How Long Does THCA Stay in Your System?

Now that hemp is legal, THCA has taken center stage in the cannabis industry. It is sold as THCA flower, gummies, tinctures, concentrates, and more. However, with its popularity comes one big question: How long does THCA stay in your system?

You might also be looking for answers, especially if you have a drug test coming up. The best answer? It’s not a one-size-fits-all affair. The length of time will differ from one person to another.

I know it is not exactly the best answer (or what you were expecting to hear), but first, here are some rough estimates of how long THCA remains detectable in a urine drug test (the most common type):

• Occasional users (once or twice a week): 3–7 days
• Moderate users (several times a week): 7–15 days
• Chronic/ Heavy users (daily or multiple times a day): 30+ days

Keep in mind that these are just estimates. The exact time of how long THCA stays in your system depends on many factors, including metabolism, body fat percentage (BMI), frequency of use, and consumption method.

This guide will break it down for you while covering the THCA detection window by different types of drug tests. We will also share detox tips to clear your system quickly. So let’s get started!

What is THCA?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s quickly start with the basics: What is THCA? Short for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, THCA is one of nearly 100 natural cannabinoids found in raw cannabis plants, and it’s the precursor to the well-known THC.

But usually, when we talk about these cannabinoids, THC is the one that comes to mind. On the other hand, THCA and THC sound like the same thing to many people...so what’s the difference?

The key difference between the two is that THCA, in its raw form, much like CBD, doesn’t produce the psychoactive effects that THC does.

However, when THCA is heated—think smoking, cooking, baking, or vaping—it goes through decarboxylation. THCA converts into THC, which can deliver that classic high, the “clear mind, full-hearted” kind of gyration that cannabis is known for.

And it’s because of this interesting property of THCA converting to THC that drug tests may become a concern for many cannabis users.

Factors That Influence THCA Retention in the Body

As mentioned earlier, the time THCA (and its byproducts) stays in your system isn’t the same for everyone. Let’s look at the top factors that affect how your body processes THCA.

Metabolism

Got a fast metabolism? Lucky you! Your body will process THCA metabolites more quickly. Those with slower metabolisms will likely retain THCA for longer.

Also, younger adults typically have faster metabolisms than older adults, which means they may eliminate THCA more quickly.

Frequency of Use

Are you a weekend dabbler, or do you consume cannabis daily? If you’re a casual user, the retention window for THCA metabolites is generally shorter. Frequent or heavy cannabis users can experience a buildup in the body, extending how long THCA remains detectable.

BMI

You might be surprised, but body fat percentage greatly affects how long THCA stays in your system. Why? THCA and other cannabinoids like delta-9 THC are lipophilic, meaning they’re attracted to fat cells. If you have more body fat, you have more places to store the thca metabolites, and it takes longer to clear them out.

Dosage

A small dosage here and there will not last as long as a large dose every day. The more THCA your body has to process, the longer detection times can be.

Consumption Method

How you consume your green also matters. THCA edibles, for instance, take longer to process, leading to extended detection times. On the other hand, THC is absorbed into the bloodstream almost immediately in smoking and vaping and thus cleared faster.

Does THCA Show Up on a Drug Test?

Yes, THCA can show up on a drug test. Most drug tests don’t specifically screen for THCA itself, but they do look for THC metabolites—especially THC-COOH.

Remember how we said THCA converts into THC when heated? After ingestion into your body, your liver further metabolizes it into THC-COOH, which is then stored in fatty tissues. This is what standard drug tests detect.

At this point, testing methods aren’t advanced enough to differentiate whether the THC-COOH came from legal hemp-derived THCA or standard marijuana use.

You might be thinking, “But what if I only consume raw cannabis(i.e., unheated THCA)?” Good question! In this case, you could still end up with a positive drug test or false positives as your body produces enough heat internally to partially decarb THCA.

So, if you have a drug test coming up, be mindful of you’re THCA consumption and give your body enough time to clear it out. That said, the amount of time it remains detectable varies based on the type of drug screening, which we’ll cover next in detail.

