Do Edibles Show Up On Drug Tests?

Key Takeaways:

Edibles and THC Detection: THC from edibles is detectable on standard drug tests and may remain in your system longer than smoked cannabis.
Detection Time Varies: Factors like frequency of use, metabolism, and body fat can impact how long THC from edibles stays in your body.
Multiple Test Types: Urine, blood, saliva, and hair tests each have different detection windows for identifying THC use from edibles.

Have you ever enjoyed an edible to unwind, only to wonder later if it might cause you to fail a drug test? It’s a common worry for those who use cannabis-infused products for relaxation or wellness. Think of THC from edibles like a shadow that lingers long after the sun has set, remaining in your system much longer than you’d expect. At Soul, we pride ourselves on offering clean, natural products that prioritize your well-being—yet we understand the importance of being informed about the effects of cannabis on drug testing.

As a trusted name in the wellness industry, Soul brings you high-quality CBD and THC-infused products designed with transparency and care. With our focus on purity and natural remedies, we’re committed to helping you find balance in your life while understanding the full picture of how these products interact with your body.

In this article, we’ll explore whether edibles show up on drug tests, how long THC remains in your system, and ways to reduce your risk of a positive result.

How Drug Tests Detect THC

Drug tests are designed to detect specific compounds in the body, and when it comes to cannabis, the primary target is THC. More specifically, drug tests often look for THC metabolites, such as THC-COOH, which are byproducts produced when the body breaks down THC.

When you consume edibles, THC is metabolized differently than when smoking or vaping. After being ingested, THC is processed by the liver, which converts it into more potent metabolites before it's eventually excreted. These metabolites linger in the body and can be detected in various biological samples, such as urine, blood, saliva, or hair, depending on the type of test being administered.

Even though edibles are ingested rather than inhaled, they contain the same THC that is detectable on drug tests. However, the timeline for detection and the intensity of the results may vary depending on how the THC was consumed.

Do Edibles Show Up On Standard Drug Tests?

Yes, edibles can show up on standard drug tests. Since edibles contain THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, consuming them leads to the presence of THC metabolites in your system. Most standard drug tests, particularly urine tests, are designed to detect these metabolites, which remain in the body long after the effects of the edibles have worn off.

Urine tests, the most common form of drug testing, can detect THC metabolites several days to weeks after consumption, depending on how much THC was ingested and individual factors such as metabolism and body fat percentage. Blood tests, though less common, can detect THC for a shorter period, while hair follicle tests can reveal THC use for up to 90 days after consumption. Saliva tests are another method but tend to detect more recent use, often within 24 to 72 hours.

Since THC is metabolized differently when ingested through edibles, it can sometimes take longer to be fully eliminated from the body, which may increase the likelihood of testing positive on a drug test.

Factors That Influence How Long THC From Edibles Stays In Your System

Several factors influence how long THC from edibles stays in your system, affecting whether or not it will show up on a drug test. These factors include:

Frequency Of Use

If you consume edibles regularly, THC can accumulate in your system over time. Frequent users tend to build up higher levels of THC in fat cells, which means the body requires more time to fully eliminate it. Occasional users, by contrast, may clear THC faster since it does not build up as much between uses.

Dosage And Potency

The amount of THC consumed in each edible significantly impacts how long it stays in the body. Higher doses result in more THC being metabolized and stored in fat cells, leading to a longer detection window. Potent edibles with higher THC concentrations take even longer to be processed and removed, making them more likely to be detected in drug tests.

Metabolism

Your metabolic rate plays a major role in how quickly your body breaks down and eliminates THC. Individuals with faster metabolisms tend to process and clear THC faster than those with slower metabolisms. Factors like age, exercise habits, and diet can affect your metabolic rate, influencing how long THC remains detectable in your system.

Body Fat Percentage

THC is fat-soluble, which means it binds to fat cells in the body. People with higher body fat percentages store THC longer, as it gets trapped in fat tissue and is gradually released into the bloodstream. This can result in longer detection times, especially for regular users who may have more THC stored in their fat cells.

