How Long Do Edibles Stay in Your System?

Edibles are basically foods or drinks that contain cannabis products. They can contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC or delta-9 THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Edibles are consumed as they produce a high or a rush of pleasurable sensations. Albeit, these sensations only last a short while.

If you have taken edibles, you might want to know how long they stay in your system and whether they can be detected in drug tests. Well, they can be detected in your system for 3 - 30 days. Depending on the test, this can be even longer.

What Are Edibles?

Usually, edibles mean something you can eat. In this context, the edibles we are referring to are food or drink items that contain cannabis or other mind-altering substances. Cannabis, which is also referred to as marijuana or weed, has an active ingredient called THC or tetrahydrocannabinol; delta-9 THC, mainly. It also contains cannabidiol (CBD).

When edibles are consumed, they give rise to a temporary "high" or "euphoria." This refers to a rush of pleasurable sensations and feelings. Hence, edibles are widely used for recreational purposes. Edibles are available as candies, chocolates, gummies, drinks, oils, and so on. Apart from edibles, cannabis is generally smoked or vaped.

RELATED: Learn about the Indica and Sativa Strains here.

How Does the Body Process Edibles?

When you consume edibles, they go through different stages in the body where they are processed:

• Stomach: Here, the digestive enzymes and gastric juices break down the edibles.
• Small Intestine: Edibles then leave the stomach and enter the small intestine. The majority of cannabinoids are absorbed here.
• Liver: In the liver, edibles are metabolized. This is where THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a very potent kind of THC. This gives rise to intense effects.
• Circulation: Once the liver metabolizes the edibles, they are circulated in your body. Then, you begin to experience their effects.
• Elimination: Finally, once edibles are metabolized, they are eliminated from your system via urine.

How Long Does It Take for Edibles to Take Effect?

How quickly edibles get absorbed into your bloodstream determines how long it will take for you to experience their effects. Generally, this is around 30 minutes.

You might be wondering why it takes a longer time when marijuana joints kick in rather quickly. With a marijuana joint, it quickly gets absorbed into your bloodstream, whereas with edibles, it can still take a while. The reason for this is that absorption gets delayed depending on certain other factors, like the quantity of edibles you have consumed and the other food items present in your stomach. Depending on how quickly or slowly the edibles get absorbed into your bloodstream, you will begin to experience their effects.

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What Are the Common Side Effects of Edibles?

Edibles give rise to euphoria and other relaxing feelings. On the flip side, however, they come with some side effects as well:

• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Drowsiness
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Lowered focus
• Lowered reaction times
• Increased heart rate
• Paranoia and other delusions
• Psychosis, including hallucinations
• Increased risk of abuse

What Factors Affect How Quickly Edibles Take Effect?

Edibles generally take 30 minutes to take effect. In some cases, it can even take a longer time for edibles to produce pleasurable feelings. So, you might want to know the factors that determine how quickly edibles can take effect:

- Active Ingredients: The higher the content of active ingredients, especially THC, the quicker the time taken for edibles to take effect.

- Kinds of Edibles:  Edibles like gums, lollipops, and lozenges take effect more quickly, as absorption begins in the mouth itself. Meanwhile, chewable edibles like brownies, cookies, and gummies take a longer time to take effect, as they must first reach the stomach.

- Metabolism:  Faster metabolism rates lead to quicker effects than slower absorption rates.

- Other Factors: Diet, weight, gender, and other food items that are already present in the stomach.

While edibles begin to take effect within 30 minutes, you only begin to fully experience their effects after 3 - 4 hours. This is when the effects are at their peak. Their effects can linger on for 6+ hours. So, wait for at least 2 hours after you have consumed an edible before taking more.

How Long Do Edibles Stay in Your System?

