How long does cannabis or THC stay in a person’s system?

In this article we answer how long THC remains detectable in your system and how your body metabolizes it.

How long does cannabis or THC stay in a person’s system?

The answer to this question can depend on a few personal factors.

How often you consume cannabis and how your body metabolizes it are among two. For people who consume cannabis daily, it can be detectable in your system for several months after last use. Cannabis that is more potent (higher in THC) may stay in your system for even longer. Other factors that influence detection of THC in tests include the dose of THC, your body fat and how much water you drink.

While THC is only detectable in the bloodstream for a short time after use, its metabolic byproducts can be detectable for quite some time afterward.

  • THC may be detectable in a person’s hair for up to 90 days.
  • THC may be detectable in a person’s urine for 1-30 days.
  • THC may be detectable in a person’s saliva for up to 24 hours.
  • THC may be detectable in a person’s sweat for 7-14 days.

Metabolizing THC

THC is absorbed by your bloodstream and broken down in the liver. THC has over 80 metabolites and the most important ones for detecting cannabis in your system are 11-OH-THC (11-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and THCCOOH (11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). These metabolites accumulate in fat reserves throughout the body. Most tests look for those metabolites, which remain in your system longer than THC. Ultimately, these metabolites exit the body through urine and stool.

What can I do to metabolize THC faster?

Once cannabis enters your body, it takes time to break down. Speeding up your metabolism may impact the rate at which your body expels traces of THC. Activities such as exercising and drinking a lot of water may help, but the result isn’t drastic or certain. You may also consider lowering your dose of THC so that your body metabolizes it faster.

DISCLAIMER: THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.

All information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other materials contained on this site are for informational purposes only. No text, graphics, images or other materials on this site are intended to be professional medical advice or a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional medical advice because of something you have viewed on this site.

DISCLAIMER: THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.

SHARE:

By Keila DeFade March 27, 2026
$4,200 in credit is up for grabs. Ten recipients will each have the chance to claim $420. Sign up now and read below to see how it works.
Dark gray abstract leaf pattern with overlapping textured leaves
March 11, 2026
Customers who shop at select March and Ash locations may receive a Refer a Friend coupon . Once you have your coupon, share the “For a Friend” portion with someone who has never shopped at March and Ash. When they redeem it, they’ll receive 30% off their first purchase — and you’ll get 30% off your next visit . Two coupons. Two discounts. One great introduction. What Your Coupon Includes For a Friend Give this portion of the coupon to someone new to March and Ash. They’ll receive 30% off their first purchase . For You Keep this portion of the coupon. Use it for 30% off your next visit . How It Works Step 1 — Get a Coupon Customers may receive a Refer a Friend coupon when shopping at select March and Ash locations. Step 2 — Share with a Friend Give the “For a Friend” coupon to someone who has never shopped at March and Ash. Step 3 — They Redeem It Your friend brings the coupon in-store and receives 30% off their first purchase . Step 4 — You Save Too Keep the “For You” coupon and use it for 30% off your next purchase . Who Qualifies The Friend Coupon is valid for customers who: Have never made a purchase at March and Ash Are 21+ with valid ID Present the coupon at checkout Where It’s Valid Valid at participating March and Ash locations including Mission Valley Imperial Valley Availability may vary by location. Important Details • Coupon must be presented at checkout • One coupon per customer • Coupons cannot be duplicated or reproduced • Coupons are valid for a limited time and subject to change or cancellation at any time. What products are excluded? Discount excludes: Accessories Items under $10 CBD / ratio products (Imperial Valley and Palm Desert only) FAQ Can I give the friend coupon to anyone? Yes — as long as the person has never made a purchase at March and Ash before . Can the coupon be used online? No. The coupon must be presented in-store at checkout . Can the discount be combined with other deals? No. Referral coupons cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts . Terms Valid in-store only at participating March and Ash locations. One coupon per customer. Coupon must be relinquished at time of purchase. 30% off first-time purchase valid for new customers only. 30% off next purchase valid on a return visit. Not combinable with other offers. Excludes accessories and items under $10 at all participating locations. Excludes CBD/ratio products at Imperial Valley and Palm Desert locations only. Limited time offer. See store for details.
January 7, 2026
March is Women's History Month. Check out some of our favorite female-owned cannabis brands you can find at March and Ash in San Diego, Vista and Imperial Valley.
January 7, 2026
LEUNE is a California born lifestyle brand forged on the principle of transcending the narrative of cannabis culture. LEUNE is sold at March and Ash in San Diego, Vista and Imperial, California.
January 7, 2026
Staying on top of the latest cannabis trends is what we do here at March and Ash. Check out what strains are at the top of the list so far in 2021.
January 7, 2026
Few things go better together than cannabis and food. Take mealtime to the next level by visiting some of our favorite taco stops in San Diego, and enjoying these complementary cannabis pairings.
January 7, 2026
Support the LGBTQ+ community when you shop these cannabis brands at March and Ash in San Diego and Imperial County.
January 7, 2026
Drew Martin is an herbalist, award-winning mixologist, and self-proclaimed wanderer. He launched his eponymous line of botanically blended pre-rolls in 2020 with a goal of creating new ways for people to experience cannabis.
January 7, 2026
How to get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer with Papa and Barkley's new Sleep Releaf collection. Available now at March and Ash.
January 7, 2026
The best cannabis products and accessories to gift everyone on your list.
Show More