THCA and Drug Tests: Will You Pass Or Fail?

Cannabis, specifically THC, can usually be detected in bodily fluids for a period ranging from 1 to 30 days after the last use, and it may be detectable in hair for several months, particularly for those who use it frequently or on a daily basis. The duration of cannabis detection depends on the amount consumed and how often it was used. Generally, higher doses and more frequent usage are linked to longer detection times. In cases of daily usage, cannabis can be detected for several months after the last use. If you are a THCA user wondering if the same applies to you, then you are in the right place! Read on to find out how THCA would fare in a drug test.

Is THCA Detectable in Drug Tests?

THCa, a non-intoxicating compound found in raw cannabis flower, converts to Delta 9 THC through heat and combustion. THCa is is not typically tested for in standard drug tests, because most drug tests look for the presence of delta-9 THC, the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis.

THCa is a precursor to THC, and when it is heated (such as through smoking or vaping), it undergoes a process called decarboxylation, which converts it to THC. This means that if a person consumes THCA flower by eating it in its raw form, it is unlikely to show up in a drug test.

However, if the person heats or smokes the cannabis flower, then the THCa can convert to THC and may be detected in a drug test, depending on the sensitivity of the test and the amount of THC that is present in the person's system.

How Long is THC Detectable?

To test for the presence of cannabis, drug tests look for THC and its by-products, which stay in the body long after the effects of THC have worn off. The duration for which cannabis can be detected in your body depends on the amount consumed and the type of drug test used. Urine testing is the most common method, and detection windows vary according to usage frequency, with urine tests detecting THC in:

• First use: 3 days
• Roughly 4 times a week: 5 to 7 days
• Daily use: 10 to 15 days
• Multiple times a day: more than 30 days Cannabis metabolites attach to fat molecules in the body and are therefore fat-soluble, leading to a longer elimination period, especially if the body has more fat molecules.

Blood tests detect recent cannabis use and can detect it within 2 to 12 hours of consumption. However, heavy use can result in detection 30 days after last use in urine, with the duration of detection increasing with chronic heavy use.

What Determines How Long THC Stays In Your Body?

The length of time that THC remains in your system is influenced by various factors. Some of these factors, like your metabolic rate and body mass index (BMI), are not specifically associated with the compound, but rather with the way your body processes and breaks down substances. Other factors are directly related to the type of cannabis used, including the dosage, frequency of use, potency, and route of administration. More potent cannabis, for example, with higher levels of THC, may stay in your system for a longer period of time. Ingesting THC may also result in a slightly longer detection time compared to smoking it. Generally, higher doses and more frequent use are linked with a longer time for the body to eliminate .