THCA, short for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a non-psychoactive compound found in raw cannabis. When heated, THCA converts to THC, the substance responsible for the "high" feeling. But how long does THCA stay in your system, and how does it compare to other cannabinoids like Delta 9 and Delta 8? In this blog, we’ll break down the factors affecting THCA detection in your body and provide a comparison with other cannabinoids.
What Happens to THCA in the Body?
When you consume THCA flower or edibles, your body metabolizes it differently than Delta 9 THC or Delta 8. THCA is non-intoxicating, but when it is decarboxylated (heated), it turns into THC, which can stay in your system for quite some time. The body stores THC in fat cells, which affects how long it stays detectable. Once metabolized, THCA can linger in the body for days or even weeks, depending on various factors.
Factors Affecting How Long THCA Stays in Your System
Several factors determine how long THCA stays in your system, including:
- Frequency of use: Regular cannabis users tend to have longer detection windows since their bodies store THC in fat cells over time.
- Body fat: The more fat you have, the longer THC metabolites stay stored in your system.
- Metabolism: People with faster metabolisms process cannabinoids more quickly, reducing the length of time THCA stays in their system.
- Type of drug test: Different tests—urine, saliva, and hair—can detect THC metabolites for varying lengths of time.
Comparison: THCA vs. Delta 9 THC vs. Delta 8 THC
While THCA itself isn’t psychoactive, once it becomes THC, it behaves similarly to Delta 9 and Delta 8 in terms of how it is processed by the body. Here's a quick comparison:
- THCA: Non-intoxicating until heated. Once decarboxylated into THC, it’s detectable like regular THC.
- Delta 9 THC: The most psychoactive compound in cannabis. Delta 9 stays in your system longer because it’s stored in fat cells.
- Delta 8 THC: A milder form of THC. It stays in your system but is less potent than Delta 9, although the detection windows are quite similar.
How Long Does THCA Stay in Your System?
The length of time THCA, converted to THC, stays in your system depends on multiple factors, but here’s a general guide based on test types:
- Urine drug tests: This is the most common test used to detect THC metabolites. For occasional users, THCA metabolites can be detected for up to 3 days. Regular users, however, may have THC metabolites in their system for up to 30 days or even longer.
- Saliva tests: THCA can be detected in saliva for up to 24-72 hours after use, but this varies depending on the amount consumed.
- Hair tests: Hair tests can detect THC metabolites for up to 90 days. This test is the most effective for detecting long-term use because hair follicles store THC for extended periods.
- Blood tests: THCA is rarely tested in blood, but THC metabolites can be detected for a few hours up to a couple of days after use.
Why Does the Detection Window Vary?
The body processes cannabinoids like THCA through the liver, where enzymes break them down into metabolites. These metabolites can stay in your system for a long time, depending on how much THCA was consumed and how frequently. The liver enzymes and other tissues in your body work together to break down THCA, but it can still be detected long after the effects wear off.
How to Pass a Drug Test
If you are worried about passing a drug test, the best thing to do is stop using THCA products. You should stop for at least a month before your test. This gives your body time to clear out any THC metabolites. However, it’s important to know that every person’s body is different, so the length of time THCA stays in your system can vary.
Here are a few tips for passing a drug test:
1. Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water can help flush THC metabolites out of your system, although it won’t work overnight.
2. Exercise: Since THC is stored in fat cells, working out can help your body burn fat and eliminate stored THC metabolites.
3. Detox products: Some people use detox kits or drinks to help pass a urine drug test. However, their effectiveness is often debated.
The Role of Body Fat in THC Storage
Your body’s fat content plays a big role in how long THCA stays in your system. Because the body stores THC in fat cells, people with higher body fat percentages may have longer detection windows than those with less body fat. This is why regular cannabis users, especially those with higher body fat, may struggle to pass a drug test even weeks after their last use.
Does THCA Show Up on Drug Screenings?
Most drug screenings don’t specifically test for THCA but instead detect cannabis metabolites. So, if you’ve consumed THCA flower or edibles that were decarboxylated into THC, you could potentially fail a drug screening. Common tests, such as urine or saliva tests, can find THC metabolites. If you have used THCA products recently, you may test positive.
How Long Does THCA Stay in Your System? A Final Look
In summary, how long THCA stays in your system depends on several factors. These include your body fat percentage, how often you use cannabis, and the type of drug test used. If you’re facing an upcoming test, it’s important to understand the detection windows and how your body processes THCA.
- Urine tests: Up to 30 days for frequent users.
- Saliva tests: Up to 3 days.
- Hair tests: Up to **90 days**.
- Blood tests: Up to a couple of days.
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Final Thoughts
Understanding how long THCA stays in your system can help you make informed decisions when using cannabis products. Whether you’re a regular user or just curious, knowing the facts can help you prepare for potential drug screenings and ensure that you pass them without any issues.
Remember that THC detection can differ from person to person. The best way to avoid a failed test is to be careful. Give your body enough time to process and remove all THC metabolites.