How Long Do Edibles Stay in Your System?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace expert medical or mental health advice. Edible use requires a comprehensive psychiatric and physical evaluation by a qualified clinician. So, always refer to a board-certified physician or mental health specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

Edibles are foods and drinks that contain cannabis products. They can contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Edibles are consumed as they produce a high or a rush of pleasurable sensations/feelings. How long edibles stay in your system depends on the dosing and frequency of use. Typically, it can be detected in your system up to 3 days after the last dose and up to 30 days in cases of chronic use. However, depending on the drug test used, it can be detected for even longer.

Cannabis edibles consist of two main psychoactive ingredients - THC and CBD. THC has a half-life of 1 - 3 days for occasional use and up to 5 - 13 days for chronic use. CBD has a half-life of 18 - 32 hours.

Half-life refers to the time taken for the substance in your system to reduce by half, then another half of the other half, and so on. As THC has a longer half-life for chronic use, edibles can be detected for up to 30 days.

Edibles can be detected for 3 days after the last dose, but can be detected for longer times depending on the drug test used.

How Long Do Edibles Stay in Your Urine?

Edibles can be detected in your urine for 3 - 30 days after the last dose. As urine tests are inexpensive and easy to conduct, they are the most commonly used tests.

How Long Do Edibles Stay in Your Saliva?

Edibles can be detected in your saliva for up to 3 days after the last dose. Saliva tests are non-invasive and easy to administer as well.

How Long Do Edibles Stay in Your Blood?

Edibles can be detected in your blood for 3 - 4 days after the last dose. As blood tests tend to be slightly invasive, they are not commonly used except in clinical settings for a clear picture.

How Long Do Edibles Stay in Your Hair?

Edibles can be detected in your hair for 90 days after the last dose. Hair tests are expensive and time-consuming, so they are not commonly used except to establish a history of cannabis use.

Edibles can stay in your system for 3 days, but some factors can impact this timeline:

• Dosage and Frequency: Higher dosage and frequency of use can lead to longer retention times. In fact, chronic use means that edibles can be detected in your system for 30 days.
• Tolerance: A higher tolerance for edibles will make your body metabolize it more quickly.
• Metabolism: Faster metabolism rates will lead to faster elimination.
• Liver and Kidney Functioning: Optimal liver and kidney functioning is central for metabolism and excretion, which leads to quicker elimination.
• Body Fat: As edibles are fat-soluble, they are stored in body fat. Higher body fat will lead to longer retention.

Products containing THC, like edibles, will show up on all standard drug tests.

Cannabis has been at the center of a legalization debate, and many states in the U.S. and countries around the world have legalized it, too. Still, it is a legally gray area. Depending on where you are, possession, use, and sale of edibles can lead to legal ramifications.

Currently, there are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medications to treat cannabis dependence, so it is primarily treated with behavioral therapies.

Behavioral therapies such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and 12-Step facilitation therapies are used for lasting healing and recovery.

If you or a loved one is struggling with edible use or other kinds of cannabis use, reach out to NuView Treatment Center today. Our licensed and experienced clinical team offers a full continuum of outpatient treatment options, including partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs, for cannabis use that are personalized to your needs and goals for a relevant, empowering recovery journey.

Can edible use lead to legal troubles?

Depending on where you are in the U.S. or the world, possession, use, and sale of edibles can lead to legal troubles, as cannabis has not been legalized in many regions, yet.

Is there a way to get edibles out of the system quickly?

To get edibles out of the system, you have to let your body take its own course of action. By eating nutritious meals, keeping your body hydrated, and exercising, you can support your body in getting edibles out of the system.

Why are edibles addictive?

Edibles contain THC and CBD - two psychoactive ingredients that can give rise to high and relaxing effects, which is why they are addictive.

Can edible use be treated?

Edible use can be treated with behavioral therapies. Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications to treat cannabis use.

How long does it take to recover from edible use?

The timeline can vary from person to person - it can take up to a few months for a lasting recovery.