How long edibles stay in your system depends on certain other factors:

• Dosage: The greater the dosage, the longer the time it takes for your body to eliminate them.
• Frequency: If you frequently consume edibles, then your body will not have a chance to eliminate them quickly.
• Metabolism: Faster metabolism rates will lead to quicker elimination of edibles from your body.
• Tolerance: If you have developed a tolerance for edibles, then your body will metabolize them quickly. However, you might require a higher dose to experience their effects.
• Body Fat: Edibles are fat-soluble; they are stored in body fat. Therefore, higher body fat leads to longer retention of edibles in the body.

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Do Edibles Show Up on Drug Tests?

With edibles, there is confusion about whether they show up on drug tests or not. Yes, they do. Ingesting cannabis still means that it is entering your system, and this means it will show up on drug tests.

Now, there has been a debate on legalizing cannabis. Many countries (states in the U.S.) have legalized it. However, it is not legal everywhere. So, depending on where you are, this can still lead to legal ramifications for you.

What Are the Different Types of Drug Tests That Can Detect THC from Edibles in Your System?

Drug tests typically detect THC content in the edibles. They will determine whether THC is present in your system and the content of THC in your system. Some drug tests used to detect THC in the edibles are:

- Urine Tests:

Urine tests detect edibles for 1 - 3 days. However, if you frequently consume edibles, they can be detected in your urine for even 30 days. The most commonly used drug testing methods, they are easy to administer and non-invasive.

- Hair Tests:

Hair tests detect edibles for the longest period of time, up to 90 days. As they are time-consuming and expensive, hair tests are not commonly used.

- Saliva Tests:

Saliva tests detect edibles for 1 - 2 days. They are basically meant for immediate detection purposes.

- Blood Tests:

Blood tests detect edibles for 1 - 2 days. Slightly invasive and highly accurate, they are also used for immediate detection purposes.

Are Edibles Illegal?

Whether edibles are illegal or not has no straight answer. In the U.S., 16 states, 2 territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis for recreational use.

Therefore, always check the laws of your region before consuming edibles. Otherwise, it can land you in legal hot water.

How to Get Help for Edible Abuse?

Edibles carry a risk of abuse, specifically if they are consumed frequently and in greater doses. If you are struggling with edible abuse and want to seek treatment for the same, reach out to a healthcare provider or psychotherapist today.

At the NuView Treatment Center, we treat edible abuse with psychotherapy. We believe in using a mix of therapies. These are:

• Evidence-based therapies, like cognitive behavior therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, among others.
• Holistic therapies, like mindfulness therapy and art therapy, among others.

We also offer skills training. It will equip you with coping and life skills. These will help you manage triggers, cravings, and other issues that can lead to edible abuse.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do THC Gummies Stay in Your System?

THC gummies can stay in your system for up to 30 days. Depending on the drug test, it can show up for even longer.

Do Edibles Show Up in Drug Tests?

Yes, THC from edibles can show up in drug tests.

How Long Does a 10mg Edible Stay in Your System?

10mg edible can stay in your system for 4 - 12 hours. This depends on other factors like frequency of use, metabolism, gender, weight, and other factors.

How Long Does a 20mg Edible Stay in Your System?

20mg edible can stay in your system for more than 12 hours. Its traces can be detected for even longer.

How Long Do Edibles Last in the Bloodstream?

Edibles can last in the bloodstream for 1 - 2 days.

Can a One-time Edible User Fail a Drug Test?

Yes, even if you have consumed edibles even once, drug tests can detect THC content in your body.

How Long Do Gummies Stay in Your System Compared to Other Edibles?

Generally, gummies last in your system for 4 - 12 hours. However, traces of THC can be detected for longer.

What Happens If You Consume Edibles and Alcohol Together?

Consuming edibles and alcohol increases the risks of both substances. You can experience memory loss, blackouts, and so on.

How Can You Speed Up the Process of Metabolizing Edibles?

By maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in exercise, and keeping your body hydrated, you can speed up the process of metabolizing edibles.

How Long Does 5mg of THC Stay in Your System?

5mg THC can stay in your system for 4 - 12 hours. Its traces can be detected for even longer.