Any cannabis user has likely pondered how to get THC out of the body at some point or another. Unfortunately, the short answer is that there is no surefire way to completely “get weed out of your system” at a quicker than normal rate.
Because of the way the body metabolizes THC, it stays in the blood, hair and urine for many days or even weeks, according to Medical News Today. The good news is that it will eventually leave the body if users completely abstain from consuming weed for long enough. But the question on how long that will take has a rather complicated answer.
How long does THC stay in the body?
First of all, it varies based on your level of usage. For example, Very Well Mind, a healthcare consumer media brand backed by board-certified mental health professionals and physicians, reports that If you’re a daily smoker, you’re looking at a much longer timeframe than someone who is an occasional smoker.
It also depends on your metabolism and overall health, so the time frame is different for everyone. For a one time cannabis user, THC might be present in the body for as little as five days. But for a habitual user, it could last for up to three months, according to Very Well Mind.
Why Does it Take so Long?
A study in the British Journal of Pharmacology reports that the reason THC takes so long to leave the body is because it’s stored in fat cells. So, think about how long it takes to burn a significant amount of fat (too long). Those who use cannabis more will have more THC stored in their fat, which will take longer to burn.
While there is no way to get cannabis out of your system immediately, there are some methods pot smokers have been known to use to help their bodies detox.
1. Bentonite Clay
The use of bentonite clay as a detoxifier has been a known natural remedy for thousands of years, according to a study in the Iranian Journal of Public Health.
Today, it’s used in products like toothpaste, facemasks, makeup and even some dietary supplements.
Many people also believe it can be used as a way to rid the body of toxins, including THC, because it absorbs toxins and removes them from the body as it is excreted. Drinking a small amount of it diluted in water over the course of several days might be an effective way to speed up the process. Though, it is important to note that science does not yet conclusively confirm the benefits of consuming bentonite clay.
2. Sweat it Out
Sweating seems to be a more common method amongst cannabis users to help rid the body of weed. The idea is that the THC, which is stored in fat cells, is excreted from the body through sweat. However, there actually is no guarantee that this works, as there is no hard science proving one way or another.
One study in the journal Forensic Science International shows that there is indeed THC present in sweat. However it is still unclear if one can fully detox THC by sweating it out.
3. Hydrate
Staying hydrated is a more dependable way to speed up the process. Yet once again, there’s no definitive answer on this one either. Drinking fluids not only improves bodily functions, but it also helps flush the body and increases metabolism, according to a study in the journal Nutrition Reviews. Thus, keeping in good health could help your body detoxify THC.
Either way — it’s always a good idea to stay hydrated whether or not you’re trying to detox from weed.
4. Drink Tea
Drinking tea might also help speed up the process. That’s because it is a diuretic, meaning it helps flush out the body. Antioxidant teas in particular have health benefits that may improve the function of our bodies, thus accelerating the process of detoxing THC.
Of course, the best solution to detoxing the body from THC is time and abstinence. Unfortunately that’s everyone’s least desirable option. These methods might help speed up the process, but it’s important to remember there is no guarantee that any of them will work. If you’re considering giving one of them a try, I’d recommend doing your own research to determine if it’s going to be right for you. Being mindful of how you treat your body is always the most important, and keeping in good overall health is the best way to ensure your body is metabolizing THC to its best ability.
What about the vinegar technique 🙂
Working out and water is definitely one of the best ways to reduce and remove thc from coming up positive. Unfortunately it only works when you know when a test is coming!