Marijuana edibles typically have a delightful flavor, and they are already legalized in an increasing number of states.
What are Cannabis Edibles?
Simply put, edibles are food products that contain cannabis. They must be processed in a specific manner to produce their effects when ingested orally. While homemade edibles have been popular for some time, commercially-prepared edibles are also available in dispensaries and cannabis shops. Truth be told any food can become a cannabis-infused edible, but the most commonly found ones are:
- Candies
- Chocolates
- Gummies
- Beverages
- Lozenges
- Tinctures
They are usually made by decarboxylation of the cannabis flower, from which cannabinoids such as THC or CBD are extracted and mixed with oil or butter. This mixture is then infused into food, making your meal much more interesting. Despite the popularity of smoking cannabis, consuming edibles is becoming increasingly common. However, many users are unaware of the complex process of making these food items.
It’s important to note that street-bought edibles are sometimes laced with other drugs including fentanyl and other opioids which can lead to a fatal overdose. Therefore it’s important to get your edibles from a trusted and reputable source.
How are Edibles Processed by the Body?
When someone consumes an edible containing cannabis, it moves through their digestive system and eventually reaches the liver. Here, delta-9 THC is converted to 11-hydroxy THC. Due to this conversion, the effects of an edible are fairly greater and long-lasting compared to the effects of smoking cannabis bud.
It’s worth mentioning that the THC in edibles takes longer to affect a person compared to smoking or vaping. This is due to digestion, which can cause a delay of up to two hours between consumption and feeling high. In contrast, inhaling THC allows it to reach the bloodstream quickly, with effects felt within five minutes. For individuals who are accustomed to smoking, this delay can lead to unintentional overconsumption.
Certain types of edibles, such as candy or chocolate, may work more rapidly than others like baked goods. This is because they can dissolve in the mouth, enabling the THC to pass through and reach the bloodstream faster. The effects of an edible can last for as long as 12 hours.
Can Edibles Show on Drug Test?
Absolutely, consuming THC through edibles will result in a positive drug test. The fact that THC enters the body remains unchanged whether it is ingested or smoked. However, due to the way the body processes edibles, THC may be detectable in drug tests for a longer duration. THC ingested through edibles can be detected by urine, hair, blood, and saliva tests. The following are approximate detection times for each type of test:
- Blood: 3-4 hours
- Saliva: 24-72 hours
- Urine: 3-30 days
- Hair: Up to 90 days
How Long Can Edibles Be Detected In Urine?
Edibles can be detected in drug tests since THC can bind to fat molecules, which is why many people use ingredients like butter and oil when cooking with cannabis. Urine testing is the most common and affordable method of testing since it can detect THC for a longer period. If a person is tested after consuming edibles it will most likely show up positive, since THC can be detected in urine for up to 30 days.
How Long Can Edibles Be Detected In Blood?
Edible cannabis can be detected in the blood for up to two days after use. The duration of THC detection depends on how often a person uses the substance. According to a study conducted by Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, THC can still be found in chronic users’ bloodstreams up to 25 days after their last usage.
How Long Can Edibles Be Detected In Salvia?
Salvia tests can detect cannabis use in your system for anywhere around 24 to 72 hours, after the last use. This is why roadside drug testing of drivers often involves this kind of test.
How Long Can Edibles Be Detected In Hair Follicles?
THC can enter hair follicles through the bloodstream, making hair testing a viable method for detecting marijuana use in your system. Hair tests can detect the drug for up to 90 days after your last use. However, hair tests are generally less reliable than other forms of cannabis drug testing. This is simply because second-hand exposure to cannabis smoke could also lead to a false positive test.
Factors That Can Affect the Edible Detection Time
The duration for which marijuana remains in your system depends on various factors. Some of these are personal factors, while others are related to your level of usage. The majority of these factors relate to your metabolism and not the test itself.
Below are some of the factors that could influence how long weed stays in your system:
- Body mass index (BMI): Individuals with higher body fat tend to retain THC for longer periods. Conversely, individuals with lower BMIs have less storage capacity for THC in their bodies.
- Sex: Females usually have higher levels of body fat than males, which may result in slower cannabis metabolism and longer detection periods.
- Genetics: Some people have naturally higher metabolism levels, which reduces the time for THC detection in their system. Others have lower metabolism levels, resulting in longer detection periods.
- Frequency of usage: Occasional users typically eliminate THC from their bodies faster than regular users.
- Potency: Higher THC levels in potent cannabis strains can increase detection periods.
Final Word
While edibles are a popular way to consume cannabis, they can show up on a drug test for a longer period compared to vaping or smoking cannabis buds. This is sole because of the way the body processes edibles, which eventually leads to a longer detection time. So if you are getting drug tested or planning on driving it’s best to avoid edibles for a couple of days. Stay safe and stay lifted!