Edibles have recently gained popularity because of their convenience and discretion. Not the same as traditional smoking or vaping, the edibles are taken orally and metabolized differently, resulting in lingering effects and a unique experience.
But one of the common questions that arises in a user’s mind is, “How long do edibles stay in your system?” Understanding the answer to this question mainly includes exploring how your body processes the edibles, what factors affect the duration, and various kinds of detection methods.
When you consume cannabis filled edibles, the active compounds, mainly the THC and CBD, go through the process of digestion in the gastrointestinal system. Then, THC gets metabolized by your liver and converts into 11-hydroxy – THC which is a potential metabolite. This whole process takes long as compared to other methods of inhalation, which is one of the reasons why the effects of the edibles take more time to kick in but last very long.
The digestion and metabolism of edibles play an important role in the determination of how long they stay in your system. Not like smoking, where the levels of THC drop down rapidly, the metabolites of edibles stay because of the fat storage and over time release slowly.
The factor that influences how long edibles stay in your system
The duration up to which edibles stay in your system widely varies because of individual circumstances. Here are some of the factors that affect the timeline:
- Dose and potency: High doses of THC and CBD cause substantial production of metabolites, lengthening the time that it takes for the body to eliminate them. Some of the potent edibles stay naturally in your system for a long time.
- How frequently you are using it: If someone is an occasional user of edibles then their system will clear the edibles fast, as compared to those who eat edibles more frequently. With constant use, THC metabolites get collected in the body causing long periods of detection.
- Rate of metabolism: Your speed of metabolism highly impacts how rapidly edibles are getting processed. Individuals with a fast metabolism can eliminate THC as well as its byproducts more rapidly than those with lower metabolic rates.
- Composition of the body: THC is lipophilic which means it gets bonded to the body fat cells. Those having a high percentage of fat in the body might retain THC metabolites for long periods as compared with lean individuals.
- Age and overall health: Young individuals and those having good health generally process and remove the THC more effectively than those who are older individuals or those having any underlying health problems.
Metabolization of edibles
Not like inhaled cannabis, which gives THC directly to your bloodstream through the lungs, edibles should pass through your digestive system. Post ingestion, the following things happen:
- Digestion: Here THC gets absorbed in your stomach and intestines.
- Metabolism: Then the liver causes the metabolism of THC into 11 hydroxy THC which is a potential compound that contributes to the strong and more lingering effects of the edibles.
- Excretion: THC metabolites are then excreted through faeces and urine.
Duration of edibles effects on you
- Initiation: Edibles primarily take about 30 minutes to 2 hours for inset, as they need digestion
- Effect duration: Its effects last from 4 to 12 hours, with the maximum high around 2 – 4 hours post ingestion.
- After effects: The residual effects might stay for 24 hours in some of the individuals.
The reason why edibles stay longer than other cannabis forms
Edibles stay for a long period because of the way they get processed in your body. When taken, THC gets absorbed in your digestive system and takes a long time to reach the bloodstream as compared to vaping and smoking. Then it gets metabolized in the liver and is converted to 11 hydroxy THC which is a potential metabolite producing strong and long-lasting effects. Not like smoking, where THC gets rapidly exhaled, the edible effects last long. THC is also fat soluble which means it binds to fat cells, where it stays for a long time, specifically in those individuals having high body fat. Consumption frequently can result in THC accumulation in your body, lingering its presence. Because of this, edibles are easily detectable in urine for several days or even weeks, based on dosage.
Importance of knowing how long edibles stay in your system
- Testing in the workplace: Several jobs need drug screenings and therefore, knowing detection windows helps you plan accordingly
- Safety: Avoiding activities such as driving or operating any machinery is important
- Awareness: When you properly understand how your body responds to cannabis, it helps in using it responsibly.
Conclusion
How long edibles stay in your system highly depends on many factors like dosage, how frequently it is used, rate of metabolism and composition of the body. Even if the psychoactive effects of edibles go within some hours, THC metabolites stay in your system for several days or even some weeks, based on the methods of detection.
