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How Long Does THCa Stay in Your System? Tests, Speed Elimination & More!

You’ve heard of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana. But what about its lesser-known cousin, THCa? While it may sound similar, THCa has a unique twist: it is federally legal and psychoactive, just like regular Delta-9 THC, once it’s been heated. That’s why you must be wondering, “Does THCa show up on a drug test?”

Whether you’re a curious cannabis consumer or simply someone concerned about workplace drug screenings, understanding THCa is crucial. Let’s explore the science behind it, its impact on drug tests, how different consumption methods might influence test results, factors that affect how long THCa stays in your system, as well as some tips for helping eliminate THCa from your system faster. 

What Is THCa?

THCa is a cannabinoid in the cannabis plant that once heated (smoked or vaped) converts into Delta-9 THC, providing the same psychoactive effects (the high).

THCa vs. THC

While THC and THCa are similar compounds, they have significant differences. THC is psychoactive and responsible for the euphoria or “high” from cannabis. THCa, on the other hand, only becomes psychoactive when heated (smoked or vaped), as it converts into regular THC. 

Why is this important? Well, if you’re facing a drug test, it’s crucial to know the difference. Drug tests are usually looking for THC metabolites (the byproducts created when your body breaks down THC), not THCa. But, depending on how you consume THCa, it could show up on a test if it’s been heated.

THCa and THC Legal Status

On a federal level, THC is still classified as a Schedule I substance in the United States, making it illegal under federal law. However, THCa is not. Raw cannabis containing only THCa is considered legal under hemp laws because the plant contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. 

Does THCa Show Up on a Drug Test?

The short answer is that it depends on how you consume it. Drug tests are designed to detect THC or its metabolites, but they don’t typically screen for THCa in its raw, unheated form. However, if THCa is converted to THC through heating, it can result in a positive drug test for THC.

Here’s how THCa may be detected:

Urine Tests: Urine tests are the most common type of drug test. Is THCa detectable in urine? Not directly. But if consumed in a way that converts THCa to THC (smoked, vaped, or cooked), metabolites may show up, leading to a positive result.

Saliva Tests: THCa itself isn’t likely to appear unless converted to THC. So, the question is, “How long does THC stay in your saliva?” Saliva tests can detect THC for up to 72 hours after consumption.

Hair Tests: Hair tests are less common but can detect THC metabolites for up to 90 days. If THCa is converted to THC, it could potentially be detected.

Blood Tests: Blood tests are less frequently used but are very precise. They typically detect THC for up to 24 hours after use.

To sum it up, while THCa itself is generally undetectable in drug tests, once it’s been heated and converted to THC, it leads to a positive result for THC.

Person with a lab coat and gloves handling instruments in a drug test lab.

Different Ways of Consuming THCa: Raw vs. Heated

As we just learned, the way you consume THCa determines how your body processes it and whether it converts to THC. Let’s break it down:

Raw THCa

How to Do It: Eating raw cannabis leaves or flowers, blending them into smoothies, or even salads.

How the Body Processes It: The body processes THCa without converting it to THC, so it remains non-psychoactive.

Raw THCa Drug Test Results: Consuming raw THCa is unlikely to show up on a drug test since it doesn’t convert to THC.

Heated THCa

How to Do It: Smoking, vaping, or cooking with cannabis. These methods heat THCa, converting it to THC.

How the Body Processes It: Once decarboxylation happens, the body processes THC, which can lead to detectable metabolites.

Heated THCa Drug Test Results: Heated THCa is almost certain to show up on a drug test as THC.

Can THCa Cause a False Positive Result for Cannabis?

Generally, if you consume raw THCa, it shouldn’t get you in trouble with drug test results, as THCa itself is not a controlled substance. However, if THCa is heated and converted to THC, the situation becomes more complex.

It’s also worth noting that not everyone is familiar with the distinction between THC and other cannabinoids like THCa. Here is a real-life case that highlights this mix-up:

Murray Fisher v. Airgas

Murray Fisher, an Airgas employee battling cancer, used a legal hemp product for pain management. During a random drug test, he tested positive for marijuana. Fisher explained the situation, citing the hemp product as a potential cause for the result. 

Additionally, he directly asked the company in charge of the test about his results, to which they answered that he had tested positive for THCa, the non-psychoactive and non-controlled substance. However, the company still maintained that his results were “positive for ‘marijuana.’”

