Drug tests are a common requirement in many workplaces and organizations. These tests detect the presence of drugs in a person’s system, including marijuana and its major psychoactive component Tetrahydrocannabinol,[1] also known as THC.
If you have recently used marijuana, you might be worried about an upcoming drug test. The good news is that there are several ways to remove THC from your system. This article will discuss how to quickly get THC out of your system by 4 effective ways to pass drug tests.
How To Get THC Out Of Your System
If you have a drug test coming up, here are some ways to get THC out of your system faster:
- Stop using marijuana products.
- Exercise.
- Drink lots of water.
- Eat plenty of fiber.
- Try detox drinks or products.
Even though you’re wondering how to get THC out of your system faster, it’s important to remember that the human body processes THC slowly. It can take several days or even weeks[2] to remove it from the system.
4 Effective Ways To Get THC Out Of Your System
There are several effective ways to aid in your marijuana detox. You can exercise regularly to burn fat and release stored THC. Hydrate yourself well, as this will help flush out the toxins. Eat a healthy diet rich in fiber and nutrients to support detoxification through natural excretion. Finally, consider using natural THC detox methods such as drinking green tea or taking supplements like milk thistle.
Exercise
Regular exercise[3] is an effective way to burn fat cells and maintain good health. However, it can also help eliminate THC metabolites from the body, which can benefit those facing a drug test. THC metabolites are stored in your body’s fat cells, and when you burn these cells during exercise, the metabolites release into the bloodstream. Your body can then eliminate them through sweat and urine.
Cardiovascular exercises such as running, cycling, or swimming can be particularly effective in removing THC from the system. However, avoiding exercising too close to the drug test is important, as this can cause a temporary increase in THC levels. It is also essential to stay hydrated during exercise, this can help to flush out THC metabolites more quickly.
Drink A Lot Of Water
Drinking plenty of water can help flush out THC metabolites through urine and bowel movements.[4] Health professionals recommend that women drink about 11 cups of water per day and men drink about 15 cups of water per day. This is a good starting point for staying hydrated to flush THC metabolites from your system.
However, avoid drinking too much water before the drug test, as this can dilute the urine[5] and result in an inconclusive test.
Eat a Fiber-Rich Diet
Eating a diet rich in fiber can help to improve digestion and promote bowel movement, which can aid in the elimination of THC metabolites from the body. Some different high-fiber foods include:
- Fruits: Apples, bananas, oranges, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, avocados, pears, kiwis, and figs.
- Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, collard greens, artichokes, Brussels sprouts, peas, and corn.
- Whole Grains: Oats, quinoa, brown rice, barley, bulgur, whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, and popcorn.
- Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, navy beans, lima beans, and split peas.
You can incorporate these fiber-rich foods into your diet to speed up the detox process.
Try Natural Detox Methods
Green tea and milk thistle are natural detox methods that can help remove THC from the body. Green tea contains catechins and antioxidants that can boost metabolism[6] and improve liver function.[7] Regularly drinking green tea can help flush out toxins from your body and promote overall health.
Milk thistle[8] is a herb that contains silymarin, a compound that can protect the liver from damage caused by toxins. Milk thistle can help the liver detoxify the body and remove THC metabolites.
Several detox products are available in the market that claim to eliminate THC from the system. These products include detox pills, detox drinks, detox kits, and other detox methods. However, these products have questionable reliability and can potentially result in adverse effects.[9]
It is crucial to consult with a medical professional before starting any new detox method.
How Long Does THC Stay In Your System?
The length of time THC stays in the body varies depending on several factors, including the frequency of marijuana use, the amount of marijuana used, metabolic rate, and the method of marijuana consumption. THC can stay in the body for as long as 30 days or more.
Testing for THC in Your System
Several different types of drug tests[10] detect THC, including:
Urine Test
The urine test is the most common marijuana drug test used to detect THC in the body. The urine drug test involves collecting a urine sample and analyzing it for THC metabolites. THC metabolites can remain in the body for up to 30 days. Urine tests are reliable and widely used, making them popular for drug testing in various settings.
Blood Test
Blood tests are considerably more invasive than a urine sample because they require drawing blood from a person’s arm. They are also less common than urine tests for detecting THC and its metabolites.
However, blood tests can provide a more accurate result and can detect THC in the body for a shorter time than urine tests.
Hair Test
Hair tests are less common than urine tests but can detect the presence of THC in the body for up to 90 days after marijuana use. The test involves collecting a hair sample and analyzing it for the presence of THC and its metabolites.
Saliva Test
Saliva testing is less invasive than blood testing and can detect the presence of THC in the body for up to 24 hours after marijuana use. The test involves collecting a saliva sample and analyzing it for the presence of THC and its metabolites.
How To Get THC Out Of Your System Faster
Several factors can affect how long THC stays in the body,[11] including:
- Frequency of marijuana use: Frequent use can lead to a buildup of THC in the body, making it take longer to clear out.
- Amount of marijuana used: Similar to frequency, larger doses of marijuana can lead to higher concentrations of THC in the body and a longer clearance time.
- Body fat percentage: THC is fat-soluble, which means it can accumulate in fatty tissue. Individuals with higher body fat percentages may have THC stored in their bodies for more extended periods of time.
- Metabolism rate: A faster metabolism can help clear THC from the body more quickly, while a slower metabolism may prolong the time it takes to eliminate THC.
- Method of marijuana consumption: The method of consumption affects the onset and duration of THC effects, which can impact clearance time. For example, smoking marijuana can lead to quicker onset and shorter duration of effects compared to edibles, which can take longer to take effect but last longer in the body.
Conclusion
Passing a drug test can be a stressful experience, particularly if you have recently used marijuana. However, there are several ways to remove THC from your system, including exercise, drinking lots of water, eating a fiber-rich diet, and using detox products. Choosing a reliable and effective method to ensure a successful drug test is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
The length of time THC stays in the body varies depending on several factors, including the frequency of marijuana use, the amount of marijuana used, and the method of marijuana consumption. THC can stay in your body for up to 30 days or more.
Exercise can help burn fat cells, releasing THC metabolites into the bloodstream. These metabolites are then eliminated from the body through urine, feces, and sweat.
Drinking plenty of water can help to flush out THC metabolites from the body through urine. Healthcare providers recommend you drink between 11-15 cups of water daily to keep the body hydrated and facilitate the detox process.
There are several detox products available in the market that claim to eliminate THC from the system. Some examples include detox drinks, THC detox kits, and capsules. However, these products are not clinically tested and can potentially pose a danger to your health.