With over 113 different cannabinoids found in the different strains of cannabis, it can be hard to keep track of the different effects and traits of each. One of the most common cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is found in most strains and at mail order marijuana dispensaries and helps cause the psychoactive effects of marijuana by altering and blocking messages sent in the brain. The strength of the effect of THC depends on the interactions with other compounds. While many people may know this about THC, one thing that many people do not know is how long it can stay in the body for.
Depending on the person, the effects of THC can be felt while consuming marijuana as well as for a few hours afterward. There is no set time for how quickly it sets in or how long it lasts since the times vary greatly by the method of consumption. For instance, when you smoke or vaporize marijuana the THC arrives at your brain very quickly through the bloodstream. Another method, topical cannabis, have immediate effects on the direct area, but the THC will not make it to the brain. A third method, edible marijuana products from a mail order dispensary, have the longest lasting effect even though it may take more time to kick in. Since the effects of edible products become concentrated in the liver, it is important and challenging not to ingest too much at once.
Since many people now are having to perform drug tests for various reasons, a common question is how long will the THC be detectable for. Although you may not feel the effects of marijuana, it can still be present in your body. How long it is present for depends on a few things such as usage frequency, weight, age, diet, method of consumption, and tolerance levels. Also, some areas of the body may not have detectable THC while others do, so it can depend on the testing method. For instance, THC will only be detectable in the saliva for up to 12 hours, but a hair test could show THC for up to 90 days.
The true answer to this question is: it depends. The best way to know for sure if there is no THC in your body is to abstain from marijuana; but you may be able to guess the levels in your body based on your personal and situational factors mentioned above.