Table of Contents
How long does marijuana stay in your urine
1. Key Compound Detected
- THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana.
- Urine tests detect THC-COOH, a non-psychoactive metabolite of THC.
2. Detection Windows by Usage Frequency
| User Type | Detection Window |
|---|---|
| Occasional (1–2 times/week) | Up to 3–7 days |
| Moderate (3–4 times/week) | Up to 10–21 days |
| Daily or Chronic Use | 30–45 days, sometimes 60+ days |
3. Influencing Factors
Several physiological and lifestyle factors affect how long marijuana stays in your urine:
- Metabolism: Elimination occurs more quickly with a faster metabolism.
- Body Fat: THC is fat-soluble and stored in fat tissues, prolonging detection in those with higher body fat.
- Hydration: Diluted urine may lower concentrations but can raise suspicion in tests.
- Exercise: Increases fat metabolism, potentially releasing stored THC.
- Liver Function: THC metabolism occurs primarily in the liver; impairment may delay clearance.
- Test Sensitivity: Standard cutoff is 50 ng/mL; some labs use 15–20 ng/mL, increasing detection time.
4. Types of Tests
- Immunoassay (IA): Standard initial screen; less sensitive.
- Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): Used for confirmation; highly sensitive.
5. Summary
- Marijuana can stay in your urine from a few days to over a month, based on use and individual factors.
- Occasional users may clear it in under a week, while chronic users could test positive for over 30 days.
- There are no guaranteed methods to speed up elimination aside from abstinence and time.