Hydration And Diet

Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet can help speed up the elimination of THC metabolites. Drinking plenty of water can support the kidneys in flushing out THC, while a balanced diet rich in fiber can aid the digestive system in removing waste. On the other hand, dehydration can slow down this process, allowing THC to remain in the system for a longer period.

Type Of Drug Test

The type of drug test used plays a critical role in determining how long THC from edibles is detectable. Urine tests can identify THC metabolites for up to 30 days in frequent users, while occasional users may only test positive for a few days. Blood tests detect THC for a shorter period, usually only a few hours to days, while hair follicle tests can detect THC for up to 90 days. Saliva tests are generally used to detect recent use, often within a 24-72 hour window.

Types Of Drug Tests And Their Sensitivity To Edibles

There are several types of drug tests, each with varying levels of sensitivity to THC from edibles. The most common types are:

Urine Tests

Urine tests are the most widely used drug testing method because they are cost-effective and reliable. These tests detect THC metabolites (THC-COOH) rather than the active THC, which remain in the body after THC has been processed and excreted. For occasional users, THC metabolites may be detectable for 3-7 days after consumption, but frequent or heavy users can test positive for up to 30 days or even longer, depending on their metabolism and body composition.

Blood Tests

Blood tests detect the active THC currently circulating in the bloodstream, making them highly effective at identifying recent consumption. After consuming edibles, THC can stay in the blood for up to 48 hours in occasional users, but in chronic or heavy users, it may remain detectable for several days due to the buildup of THC in the body. Blood tests are less commonly used for workplace drug screenings and are more frequently employed in situations where recent impairment, such as in accidents or legal investigations, needs to be determined.

Saliva Tests

Saliva tests primarily detect THC in the mouth and throat area and are typically used to identify very recent cannabis use. These tests are most effective within 24-72 hours of consuming THC, making them particularly sensitive to recent consumption but less effective at detecting use that occurred several days ago. Since THC from edibles is metabolized more slowly than from smoking or vaping, saliva tests are less reliable for detecting older or less frequent edible consumption.

Hair Tests

Hair follicle tests have the longest detection window of all drug testing methods, capable of revealing THC use for up to 90 days after consumption. When THC is processed in the body, some of it can become embedded in the hair follicles, where it remains as the hair grows, allowing for long-term detection. Although highly effective at uncovering past THC use, hair tests are less commonly used due to their higher cost and the fact that they can be seen as overly invasive for many situations, such as workplace screenings.

How To Avoid Testing Positive After Consuming Edibles

If you're concerned about testing positive for THC after consuming edibles, there are a few strategies you can consider to reduce the risk:

Allow Time for THC to Clear: The most effective way to avoid a positive drug test is to stop consuming edibles well in advance of any potential test. Depending on the type of test and your personal factors (such as metabolism and body fat), it can take several days to weeks for THC to be fully eliminated from your system.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush THC metabolites from your system more quickly. While this won’t instantly clear your system, staying hydrated can help speed up the process, especially when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
Exercise Regularly: Since THC is stored in fat cells, physical activity and exercise can help break down fat and speed up the elimination of THC from the body. However, it's important to note that vigorous exercise right before a test could temporarily release more THC into your bloodstream.
Use Detox Products with Caution: There are various detox kits and drinks marketed to help people pass drug tests, but their effectiveness is often questionable, and they may not work reliably. It’s important to approach these products with caution and research their claims before using them.
Consider Test Timing: Different drug tests have different detection windows. If possible, schedule your test after the time period during which THC is most likely to be detected. For example, saliva tests may only detect THC for up to 72 hours, whereas urine tests have a longer detection window.

Ultimately, the best way to avoid testing positive is to be mindful of the detection windows associated with edibles and make informed choices about consumption based on your individual situation.

