Do Edibles Show Up in Drug Tests?
Cannabis, or as many people call it, marijuana or weed, has become a hot topic in recent years. Social attitudes and legislation are rapidly changing around cannabis and cannabis products, with some even wondering if is marijuana the new alcohol. New consumption methods have become popular, including edibles. So, with edibles now commonly used comes the obvious questions around drug testing. Do edibles show up in drug tests? What are the implications of cannabis testing, and what do you need to know beforehand? We’ll dive into these questions and more in this article.
What Are Edibles?
Before discussing the question do edibles show up in drug tests, it’s important to understand what edibles are and how using them differs from other cannabis products.
Edibles are food products that have been artificially infused with cannabis extracts, which typically contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — the compound that causes the sensation of being ‘high’ experienced when using cannabis. Edibles come in many forms; candies, gummies, baked goods, chocolates, drinks, and sometimes even savory snacks.
Eating edibles often has a different physical and psychoactive effect than other methods of cannabis use, like smoking or vaping. Because it takes longer for the body to metabolize the THC in edibles, the compound remains in your body longer after consumption. The effects usually take at least 30 minutes to appear but can take up to 2 hours. They can last up to 12 hours, with residual effects continuing up to 24 hours. Effects are often stronger than smoking, as ingested cannabis is turned into a stronger form within the liver.
How THC is Metabolized in the Body
Why do edibles show up in drug tests? It’s all to do with metabolization. The most critical part of this process is in the liver. Here, delta-9-THC (the main psychoactive component) is converted to 11-hydroxy-THC — a more potent compound. This conversion contributes to the unique effects people often experience when using edibles. Once metabolized, the cannabis compounds enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain, where they interact with the brain and nervous system, creating various physiological and psychological effects. Gradually, the body eliminates the THC compounds through the usual processes, such as urination.
Drug Testing for THC
Among the many reasons edibles are popular is because they are a more discreet way to consume cannabis than smoking or vaping. But do edibles show up in drug tests? Despite their discrete nature, the answer is yes. Edible cannabis products will most likely be spotted if you undergo a drug test.
A drug test involves collecting a biological sample from an individual, such as blood or urine, to check for the presence of legal or illegal drugs. Urine is the most common way to test for drugs, though there are various other methods, including blood, hair, breath, and sweat testing. Different methods are used to test for different substances, though most tests search for more than one drug at a time. A urine test, for example, can be used to detect cannabis, amphetamines, PCP, and cocaine simultaneously.
So, do edibles show up in drug tests if you only take a little bit? Yes, it takes very little use of THC to create a positive test result, however, different tests mean different results. Once consumed, THC metabolites will be detected in someone’s urine up to 7 days after use. However, if using breath testing, the window for detection is much shorter, only up to about 3 hours. A hair test may show THC up to 3 months after use.
Do Edibles Show Up Differently in Drug Tests?
So, how do edibles show up in drug tests compared to smoking or vaping? Because THC from edibles is metabolized differently from THC from smoking — more slowly — this can result in a longer detection window from the same type of test. This difference is more significant when using tests with a shorter detection window.
If you’re wondering how long drugs will show in a urine test, including marijuana, it’s important to remember that everyone metabolizes THC differently. Various factors influence how long THC remains in an individual’s system, but there are a few general guidelines to understand:
- Dosage: The more potent the edible, the longer it takes to be processed and eventually eliminated from the body.
- Frequency of use: Someone who uses cannabis regularly will trigger a drug test for a longer period than someone who takes an occasional single dose.
- Metabolism: People metabolize at different rates. Someone with a faster metabolism will have a shorter detection window than someone with a slower metabolism, as cannabis compounds are processed and eliminated from the body more quickly.
- Body fat percentage: THC is fat-soluble and can be stored in fat cells for long periods. Therefore, people with higher body fat percentages are likely to retain greater amounts of THC compounds in their bodies, which extends the detection window.
Preparing for a Drug Test
Drug testing methods vary, but there is very little you need to do to prepare for most kinds of tests. The best thing to do is to learn about and understand the process so you know what to expect. You may be asked for ID, so bring that along with you. Drink plenty of water beforehand to stay hydrated. If you are taking any medications, it is usually best practice to disclose this. Once you have provided the testing sample, it may be processed on the spot (such as a breath test) or sent away for analysis (such as a blood test). If you have any questions, ask! Most test practitioners are more than happy to answer questions and reassure the people they are testing.
Legal and Workplace Implications
Now you know the answer to the question, do edibles show up in drug tests, what does this mean in the workplace? The legalities around cannabis use are rapidly shifting, and cannabis is now legal for recreational use in many US states, including California. But even states that endorse legal cannabis allow businesses to enforce strict policies around the use of cannabis in the workplace. Companies want to know that their workers are fit for duty, and not under the influence of any drugs, including cannabis, that could affect the safety of the workplace. For this reason, drug testing is a common practice at many workplaces in both states where cannabis is legal and illegal.
Drug testing at work should be taken seriously, and failing a test often leads to repercussions, including termination of employment. In states where recreational cannabis use is illegal, your company could also notify law enforcement, though this is not typical.
Seeking Help for Cannabis Use
Despite changing legislation, cannabis is an addictive substance, and people can often become overly dependent on its use. This can create strong negative effects on someone’s life. Here are a few signs to look out for if you’re concerned someone you know is struggling with cannabis dependency:
- Using more cannabis or using it for longer periods than intended.
- Using more cannabis over time to achieve the same effect.
- Disengagement from work, social, or recreational activities because of cannabis use.
- Desiring to quit cannabis but being unable to do so.
- Experiencing cravings for cannabis when not using it.
- Continuing to use cannabis even when it contributes to existing problems, such as physical or psychological.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when taking less cannabis or stopping completely.
If you or someone you know is struggling with cannabis abuse, consider seeking help from qualified professionals like Resurgence Behavioral Health. We offer a range of comprehensive drug addiction treatment options, including inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment programs, and much more, all designed to help you recover in a comfortable, safe, and nurturing environment. We’re also proud to offer information and resources online, including our “Am I an Addict?” addiction quiz, With our tailored medical detox program, our customizable residential program and outpatient services, and our comprehensive aftercare services, Resurgence Behavioral Health is here to support you on every step of your recovery journey.
To learn more about how Resurgence Behavioral Health can help you or a loved one overcome cannabis addiction, call us today at 855-458-0050 or contact us online. We’re here to help!
