CANNABIS EXPLAINER
THC Metabolism
THC stores in fat tissue and metabolizes slowly — detection can last weeks.
CANNABIS EXPLAINER
THC stores in fat tissue and metabolizes slowly — detection can last weeks.
When cannabis is smoked or vaped, THC absorbs rapidly through the lungs into the bloodstream — reaching the brain in seconds to minutes. With edibles, THC is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and processed by the liver before entering systemic circulation. The liver converts THC to 11-hydroxy-THC and then to 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THC-COOH), the primary metabolite detected in drug tests.
Unlike many drugs, THC is highly lipophilic (fat-soluble) and accumulates in fatty tissues throughout the body. This is why cannabis stays detectable for much longer than other substances. Over time, THC stored in fat tissue is slowly released back into the bloodstream and eventually excreted in urine and feces. Regular users develop larger accumulated stores, leading to longer detection windows.
Detection times vary by test type and usage frequency: Urine tests (most common) detect THC-COOH for 3-4 days in occasional users, 7-21 days in regular users, and up to 30+ days in daily users. Blood tests detect active THC for 3-12 hours after use. Saliva tests detect THC for 1-3 days. Hair follicle tests detect metabolites for up to 90 days but are less accurate for light or distant use.
Individual metabolism speed varies significantly based on: body fat percentage (more fat = longer detection), exercise habits (exercise releases stored THC temporarily), hydration levels, age and overall metabolic rate, genetics affecting CYP enzyme activity, and frequency and quantity of cannabis use. There is no reliable method to accelerate THC clearance — claims about detox drinks and cleanses are largely unsupported by research.