THCA is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. It will not get you high. However, its chemical structure is similar to a THC metabolite and other THC metabolites, which can produce positive drug tests. And since most drug tests check for THC, many people will want to know: how long does THCA stay in your system? Drug tests don’t differentiate between THC and its metabolites. The typical drug test is not advanced enough to tell the difference between different types of cannabis metabolites.
So, if you get drug tested at your work, the last thing you want is to test positive or false positive results. Therefore, you must ensure you have enough time to get THCA out of your system before your next drug test. But don’t worry. We will provide guidelines that answer the question, how long does THCA stay in your system so that you can enjoy the benefits of THCA without fear.
What is THCA?
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid, THCa, THC-a, or THC-A) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. It is the precursor to THC and naturally occurs in all cannabis plants. THCA takes on psychoactive effects when it is heated. It undergoes decarboxylation to transform into Delta 9 THC (Delta 9, D9, D9 THC, or THC).
Although THCA does not have psychoactive effects, it produces many of THC’s therapeutic benefits. It can help with sleep, reduce anxiousness, and relieve physical discomfort. Many people use “uncooked” THCA to enjoy its benefits without the euphoria.
What are the Various Types of Drug Tests?
Drug tests identify THC metabolites at the molecular level. Cannabis drug testing is often combined with other kinds of drug testing. For example, your drug test may also test for other substances.
The drug test primarily tests for THC metabolites. It rarely detects CBD. However, since CBD also has a very similar molecular structure to THC, it may trigger false positives.
You may require a drug test for the following reasons:
- Medical Screenings. Patients may receive drug tests in medical settings. They are often used for psychiatric and recovery purposes.
- Employment Drug Tests. Companies often drug test workers who operate heavy machinery or drive for a living. Drug testing used to be more prevalent in the workplace, but it is becoming obsolete in several industries due to a higher acceptance of cannabis products.
- Military Drug Tests. The military is known to administer standard drug tests. Drug tests can also be ordered if a superior believes a member of the military is using drugs in such a way that it becomes a safety issue.
- Legal and Forensic Testing. Law enforcement may administer drug tests for court cases or investigative purposes. They can provide evidence in child endangerment cases.
If you receive drug testing regularly, you may wonder, how long does THCA stay in your system?
How Long Does THCA Stay in Your System?
Depending on the frequency of consumption, THCA can stay in your system for several months. However, different drug tests will detect the drug for varying amounts of time. Here are the different types of drug tests and detection windows you should be aware of.
Urine Drug Tests
A drug urine test is one of the most common drug testing methods. Urine drug tests can detect THCA metabolites for up to 45 days. However, this time frame can vary depending on how often you use the cannabinoid, dosage amount, metabolism, and other biological factors.
In some instances, THCA will stay in your system for a few days, impacting the detection window in urine drug screens. Heavy cannabis consumers may have THC in their system that remains detectable in standard urine tests for a couple of weeks.
Blood Tests
Blood tests do not detect THC metabolites for as long as a urine test because THCA does not stay in your blood as long as it stays in your urine. In most instances, THCA metabolites will only be detected by a blood test for 24 hours. However, usage and metabolism can affect drug test results.
Saliva Tests
Saliva tests will detect THC metabolites for up to 48 hours. The detection window is shorter than urine tests but longer than blood tests. Metabolism and dosage will affect how long THCA stays in your salivary glands.
Hair Tests
Hair tests will detect THCA use for the longest amount of time. It can detect the cannabinoid for up to 90 days. Because cannabinoids stick around so long in hair follicles, hair tests are often used to determine a person’s history of drug use.
Like blood tests, saliva tests, and urine tests, hair test detection can also be affected by metabolism, use frequency, and dosage amounts. However, hair growth will also play a factor. If your hair grows quickly, it may eliminate THC metabolites sooner.
Things to Know About Drug Testing
These guidelines will help you determine when you should stop consuming THCA. For example, if your company uses urine tests, you should refrain from THCA use for at least 45 days to avoid a positive drug test. Limited doses may help the drug clear out of your system sooner, but it’s best to play it safe and avoid using cannabis completely.
Blood tests and saliva tests will give you a little more leeway. Hair tests mean you may want to completely refrain from cannabis use- if you want to keep your job. However, most companies use the urine test.
Urine tests are typically requested as a pre-employment measure and may be ongoing throughout your career. So, if you are looking for a job in an industry that drug tests, you may want to stay clean.
Types of THCA Consumption
Consuming THCA can lead to a positive drug test, but it has many beneficial properties. If you choose to indulge, it is available in the following forms.
