Now that most cannabis products are legal in many states across America, and since the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018 that legalized hemp cultivation, many people have questions about these products. These questions add up for people who are unfamiliar with cannabis as well, especially when they’re considering giving cannabis a try for themselves.
One of the questions on everyone’s minds is, “How long do cannabinoids stay in your system?” For those people working full time and who want to see what the fuss is about, this is a crucial question to keep from breaking any policies at their jobs. After all, no one wants to show up for work under the influence, even if cannabis is permitted off-the-clock. So, we’ll examine cannabinoids and how long they stay in your system. This way, if you’re considering jumping on the cannabis hype train, you can enjoy it responsibly.
What are cannabinoids?
There are over 100 cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are naturally-occurring compounds in cannabis. These compounds all produce varying effects on the human body. The most well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the compound with the psychoactive properties that marijuana is famous for causing. The next most popular cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD). CBD products are currently on the rise as they do not produce any psychoactive effects but still relax the central nervous system. This relaxing effect is why many people use CBD to reduce occasional anxiousness, help with sleeplessness, and ease minor discomfort.
Another psychoactive cannabinoid quickly gaining popularity is the only other that produces psychoactive effects, Delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC is the only form of THC legal at the federal level, meaning it’s legal everywhere in the United States, save for a few select states that enacted bans on Delta-8 at the state level due to its psychoactive properties.
Aside from these famous cannabinoids, much more work together to provide the potential benefits of this plant. Now that you’re familiar with what they are, we can dive into how long they stay in your system. The best thing to keep in mind is that it doesn’t matter if you’re taking CBD oil, trying a 100mg Delta 8 gummy, or smoking marijuana bud; the compounds all stay in your system roughly the same amount of time.
Cannabinoids can stay in your system for quite some time.
Due to how your body stores these compounds, regardless of whether they were inhaled, ingested, or absorbed topically, they can last a while. For those wondering for work purposes, the good news is that while a psychoactive cannabinoid stays in your system for a long time, the effects do not last nearly as long.
The effects of cannabis typically only last a few hours. If you’re vaping or smoking cannabis, the effects should wear off in roughly two to three hours. However, if you’re eating a cannabis edible, the results can last around six to eight hours. So, as long as your work permits off-the-clock cannabis use, you’re good to return after the effects have worn off.
As far as how long these compounds are detectable in your system, this can last for months. If it’s your first time, or if you’re an infrequent consumer, cannabis can make its way out of your system in around a week. For a moderate consumer, consuming a few times a week, cannabis can remain in your system for up to 21 days. Finally, an everyday cannabis consumer will have cannabis compounds in their system for approximately 90 days.
If you’re going to enjoy cannabis, enjoy it responsibly.
The rule of thumb with cannabis is that no matter how frequently or infrequently you consume cannabis, plan on it being in your system for around 90 days. Regardless of how long a psychoactive cannabinoid lasts in your system, if you’re going to enjoy cannabis products, always enjoy them responsibly. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery directly after consuming cannabis.
