Key Takeaways
- Factors like metabolism, weight, health, and frequency of THC use will all affect how long it stays in your system.
- Wax may stay in the body longer than other products due to its higher THC concentration.
- Stop wax use at least 30 days before any testing to ensure a clean result.
There are many different types of cannabis products available, including a type of concentrate known as wax. Specifically, THC wax is a type of extract popular among consistent cannabis users and consumers with high tolerances.
Several states still allow drug tests for cannabis, which may lead some to pose the question: how long does wax stay in your system?
What is THC Wax?
THC wax is a type of concentrated cannabis extract. Wax typically has a higher THC concentration than more standard cannabis products like gummies. It has a wax consistency and looks, but there are different products within this category. Types of wax include sugar crumble, badder, shatter, and budder. Each of these products often has various features and provides a unique experience.
Wax is made through an extraction process where the cannabis plant is typically heated or pressurized. THC and other compounds extracted leave an oily substance behind, known as butane hash oil (BHO), resin, or rosin, depending on the process performed.
The most important thing to know about wax is that it has an incredibly high THC concentration. Most wax products have a THC concentration between 60-90%.
Some people like THC wax because of the noticeable effects that it can provide. If you’re an experienced cannabis user, then this may be the right option for you. However, if you’re new to cannabis or don’t know what dosage is right for you, then it may not be the most suitable product. It may be best to opt for an edible or smokable option with a lower potency that provides effects that aren’t as extreme.
How Long Does Weed Stay in Your System?
How long THC stays in your system depends on several factors, including your personal health and metabolism. Another significant factor to consider is the frequency of use and dosage. If you consume a lot of cannabis daily, it’s much more likely that cannabis will stay in your system for longer than someone who takes one edible a month. However, even infrequent THC use might be detected, as it’s highly variable among individuals.1,2
If you want to cycle THC out of your system faster, there are some things you can try. Making sure that you’re hydrated can be helpful, and so can exercising (so that you sweat). Focusing on your overall health and wellness is a good way to encourage your metabolism to cycle the THC out of your system.
There are a few different types of tests that can be used to detect cannabis. Urine tests can typically detect cannabis anywhere from 7-60 days after use ends.3 As far as hair tests go, they may detect cannabis for up to 90 days. This number is different for blood tests, which generally provide accurate results up to seven days after consumption.
In short, it’s not possible to predict exactly how long cannabis will stay in someone’s system. When preparing for a test, it’s best to play it safe and give yourself a time buffer.
How Long Does Weed Stay in Your System After a Couple of Puffs?
If you’re not a regular cannabis user, then the timelines of how long THC will stay in your system will vary. An exact figure isn’t possible to provide because of the different factors involved, but the duration is often longer for a frequent user.
Let’s say you take a couple of puffs of weed wax, but you’re not a regular consumer. If you only use cannabis once, then it may be likely that it will only show up on a urine test for about three days after use, but there is no guarantee. This number could fluctuate depending on a variety of factors, so consider giving yourself a week (or even more) if you’re going to be taking a drug test.
Those who only use cannabis occasionally and at low doses may not need to worry about cannabis staying in their system for extended periods. With that being said, it’s better to give yourself more than enough time than you think you need to cycle the cannabis out of your system.
What Factors Influence How Long THC is Detectable?
So, which factors determine how long a weed cart stays in your system compared to THC wax or flower?
Age, metabolism, diet, sleep, and more can all influence how long THC stays in your system. If you’re looking to quickly cycle THC out, focus on overall health and wellness. Eating clean, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated are all great ways to take care of your body and make sure that it can effectively get rid of cannabis compounds.
Another important factor to consider is the dose that you take. Higher doses will stay in your system longer. If you take a 1mg edible, it’s unlikely that it will still show up on a test weeks later.
Likewise, your body may hold onto THC for longer if you have a higher body fat percentage.4
One of the best ways to get rid of THC from your body is to sweat. When your body sweats, it cycles out substances, including cannabis compounds. Getting some exercise is a great way to encourage your body to metabolize any cannabis still left in your system, so consider going for a jog or run. Spending some time in a sauna is another great way to encourage your body to sweat and get rid of any remaining THC.
Another factor that can influence how long THC stays in your system is tolerance. If you have a higher tolerance, then you’re more likely to consume more significant amounts of cannabis. That can build up THC in your system, making it take longer for it to leave once you quit.
Lastly, if you know you have a slower metabolism, adding even more time to your buffer period is important. Metabolism is one of the most significant factors to consider. Think about your metabolism and any changes you may need to make to your detox period because of it.
Does Weed Wax Stay in the Body Longer?
We’ve discussed how long weed products, in general, stay in the body, but what about weed wax, specifically?
Wax can stay in the body longer, especially if it’s a potent homemade variety. If you’re someone who regularly uses wax products, make sure you give yourself time to detox if you anticipate a drug test in the future. If you know the date of your drug test, you should plan ahead to make sure that you’re able to detox completely.
There is no exact timeframe, as THC can be detected in the body anywhere from seven to 30+ days. It’s possible that wax could stay in your system for as few as seven days. Because of the high concentration of THC in wax, it’s more likely to stay in your system longer. If you know that you’re going to be taking a drug test soon, then wax may not be the best option. It’s difficult to predict how long wax can stay in your body, so do yourself a favor and choose a different option if the stakes are high.
In short, if you’re going to use wax and have a drug test coming, it’s best to keep your dosage low. (Or stay away from wax altogether.)
How to Ensure a Clean Test
Those who use wax and are preparing for a drug test should give themselves at least thirty days between stopping use and taking the test. If it is possible to give yourself more time, you should consider doing so. Cannabis may stay in your system for months after stopping use, so you can never be too careful.
Some detox products are available at various stores. It is typically recommended that you skip these products and utilize natural remedies, such as sweating and staying hydrated.
When it comes to removing THC from your system, time is the most important factor. While there are some ways that you can speed up this process, they won’t magically remove the cannabis from your system. They can, however, provide you with peace of mind that you’re doing everything you can to get a negative drug test.
References
- Hadland SE, Levy S. Objective Testing: Urine and Other Drug Tests. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2016;25(3):549-565. ↩︎
- Spindle TR, Cone EJ, Schlienz NJ, et al. Urinary Excretion Profile of 11-Nor-9-Carboxy-Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THCCOOH) Following Smoked and Vaporized Cannabis Administration in Infrequent Cannabis Users. Journal of Analytical Toxicology. 2020;44(1):1-14. doi:10.1093/jat/bkz038 ↩︎
- Galhenage J, Rodrigo A. Prolonged detection of cannabis in urine of a consumer in a Forensic hospital, Victoria, Australia, up to 102 days of abstinence - A case report. Psychiatry Research Case Reports. 2023;2(1):100089. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psycr.2022.100089 ↩︎
- Connors N, Kosnett MJ, Kulig K, Nelson LS, Stolbach AI. ACMT Position Statement: Interpretation of Urine for Tetrahydrocannabinol Metabolites. J Med Toxicol. 2020;16(2):240-242. doi:10.1007/s13181-019-00753-8 ↩︎
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