Final Thoughts

Edibles can indeed show up on drug tests, as they contain THC, the compound most drug screenings are designed to detect. How long THC remains in your system—and thus how likely you are to test positive—depends on factors like how much and how often you consume edibles, your metabolism, body fat, and the type of drug test administered.

Urine tests are the most common and can detect THC for several days to weeks after consumption, while blood and saliva tests are more suited for recent use. Hair tests have the longest detection window, potentially identifying THC use for up to 90 days. To avoid testing positive, individuals should be aware of the time it takes for THC to be cleared from the body and consider steps like staying hydrated, exercising, and allowing adequate time before any potential drug test.

Being informed about how edibles interact with drug testing can help you make better decisions regarding your consumption and reduce the likelihood of an unexpected positive result.

Read also:

Frequently Asked Questions About Edibles And Drug Tests

Can CBD edibles cause a positive drug test?

Most drug tests screen for THC, not CBD. However, some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC. If the CBD edibles you consume contain even small amounts of THC, it could potentially result in a positive test, especially if consumed frequently.

How long after eating edibles can I safely pass a drug test?

The time frame varies depending on the test and personal factors, but generally, THC from edibles can be detected for up to 30 days in urine tests for frequent users. For occasional users, it might clear the system within a few days to a week.

Do homemade edibles show up differently on drug tests compared to store-bought edibles?

No, homemade and store-bought edibles contain THC, which metabolizes the same way in the body. The key factor is the amount of THC consumed, not the source of the edible.

Are there drug tests that can detect whether THC came from edibles versus smoking?

Standard drug tests cannot distinguish between THC from edibles or smoking. Both forms deliver THC into the system, and the metabolites detected in tests are identical.

Do edibles have a longer detection window than smoked cannabis?

Edibles may result in a longer detection window due to how the body metabolizes THC, particularly when consumed in larger amounts. This is because the THC is processed through the digestive system and stored in fat cells, potentially making it detectable longer.

Can secondhand smoke cause me to test positive if I eat edibles?

Secondhand smoke alone is unlikely to cause a positive drug test unless you are in an environment with extremely heavy smoke for an extended period. However, consuming edibles can directly cause a positive result, regardless of exposure to secondhand smoke.

Will taking edibles the night before a drug test show up?

Yes, if you consume edibles the night before, the THC will still be in your system by the time of the test. Depending on the type of test, it could detect the THC metabolites even if the effects have worn off.

Does the method of consuming THC affect the accuracy of a drug test?

No, the method of consumption—whether through edibles, smoking, or vaping—does not affect the accuracy of a drug test. All forms of THC consumption will be detected if it’s within the test’s detection window.

How does consuming edibles affect drug testing for athletes?

Athletes subjected to drug testing should be aware that THC from edibles is detectable in both blood and urine tests. Since THC can stay in the system longer due to the way edibles are processed, athletes may need to refrain from use well in advance of any competition-related drug screenings.

Do detox teas or supplements help clear THC from edibles faster?

There is little scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of detox teas or supplements in speeding up the elimination of THC. While these products are often marketed as a way to cleanse the system, they may not work reliably, and the best strategy remains allowing sufficient time for the body to naturally metabolize THC.

Sources:

Villanueva, M. R. B., Joshaghani, N., Villa, N., Badla, O., Goit, R., Saddik, S. E., Dawood, S. N., Rabih, A. M., Niaj, A., Raman, A., Uprety, M., Calero, M., & Khan, S. (2022, July 16). Efficacy, safety, and regulation of Cannabidiol on Chronic Pain: A systematic review. Cureus. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9288157/
Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015, October). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
Ranum RM;Whipple MO;Croghan I;Bauer B;Toussaint LL;Vincent A; (n.d.). Use of cannabidiol in the management of insomnia: A systematic review. Cannabis and cannabinoid research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36149724/
Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019, December 25). Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/

Shopping Cart (0)

Your cart is empty!

Do Edibles Show Up On Drug Tests? What You Need To Know