Whether you are preparing for a drug test or seeking some informative insight into how cannabis detection works, a good understanding of THC is needed. THC detection can be a complex topic, especially when we bring saliva into the equation. This can be influenced by many factors influencing its presence, clearance rates, and implications.
What is THC?
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive compound found in the cannabis or weed plant. This means THC is the component responsible for the feelings of euphoria experienced when consuming marijuana. THC can stay in your body for prolonged periods as it is stored in the body fat. This is then slowly released into the bloodstream, and metabolized by the liver.
How Long Does THC Stay in Saliva Glands?
How long residual THC levels remain in the body depends on an individual’s marijuana use. When we consider saliva, THC has a very short window of detection. A 2020 review found that THC was still detected for up to 72 hours after use by frequent smokers. [R] However, infrequent users may still have traces of THC in their silva for up to 24 hours.
Types of THC Consumers:
Residual THC levels depend on the frequency of use by an individual. However, on average THC can be detected in a urine sample anywhere from 3 days to 7 days. The timeframe can be different for single-time users as opposed to heavy users who may stay positive for longer periods. Here is a general guideline depending on the average cannabis consumption:
- ➢ One-time use (single user): THC can be detected in a simple urine test for up to 1-3 days following consumption.
- ➢ Occasional user: Depending on the frequency in that specific week, detection is typically between 3-7 days.
- ➢ Regular user (near-daily use): A regular consumer may have trace amounts of THC for 7-14 days.
- ➢ Chronic user (multiple times per day): If cannabis is consumed chronically, it may cause an accumulation of THC in fat cells. This can result in trace amounts of THC being detectable for up to 30 days or longer.
Type of THC Consumed
THC can be consumed in a variety of different ways, including eating, vaping, smoking, and drinking. As a result, the detection of THC can be highly influenced by the methods of consumption as each is unique in its form, concentration, and strain.
How long do edibles last in your system?
The duration edibles last in your system depends on the time of test and the frequency of usage. In general, THC edibles can be detected for 3 to 4 days in a blood test, 1 to 3 days in a saliva test, 3 to 30 days in a urine test, and up to 90 days in hair follicle drug tests.
How long does smoking THC stay in the saliva?
According to analytical reviews, THC can be detected in the saliva for up to 72 hours after use by frequent smokers. However, infrequent users may still have traces of THC in their silva for up to 24 hours.
How long will one hit of cart stay in your system?
A single hit of a THC cart can typically be detectable in your system for 1 to 3 days, depending on several factors such as frequency of use, body composition, and metabolism.
Understanding Saliva Drug Tests
A saliva drug test is a screening test designed to identify traces of a substance, like alcohol or drugs, in the saliva. A saliva test is also known as an oral drug test, mouth swab drug test, or cotton swab drug test.
The saliva test works by collecting saliva from the inside of the mouth, usually by a cheek or under-the-tongue swab with a cotton bud or absorption pad. A saliva test can also be done with alternative methods such as spitting, draining, and suction to collect a saliva sample.
Depending on the saliva test that is being utilized, the most common drugs are detectable including:
- ➢ Alcohol
- ➢ Amphetamines
- ➢ Cocaine
- ➢ Marijuana
- ➢ Methamphetamine
- ➢ Opioids
Factors Affecting the Detection in Saliva:
- ➢ Frequency and Duration of Use: Long-term and regular cannabis users may have higher concentrations of THC in their saliva, extending the detection period.
- ➢ Dosage and Potency: The strain, amount, and potency used can directly affect how long THC remains detectable in the saliva.
- ➢ Method of Consumption: The method of consumption can have a direct effect on detection. Smoking tends to lead to higher and faster detection compared to edibles.
- ➢ Metabolism & Body Composition: Body fat and individual metabolic rate can affect how quickly THC is metabolized and cleared from the system.
- ➢ Hydration Level: Adequate hydration can help to flush THC out of the system at a much faster rate.
- ➢ Saliva pH & Flow Rate: Changes in saliva flow rates and pH levels can affect the amount of THC in saliva.
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How To Pass Saliva Drug Test for THC
Overall a saliva drug test can be quite tricky to pass. However, some well-known tips include:
Maintaining Saliva Production
Theoretically, older saliva will contain more THC metabolites than fresh saliva. This means it is possible to lessen the amounts of THC metabolites in saliva by drinking adequate amounts of water. Additionally, maintaining adequate hydration levels helps to facilitate saliva flow rate and speed up the removal of toxins.
Oral Hygiene
Practicing good oral hygiene and brushing your teeth as much as possible helps to facilitate the removal of old saliva that may contain some residual THC metabolites.
Consuming High-Fat Foods
THC molecules tend to readily bind to fat in the saliva and bloodstream. The body removes THC along with fat, making it harder to detect THC metabolites in the saliva. Including high-fat foods in your diet may be able to facilitate this process.
Implications of THC Detection in Saliva?
- ➢ Employment Screening: Drug tests, like saliva tests, have become increasingly popular amongst employers to screen for recent drug use.
- ➢ Legal Matters: In states or countries where THC usage is prohibited, saliva tests have become an increasingly valuable tool for law enforcement. Saliva tests have become especially popular for roadside drug testing.
- ➢ Treatment Monitoring: Saliva tests are an easy and inexpensive way for healthcare providers to monitor patients undergoing substance abuse treatment.
Debunking Myths About Saliva Drug Test Cheating Methods That Do Not Work
- ➢ Aggressive brushing before saliva testing removes THC: THC enters your mouth through your tongue, saliva, gums, teeth, and cheeks. Excessive brushing will only remove THC residues from the tooth fissures, not from saliva or oral tissue.
- ➢ Charcoal tablets entrap THC and help pass the saliva test: Activated charcoals can cleanse the digestive tract and capture drug metabolites. However, using the procedure to pass a saliva test does not work.
- ➢ Nicotine gums or tobacco masks THC metabolites: Nicotine and tobacco can cover up the smell of marijuana, but they lack the strength to accelerate the metabolism of THC.
Conclusion
Saliva drug testing can be a valuable tool to detect THC and maintain safety and productivity in the workplace. By educating yourself on how these tests work and general misconceptions, you can make informed decisions regarding cannabis and THC consumption.
With their non-invasive nature, quick results, and high accuracy, saliva test kits are a reliable and cost-effective method for detecting recent THC use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can mouthwash or oral hygiene products affect THC detection in saliva?
Some anecdotal evidence claims that certain mouthwashes and oral hygiene products can affect THC detection in the saliva. However, their effectiveness is up for debate and may not reliably impact test results.
What steps can individuals take to expedite the clearance of THC from saliva?
Adequate hydration to maintain saliva production, oral hygiene practices, consumption of high-fat foods, and avoiding further cannabis use can help accelerate the elimination of THC from saliva.
Can passive exposure to cannabis smoke lead to positive saliva test results?
Interestingly, a 2004 study found that the risk of positive saliva tests from passive cannabis smoke inhalation is limited to a period of approximately 30 min following exposure. [R]
How accurate are saliva tests for detecting THC?
Saliva test kits are a dependable way to identify recent THC usage because of their non-invasive approach, speedy results, and high accuracy. A 2016 study found that saliva tests may be more accurate in recent THC consumption compared to urine drug tests. [R]
