How to Detox From THC

Cannabis detox is the process of removing any residual THC from the body and its systems. By abstaining from cannabis for a while, the body gets rid of all the cannabinoids and terpenes. Once in a while, detoxing from THC is necessary and healthy. So whether you’re taking a tolerance break or need to pass a drug test, here are some tips for resetting effectively.

How Long Does It Take?

THC detox is not a quick deal. It can take up to 30 days for THC metabolites to go away after ingestion. Even after just one use, it can remain in your system for up to eight days. This greatly depends on how much and how often you consume cannabis. Body size, sex, and weight are also factors. Even after a marijuana detox regimen, there may be traces of THC still in the urine. There are even reports of heavy users testing positive after 77 days. Don’t fear, though. Most people can speed up the process by eating well, exercising regularly, and drinking lots of water.

For more on how THC is metabolized in the body, the National Library of Science published The Ultimate Guide to Marijuana Metabolism. Check it out!

THC Detox Myths

Avoid products that proclaim “detox now” or “clean tomorrow.” No vitamin, drink, tea, or chemical will miraculously remove THC from your system overnight or quickly. While some of these products may help in conjunction with good old abstinence and exercise, they won’t do much on their own, and certainly not right away.

The most common cannabis detox myths involve cranberry juice, vinegar, and niacin. While these things are excellent for your health, they aren’t going to help you detox from THC. Furthermore, there is absolutely no science to back these claims up at all.

Be wary of using fake urine for a drug test. While this trick may work for some tests, many of them are more sophisticated. Even if you manage to keep the temperature correct (most lab cups have a thermometer on the side), a lab test will quickly uncover your secret. Most likely, you have no idea what test will be used, and trying to pass fake urine is an immediate failure.

Lastly, the old “I was in a room with someone smoking” line has been had thanks to the 1985 study published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences. Five healthy participants who had never smoked marijuana before were utilized. They sat in a small, enclosed car for 30 minutes with others who were smoking cannabis. None of the five participants tested positive for THC. A 2010 study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology and a 2015 study by John Hopkins University also found that passive inhalation of cannabis doesn’t do much at all.

How To Detox Correctly

Before you start your detox journey, buy a few THC test kits. You can find these online or in your local Walmart. Since the time for detox can be anywhere from eight to 77 days, you will want to know when you are done.

Abstinence is the key to cannabis detox. As we mentioned, there are no magic get-out-of-jail-free cards. While daily exercise and hydration can speed up the process a little, simply not putting THC in your body is the only surefire way to detox. For some, this can be a difficult task, while others will find it easy. If you find that detoxing is affecting your sleep, appetite, motivation, and mood, there are plenty of supplements out there that might help. From vitamins to sleep aids to CBD, there is most likely something that will at least soften the blow.

Perhaps the most effective thing for detoxing, other than abstinence, is sweating it out, literally. The majority of THC metabolites are excreted in the urine, but a significant portion also comes out in your sweat. Hitting the sauna can be a great way to help detox. Exercising in heavy clothing and steamy showers works as well. Anything to get you sweating—a lot.

In closing, detoxing from THC can take a fair amount of time, and it may not be pleasant. But it’s possible, and thousands of people do it every day. Passing a drug test isn’t the only benefit. Just think, after your detox, that first hit will be better than any you’ve had in a while. And it will take less product to get you to the level you want to be at. So remember to stay away from the gimmicks and go for the gold with good old abstinence, hydration, exercise, and sweat.