Posted on October 31, 2023 by Munchies

Drug tests play a crucial role in many aspects of life, from employment to legal matters, ensuring that individuals comply with specific rules. With the discovery of new cannabinoids like THCP, understanding how these compounds interact with drug tests becomes increasingly important to users. In this article, we’ll explore whether THCP will likely appear on standard drug tests, find the factors that determine its detectability, and much more. 

Key Takeaways 

  • Drug tests are designed to detect metabolites, the body’s byproduct of processing compounds like THC and THCP. 
  • Consumption frequency, metabolism, and potency of THCP products are the main factors that affect your drug test. 
  • Potential consequences for testing positive for THCP can include damage to personal relationships, disciplinary actions, loss of employment, and much more. 
  • THCP can be detected in drug tests, and there are ways to pass the test, such as optimizing metabolism, regulating consumption, following professional advice, and more. 

Does THCP Show on a Drug Test? 

Yes. Tetrahydrocannabiphorol, or THCP, has the potential to show up on drug tests due to its structural similarities to THC and its metabolic pathways. Most people view drug tests as a means to detect marijuana (THC) or THCP outright, but that’s not how drug tests are designed. You might be confused: isn’t THCP’s structure similar to THC?

Yes, but present drug tests are designed for detecting metabolites, specifically a metabolite called THC-COOH. Imagine this: when a user consumes THC, the body processes it, and THC-COOH is formed. This compound is the byproduct of metabolizing THC. And since THCP is another form of THC, consuming it leads to THC-COOH being made. Now, as a result, THCP can lead to a positive drug test result intended for THC. 

Specific Drug Tests for THC and THCP

Due to their structural similarities, THCP may cross-react with tests intended for THC, potentially leading to a positive result. ​Currently, no widely available drug tests are designed specifically to detect THCP.​ Most standard drug tests focus on detecting THC and its metabolites, particularly THC-COOH, which means THCP may not be specifically identified. 

Various drug testing methodologies exist, such as: 

  • Urine
  • Saliva
  • Blood
  • Hair Follicle

Urine tests are the most common, typically detecting THC metabolites for around 3 days to 4 weeks, depending on your usage patterns. Saliva tests identify THC within a shorter time, usually up to 48 hours after consumption. Blood tests can detect THCP for about one to four days after consumption, while hair follicle tests could potentially trace THCP use for up to 90 days.

Two lab technicians dropping a solution into test tubes.

Unsplash Photo by NCI

How Long Does THCP Stay in Your System?

Generally, THCP may stay in the body for about 2 to 30 days. However, the duration of its presence in the system can vary based on several factors, including individual metabolism, frequency of use, and the potency of the THCP product.

3 Main Factors That Influence THCP Detection in Drug Tests

  • Frequency of Consumption – The duration and amount of THCP consumed results in a greater possibility of failing a drug test as the body takes more time to process and eliminate it.
  • Metabolism Rate—Individual metabolisms are built differently, affecting how long THCP or any compound stays in your system. Factors like diet and health conditions can also influence metabolism, leading to variability in THCP detection times.
  • The potency of THCP Products – More potent THCP products may increase the likelihood of detection in drug tests because they require more time for the body to metabolize. 

Find out How Long THCP Stays in Your System 

Potential Consequences of Testing Positive for THC After Using THCP

Testing positive for THC due to the consumption of THCP can have serious consequences. These may include job-related disciplinary actions, employment loss, or difficulties securing future employment, especially in industries with strict drug-testing policies.

Legal Implications

Positive drug tests can also lead to legal challenges, particularly for individuals in professions or situations where drug use is strictly prohibited. This can involve legal repercussions, including fines or being barred from certain activities related to licenses or certifications.

Impact on Health Insurance

Another potential consequence includes complications with health insurance coverage. Testing positive for THC might result in higher premiums or even denial of coverage, as some insurers may view this as a high-risk factor.

Social and Personal Complications

There may also be social implications, such as damage to personal relationships or reputational harm in the community. Friends, family, and peers may respond negatively to a positive drug test result, impacting relationships and social standing.

Mitigation and Recovery Expenses

Individuals who test positive may need to consider mitigation efforts, such as enrolling in drug counseling or rehabilitation programs, which can be taxing,  time-consuming, and emotionally challenging process. This can also require financial investment, which adds another layer of consequence for those affected by a positive test result. 

7 Strategies to Pass a THCP Drug Test

Disclaimer: There is no surefire way to pass drug tests if you have recently used THCP or any other substances, but here are some suggestions you can try. 

Understand the THCP Detection Process 

Passing a THCP drug test hinges on understanding how these tests operate. Most drug tests are designed to detect THC and its metabolites, particularly THC-COOH, rather than THCP directly. However, since THCP can be metabolized into similar compounds, consuming it can still produce a positive result.

Consumption Schedule 

​A critical strategy is limiting or abstaining from THCP consumption before the testing date.​ The closer your last use of THCP is to the testing date, the higher your chances of failing the test. Thus, it is advisable to stop using THCP for at least a week or more before a scheduled drug test, depending on your consumption history and the type of test.

Monitor Your Dosage

Reducing the quantity of THCP  you normally consume can significantly lower the likelihood of detection in a drug test. Higher dosages prolong the time your body needs to process and eliminate THCP and its metabolites. Another alternative is to use lower-potency products to minimize the duration that cannabinoids stay in your system.

Improve Your Metabolism

Engaging in activities to boost your metabolic rate may help speed up the elimination of THCP from your system. Factors influencing metabolism include regular exercise, healthy eating, and staying well-hydrated. Individuals with higher metabolic rates may process and eliminate THCP compounds more efficiently.

Be Cautious with Detox Products

Many detox products claim to hasten the removal of THC-COOH and may offer a temporary strategy for passing drug tests. However, their efficacy is largely unproven and inconsistent. If considering such products, approach them cautiously, as no detox method will result in a successful outcome.

Choose the Right Testing Method 

Negotiate a testing type that offers a shorter detection time. Saliva tests typically have a shorter viability period than urine or hair tests, so opting for a saliva test may work if you aim for a faster detection cutoff.

Follow Professional Advice 

Consult a medical professional or legal expert whenever you have serious concerns about drug testing and THCP usage. They can provide personalized advice based on your circumstances and help you understand any potential health and legal implications of THCP use. 

Takeaway 

So, is THCP the uninvited party guest that could cause trouble? The answer is yes. Even though it’s a newcomer to the cannabinoid scene, THCP has the potential to show up on drug tests thanks to its structural similarities to THC. But with the right approach—like lessening your intake, boosting your metabolism, and understanding how drug tests operate—you can dodge the surprise bomb. Stay informed, stay prepared, and always come clean. 

(Disclaimer reminder: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, CBD, etc) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)

Disclaimer: This article reflects the laws of the United States at the time it was written. Because cannabis laws in the United States laws are subject to change at any time, please make sure that you are always staying up to date on your federal, state, and local county’s cannabis laws. Additionally, we are NOT encouraging anyone to break the law––we are simply showing people ways to legally and discreetly bring their cannabis products along with them on their travels so that they may have access to those products when they reach their intended destination.

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