How Long Does Delta-9 THC Stay in Your System?

(Article updated as of 10/22/24)

Delta-9 THC stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and it’s the main active psychoactive component of cannabis that causes the high.

When smoked or eaten, THC enters the bloodstream to exert its effects, which can last anywhere from 3-6 hours (depending on the dose and user’s tolerance), but the compound is then stored in fat, so it doesn’t entirely leave your body after its effects wear off.  

Depending on the individual’s metabolism and the frequency of use, THC metabolites can be stored in the body anywhere from 7 days for up to 90 days. 

If you’re concerned about a positive test on a drug screening, we’ve done our best to outline how long delta-9 THC is stored in the body and ways that may increase the body’s natural detoxification of the compound. 

Will Delta-9 Show Up on a Drug Test?

Yes, Delta-9 THC will result in a positive test result. 

Most standard drug tests are designed to detect THC and its metabolites, particularly THC-COOH, which is a byproduct of the body's metabolism of THC. 

Here’s a quick look at how this plays out across different types of drug tests:

Urine Test

Urine tests are the most common method of drug testing and can detect THC-COOH for varying periods depending on the individual’s usage patterns:

• Occasional use (1-3 times per week): 3-7 days.
• Moderate use (4 times per week): 7-14 days.
• Frequent use (daily): 14-30 days.
• Heavy use (multiple times daily): Up to 30-90 days.

Blood Test

Blood tests for drug detection are generally used for more specific situations where a precise understanding of recent drug use is needed, like roadside incidents, workplace accidents, or high-security jobs. It’s not as popular as urine tests because blood tests have a shorter drug detection window and are more invasive. 

• Single use: 1-2 days.
• Frequent use: Up to 7 days.

Saliva Test

Saliva tests, or “oral fluid tests, " are used when quick and non-invasive drug testing is needed. However, they’re not as reliable as urine tests because of their shorter detection window and limitations in accuracy. 

• Single use: 1-3 days.
• Frequent use: Up to 29 days.

Hair Test

Hair tests are used to detect drug use over a much longer period compared to other drug testing methods. They’re said to be much more accurate for identifying long-term or chronic use, but they’re not as common for routine testing because they’re expensive and can take longer to turn around results.

• THC can be detected in hair follicles for up to 90 days after use. 

Can I Fail A Drug Test with a Full-Spectrum CBD Product? 

Yes, it’s possible to fail a drug test if you frequently use full-spectrum CBD products. Even though full-spectrum CBD only contains up to 0.3% THC, the compound can accumulate in the body with consistent use. 

If you’re concerned about drug testing, you might want to opt for a CBD product that’s free from delta-9 THC, like broad-spectrum CBD products or CBD isolate. 

We strongly urge you to check the product’s third-party lab reports to verify that it is free from THC and not just take the company’s word for it. 

How Can I Detox From THC To Pass An Upcoming Drug Test?

The practical and natural approach to clear THC from your system is time to allow your body to eliminate THC naturally. Stop using cannabis products with THC at least eight weeks before your test. 

While many detox products on the market promise quick solutions, they don’t have the evidence to back up these claims, and relying solely on them is a gamble. 

Those detox teas, pills, and powders claim to “flush” out THC quickly, but they often work by temporarily diluting your urine or adding masking agents that can confuse drug tests. If these masking agents are detected, it could result in a failed or flagged drug test even without a positive THC result.

Some detox products might even have laxative or diuretic effects, which could leave you feeling dehydrated or even cause imbalances in electrolytes. These methods don’t necessarily target the THC stored in your fat cells. 

How Long Does Delta-9 & CBD Stay In Your System?

Delta-9 can stay in your system for anywhere from 1 - 90 days, potentially more.

But how about CBD? How long does CBD stay in your system? You can expect the same timeline, but drug tests don’t typically flag for CBD. 

Similarly to delta 9 THC, delta 8 THC, or any cannabinoids, for that matter, how long CBD stays in your system depends on many factors.  Your metabolism, frequency of use, or even what kind of product used can factor in. 

Will Delta-8 THC Trigger a Positive Drug Test? 

Delta 8 THC will also trigger a positive for THC on generic drug tests since most drug tests are testing for THC metabolites and can’t notice a difference between the two. If you’re worried about urine testing, make sure you stay away from all THC isomers. 

The Takeaway: How Long is Delta-9 in Your System?

The effects of delta-9 THC last anywhere from 3-6 hours, but it stays in your system for much longer. THC is stored in body fat and can remain in your body, depending on your frequency of use and metabolism. Various drug tests can detect it for a week to 90 days. 

The only surefire way to get rid of THC in your system to avoid testing positive is to abstain from using hemp and marijuana products with any form of THC. Broad spectrum CBD products won’t have THC in them, but they still provide other wellness benefits from relaxation and sleep support and aren’t tested for in a drug test. However, we strongly encourage you to verify the product’s THC content with third-party lab tests to stay on the safe side.