Despite Fisher’s explanation to the company, Airgas terminated his employment without investigating further. Fisher sued Airgas for disability discrimination, arguing that the termination was based on his legal use of a medical product. The court ruled against Airgas, citing the company’s failure to conduct a thorough investigation and rejecting its “honest-belief” defense.

Factors Affecting THC Detection Time

The amount of time THCa or THC remains detectable in your body depends on several factors.

Frequency of Consumption

Regular users are likely to retain cannabinoids in their system longer than occasional users because THC metabolites accumulate over time.

Consumption Method

Raw Consumption: THCa is very unlikely to show up in tests.

Heated Consumption: If THCa is converted to THC, it will give a positive result.

Metabolism

People with faster metabolisms process cannabinoids more quickly than those with slower metabolisms, which means they will eliminate cannabinoids from their system faster.

Body Composition

THC metabolites are stored in fat cells, so individuals with higher body fat percentages may retain them longer.

Diet and Hydration

A healthy diet and staying hydrated may help the body eliminate THC metabolites faster.

Amount of THCa/THC Consumed

The higher the dose, the longer it may take to metabolize and excrete cannabinoids.

Prescription Medications

Certain medications can interfere with how the body processes cannabinoids, prolonging detection times.

Age

Metabolism generally slows with age, meaning older individuals may process THCa/THC more slowly.

How to Get THCa Out of Your System

If you’re looking to clear THCa or THC from your system, here are some popular strategies:

  • Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is thought to help flush out toxins, including THC metabolites.
  • Exercise: It is suggested that engaging in physical activity can help accelerate your metabolism and burn fat where THC metabolites are stored.
  • Healthy Diet: Consuming fiber-rich foods can support the body’s natural detoxification processes.
  • Detox Products: Some people turn to detox drinks or kits designed to expedite the elimination of cannabinoids.
  • Time: The most reliable method is simply allowing enough time for the body to naturally metabolize and excrete the substances.

Remember: The efficacy of most of these methods is based on anecdotal evidence and has not yet been proved by science. So, if you have a drug test coming up, the safest option is to pause any THC consumption.

Man running on the street.

FAQs

Will THCa Test Positive in a Drug Screening?

THCa itself typically doesn’t cause a positive result unless it has been heated and converted to THC. Drug tests are designed to detect THC metabolites, not raw THCa. However, if consumed in a way that converts it into THC (i.e., heated), you will most likely get a positive result.

Is THCa Detectable in Urine?

Unheated THCa is generally not detectable in urine because standard drug tests don’t target it. However, if THCa has been converted to THC, its metabolites can be detected in urine tests.

How Long Does THCa Stay in Your System?

When THCa is converted to THC, its metabolites can stay detectable in urine for 3 to 30 days, depending on factors like frequency of use, metabolism, and body composition.

How Long Does THCa Stay in Your Saliva?

Unheated THCa is unlikely to show up in saliva tests. However, if it’s converted to THC, saliva tests can detect it for up to 72 hours after use.

Does Exercising Help Eliminate THCa/THC?

Exercise can potentially help reduce THC levels in the body by burning fat cells where THC metabolites are stored, and by accelerating your metabolism. However, keep in mind that this is not an immediate solution.

How to Get THC Out of Your System?

The best ways to eliminate THCa include staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and allowing time for natural metabolism. Detox products may also help, but their efficacy can vary.

Does THCa Stay in Your System as Long as THC?

THCa itself is not stored in the body like THC metabolites are. However, when converted to THC, it can remain detectable for the same duration as THC, which varies based on the individual and usage habits.

Conclusion

Knowing how long THCa sticks around is essential, especially if you’re facing a drug test. Even though THCa itself isn’t usually a problem, it can turn into THC, which can cause issues. 

You can get a better handle on this cannabinoid by considering things like how you consume it and your body’s metabolism.

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References

Chayasirisobhon S. Mechanisms of Action and Pharmacokinetics of Cannabis. Perm J. 2020 Dec;25:1-3. doi: 10.7812/TPP/19.200. PMID: 33635755; PMCID: PMC8803256. 

Westin AA, Mjønes G, Burchardt O, Fuskevåg OM, Slørdal L. Can physical exercise or food deprivation cause release of fat-stored cannabinoids? Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2014 Nov;115(5):467-71. doi: 10.1111/bcpt.12235. Epub 2014 Apr 22. PMID: 24674455; PMCID: PMC4270258.