Are you a cannabis user? Or do you have a drug test coming up? In either case, it is important to know how long different cannabis compounds stay in your system.
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw cannabis. It doesn’t cause a high unless heated because it converts to THC, which can lead to a positive drug test. Since many tests detect THC metabolites, you may wonder how long THCA stays in your system. The short answer to this question is that it depends on several factors.
In this blog, we aim to provide the average period of THCA in its decarboxylated version staying in your system. It also explains all the relevant information you need to know about its duration in the body.
How long does THCA stay in your body?
There is no clear answer to how long THCA stays in your system because it depends on factors like metabolism, method of consumption, and frequency of use. However, on average, this compound can clear the body on its own anywhere from a week to 90 days after use.
Factors affecting THCA in the body
Metabolic Rate
Individuals with faster metabolic rates tend to clear cannabinoids quickly in their bodies. It means a faster metabolism reduces the length of time THCA stays in your body, and vice versa.
Frequency of Use
If you are a regular cannabis user, THCA may stay in your system for a longer period. Similarly, if you consume tetrahydrocannabinolic acid occasionally, it will clear from your body more quickly.
Body Fat
Cannabinoids like THC are stored in the fat cells of the body. It means individuals with higher body fat may take longer to eliminate cannabinoids from the body and vice versa.
Dosage
Taking higher doses of THCA leads to more metabolism of the cannabinoid, which results in extending the time it takes for your system to clear it.
Method of Consumption
THCA consumption methods like smoking or vaping lead to faster processing by your body than consuming THCA in its raw form. It means that when you smoke tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, it converts into THC, which is metabolized quickly and doesn’t take long to stay in your system.
Metabolism of THCA in The Body
Your body’s metabolism of THCA primarily depends on the method of consumption. That said, THCA can be smoked, vaped, or taken as an edible. Each consumption method impacts how your body processes THCA. There are three main routes of absorption for cannabinoids:
Oral Ingestion
When THCA is consumed in the form of gummies or other edibles, it passes through the stomach and intestines. The digestive enzymes break down the THCA compound before it reaches the bloodstream.
Sublingual Absorption
Taking THCA sublingually refers to placing THCA oil or tincture under the tongue. This consumption method allows for quick absorption of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and leading to a faster onset of effects.
Inhalation
Smoking converts the THCA compound into THC. The smoke reaches lung tissues, which contain a large surface area of blood vessels. These blood vessels allow for the efficient absorption of THC cannabinoids into the bloodstream.
Your body creates cannabis metabolites when it breaks down cannabinoids to get rid of them. The liver enzymes and other tissues break down cannabinoids into different compounds, turning them into metabolites. These inactive metabolites are detected in drug tests to determine cannabis use.
Does THCA show up on a drug test?
No, THCA may not show up on a drug test in its raw form because such techniques are designed to target THC and its metabolite, THC-COOH. However, the tetrahydrocannabinolic acid cannabinoid has the potential to transform into THC upon heat or when exposed to light. Drug tests identify THC and determine how long THC stays in your system for different lengths of time.
Urine Tests
Urine drug tests are cheap and reasonably accurate. They do not specifically target THCA but detect THC metabolites instead. For occasional users, THC may be detectable in urine for 3 to 5 days after use. Regular users may test positive for up to 15 days, while heavy users may retain detectable levels for 30 days or more.
Blood Tests
Blood tests have a short detection window because cannabinoids are metabolized quickly in the blood. For beginners, THC may be detectable in the blood for 1 to 2 days, and frequent users may test positive for up to 7 days.
Saliva Tests
Saliva tests are noninvasive and easy to administer. The detection window for THC metabolites is short, ranging from a few hours to a week after use.
Hair Tests
Hair tests provide a longer detection window for long-term drug patterns. However, more research is required to determine the accuracy of hair tests for cannabis use, but the average detection window for THC in hair follicles may be up to 90 days.
How can you get THCA out of your system?
Here are some common ways to eliminate THCA metabolites from your system.
Stay Hydrated
Water helps you to increase your body’s metabolism and eliminate toxins from your system. According to research, drinking 500ml of water can increase your metabolism by 30% for an hour.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise speeds up your heart rate and blood circulation and increases your sweat production. It helps to eliminate toxins from your body sooner.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet plays a key role in waste elimination. For example, fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber and antioxidants, which help in the elimination of THCA from the body.
Detox Products
Detox products such as supplements and smoothies help you get rid of toxins. It is recommended to buy detox products with natural ingredients to help you achieve your goals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the time THCA stays in your system depends on factors like metabolism, body fat, frequency of use, and how you consume it. Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid itself may not show up on a drug test, but it turns into THC when heated, which is detectable. Different drug tests have varying detection windows, with urine tests being the most common. If you need to clear it from your system, staying hydrated, exercising, eating healthy, and using detox products may help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is THCA legal?
THCA is an unscheduled and legal compound under federal law as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. Many states allow THCA products for sale and consumption because they are non-psychoactive.
Is THCA a controlled substance?
THCA is not a federally controlled substance in the U.S. as long as it is derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC. However, state laws vary, and some have stricter regulations. In states where cannabis is legal for medical or recreational use, it may be permitted in certain forms, such as raw cannabis products. It’s important to check local laws for specific guidelines.
Does THCA stay in your system as long as THC?
THCA isn’t a substance of concern in its raw form due to its non-psychoactive nature. However, some findings suggest that your body may expel THCA much faster as compared to the THC compound.
Is THCA Addictive?
THCA is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is often confused with THC. Since it isn’t psychoactive, it doesn’t activate the brain’s reward in the same way as THC does. Therefore, it is less likely to pose the risk of addiction.
