When it comes to viral health and wellness products, THCA is among the top substances people take for joint pain, inflammation, and more. Knowing how long THCA stays in your system can help you show up drug-free on THC tests since THC is a metabolite of the drug.1
That’s why it’s important to know how long THCA stays in your system. On average, it should clear from your system within a week, but factors like the strength of the THCA, your overall health, and metabolism can make it linger in your system.2
If you or someone you love is suffering from marijuana addiction, Nurture Nexus Recovery provides evidence-based addiction treatment to help. Call us at (214) 838-7488 or schedule an appointment.
How Long Does THCA Stay in Your Body?
According to a 2018 study, THCA consumed through water and oil-based products has a short course in the body of about 12-24 hours.3 People take THCA in many forms, such as gummies, tinctures, vapes, etc., making it an increasingly common substance used by many.
Understanding the THCA Metabolism
Ingested THCA doesn’t pass the blood-brain barrier as easily as THC and is metabolized in the liver. It has a lower bioavailability when taken in this form. However, when THCA is exposed to heat, it actively converts into THC via decarboxylation.3
Its byproduct, THC, is psychoactive and tends to stay in the body for longer. They are excreted from the body via the kidneys and can also be eliminated via sweating.4 These metabolites are also what determine the detection of THCA in the body. The general timeline of THCA in the body is as follows.
Saliva
Saliva tests can detect THC shortly after use, usually within the first 24 hours. THCA is unlikely to appear in a saliva test unless it has already converted to THC before or during ingestion.8
Blood
THCA itself may remain detectable for up to 30 minutes after ingestion, assuming no decarboxylation occurred. However, if any of it is converted to THC, that compound can linger in the blood for up to 72 hours.9
Urine
If THCA is ingested in ways that allow for even partial conversion to THC, the resulting metabolites may lead to a positive urine test.10 Regular use, higher doses, or consumption of improperly processed THCA products can significantly raise the risk.
Hair
Hair follicle testing has the longest detection window, often up to 90 days. Like other tests, it does not directly target THCA but can capture evidence of THC use.11
5 Factors That Influence THCA Detox in The Body
Now that we know how THCA is metabolized in the body, let’s take a look at the factors that influence this process. These five factors can hasten or slow down the rate at which your body detoxes from THCA and its metabolites:
1. Dosage You Take
Depending on how much THCA you consume, it can linger in your body for longer. The beginner dose of THCA is around 2mg, whereas frequent users take 5-10mg on average. People tend to take more of the substance when ingesting it since tinctures or raw THCA flower are harder to monitor.
2. Frequency of Use
If you’re taking THCA on and off to help with inflammation, pain, or anxiety, then it would be eliminated from your body much faster than if you took it daily.5 Constant use of the substance tends to reduce metabolic effectiveness and build tolerance in the body.
3. How Potent The Substance Is
Some strains of cannabis have more THCA present in them than others. If a strain has more than 20% THCA, it is considered potent.6 If your cannabis has higher potency, it will stay in your body for longer.
4. Lifestyle Choices
Your lifestyle choices, such as level of activity, substance abuse habits, and food intake, can affect metabolism and how long THCA stays in your system. For example, if your kidneys aren’t in good shape due to excessive drinking or heavy drug use, then it would be harder to eliminate toxins from the body.
5. How Healthy You Are
Your overall health also influences your body’s ability to metabolize substances like THCA and THC. Consider improving your activity levels, taking your vitamins, and trying to boost metabolism in the long run.
How To Flush Out THCA From Your System
If you want to get rid of THCA from your system to deal with an urgent drug test, you have to focus on your physical health.12
- Hydration: One of the most important things is to drink enough water. It helps flush out the THCA from your system and can also help your kidneys cope with the metabolic process.
- Nutritious Diet: You must also eat balanced meals and foods rich in antioxidants to speed up your body’s natural metabolism. Green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and fruits like berries contribute to a healthier detox process.
- Physical Activity: Since cannabinoids are stored in fat and also excreted through sweat, physical activity and cardio are effective ways to accelerate their elimination. Additionally, being in shape helps improve your metabolism.
- Careful Usage: Just like THC, if you’re regularly using THCA, it may stay in your body for longer. Instead, moderate your use and align detox periods to accommodate testing and other concerns.
Know How To Spot a Marijuana Addiction and When to Get Help
THCA is one of the beneficial substances derived from the cannabis plant. Although it isn’t psychoactive, it can be a gateway for potential marijuana abuse.
Taking THCA for health benefits can easily spiral into experimenting with THC and similar substances. For many, consuming marijuana may not seem detrimental to health. But it can lead to adverse effects like slowed coordination, developmental issues, and psychosis.
If you feel you or a loved one is developing a cannabis addiction13, here are some signs to look out for:
- You feel agitated or bothered when you can’t consume marijuana
- THC has become a way for you to deal with the stress of life
- You think about consuming cannabis even when you don’t need to
- You have tried to quit smoking, vaping, or ingesting weed, but can’t
The sooner you reach out for help, the faster you can put an end to addiction. Since marijuana is incredibly habit-forming, its treatment has a higher chance of relapse and needs a methodical approach.
Texas’s Top Marijuana Addiction Treatment Center
Nurture Nexus Recovery provides evidence-based marijuana addiction treatment programs. Our approach to treating drug addiction puts the patient at the heart of everything.
We believe that changing addictive behavior and providing medication to minimize symptoms can speed up recovery and prevent relapse in the long run. Call us today at (214) 838-7488 or contact us online to book an appointment.
FAQs on How Long THCA Stays in Your System?
How to Pass a Drug Test for THCA?
Drug tests do not usually screen for THCA, so if you’re looking to pass a test, you need to worry about the THC levels. Make sure that you do not heat the THCA during consumption, and also drink water and exercise to flush it out.
Does THCA Stay in Your System After One Hit?
If you’re taken only one hit of THCA, it should clear from your system within a few days at max and not leave behind traces.
What is The Most Potent Way to Consume THCA?
Vaping or taking THCA sublingually increases its bioavailability and helps the effects kick in within 30 minutes. This makes it the most potent way to consume the substance.
How Long Does it Take to Detox From Cannabis?
For many individuals who occasionally consume cannabis, detox should take around a month. However, those people who take the drug regularly and have poor health may test positive for up to a few months after quitting.
Can THCA Gummies Get You High?
No, THCA is a non-psychoactive substance. This means THCA gummies cannot get you high if consumed as directed on the packaging.
Do I Need to Clear THCA Tests to Get a Job?
Workplaces do not usually test for THCA, but can test you for THC. Hence, clearing the THC test is essential if they have a no-substance abuse policy.
Additional Resources
- How to Treat Drug Addiction: Methods, Support, and Relapse Prevention
- Finding the Best Addiction Treatment Programs Near Me: A Comprehensive Guide
