How Long Does Cannabis Stay in Your System? Plus Expert Answers to 7 More Cannabis FAQs

Whether you’re new to cannabis or an experienced consumer, there’s still a lot to learn about this plant. Between unclear laws, new products, and mixed messages online, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure at times. Questions such as, “How long does cannabis stay in your system?” or “Can cannabis help with weight loss?” come up all the time. 

In this article, we answer some of the most common cannabis questions to help you feel more informed and confident about your choices. 

1. How long does cannabis stay in your system?

The answer is not straightforward. Cannabis affects everyone differently. It leaves your body at a different speed based on how much you consume, how often you consume it, and how your body breaks it down.

The active ingredients in cannabis (cannabinoids) are stored in body fat after you consume them. Then they’re slowly released over time. So cannabis stays in your system longer if you consume it often and/or have a higher percentage of body fat.

Here’s a quick look at how long cannabis stays in your system based on the different types of drug tests:

• Urine test: Cannabis is detectable from 1 to 30 days after you last consumed it. If you only use cannabis once in a while, it may be undetectable after a few days. But if you consume it daily, it can stick around for a month or more. 

• Saliva test: Cannabis is detectable for 3-6 hours after use on average. But some studies show it’s detectable for up to 24 hours. 

• Blood test: Cannabis remains in the blood stream for only about 12 hours in most cases.

• Hair test: Cannabis remains detectable in hair for 90 days or even longer.

2. How long does a cannabis high last?

The intoxicating effects of cannabis can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours or even longer. It depends on:

• How you consume it: When smoking or vaping, the effects kick in fast but usually wear off after 1-3 hours. Edibles take longer to start working (up to 2 hours), but the effects can last up to 8 hours or more.

• Your age and gender: Older adults may feel the effects for a longer time than younger adults. And women may be more sensitive to cannabis than men, especially at lower doses.

• Your tolerance level: If you’re new to cannabis, or don’t consume it often, intoxication may last longer for you than for someone with more experience (a higher tolerance).

• What you’ve eaten: Eating a large or fatty meal before consuming a cannabis edible can slow down how quickly it takes effect or make it last longer.    

3. Can you use cannabis without getting high?

Yes, you can consume cannabis without feeling high. The cannabis plant contains hundreds of active ingredients. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most well-known for its intoxicating effects. So if you avoid THC or consume very low doses, you’re less likely to feel “high.”

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• What’s the difference between medical and adult-use cannabis? Learn more about how these two legal categories for cannabis are different.

• THC Dosage Guide: Learn how to dose THC safely and how dosage forms differ in their effects.

• Cannabis side effects: Review common and rare cannabis side effects and how to manage them if they occur.

Other cannabinoids, such as CBD (cannabinol) and CBG (cannabigerol) aren’t intoxicating. You can typically consume cannabis products with these ingredients without feeling high. For more details, check out our full article on using cannabis without feeling high.  

4. Does cannabis help you lose weight?

Cannabis has long been used to help reduce nausea and increase appetite. But it might also play a role in weight loss. One theory is that cannabis may cause a “reset” in the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate appetite, fat storage, and metabolism.

Some studies show that people who consume cannabis tend to have a lower body mass index (BMI) than those who don’t. A 2022 review of 11 clinical trials found that CBD may reduce appetite or body weight, but the results were mixed. Another study found that people who consumed cannabis were more likely to be physically active, which might explain why they had a lower body weight than those who didn’t. THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) is another cannabinoid that may help reduce appetite and lead to weight loss. 

But we need more research to know whether cannabis or certain cannabinoids can directly cause weight loss. Keep in mind that the “munchies” are a well-known side effect of THC, which can lead to unhealthy food choices and hinder weight loss efforts. If you’re interested in exploring FDA-approved weight management options, talk to your prescriber for guidance.   

5. What is cannabis-induced psychosis, and can you prevent it?

Cannabis-induced psychosis (CIP) is a rare cannabis side effect. It’s more than just feeling too "high." CIP causes serious symptoms, such as hallucinations and severe paranoia, which occur after consuming cannabis.

Unlike psychosis related to mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, CIP symptoms usually go away after stopping cannabis consumption.

The risk of CIP is higher for those who consume high doses of THC. There may also be genetic differences that make CIP more likely in some people. You can lower your risk of CIP by:

• Avoiding high-THC products, especially concentrates: These products are more likely to trigger psychotic symptoms. 

• Waiting until age 25 to consume cannabis: Teens and young adults under age 25 are at a higher risk for CIP, since their brains are still developing. 

• Knowing your family history: The CIP risk may be higher if you have a personal or family history of mental-health issues.

• Talking with a healthcare professional familiar with cannabis: They can help you choose safe options, manage your dose, and spot early warning signs.

6. Is cannabis addictive?

Yes, cannabis can lead to dependence and withdrawal in some people. The CDC estimates that about 3 in 10 people who consume cannabis may develop cannabis use disorder (CUD). The 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found the highest rates of CUD in young adults ages 18 to 25.

Withdrawal symptoms are also possible when you stop using cannabis, especially if you consume it often. But cannabis withdrawal symptoms are usually much milder than those from alcohol, opioid, or nicotine withdrawal. You may feel irritable or anxious, or have trouble sleeping. Headaches are also possible.

Waiting until after age 25 to consume cannabis, choosing products with low or no THC, and taking frequent breaks from consuming it can lower your chances of developing CUD. If you’re concerned about your cannabis use or having trouble cutting back on your own, reach out to a medical professional for support.

If you or someone you know struggles with substance use, help is available. Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 to learn about resources in your area.      

7. Should you talk to your healthcare team about cannabis use?

Yes, whether you consume cannabis for medical or recreational reasons, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional about it. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks based on your personal medical history.

If you’re new to cannabis, your prescriber can review your other medications and health conditions to help make sure it’s safe for you. They can also help recommend the right doses and dosage forms for your needs. If you’re already consuming cannabis, let them know what products you’re using, how much, and how it’s helping (or not helping) your symptoms.

Keep in mind that not all prescribers are familiar with cannabis. In this case, resources are often available through your state’s cannabis regulation programs or advocacy organizations.      

8. Is cannabis legal?

Sort of. Cannabis laws are often confusing. Many states allow medical and/or adult (recreational)-use cannabis. But it’s still an illegal substance under federal law. So it’s not legal to travel with cannabis across state lines or in an airplane.

Even if you’re following the law in your state, you could still face legal challenges. 

For example, some employers may require a negative drug test. And housing programs, schools, or custody cases might also follow federal law, regardless of the state you’re in.

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Written by:

Reyan Schroter, PharmD

Reyan Schroter, Pharm.D., is a seasoned pharmacist with 13 years of experience. She began her career at ACME Markets, where her dedication and professionalism quickly propelled her to the position of manager.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Christina Palmer, MD

Christina Palmer, MD, is a board-certified family physician with a special interest in chronic care management, women’s health, mental health, and preventive care. She has over 10 years of experience in primary care research, innovation, and practice.

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