How Long Does 5mg of THC Stay in Your System?
Introduction
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the active ingredient in cannabis that produces the feeling of being “high.” It’s found in varying concentrations in different strains of cannabis and in different types of products, from smokable flower to edibles and oils. But how long does THC stay in your system, particularly a 5mg dose? This CONTENTt will delve into the factors affecting the duration of THC in the body and the implications for drug testing.
Metabolism of THC
When you consume cannabis, the THC is absorbed into your bloodstream. Your liver then metabolizes it into more than 80 different metabolites, the most significant of which is THC-COOH. This metabolite is fat-soluble, meaning it can be stored in your body’s fat cells and released over time. Generally, the more frequently and more heavily you use cannabis, the longer it will take to be completely eliminated from your system.
However, for a single 5mg dose, especially for infrequent users, it might be undetectable in a matter of days. It’s important to note that this can vary widely based on a number of factors, including metabolism speed, body mass, and hydration levels.
Drug Testing for THC
Drug tests for cannabis don’t actually look for THC itself; instead, they look for the metabolite THC-COOH. Different types of drug tests have different detection windows. Urine tests, the most common type, can usually detect THC metabolites for up to 3-30 days after use.
Individual Factors
As mentioned, many factors can influence how long THC stays in your system. Your metabolism, body mass, and hydration levels can all influence how quickly THC is eliminated from your body. Additionally, the method of consumption can also play a role – for instance, THC from edibles can often stay in your system longer than THC from smoking.