How Long Does Delta-9 Stay In Your System? - CBDistillery

CBDistillery® Unwind Synergy+ Gummies are infused with just enough naturally occurring delta 9 THC for rest, relaxation, and a mellow buzz. Although adults of all ages are intrigued by some of the many possible benefits of using naturally occurring THC-rich hemp extracts, many question how long the cannabinoid might stay in their bodies.

While it's nearly impossible to provide a simple, straightforward answer that applies to everyone, we can explain some of the factors shown to affect the way your body stores and metabolizes delta 9. We can also tell you how long the cannabinoid could remain detectable in your urine, bloodstream, and hair, but ultimately it is recommended that you consult a doctor for further information. Knowing the facts about THC metabolization (and elimination) could help you decide if CBDistillery® Unwind Synergy+ Gummies are right for you.

What Affects How Long THC Remains Detectable?

Water-soluble substances, including alcohol and many drugs, are usually eliminated from your body within a few hours. The naturally occurring cannabinoids extracted from hemp plants (and marijuana), including CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), are fat-soluble. Any cannabinoids that aren't metabolized or expelled are stored in your fat cells. Tissue biopsies could reveal various concentrations of THC for up to 28 days (or more) after your last serving. As you burn excess fat for energy, any stored cannabinoids are released back into your bloodstream (Gunasekaran et al., 2009).

But every CBD user is unique. The rate of cannabinoid metabolization and storage can vary from person to person. The amount of time any amount of THC might remain detectable in your saliva, hair, blood, or urine is also impacted by the type of drug test used, your overall body composition, age, frequency and duration of use, and even the medications or supplements you take. If you're using multiple substances processed by the same metabolic enzymes as THC, there's an increased risk that neither will process efficiently (Zhu et al., 2021).

How Long Does Delta 9 THC Stay in Your Blood?

Cannabis researchers believe the low level of THC in hemp extract helps enhance overall potency by contributing to an "entourage" effect, a theory explaining how the plant's cannabinoids and terpenes work together to maximize the impact of each active component. (Nahler et al., 2019). That is why many companies sell CBD-rich full spectrum hemp extract products which contain small amounts of THC. While these products' THC content is not likely to cause intoxication, it is possible for even the relatively small amount of THC in full spectrum hemp-derived CBD products to show up in your blood. 

But instead of identifying delta 8 or delta 9 THC levels that might suggest recent intoxication, most drug tests are designed to detect specific byproducts signifying the breakdown of THC and its metabolites. While the amount of THC circulating in your bloodstream usually dissipates within 48 hours of your last serving, the cannabinoid is composed of more than 80 metabolites. Some of those metabolites can take longer to clear your system and could remain detectable in blood tests for 2-3 weeks (or more) (Verstraete 2004).

How Long is Delta 9 Detectable in Hair?

Drug tests evaluating hair samples are considered the most reliable. However, it can take up to 7 days after using a THC-infused product for the first time before the cannabinoid's metabolites are detectable in your hair follicles. As your hair grows, each centimeter typically represents a 30-day window of use. Although growth rates can vary significantly from one person to the next, the THC metabolites in your hair can linger for at least 90 days after your last serving, maybe more (Hadland & Levy, 2016).   

Although hair strand tests have the longest detection window, test results are strongly influenced by the amount of THC ingested per serving (on average) and how many times per week you might indulge. In hair samples of 136 subjects, 39% of people self-reporting as light, occasional users during the past three months tested positive for THC compared to 77% of individuals self-reporting as daily, near daily, or chronic users (Taylor et al., 2017).

How Long Is Delta 9 Detectable in a Urine Test?

Urinalysis is the most commonly used method of THC detection. Although some people test negative in as little as 2-3 days after using a THC-infused product for the first time, everyone is different. With moderate to frequent use, it can take up to 30 days (or more) after your last serving for any THC metabolites to clear your system (Lowe et al., 2009). If you've been burning stored fat for energy, urinalysis could reveal delta 9 metabolites even longer.

But contrary to popular belief, you can have THC metabolites in your urine and still pass a routine drug test. Most testing facilities rely on SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) standards of metabolite detection. Fifty nanograms of THC metabolites per milliliters (or less) is considered a negative test result (Sharma et al., 2012).  

Are There Ways to Flush Delta 9 From Your System Faster?

