Marijuana is a substance with a contentious background. Some US states have legalized its use for medical or recreational purposes, while others still prohibit it. It’s essential to understand the effects marijuana has on your body (the negative impact of the substance that leads to Arizona drug rehab) and know the legal implications of its use.
Marijuana Use and Drug Rehab in Arizona
Most people who use marijuana take it for either recreational or medicinal purposes. And the most common question these people have is how long the substance remains in the body. For example, if a person smokes marijuana over the weekend, will the drug still be in their system the following week?
After all, a positive drug test may impact your job and home life or limit your future opportunities.
Smoking vs Edibles: Which Stays In Your System Longer?
The length of time that marijuana stays in your system depends on several factors, including:
- The potency of the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
- How often you use marijuana
- Whether the marijuana was inhaled or ingested
- The type of drug test used
All drug screening tests for THC and some forms of THC can linger in body fat for up to 10-13 days.
Smoking Marijuana
Smoking or vaping marijuana gets the drug into your system more quickly. For those smoking it for the first time, traces of THC can remain in your body for up to three days. However, the more often you smoke marijuana, the longer it takes to clear your system.
For a person who smokes marijuana daily, the drug can appear in tests for 30 days or more.
Edibles
When digested, marijuana’s effects on the body are slightly different. People can consume marijuana in a variety of ways:
- Drinks
- Capsules
- Candies
- Baked goods
The big difference between smoking and eating marijuana is the resulting euphoria. The psychoactive effect of marijuana is stronger when digested.
Although it takes longer for marijuana to affect your system through edibles, the euphoria lasts longer – up to 12 hours. In contrast, the euphoria from smoking tends to last a few hours.
So, what does this mean if you’re screened for substances after taking edibles?
It takes longer for the body to metabolize the THC from edibles. Therefore, drug tests can detect marijuana in your system for a more extended period than if it had been smoked.
Can A Drug Test Detect Marijuana In My System?
Several factors determine whether a drug test will detect marijuana use. For people who use marijuana daily, the THC remains in the body for longer than it does for those who use marijuana infrequently.
Similarly, the potency of THC, whether the marijuana was inhaled or ingested, and the type of test also factor into detection.
There are a variety of different drug screening tests, including:
- Urine – This is the most common form of testing and detects drug metabolites in the urine sample. For people new to marijuana, a urine test can detect THC for between 1-3 days. That time span increases to 7-10 days for regular users, and it rises again to 30 days plus for daily users.
- Blood – Blood tests measure drug metabolites in the bloodstream. Generally, it takes longer for edibles to become detectable in the bloodstream. THC can stay in your blood for 1-2 days.
- Saliva – Saliva is a common test among employers and detects drug metabolites in a saliva sample. THC can remain in your saliva for up to 30 hours if you use marijuana regularly.
- Hair – Chemical hair tests can detect drug metabolites long after blood, urine, or saliva tests. THC can stay in hair follicles for up to 90 days, regardless of whether the drug is inhaled or ingested.
Can I Get Into Trouble Using Marijuana Even If It’s Legal?
In short, yes, you can still get into trouble for using marijuana, regardless of whether it’s legal in your state.
Most employers have a zero-tolerance policy for substances within the workplace, including marijuana. If your employer considers you to be under the influence of marijuana, or other substances, they have the right to test.
If your employer has a substance policy, you risk losing your job if found to be under the influence of drugs at work. The only exception is if you have a registered medical reason for using marijuana, but that also depends on the employer.
Different states have different laws regarding cannabis use and possession. In Arizona, for example, possession of more than 2.5 oz of marijuana can result in a monetary fine and possible imprisonment. In addition, marijuana is illegal for all youths under the age of 21.
Want To Quit Marijuana? Desert Cove Arizona Drug Rehab Is There To Help You Every Step Of The Way
There is the viewpoint that marijuana is less addictive than other drugs. However, research shows that 30% of marijuana users end up dependent on the drug. But it is possible to quit marijuana.
Desert Cove Recovery provides you with a custom addiction treatment plan. Through delivering holistic care and treatment in a safe, nurturing, and educational environment, you have compassionate guidance and support for your recovery.
Contact us today to get more information, have any questions answered, and begin your journey to sobriety.