THCA Flower
THCA flower can be added to edibles or smoked in joints, pipes, or bongs. If you smoke THCA, the heat will convert it into THC, which provides psychoactive effects. Baking it and adding it to edibles will provide the same results.
THCA Vape
Vaping is a portable, discreet method of THCA consumption. Many people vape, so no one has to know you are using cannabis. The flavor will disguise the smell. Once heat is applied, the cannabinoid will vaporize and convert into THC. It will get you high.
THCA Cart
Carts are filled with vape juice that can be inserted into vape pens. They will vaporize and get you high. Look for THCA carts that contain all-natural materials. Avoid carts with PG, VG, and other unnatural substances.
THCA Pre-Rolls
Many cannabis companies sell THC pre-rolls. These joints are rolled for you to eliminate the hassle. They may contain THCA and other cannabinoids. They will convert into THC once heat is applied.
THCA Gummies
THCA gummies are a convenient way to dose. They are discreet and offer predosed convenience. They do not require heat so that you can enjoy their therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects.
THCA Concentrates
Concentrates are highly concentrated forms of THCA, such as budder, wax, and resin. They are typically applied to a dab rig nail and heated. The heating converts the THCA to THC and produces psychoactive effects.
THCA Tinctures
THCA tinctures can be administered by a dropper for easy dosing. They often feature a mix of terpenes and cannabinoids to provide a full-spectrum effect. They are not heated so that you can enjoy therapeutic benefits without the euphoria.
How to Eliminate THCA from Your System
You can plan for drug tests, but sometimes they come up as a surprise. When that happens, you must quickly eliminate THCA metabolites from your system. Here are some ways to quickly detox THC metabolites from your system.
Hydrate
Water and other liquids help eliminate toxins from the system. They boost metabolism, so you eliminate toxins quickly.
Research reveals that drinking 17 ounces of water can increase your metabolism by 30% for about an hour. You may see better results by drinking detox water, which contains natural fruit juices. The antioxidants in the fruit may assist with toxin elimination.
Exercise
Exercise will also boost your metabolism, allowing you to eliminate toxins quickly. It speeds up your heart rate and blood circulation and increases sweat production, allowing you to eliminate toxins more efficiently. It also enhances digestion and elimination, allowing you to get rid of waste sooner.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet can help with waste elimination. Fiber promotes healthy digestion, so you get rid of waste and toxins sooner. Antioxidants also aid detoxification by neutralizing free radicals, which can damage cells and tissues.
Fruits and vegetables tend to be high in antioxidants and fiber. Eat a diet rich in apples, beans, beets, raspberries, and dark chocolate. These food items will help you eliminate THCA from your system.
Use Detox Products
Many detox products on the market claim to help rid your body of toxins. Supplements, smoothies, and diets may help you achieve your goals.
Be aware that some detox products are less effective than they claim. Some may even contain harmful ingredients.
If you choose to use detox products, purchase ones with all-natural ingredients. Look at customer and expert reviews. Ensure they are FDA-approved.
Seek Medical Advice
In some instances, a doctor may assist with detox. They may instruct you on methods that will avoid a positive drug test.
People with medical conditions who need to detox will find professional advice especially helpful. It will prevent them from using harmful treatments to eliminate cannabinoids from their body.
For example, people with medical conditions may need to avoid certain exercises, foods, and detox products. A medical professional will ensure you stay safe during your detox process.
Consider Digestive Health
Digestive health and detoxification go hand in hand. If you are constipated, it can interfere with your ability to eliminate toxins. It is best to promote digestive health naturally. Eat high-fiber foods and drink plenty of water. Exercise will also help.
Some people believe laxatives will help with detoxification. However, this is a myth. Laxatives draw liquids from intestinal walls to make it easier to pass waste. They do not flush waste from our intestinal walls. Additionally, if you use laxatives too often, you may get sick.
Final Thoughts – How Long Does THCA Stay in Your System?
Many people wonder: how long does THCA stay in your system? It’s an important topic for anyone who gets drug tested. Some people may also want to know for health reasons. The amount of time THCA metabolites stay in your system varies depending on your usage, dosage, and metabolism. Certain drug tests will detect it for longer times than others. Consider these factors when your company is about to conduct a drug test.
Several methods will help you eliminate THCA metabolites from your system. Eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, and exercise to ensure you don’t encounter positive test results.
Trending Topic:
Live Resin vs Distillate Cart
THCA vs Delta 9
People also search for:
Delta 8 Gummies
Delta 9 Gummies