How long THCa will stay in your system? This is a common question we get here at Vivimu. THCa being a precursor to THC, it makes sense for anyone subjected to a drug test for cannabis to wonder about this. The answer, of course, depends on a multitude of factors, including the amount of THCa you’ve consumed, in what manner it was consumed, your physiology (weight, metabolism, etc.), and what method of test you are using to detect the THCa. In this article, we will thoroughly examine all possible factors to determine just how long THCa may be detectable in your system. But first, in case you are new to minor cannabinoids, let’s talk about THCa and what it is exactly.
What Is THCa?
THCa, which stands for Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the raw cannabis plant. It’s the acidic precursor to Delta 9 THC, the commonly known compound that causes psychoactive effects when you consume cannabis. What many people may not know is that THCa converts to THC when exposed to heat through a process called decarboxylation. Heat exposure is like when you smoke, vape, or dab cannabis. This decarboxylation process activates THC’s psychoactive effects. Unlike THC, THCa does not produce a “high” in its natural state, which makes it interesting for its potential therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive outcomes.
-
THCa Live Resin$49.99 – $499.99 – or subscribe and save up to 25% -
THCa Isolate$25.99 – $299.99 – or subscribe and save up to 25% -
THCa Diamonds$29.99 – $399.99 – or subscribe and save up to 25%
THCA Effects
So when THCa is decarboxylated through vaping or smoking, it converts into THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, which activates THC’s effects, such as euphoria, altered perception, and potential relief from certain symptoms like pain and nausea. This is no different than smoking your standard marijuana plant. For some users, those psychoactive effects also include possible side effects like anxiety, dry mouth, and altered cognitive functions. The experience can vary widely among individuals, influenced by factors like dosage, strain, and personal tolerance.
Further studies are needed to fully understand its effects and potential medical applications of THCa. There has been some preliminary research that suggests THCa may have the potential for anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-emetic (anti-vomiting), and anti-proliferative properties, which could be beneficial for treating certain medical conditions. However, it’s difficult to say these things are true until more medical studies have been done on humans.
THCA vs THC
While so far it sounds like THC and THCa are very similar, there are a few key differences in these two cannabinoids. Let’s quickly break those differences down.
Chemical Structure
THCa has an extra carboxyl group compared to THC. This minor difference makes THCa non-psychoactive, whereas THC can interact with the brain’s receptors to produce a high.
Abundance in Cannabis Plant
THCa is found in higher concentrations in raw and live cannabis. THC levels increase as the plant dries or when THCa is heated (decarboxylated).
Legality
In jurisdictions where cannabis is legal, both THCa and THC can be lawful, but the legal status often depends on whether the substance can produce psychoactive effects. THCa is more commonly found in hemp products like the ones we sell here at Vivimu and, therefore, falls under the 2018 Farm Bill that legalizes hemp products containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Though these products are considered federally legal, certain states have laws restricting the use, sale, and possession of hemp-derived cannabinoids that contain any level of THC content. For the most up-to-date summary of each US state law on THCa, please reference this blog post: Is THCa Legal? A Comprehensive Guide.
How Long Does THCA Stay in Your System?
Okay, now you have a good understanding of THCa, how it differs from more traditional THC, and the legality of THCa in the US. Let’s get to the question at hand: How long does THCa stay in your system? As we mentioned in the introduction, it does depend on several factors, but let’s start with what kind of test you’re using to determine THCa’s presence.
How Long Does THCA Stay in Your Hair?
A hair test can detect THC for up to 90 days as hair follicles can show drug use over a longer period than blood or urine. If you need to avoid detection of THC in a hair test, it’s best to avoid cannabis products entirely.
How Long Does THCA Stay in Your Blood?
In blood, THC might be present for 1-2 days after consumption. Most blood panels are not testing for THCa specifically but may test for the presence of THC, so if you smoke or vape THCa Products, you should be aware that you can test positive for THC in your blood for several days after use.
How Long Does THCA Stay in Your Urine?
Urine tests are the most commonly used test for employment or as part of conditions for parole. It’s important to be aware that cannabinoids can be detected in urine for regular users for up to 30 days. So, taking a month off from consuming cannabis before a drug test is cutting it close for a heavy user. Better to be safe than sorry here. Essentially, smoking THCa is the equivalent of smoking Delta 9 THC when it comes to a urine test.
How Long Does THCA Stay in Your Saliva?
Finally, saliva tests will typically detect the presence of THC for up to 24-72 hours after use. Know that all the above information on the detectability of THCa or THC are estimates, and a positive detection will largely depend on your metabolism and usage habits.
Will THCa Fail Drug Test?
So, to sum up, THCa itself may not directly cause a drug test failure because it’s non-psychoactive and not typically what drug screenings look for. However, if THCa converts into THC through decarboxylation (e.g. when you smoke, vape, or dab), it could potentially lead to a positive drug test for THC.
What Causes THCa To Cause A Positive Drug Test?
Most standard drug tests target THC metabolites, so the presence of converted THC from THCa could result in a positive test. The likelihood depends on the amount consumed and the sensitivity of the test, as we’ve mentioned.
Absorption & Metabolism Of THCA In The Body
The metabolism of THC occurs primarily in the liver, where it’s broken down into several metabolites, which can then be excreted through urine and feces. As we’ve mentioned, the process of how THCa is absorbed and metabolized into THC and its subsequent breakdown products is complex and can vary based on individual physiology and consumption methods. If smoked or vaped, THCa will convert to THC and metabolize through the liver like any THC product would.
Where to Buy THCA Products?
At Vivimu.com, we understand the importance of quality and trust when purchasing THCa products. We invite you to explore our wide selection of THCa offerings, including THCa Isolate, THCa Diamonds, THCa Badder, THCa Crumble, THCa Live Resin, THCa Diamond Sauce, and THCa Pre-Roll Joints. Each product is curated with your needs in mind, ensuring top-notch quality from a source you can trust. Visit Vivimu.com to browse all our available THCa products and find the perfect match for your preferences.
-
THCa Crumble$36.99 – $499.99 – or subscribe and save up to 25% -
THCa Badder$36.99 – $499.99 – or subscribe and save up to 25% -
THCa Pre-Rolls$19.99 – $34.99
Final Thoughts
When it comes to drug tests it’s always better to be safe than sorry, but we hope all your questions about THCa and how it’s possibly detected in the system were answered in this post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is THCA Legal?
THCa’s legality depends on the region and how the local laws define cannabis and its derivatives. In many places, THCa in its raw form is legal since it’s non-psychoactive, but always check local regulations.
What Is Considered A High THCA Level?
A high THCa level would be significant in the context of cannabis potency, typically seen in strains or products designed for conversion to THC to achieve strong effects.
What Shows Up on a Drug Urine Test?
Urine tests primarily detect THC metabolites, indicating recent cannabis use. They do not directly test for THCa, but if THCa has been decarboxylated to THC and consumed, it may lead to a positive result.
Is THCA Detectable in Urine Tests?
Directly, THCa is unlikely to be detected in urine tests. However, if it converts to THC through decarboxylation before entering the body, the resulting THC metabolites could be detected.
For the most accurate and detailed answers tailored to your specific situation, it’s best to consult legal advice or a medical professional. If you’ve got all the way here to the end of this blog post and you STILL have questions about how long THCa will be in your system, then don’t hesitate to reach out to the Vivimu Team by emailing us at support@vivimu.zendesk.com or calling us at +1 702-955-1667. We have a group of experts on this topic ready to answer any questions you have about THCa or other cannabinoids. We also have additional FAQs below about THCa you can check out.
