The length of time weed (THC) stays in your system after quitting depends on several factors such as frequency of use, amount consumed, metabolism, body fat, and the type of drug test used.
Detection Times by Test Type
- Urine tests:
- Occasional users: up to 3 days
- Moderate users (4 times/week): 5-7 days
- Daily users: 10-15 days
- Heavy users: up to 30 days or more
- Blood tests: Up to 12-48 hours after last use
- Saliva tests: Up to 24-72 hours
- Hair tests: Up to 90 days (3 months)
Factors Affecting How Long THC Stays in Your System
- Frequency of use: More frequent use leads to longer detection times.
- Body fat: THC is fat-soluble and stored in fat cells, so higher body fat can prolong detection.
- Metabolism: Faster metabolism clears THC quicker.
- Method of consumption: Edibles may stay longer than smoking or vaping.
- Hydration and diet: While drinking water and a healthy diet support detox, they do not drastically shorten detection windows.
Typical Clearance Timeline
- For infrequent or one-time users , THC metabolites may clear in about 10 days or less.
- For regular or heavy users , THC can remain detectable for 30 days or more, sometimes up to 65 days in extreme cases.
Summary
After quitting weed, THC and its metabolites can be detected in your system for anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on usage patterns and individual factors. Urine tests, the most common drug test, can detect THC for up to 30 days in heavy users, while hair tests can detect use for up to 90 days. Blood and saliva tests have shorter detection windows, usually less than 2 days.
This variability means that while occasional users may test negative within a week or two, heavy or chronic users may have detectable THC for a month or longer after quitting.
