How long does it take weed to leave your system after smoking?
(Asking for a friend)
So you took a few hits off your friend’s vape pen last night. Or maybe you had a full-on edible experience and ended up giggling under a weighted blanket watching Planet Earth and having a deeply emotional moment with David Attenborough’s voice.
Either way, you’re now facing the age-old question many of us have whispered into the Google search bar at 2am with fingers crossed:
“How long does it take weed to leave my system after smoking?”
Because hey, maybe you’ve got a drug test coming up (ugh, rude), or you’re just trying to be a responsible adult who wants to understand how long your body holds onto THC like a clingy ex.
Either way, we’ve got you.
Let’s break it down — science, sass, and everything in between.
First of All, Why Is THC So Damn Clingy?
When you smoke or consume cannabis, the active ingredient that gets you high is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol — but let’s not pretend we’re going to keep typing that out).
THC is fat-soluble, which means it loves to snuggle up in your body’s fat cells and hang out for days, sometimes weeks. It’s not like alcohol, which just peaces out in a day or so.
Nope, THC has commitment issues. It leaves sloooowly.
Okay, But Give It to Me Straight—How Long Does It Stay?
Here’s the tricky part: how long weed stays in your system depends on a few things, like:
How often you smoke: First-timer? Casual weekend toker? Daily bedtime joint like it’s chamomile tea? Frequency matters.
Your body type: More body fat = more places for THC to hide and chill.
Your metabolism: That friend who “just processes things fast” (eye roll)? Yeah, she might clear it out sooner.
How much you smoked: A puff or a full-on rotation? (Be honest. We’re all friends here.)
So here’s a very general breakdown based on the kind of drug test:
Urine Test (the most common one):
Occasional users (1–2x a week): 3–7 days
Moderate users (a few times a week): 7–14 days
Daily users: 15–30 days
Heavy, longtime users: Up to 60+ days (yes, seriously)
Urine tests don’t mess around. They’re like your nosy aunt at Thanksgiving who knows you’ve been up to something.
Blood Test:
Usually detects weed for up to 1–2 days after use
BUT can be longer for heavy users
Saliva Test:
Casual use: Up to 24–72 hours
Regular use: Could be up to a week
Saliva tests are a little less common but still used, especially by employers who think “modern vibes” mean putting kombucha in the break room and still testing people like it’s 2006.
Hair Test:
Up to 90 days
Yes. Ninety. As in three whole months.
Your hair is loyal.
So if you were out here thinking your bangs wouldn’t betray you… think again.
Can I Speed It Up? Asking for Another Friend
Technically, no magical detox tea will guarantee you’ll pass a test if THC is still hanging out in your system. But here are a few things people try:
Hydrate: Water’s not a detox miracle, but staying hydrated helps your body do its job better. Plus, your skin will glow. Win-win.
Exercise: Especially cardio or anything that burns fat. But be careful—burning fat can actually release THC back into your bloodstream temporarily. Timing is everything.
Eat clean: Avoid junk. Load up on fiber, leafy greens, and antioxidants. Your liver will thank you.
Detox kits: Some people swear by them. Others say they’re overpriced scams in fancy packaging. Do your research before going full Gwyneth.
What About CBD? Am I Safe There?
If you’re using CBD with zero THC, you’re probably fine. But many full-spectrum CBD products contain trace amounts of THC—less than 0.3%, which isn’t enough to get you high, but can sometimes show up on a drug test. We know. Infuriating.
If you’ve got a test coming up and want to play it safe, opt for CBD isolate products, which are THC-free. And maybe hold off on the gummies for now, even if they do make bedtime feel like a spa day.
TL;DR — Here Ya Go:
Weed can stay in your system for anywhere from 3 to 90 days, depending on how much and how often you use it.
Urine tests are the most common and can detect THC the longest.
One-time puff? Probably out of your system in a week.
Everyday stoner? You might need a month or more to fully detox.
Hair tests are the drama queens of drug testing and will hold a grudge for months.
