Posted on August 16, 2023 by Munchies

Do you have an upcoming drug test and are curious about how long THCA stays in your system? You might be surprised to learn that this non-psychoactive compound can still have an impact when it comes to drug tests. 

THCA transforms into Delta 9 THC when exposed to heat—and that’s what most tests are designed to detect. But what do these drug tests look for, and how long can THCA linger in your body? Today, we’ll explore the answers to your questions and more. 

Learn everything you need about THCA, its nature, potential uses, and more. 

Key Takeaways 

  • THCA is a non-psychoactive compound but converts to Delta 9 THC when exposed to heat, which is one of the most famous compounds looked for in drug tests.
  • Detection in urine can range from 3 to over 30 days, depending on the frequency of use.
  • THCA can be detected in blood for a few hours to 1-2 days and in saliva for 24-72 hours.
  • Hair tests can detect THCA use for up to 90 days.
  • Frequency of use, metabolism, and consumption methods all influence how long THCA remains detectable.

How Long Does THCA Stay in Your System?  

It takes 3 days to 1 week for Delta 9 THC metabolites to remain detectable in your system.  It’s important to note that most drug tests don’t specifically look for THCA but rather for Delta 9 THC and its metabolites. When THCA is exposed to heat (through smoking, vaping, or cooking), it converts to Delta 9 THC. 

The duration of THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) in your system depends on various factors. It’s important to note that THCA itself is not psychoactive, but it can be converted to Delta 9 THC, which is the compound typically detected in drug tests. 

Detection Times by Drug Test Type

  • Urine Tests – First-time or infrequent users usually take 3 to 5 days; moderate users (4 times per week) can take 5 to 7 days; and daily users 10 to 15 days. For chronic heavy users, detection time can be more than 30 days.
  • Blood Tests – This window is shorter compared to urine tests. It is generally detectable for only a few hours to 1-2 days.
  • Saliva Tests – Typically detect use for 24 to 72 hours after consumption.
  • Hair Tests – Can potentially detect use for up to 90 days. However, the sensitivity for THCA specifically may vary.

Find out if THCA can show up in drug tests through this guide. 

How is THCA Metabolized in the Body? 

THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) undergoes a complex metabolic process in the human body, similar to Delta 9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). The metabolism of THCA involves several stages and produces various metabolites.

Initial Metabolic Pathway

THCA follows a metabolic pathway similar to Delta 9 THC in the human body:

  • Formation of 11-hydroxyl intermediate – The first step in the metabolism of THCA is forming an intermediate compound called 11-OH-THCA.
  • Oxidation to 11-carboxylic metabolite – Following the formation of the 11-hydroxyl intermediate, it is further oxidized to produce the 11-carboxylic metabolite.

Metabolism

It’s important to note that THCA itself does not convert to Delta 9 THC within the body. The conversion of THCA to Delta 9 THC primarily occurs through decarboxylation, which happens when the compound is exposed to heat. This process typically takes place outside the body, such as when cannabis is smoked, vaporized, or cooked.

Research has shown that the conversion of THCA to Delta 9 THC does not occur in vivo (within the living body). Instead, THCA and Delta 9 THC undergo similar metabolic pathways once in the body. They are metabolized by forming the 11-hydroxyl intermediate and then oxidizing to the 11-carboxylic metabolites.

Factors Affecting Metabolism

THCA metabolism in the human body is a complex process involving the formation of specific metabolites.​ While THCA itself does not convert to Delta 9 THC in the body, both compounds undergo similar metabolic pathways once ingested. The duration of THCA in the system can vary significantly based on individual aspects and usage patterns.

Several factors can influence the metabolism of THCA in the body:

  • Individual metabolism – The rate at which THCA is metabolized can vary from person to person due to differences in individual metabolic rates.
  • Frequency of use – Regular cannabis users may metabolize THCA differently compared to occasional users.
  • Consumption method –  The way THCA is consumed (e.g., oral ingestion, under-the-tongue absorption, or inhalation if converted to Delta 9 THC) can affect its metabolism.
  • Dosage – The amount of THCA consumed can impact how long the body metabolizes it completely.
  • Duration in the Body – The time THCA and its metabolites remain can vary. For infrequent users, THCA may be cleared from the system in a few days to weeks.  If you’re a heavy user, it might take a month or more for THCA to be eliminated. In some cases, THCA metabolites can be detected in a hair follicle drug test for up to 30 days after infrequent use.

It’s fascinating to understand that THCA doesn’t convert to Delta 9 THC in the body. Instead, this transformation happens mainly through decarboxylation when THCA is exposed to heat. Instead, THCA and Delta 9 THC undergo similar metabolic pathways once in the body. 

They are metabolized by forming the 11-hydroxyl intermediate and then oxidizing to the 11-carboxylic metabolites. This process typically occurs outside the body, for instance, when cannabis is smoked, vaporized, or cooked. Embracing this knowledge can enhance our appreciation for the science behind cannabis use!

Lab technicians using a microscope.

Pexels Photo by Pixabay

How Long Do Certain Types of THCA Consumption Stay in Your System?

Raw

THCA can be consumed in its raw, unheated form:

  • Methods –  Eating raw cannabis leaves or buds and consuming THCA-rich juices or smoothies.
  • Detection Time – Since raw THCA doesn’t convert to THC, it’s less likely to be detected in standard drug tests. However, trace amounts of THC may still be present in raw cannabis products.

Smoking

Smoking is one of the most common methods of consuming cannabis products containing THCA:

  • Urine – 3-30 days, depending on usage frequency.
  • Blood – A few hours up to 1-2 days.
  • Saliva – 24-72 hours.
  • Hair –  Up to 90 days.

