Marijuana Edibles Duration in Your Body

Whether you're using marijuana for medical purposes or recreation, edibles like gummies, brownies, and beverages offer a smoke-free option that’s increasingly popular. But if you're wondering how long these products stay in your system, the answer is more complicated than just “a few hours.”

Unlike smoking, consuming THC through edibles results in delayed effects and prolonged detection times. Here’s what you need to know about how long edibles last in your body, and how different drug tests may pick up their use even weeks later.

How Edibles Work in Your Body

When you eat marijuana, your digestive system processes it differently than when you inhale it:

• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is absorbed through the stomach and intestines

• It's metabolized in the liver into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound that’s more potent and longer-lasting

• This version of THC also crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively, making the high stronger and longer-lasting

While smoking kicks in within minutes, edibles take 1–3 hours to begin working, with peak effects around the 3-hour mark. Because of this delay, many people mistakenly consume more, increasing the risk of an unpleasant or intense experience.

How Long Do Edibles Stay in Your System?

Most THC is metabolized and excreted within five days, but small amounts can linger in the body for weeks especially in those who use cannabis regularly. That’s because THC is fat-soluble, meaning it’s stored in body fat and released slowly over time.

Detection depends on several factors:

• Frequency of use

• Dosage

• Your metabolism and body fat percentage

• Type of drug test used

Detection Times by Drug Test Type

Here’s how long marijuana from edibles can be detected in the body:

Urine Tests

Urine tests are the most widely used for workplace or legal screening.

• Occasional users: Detectable for up to 7 days

• Daily users: Can show up for up to 30 days

Saliva Tests

These are less common and typically detect recent use only, usually within 24 hours, and up to 48 hours in some cases.

Blood Tests

THC doesn’t stay in the bloodstream for long. It’s usually only detectable for 2–12 hours after consumption. Blood tests are often used in emergency situations or for confirming recent use.

Hair Tests

This method has the longest detection window, picking up on marijuana use for up to 90 days. However, it’s generally only effective for frequent or long-term users, and not reliable for single or rare use.

How Long Does the High Last?

The effects of edibles tend to last much longer than smoked marijuana up to 6 to 8 hours, depending on dosage and individual tolerance.

• Occasional users: THC half-life is 1–3 days, so full clearance may take 5–15 days

• Chronic users: Half-life increases to 5–13 days, extending full clearance time to 25–75 days

Important Considerations

Delayed Onset Increases Risk of Overconsumption

Since edibles take longer to work, users sometimes take too much too quickly, mistakenly believing the initial dose wasn’t strong enough. This can lead to over-intoxication, which may include:

• Anxiety or paranoia

• Nausea and dizziness

• Hallucinations

• Heart palpitations

Always wait at least 2–3 hours before increasing your dose.

Labeling May Be Inaccurate

Some edibles contain more THC than labeled, making the effects stronger and more unpredictable. Always purchase from a trusted source, and start with a low dose if you’re new to edibles.

How to Clear THC From Your System Faster

There’s no quick fix to "flush" THC from your system, but healthy habits may support your body’s natural detox process:

• Stay hydrated to support kidney function

• Exercise regularly, especially cardio, to help burn fat (where THC is stored)

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber to support elimination

• Get quality sleep to aid liver function and recovery

Still, the only guaranteed way to pass a drug test is to avoid using THC products in the weeks leading up to testing.

The Bottom Line

Marijuana edibles can stay in your system for days to weeks, depending on your usage habits and the type of drug test administered. While occasional users may clear THC in under two weeks, chronic users may take up to 75 days to fully eliminate it.

Understanding how edibles work and how your body processes THC can help you make informed choices, especially if you’re navigating legal, medical, or professional drug testing requirements.

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