The most effective way to clear THC metabolites from your system is to refrain from using any cannabis products for at least 30 days, drink plenty of water, and commit to a regular exercise regimen to help your body eliminate the cannabinoid. Since THC is stored in fat cells, several sources also recommend avoiding extreme calorie restrictions and strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours before any upcoming drug test (Wong et al., 2013).

While you'll find numerous products made with ingredients selected to help neutralize THC metabolites, rapid "detox" methods tend to be far less effective than advertised (Dasgupta, 2007). Most rely on various methods of increasing urine output to flush your bladder. Within a short amount of time, THC metabolites from other areas of your body make their way back (Richardson, 2022). Since many testing facilities also evaluate urine "gravity," color, pH, and creatine levels, any effort to mask metabolite concentrations in your urine could easily result in a sample deemed unacceptable, inconclusive, or adulterated (Kapur & Aleska, 2020).

Could Synergy+ THC + CBD Gummies Be Right for You?

CBDistillery® Unwind Synergy+ THC + CBD Gummies are infused with just enough naturally occurring hemp-derived delta 9 THC to help calm your mind and relax your body, an amount that falls within the limits established for hemp-derived products. 

Many CBD users appreciate the effects of the precise amount of delta 9 in our Synergy+ Gummies, but they're not right for everyone. If you're intrigued by some of the many possible benefits of CBD but concerned about the potency of 5mg of THC, we suggest trying one of our Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, or Isolate products. 

To learn more, visit CBDistillery® to download our Ultimate CBD User Guide, find answers to frequently asked questions, or set up a personal consultation with an expert. CBDistillery® CBD, CBN, CBG, CBDA, and THC + CBD products are third-party tested, and backed by a risk-free satisfaction guarantee. If you have a medical condition or take medication, please consult your health care provider before adding any hemp-derived product to your daily routine.

References

Dasgupta A. (2007) The Effects of Adulterants and Selected Ingested Compounds on Drug Abuse Testing in Urine. 128(3) Am J Clin Pathol 491-503. https://doi.org/10.1309/FQY06F8XKTQPM149

Gunasekaran N, Long L, et al. (2009) Reintoxication: THC Release of Fat-Stored Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Into Blood is Enhanced by Food Deprivation or ACTH Exposure. 158(5) BJP 1330-37. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00399.x

Hadland S, Levy S. (2016) Objective Testing: Urine and Other Drug Tests. 25(3) Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 549-65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2016.02.005.

Kapur B, Aleska K. (2020) What the Lab Can and Cannot Do: Clinical Interpretation of Drug Testing Results. 57(8) Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 548-85. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408363.2020.1774493

Lowe R, Abraham T, et al. (2009) Extended Urinary X9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Excretion in Chronic Cannabis Users Precludes Use As a Biomarker of New Drug Exposure. 105(1-2) Drug Alcohol Depend 24-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2009.05.027

Nahler, G, Jones T, et al. (2019) Cannabidiol and Contributions of Major Hemp Phytocompounds to the "Entourage Effect"; Possible Mechanisms. J Altern Complement Integr Med 70(5) PDF download

Richardson E. (2022) Do Marijuana (THC) Detox Kits Actually Work? Maryland House.

Sharma P, Murthy P, et al. (2012) Chemistry, Metabolism, and Toxicology of Cannabis: Clinical Implications. 7(4) Iran J Psychiatry 149-56. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3570572/

Taylor M, Lees R, et al. (2017) Comparison of Cannabinoids in Hair with Self-Reported Cannabis Consumption in Heavy, Light and Non-Cannabis Users. 36(2) Drug Alcohol Rev 220-26.  https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.12412.

Verstraete A. (2004) Detection Time of Drugs of Abuse in Blood, Urine, and Oral Fluid. 26(2) Ther Drug Monit 200 - 05.  https://doi.org/10.1097/00007691-200404000-00020 PDF download.

Wong A, Montabello M, et al. (2013) Exercise Increases Plasma THC Concentrations in Regular Cannabis Users. 133(2) Drug Alcohol Depend 763-77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.07.031

Zhu L, Pei W, et al. (2021) Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Model for Predicting Blood and Tissue Tetrahydrocannabinol Concentrations. 154 Comp & Chem Eng. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compchemeng.2021.107461