Vaping

Vaping heats THCA to convert it to Delta 9 THC without combustion. This method can be carried out using a vaporizer with THCA flower or concentrates. Its detection is similar to smoking, as the THCA is converted to Delta 9 THC. The metabolites can be detected through urine in 3-30 days and blood tests in a few hours to two days. Other tests, like saliva, take 1-3 days, while metabolites in hair follicles can remain detectable for up to 3 months. 

Dabbing

Dabbing involves vaporizing concentrated forms of cannabis, including THCA crystals or diamonds. This method can be carried out using a dab rig to heat and inhale THCA concentrates. Due to the high concentration, dabbing may lead to longer detection times, potentially at the upper end of the ranges mentioned for smoking.

Edibles

THCA can be incorporated into edibles, though heating during preparation or consumption will convert it to Delta 9 THC:

  • Method – THCA-infused gummies, baked goods, or other food items.
  • Detection Time – Delta 9 THC metabolites from edibles may be detectable for longer periods due to slower absorption and metabolism. 
  • Urine – Potentially up to 1-5 days for occasional users and 1-3 weeks for regular users.
  • Blood and Saliva – Similar to smoking, but with a delayed onset.
  • Hair Follicle – Metabolites are present for up to 90 days. 

Under the Tongue Consumption

THCA can be consumed by melting the concentrate under the tongue, typically through tinctures or oils. This method may lead to faster absorption than edibles but slower than inhalation. Detection times may fall between those of edibles and smoking.

Topical Application

While less common, THCA can be applied topically through THCA-infused creams, lotions, or balms. Topical application is less likely to result in detectable levels of THC in drug tests, as absorption into the bloodstream is minimal.

Factors That Affect THCA Detection In Your Body

Several factors can influence how long THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) and its metabolites remain detectable in your body. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone concerned about drug testing or interested in the pharmacokinetics of cannabis compounds. Here are the key factors that affect THCA detection:

Frequency of Use

The frequency of cannabis use significantly impacts detection times. Chronic or heavy users tend to retain Delta 9 THC metabolites in their systems for much longer periods compared to occasional users. For first-time users, the detection window is typically around 3 days, while daily users may test positive for up to 30 days or more.

Dosage and Potency

The amount of THCA consumed and the potency of the cannabis product play crucial roles in detection times. Higher doses and more potent products lead to increased Delta 9 THC metabolite levels in the body, potentially extending the detection window.

Method of Consumption

The way THCA is consumed affects how it’s processed in the body. Smoking or vaping cannabis leads to faster absorption and quicker onset of effects, while edibles take longer to process but may result in longer-lasting metabolites in the system. It’s important to note that heating THCA (through smoking, vaping, or cooking) converts it to Delta 9 THC, which is then metabolized and detected in drug tests.

Individual Metabolism

A person’s metabolic rate significantly influences how quickly THCA and its metabolites are processed and eliminated from the body. Individuals with higher metabolic rates tend to eliminate cannabis compounds more rapidly.

Body Composition

THC and its metabolites are fat-soluble and can be stored in fat cells. People with higher body fat percentages may retain these compounds for more extended periods. This factor can also contribute to differences in detection times between individuals of different ages and genders.

Hydration Levels

Dehydration can potentially increase the concentration of THC metabolites in urine. While drinking large amounts of water is unlikely to affect drug test results significantly, severe dehydration might impact the concentration of detectable compounds.

Overall Health

An individual’s general health status, including liver and kidney function, can affect how efficiently the body processes and eliminates THCA and its metabolites.

Genetic Factors

Genetic variations in enzyme production can influence how quickly an individual metabolizes cannabis compounds. Some people may have genetic predispositions that allow them to eliminate THC and its metabolites more rapidly.

Environmental Factors

External factors such as secondhand smoke exposure or environmental contamination could potentially lead to trace amounts of Delta 9 THC metabolites in the body. However, this is generally insufficient to trigger a positive drug test result.

​Understanding these factors is essential for interpreting drug test results and estimating detection windows.​ However, it’s important to note that these factors can interact in complex ways, making it challenging to predict exact detection times for any individual. The only reliable way to ensure a negative drug test result is to abstain from cannabis use, including THCA products, for a sufficient period before testing. 

Potential THCA Interactions With Medication

THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) and its potential interactions with medications are an important consideration for both medical professionals and cannabis users. While THCA itself is non-psychoactive, it can be converted to Delta 9 THC, which may interact with various medications. 

Several types of medications are known to potentially interact with cannabis compounds, including THCA when converted to Delta 9 THC:

  • Sedatives – Such as Ambien, Lunesta, and Benadryl.
  • Anti-anxiety Medications – Including Xanax, Valium, and Librium.
  • Antidepressants –  Like Zoloft, Prozac, and Lexapro.
  • Pain Medications –  Including codeine, Percocet, and Vicodin.
  • Anticonvulsants – Such as Tegretol, Topamax, and Depakene.
  • Anticoagulant –  Including Coumadin, Plavix, and heparin.

Final Thoughts 

It’s crucial to remember that the mentioned detection times are approximate and can vary significantly based on individual factors such as metabolism, frequency of use, and the sensitivity of the drug test. Additionally, most standard drug tests are designed to detect Delta 9 THC and its metabolites rather than THCA specifically. However, any method that involves heating THCA (smoking, vaping, dabbing, or cooking in edibles) will convert the compound to Delta 9 THC, which can then be detected in drug tests.

For those concerned about drug testing, the safest approach is to abstain from all forms of cannabis consumption, including THCA products, for a sufficient period before the test. The duration required for a negative test result can vary widely depending on individual circumstances and the test administered.

(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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