For anyone purchasing THCA flower or similar products, the question of drug testing is a valid concern. Even in states where recreational marijuana is legal, many employers retain strict policies on THC, with some terminating employees who test positive.
THCA users might assume they’re on safe ground since the compound itself is non-intoxicating and only transforms into THC when heated. But assuming that drug tests can’t pick up traces of THCA could lead to some unwelcome surprises.
In this guide, we’ll explore how THCA interacts with the body, factors affecting its detection window, and an overview of various drug testing methods.
THCA and Your Body
The exact effects of consuming raw THCA on drug tests remain unclear. If you ingest THCA without heating it, the compound doesn’t convert into psychoactive THC.
Drug screenings target THC and its metabolites rather than THCA itself. Does this mean you’re automatically in the clear if you consume raw cannabis? It’s best not to assume so.
Let’s say you consume raw cannabis juice. As it passes through the stomach and intestines, it’s broken down by digestive enzymes before entering the bloodstream. THCA oil offers another option, where a few drops placed under the tongue allow the compound to absorb directly into the bloodstream, bypassing digestion for faster uptake.
THCA and Drug Testing
There’s a common belief that THCA won’t trigger a positive drug test since tests generally focus on THC-COOH metabolites. Most workplaces use urine tests, which ideally wouldn’t pick up THCA if it hasn’t converted to THC.
However, we can’t confidently say you’ll pass a drug test after consuming raw cannabis due to the potential for false positives. Research on whether drug tests can detect THCA is minimal, and the compound’s retention period in the body remains largely unknown.
Without precise data, exercising caution around THCA is advisable. Any estimates we make are based on what we know about THC, though THCA’s non-intoxicating properties likely mean it doesn’t linger as long in the system. But no definitive timelines have been confirmed.
Our site offers a more comprehensive guide on marijuana’s retention in the body, so we’ll keep this section brief. Detection windows for THC depend on several factors, such as:
Frequency of Use
Dosage Size
Metabolism Speed
Consumption Method
Additionally, the type of drug test affects detection times:
Urine
Blood
Hair
Saliva
Factors Influencing Detection Time
Let’s briefly discuss factors influencing how long THC (and by extension, possibly THCA) stays in your system.
Frequency of Use
The more frequently you consume THC, the longer it takes for your system to clear it. Here are some general estimates based on usage:
One-Time Use: 1-3 days
3-4 Times a Week: 5-7 days
Daily Use: Up to 14 days
Chronic Use: Up to 90 days
Dosage Size
Higher doses increase THC concentration, making a positive test more likely. For instance, someone using 30mg doses will have a higher detection risk than someone using 10mg doses.
Metabolism
Individuals with faster metabolisms process THC more quickly, so those with slower metabolisms are at a higher risk of a positive test. Additionally, cannabis can be stored in body fat, so people with higher body fat may metabolize THC more slowly.
Consumption Method
Ingested marijuana generally lingers in the system longer than smoked marijuana, which might also be true for THCA.
The Role of Different Drug Tests
Drug tests vary in their sensitivity to THC and THCA, and each type has a different detection window. Here’s a quick breakdown.
Urine Tests
Urine tests are popular in workplaces for their accuracy, low cost, and non-invasive nature. These tests target THC-COOH metabolites, but their sensitivity to THCA remains uncertain.
Typically, urine tests detect marijuana use up to seven days after the last dose, though frequent users may test positive for over 30 days.
Blood Tests
Blood testing is less common and mainly used in cases like DUI investigations. Blood tests tend to detect recent THC use and typically don’t test specifically for THCA.
Blood tests usually detect THC for about two days, though studies show that chronic users may test positive for up to 25 days.
Hair Tests
Hair follicle tests, although rare, offer a longer detection window, making them useful for identifying long-term drug use patterns. There’s limited data on their ability to detect THCA, but theoretically, it’s possible.
Follicle tests can detect marijuana use up to 90 days back. False positives can also result from second-hand marijuana smoke exposure.
Saliva Tests
Saliva testing is gaining popularity due to its ease of administration and non-invasive nature. Similar to blood testing, saliva tests have a short detection window.
Typically, saliva tests detect THC within 1-3 days after last use.
THCA Detection Windows: Still an Open Question: How Long Will THCA Linger in Your System?
Ultimately, we don’t have a concrete answer for how long THCA stays in the body. Without substantial research, any estimates are based on what we know about THC, but even those estimates vary depending on factors like testing method, metabolism, and usage frequency.
Even one-time marijuana use may show up on a urine test days later. Blood and saliva tests reveal recent use, while hair follicle tests can detect evidence of marijuana use months later.
In summary, avoid assuming that consuming THCA will ensure a negative drug test result. There simply isn’t enough research to make that claim.
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