Understanding Edibles
Edibles, also known as cannabis-infused food or drink, are a popular way of consuming cannabis. They come in various forms such as brownies, gummies, chocolates, and drinks. Edibles are a discreet way of consuming cannabis and offer a more potent and longer-lasting effect than smoking or vaping. However, edibles can also come with some risks, one of which is their duration in your system.
How Edibles Work
Before we explore how long edibles stay in your system, it’s essential to understand how they work. When you consume an edible, it travels to your stomach, where your digestive system breaks it down. The active compounds in cannabis, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), then enter your bloodstream and are carried to your liver. The liver metabolizes THC into a compound called 11-hydroxy-THC, which is more potent and longer-lasting than THC.
Factors That Affect How Long Edibles Stay In Your System
Several factors influence how long edibles stay in your system, including:
- Dosage: The higher the dose of THC in the edible, the longer it will stay in your system.
- Frequency of use: Regular cannabis users may have THC lingering in their system for a more extended period.
- Metabolism: People with a faster metabolism may eliminate THC from their system more quickly than those with a slower metabolism.
- Body fat: THC is stored in fat, so people with higher body fat may have THC in their system for a more extended period.
- Method of consumption: The duration of edibles in your system varies depending on whether you consumed them on an empty or full stomach.
How Long Do Edibles Stay In Your System?
One of the most common questions about edibles is how long they stay in your system. Unfortunately, there is no specific answer to this question. The duration of edibles in your system depends on various factors, making it challenging to predict accurately. However, we can estimate the range of how long edibles stay in your system.
Short-Term Effects
The effects of edibles can last anywhere from four to twelve hours, depending on various factors such as dosage, frequency of use, and body fat. It’s crucial to note that the onset of edibles is slower than smoking or vaping, taking anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours to feel the effects. This delayed onset is because the edible has to go through your digestive system before the THC enters your bloodstream.
Long-Term Effects
When it comes to how long edibles stay in your system, the term to consider is THC half-life. THC half-life is the time it takes for the concentration of THC in your system to decrease by half. The half-life of THC in edibles is anywhere from one to five days, depending on various factors such as dosage, frequency of use, and body fat. This means that it can take up to five days for the THC in edibles to leave your system fully.
Drug Tests
One of the most significant concerns about how long edibles stay in your system is drug testing. Drug tests can detect THC in your system, and depending on the type of test, it can detect THC for up to 30 days after use. This means that if you consume edibles regularly, you may test positive for THC on a drug test, even if you haven’t consumed any for a few days.
Conclusion
Edibles are a popular way of consuming cannabis due to their discreet nature and long-lasting effects. However, it’s important to understand how long edibles stay in your system and the potential risks they pose. The duration of edibles in your system depends on various factors such as dosage, frequency of use, and body fat. The effects of edibles can last anywhere from four to twelve hours, with THC half-life being anywhere from one to five days. If you are subject to drug testing, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming edibles.
