THC gummies are more popular than ever, but new consumers often ask how long THC gummies stay in your system.
To answer the question, you need to understand THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.
THC is not only preferred recreationally but is also found in many medicinal practices battling conditions like epilepsy, side effects of chemotherapy, and impacts of HIV/AIDS.
Among mental health conditions, many patients struggling with anxiety, depression, and PTSD, among other diagnoses, rely on THC for support.
The THC gummies market is popular among younger (strictly 21+) and older recreational users, making it a hot commodity.
Many potential users are concerned with how THC gummies work and whether they’re detectable by drug tests, which are valid points. They’re also curious about how effective these cannabis candies are and the longevity of their presence within the body.
So, to help you all get to the bottom of these concerns, this article will delve into THC gummies and everything you should know about them.
What Are THC Gummies?
In layman’s terms, THC gummies are candies made with THC infused into the product. The infusion works in such a way that the effects of the THC are preserved, and they work when the product is ingested and digested.
The THC added in these formulas is in its active form. The raw form of it is Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA) and must be exposed to heat to create THC.
Although THCA is also consumable, it doesn’t have evidence of therapeutic effects. So, THC is the preferred form by cannabis sellers.
Typically, THC is extracted in the form of oil and mixed with the ingredients of the edible, for example, butter, oil, etc. Gummies are produced as normal, with the addition of the THC extract. So, the texture and experience of eating them are the same as a normal gummy.
These gummies are available in different flavors, cannabis strains, potencies, and shapes. They’re independently manufactured and tested by producers in the USA, as no testing body oversees them.
How Are THC Gummies Used?
Before you begin buying or ingesting THC gummies, you should consult a doctor about its possible effects on you (considering your medical history). You would also have to double-check any medication you’re on to avoid toxic combinations of drugs or reactions.
Ideal Dosage for Beginners
When you choose a gummy as an inexperienced user, you should start with a low THC dosage. 2.5 mg or less is appropriate, but the product shouldn’t be mixed with other strains or psychoactive.
Remember that smoking and ingesting cannabis are two different things. Smoking has an almost instant effect within 30 seconds to a minute, whereas eating it can take 30 min to 1-2 hours for full results to come into play.
Be sure to eat beforehand so the edibles digest naturally and gradually begin affecting you. Taking edibles on an empty stomach can cause drastic or amplified effects since it will be the only compound absorbed into the bloodstream.
Tips from Experience
Having someone looking after you during the first attempt would also be helpful if you have side effects or need a company to feel safe.
One important lesson is that you shouldn’t over consume gummies to increase their effects. Once you take a dosage, wait 24 hours before you try again with more dosage.
Effects of Cannabis
The late effect of cannabis can last 4-12 hours, but in some cases, it takes 24 hours for the results to subside. However, there’s a difference in the effects of THC wearing off and it being untraceable in your bloodstream.
Cannabis consumption is an extremely personal experience, so you can’t follow someone else’s lead.
You can determine how much works for you by taking the small dosage approach. Plus, it saves you from the adverse effects of sudden overconsumption.
After you’ve taken your THC gummies for a test drive, you can start putting together a routine. Everything works well in moderation, so you can decide how often you consume them within a week.
You should be free for the next 24 hours so that the effects of the gummies don’t interfere with your daily life (studies, work, events).
How Long Do the Effects of THC Gummies Last?
One clarification must be made: THC’s effects and its traces’ longevity are two separate topics.
The effects of a THC gummy are active at most 24 hours after its consumption. However, the traces of the substance may remain up to 90 days later.
Here’s an individual breakdown of both aspects:
Effects
Unlike the smoking of cannabis, ingesting it has a longer absorption process. You start feeling the effects of it once the compound has been broken down, absorbed in the bloodstream and reached your brain. The timeframe for this varies from person to person, but it takes 30 minutes to 2 hours on average.
Since THC is absorbed from the stomach, your diet, metabolism, and weight come into play. It will take longer for someone overweight or who has recently eaten to feel the drug kicking in. However, those with faster metabolism or lower body fat will feel it quicker.
In total, the euphoric effects of THC should only last about 24 hours. After that, the substance may be present in your body, but it won’t actively affect your body. So, you can expect to feel the effects of THC for 4-24 hours, depending on your body.
Traces
The trace of THC is its inactive presence in your body. This period depends on the drug’s half-life, which could be 3-12 days, depending on its purity or strain, among other variables.
The traces of THC gummies (among other edibles) have been found as long as 90 days later. That’s because while most substances are absorbed into your bloodstream and used, the leftover amount can be stored in your body tissue.
Your body removes THC through defecation and urination, so a poorly functioning digestive system can prolong its presence.
Some factors that will impact your detection window include:
- Body mass
- Physical Activity
- Hydration
- General health
- Frequency of dosage
- Cannabis usage history
Drug Testing for THC
Most users are concerned with how long THC stays in their system due to drug testing. It’s for many reasons, e.g., your employer’s policy, traveling, professional checks, etc.
So, it’s best to be prepared since products containing 11-hydroxy THC and delta-9 THC will appear on traditional drug testing regardless of how you consumed them.
There are different methods to be tested through, so here’s a general breakdown for each of them:
Urine Testing
Through urine testing, your sample will be tested for traces of THC. If you’ve consumed it within 3 to 30 days of the test, it’s possible for it to show.
Staying hydrated and frequently urinating is said to help reduce the chances of it showing up in the case of edibles.
Blood Testing
This test is thorough and useful for identifying substances in the bloodstream. However, it only shows THC if consumed 3 to 4 days before the test.
So, if you’ve been steering clear of any cannabis for about a week, your results are likely to show as negative.
Saliva Testing
A swab of your saliva is used as a sample, and it shows positive results if it’s done within 1 to 3 days of use.
The results of saliva testing are fast and accurate, so it’s best to refrain from consuming cannabis a few days before you’re meant to be tested.
Hair Follicle Testing
This method shows a history of drug use through the hair follicle as the sample. Depending on how it is consumed, it can show THC or its metabolites for up to 90 days. Smokers show traces for much longer compared to gummy consumers.
The Bottomline
THC gummies are an innovative approach to cannabis consumption for the masses. They come in different flavors and dosages, so everyone has something to choose from.
THC gummies gradually show their effects and remain within the user’s body for up to a month. These traces can be found through different true tests; however, the results for each test aren’t the same.
Overall, consuming cannabis through gummies rather than smoking keeps THC in your system for a shorter period.
Lastly, it’s best to remember that all bodies are different. The dosage that suits your body, the time THC takes to affect you, and the period it stays within your system won’t match everyone else.