THCA Detection Time by Drug Test Type

Urine Tests

Urine drug screens are the go-to testing method for employers, law enforcement, and athletic organizations. They’re cheap, noninvasive, and reliable. Urine tests look for THC metabolites (THC-COOH) that are stored in fat cells and slowly eliminated over time when you pee.

• Occasional users (once or twice a week): 3–7 days
• Moderate users (2–4 times per week): 7–10 days
• Regular users (daily): 10–15 days
• Heavy users (multiple times per day): 30+ days

Blood Tests

Blood tests aren’t as standard as urine tests. Still, they’re often used in situations where recent cannabis use needs to be confirmed, such as DUI investigations or workplace accidents.

Since THC is rapidly metabolized, blood tests have a shorter detection window than urine tests. They measure active THC in the bloodstream, making them better suited for detecting impairment rather than past cannabis use.

• Occasional Users: 1–2 days
• Regular Users: Up to 7 days

Saliva Tests

Saliva drug tests are becoming more popular because they’re fast, noninvasive, and easy to administer. Law enforcement agencies sometimes use them for roadside drug testing, and some workplaces favor them over urine tests due to their short detection window.

• Occasional users: 24–72 hours after use
• Regular users: Up to 1 week

Hair Tests

Hair follicle tests are the most sensitive when it comes to long-term cannabis use. These tests don’t look for THC itself but instead detect cannabinoid metabolites that get embedded into the hair shaft over time.

Because hair grows slowly, these tests provide a historical record of drug use, making them less useful for detecting recent consumption but very effective for tracking long-term usage patterns.

• Hair test detection time: up to 90 days for all users

THCA Detox: Can You Speed Up the Process?

So, Here’s the big question: Can you flush THCA or THC right out of your system quickly for an upcoming drug test? Unfortunately, there’s no magic button! But these tips might help support your body’s natural detoxification processes:

• Exercise: Movement boosts your circulation and metabolism. Sweating can help rid your body of minor toxins like THC.
• Healthy Diet: Nutrient-packed meals can help your body work at its best. A balanced diet supports your liver, kidneys, and overall wellness, which might help you clear THCA faster.
• Hydration: Drinking enough water helps your body filter out waste. Proper hydration can reduce the concentration of THC metabolites in your urine and sweat—though it won’t get rid of them entirely.
• Detox Supplements:  Some people use charcoal or herbal supplements for a boost. Results vary, so be sure to pick reputable products. Also, be careful about any claims of “instant cleansing.”

These might help, but there’s no quick fix to flush out THCA or THC from your body overnight. The only foolproof plan is time—and maybe a dose of patience!

Where to Buy High-Quality THCA Products

If you’re new to cannabis or overwhelmed by the endless product options out there, don’t worry—finding the right brand isn’t as hard as it seems.

The most important thing is to make sure you’re buying from a reputable company that provides third-party lab tests. That’s where Supergreens Ecom comes in.

We specialize in hemp-derived THCA and always include a Certificate of Analysis (COA) so you know what you’re putting in your body. From premium THCA flower and prerolls to delicious edibles and potent THCA concentrates, every product is tested for purity, potency, and safety.

And our online store makes it easy to get premium THCA products delivered to your door.

FAQs

Can THCA cause a failed drug test?

Yes, THCA, consuming THCA can lead to a positive test result as your body transforms it to THC metabolites like THC-COOH, which are what standard drug tests screen for.

How long does the THCA high last?

A high from smoking or vaping THCA will last for 1-3 hours on average and 4-8 hours if you consume THCA edibles.

Please note that the exact high duration will vary depending on many factors like your metabolic rate, tolerance, genetics, the cannabis product potency, and method of consumption.

Does THCA stay in your system as long as THC?

Technically yes. Decarbed THCA enters your body as THC and thus stays in your body as long as THC does.

Is THCa the same as THC?

No. THCA stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, the precursor to THC. It doesn’t have the usual psychoactive effects until it’s heated. So, THCA is like the “raw” version. At the same time, THC is the active compound we commonly associate with cannabis’s mind-altering buzz.