in

How Long Does THC Stay In Your Hair?

Before we tell you the answer to the question – how long does THC stay in your hair, we would like to give you a quick introduction as to what THC is (for readers who are not aware). Read on.

What Is THC?

THC is one of the key compounds found in marijuana plant. Abbreviated as Tetrahydrocannabinol, THC is a well-known chemical responsible for marijuana’s harmful psychological effects. According to NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse), it acts like cannabinoid chemicals. The cannabinoid receptors are concentrated in brain regions that are associated with memory, coordination, thinking, time perception and pleasure. Now, THC sticks to these receptors, activates them and then affects the individual’s movements, pleasure, memory, coordination, thinking, sensory, time perception and concentration.

What Effects Do THC Have On A Human Body?

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) stimulates the brain cells to release dopamine. It interferes with the information-process at the hippocampus (brain part that is responsible for new memory formation). Also, THC induces:

  • Hallucinations
  • Thinking changes
  • Delusions
How Long Does The Effects Of THC Last?
THC takes about 10 – 30 minutes to kick in after ingestion. On an average, the effects of THC lasts for 2 hours. Psychomotor impairment might continue though.

 

How Is THC Tested?

A THC drug test can be divided into 2 main categories:

1. Historical use

This category includes:

  • Hair follicle test
  • Urine test

The tests are done to know if a person has consumed the substance or not. These tests usually target THC-COOH molecule (non-psychoactive substance).

2. Present intoxication

This category includes:

  • Saliva test
  • Blood serum test

The tests are done to know if a person has active levels of THC molecules or not.

How Long Does THC Stay In Your Hair?
Hair testing measures the parent metabolite of marijuana embedded in the hair shaft. Once THC is incorporated into your hair, it remains until one of these 2 things occur:

  • That hair section is cut off or
  • It falls out

So, the answer to the question how long does THC stay in your hair is 3 months (or 90 days). The 90-day period comes from the fact that 1 ½ -inch hair section (measured right from its root) is used for testing. Generally, a human’s hair grows approximately 0.5-inch a month. Hence, 1 ½ -inch equates to about 90 days. However, it does not magically disappear after this period. If a person’s hair is shorter than 1 ½ inches, the detection time will be shorter. On the other hand, if the sample of hair is taken from any part of the body other than head, the detection period will be longer because body hair grows slower when compared to head hair.

 

Please Make A Note
THC can be easily and immediately detected. The results of THC hair drug test cannot be altered with bleaches, shampoos or external chemicals. Hence, washing your hair multiple times with a shampoo before a test is never going to help.

Side Effects Of THC

The reported THC side effects include:

  • Tachycardia
  • Anxiety
  • Short-term memory problems
  • Relaxation
  • Elation
  • Pain-relief
  • Sedation

Risks Of THC

The effects of marijuana make it a very popular drug today. In fact, it is claimed to be the world’s most commonly consumed illicit drugs. According to NIDA, THC may trigger:

  • Schizophrenic symptoms
  • Impaired motor skills
  • Cognition
  • Memory issues
  • Learning problems

Other Related Questions

Why Is A THC Drug Test Required?

In countries where THC’s usage levels is taboo and people who still consume it, have to prepare themselves to undergo the marijuana drug test (also called THC drug test) for certain situations. If you consider United States for example, it is mandatory for its residents to take the Marijuana or THC drug test even for job interviews. It is compulsory for employers to ask their employees to undergo the THC drug test. In fact, it is one of the main conditions to continue their contract.

How Long Does THC Stay In Your System?

The answer to the question how long does THC stay in your system is not exact. The duration depends on various factors like:

  • Person’s age
  • Person’s overall health
  • Person’s metabolic rate
  • Person’s BMI (Body Mass Index)

A THC drug test can be easily done at home and does not requires special skills or medical training. Many people don’t know that the key compound, which is detected with a marijuana test is actually stored in their fat cells. Hence, never assume that you are clear because it varies from one person to the other. However, according to our research, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC remains in your system for weeks or even longer. It also depends on how the substance had been metabolized. The retention time for marijuana (orally ingested) ranges between 1 and 5 days. Occasional smokers may be able to take out cannabis from their body within few days whereas for heavy smokers, it takes about 14 to 30 days before the drug levels hit nil. On the other hand, chronic users or people who smoke weed on an everyday basis might still have THC in their bodies for 2 to 3 months after the last consumption.

How Long Does THC Stay In Your System If You Smoke Frequently

People who smoke weed often will test positive even after/around a week following the last intake and that’s how impactful the weed effect is. Weed stays with you longer than the effects of marijuana. Based on a recent scientific evidence, it would be very unlikely for a frequent weed user to produce a positive drug test (urine test) result for more than 10 days since they last smoke” at the rate of 45-50 ng/mL cutoff concentration for identifying the cannabinoids in the urine. But it doesn’t conclude or prove that a heavy cannabis smoker will be free from the THC metabolites after 10 days. Weed stays longer in the system for those who smoke frequently.

There has been a study that has shown positive test even for up to a month after the last use. Extreme cases of frequent weed smoking (reportedly using cannabis for over 6-10 Yrs. Above 15-20 ng/mL limit) have managed to test positive even after months of last use i.e. test was positive even after of 65-67 days of last use

Know The Other Side: Benefits Of Marijuana

During November 2012, Washington and Colorado states passed a legislation, which legalizes the use of marijuana. According to studies, this drug is reported to have its own medical benefits, which include:

  • Prevents blindness (especially if it is from glaucoma)
  • Prevents seizures
  • Increases a person’s lung capacity
  • Stops cancer cells from spreading
  • Slows down the growth of Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Decreases anxiety
  • Reduces the side effects of Hepatitis-C treatment
  • Treats bowel diseases
  • Lessens arthritis discomfort

Why There Is Inaccuracy In Your Marijuana Or THC Drug Test Result Even If You Have Not Used It?

Incorrect rest results might occur for various reasons:

  • Passive inhalation
  • Mishandling the specimen samples
  • Inappropriate diagnostic procedure
  • Presence of reactants

False Negatives

  • Household chemicals
  • Excess fluid intake
  • Acids
  • Lemon juice
  • Vinegar
  • Table salt
  • Cranberry pills
  • Eye drops

False Positives

  • NSAIDs (Non steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
  • Pantoprazole sodium
  • Dronabinol
  • Kidney disease
  • Hemp seed oil
  • Diabetes
  • Riboflavin
  • Liver disease

Note: If you are someone, who is trying to take and pass the THC or marijuana drug test, it is vital that you comprehend as to how long the drug remains detectable in your system. Sadly, people who use marijuana on a regular basis, take some time for the compound TCH-COOH to drop. A common way to consume marijuana is “smoking”. Once inhaled, THC rapidly enters your blood stream through lungs. Soon, this compound acts instantly with the endocannabiniod system and interacts with the receptors CB1 and CB2 in the body.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

20 Most Popular Mixed Drinks To Treat Yourself Occasionally

when do girls hit puberty

When Do Girls Hit Puberty?