Thinking about trying edibles or already a fan? You might be wondering how long these tasty treats stick around in your system. It’s a great question, especially if you’re new to edibles or just want to be more informed. Fortunately, we have the answer.
What Are Edibles, Anyway?
First things first — edibles are cannabis-infused products that you can eat or drink. Gone are the days when your only option was a sketchy homemade brownie. Now, you’ve got a whole menu to choose from:
- Gummies and candies
- Chocolates and truffles
- Cookies, brownies, and other baked goods
- Teas, sodas, and infused waters
- Capsules and pills
- Tinctures and oils
At JDM, we offer a variety of high-quality edibles to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, savory, or straightforward, we’ve got you covered.
Why Choose Edibles?
There’s more than a few reasons why you might want to give them a try:
- Extended effects: Edibles typically provide a longer-lasting experience compared to smoking.
- Precise dosing: Many edibles come with exact THC/CBD content, allowing for accurate dosing.
- Discretion: Edibles don’t produce smoke or odor, making them a more discreet option.
- Lung-friendly: For those who prefer not to smoke, edibles offer an excellent alternative.
- Variety: The wide range of edible options means you’re likely to find products you enjoy.
The Big Question: How Long Do Edibles Stay in Your System?
When we talk about edibles “staying in your system,” we’re really talking about how long THC (the main active compound in cannabis) can be detected in your body.
And that fact is, it varies. THC from edibles can be detectable for different periods depending on the test:
- Urine tests: Three to 30 days. This is the most common type of drug test. For occasional users, THC might be detectable for three to five days. For regular users, it could be 10 to 15 days or even up to a month for heavy users.
- Blood tests: One to seven days. Blood tests are less common but can detect THC for a shorter period. THC levels peak in the blood about three hours after consumption and then decrease rapidly.
- Saliva tests: One to three days. These tests are becoming more popular due to their ease of use. THC is detectable in saliva for about 24 to 72 hours after consumption, though this can be longer for frequent users.
- Hair tests: Up to 90 days. Hair tests can detect THC for the longest period, up to 90 days. However, they’re less common due to their cost and the fact that they don’t indicate recent use as effectively as other methods.
Keep in mind that these are general ranges, and individual experiences may vary.
What Affects How Long Edibles Stay in Your System?
Several factors influence how long THC from edibles remains in your system:
- Metabolism: A faster metabolism may process THC more quickly. If you have a high metabolism, you might clear THC from your system faster than someone with a slower metabolism.
- Body composition: THC is stored in fat cells, so body fat percentage can affect detection times. The more body fat you have, the longer THC might stick around.
- Dosage: Higher doses tend to remain detectable for longer periods. A 5mg edible will likely clear your system faster than a 50mg one.
- Frequency of use: Regular users may retain THC for extended periods because THC can accumulate in your body over time with repeated use.
- Hydration and diet: Proper hydration and a balanced diet can aid in THC processing. Drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy diet might help your body eliminate THC more efficiently.
- Individual biology: Each person’s body processes THC differently. Factors like your liver function, which is responsible for metabolizing THC, can play a role.
- Age: Metabolism tends to slow with age, potentially leading to longer processing times. Older adults might retain THC for longer periods compared to younger individuals.
- Method of consumption: Different consumption methods can affect how long THC stays in your system. Edibles typically have a longer detection window compared to smoking because of how your body processes them.
- Potency of the product: Not all edibles are created equal. A high-potency product will likely stay in your system longer than a low-potency one, even if you consume the same amount.
- Your overall health: Your general health, including how well your liver and kidneys function, can impact how quickly your body processes and eliminates THC.
While the psychoactive effects of edibles typically last four to 12 hours, THC can be detectable in your system long after the effects have subsided.
Tips for Enjoying Edibles Responsibly
To have a positive experience with edibles, follow these tips:
- Ease into it: Begin with a small dose (5mg to 10mg THC) and give it plenty of time to take effect before considering more.
- Read the label: Pay attention to THC content and serving size info.
- Be patient: Edibles can take 30 minutes to two hours to kick in.
- Skip the alcohol: Mixing edibles with alcohol can intensify effects unpredictably.
- Store safely: Keep your edibles out of reach of kids and pets.
- Know yourself: Even if you’re a regular cannabis user, start low with edibles — they can hit differently.
- Try CBD: Products with higher CBD content can offer a more balanced experience.
Wrapping It Up
Everyone’s body processes cannabis differently, so your experience may vary. The key is to consume it responsibly, listen to your body, and be aware of any situations where you might be tested.
At JDM, we’re committed to providing our community with quality cannabis products and the knowledge to use them wisely. Whether you’re new to cannabis or an experienced consumer, we’re here to help you find the perfect products for your needs.
If you have questions about edibles or any other cannabis products, visit our store in Mendon, MA. Our staff is always ready to assist you in finding the right products and answering your questions. At JDM, we aim to be more than just a retailer — we’re your trusted local resource for all things cannabis.