How Long Does it Take Weed to Leave Your System After Smoking?
Wondering if your cannabis sesh is gonna show up on a drug test? Let’s break it down!
TLDR: THC (aka cannabis, Mary Jane, weed, pot, etc…) can hang out in your blood or saliva for anywhere from 2 to 24 hours after enjoying a smoke or edible. And heads up: urine and hair tests can stick around for much longer—anywhere from 1 to 90 days, depending on how often and how much you’ve been endulging.
First of All, Why Is THC So Damn Clingy?
When you smoke or eat 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.
THC has commitment issues; it leaves sloooowly.
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 weekender? Daily bedtime-joint-like-it’s-chamomile-tea-er? Frequency matters.
Your body type: More body fat = more places for THC to get comfy.
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 a 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?
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.
The Long and Short of it:
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.
