methods are not foolproof.

It’s also important to note that at-home detox remedies or quick-fix products aren’t reliably effective and can sometimes cause more harm than good. The smartest approach is to be mindful of your THCA consumption, particularly when drug testing could be a factor.

Stay informed, make responsible choices, and know that time is the most reliable detoxifier.

(Disclaimer reminder: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, CBD, etc) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)

Disclaimer: This article reflects the laws of the United States at the time it was written. Because cannabis laws in the United States laws are subject to change at any time, please make sure that you are always staying up to date on your federal, state, and local county’s cannabis laws. Additionally, we are NOT encouraging anyone to break the law––we are simply showing people ways to legally and discreetly bring their cannabis products along with them on their travels so that they may have access to those products when they reach their intended destination.