THC Detox: Tips on getting weed out of your system
How to detox from weed
So the time has come for a THC detox. Maybe you need to pass a drug test for a new job, or maybe you’ve decided to take a T-break (tolerance break) and want to flush weed out of your system before starting over. Here’s how to reset effectively.
What is a THC detox?
A THC detox is the process of removing cannabis residues from the body and its systems that can build up with consistent use. By abstaining from cannabis for a period of time, the body flushes all of the cannabinoids and terpenes from its system. THC metabolites can linger for up to 30 days after inhalation or ingestion, so don’t expect it all to clear up in a day.
This weed detoxification process can be easy for some people and difficult for others. The duration of any THC detox often depends on how heavily and consistently you use cannabis. Whether or not you use cannabis for medicinal purposes and the symptoms it aids in treating will also affect detoxification. Especially for heavy and/or medicinal users, the marijuana detoxification process can result in uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- irritability
- headache
- depression
- fear
- Decreased appetite
- insomnia
Experts debate whether or not these marijuana detoxification effects can be considered withdrawal symptoms, or rather simply a result of stopping a drug that once helped relieve symptoms. Cannabis is not considered addictive like other proposed substances, but some can develop cannabis use disorders.
How to remove weed from your system
There are many ways to detox from cannabis. Most involve wellness practices that not only help you detox but improve your body’s overall health.
How to pass a drug test and detox weed naturally
The Best Weed Detox Method? A natural cleaning. Although it will take a long time – up to six weeks – it remains the most thorough and effective way to remove weed from your system.
Most of these methods work in conjunction with each other, and all of them benefit the body. Consider the following strategies for an all-natural marijuana detox experience.
1. Avoid THC
This is pretty obvious, but in order to detox from marijuana, you should stop using cannabis altogether. Whether you go cold turkey or go cold turkey, the process of THC detox can’t really begin until cannabis is completely out of the picture.
2nd exercise
Get up and move! Our bodies store THC in fat cells – fewer cells mean less THC residue. Physical exercises like cardio and weight training help burn fat and increase metabolism, which speeds up the weed detoxification process.
A happy bonus to training will be an increase in the production of anandamide, the body’s natural “happiness” molecule. If you’ve ever experienced a runner’s high, you know the euphoric feeling this endocannabinoid induces.
Exercise helps decrease detectable cannabinoids in your body while smoothing the transition for endocannabinoids that our bodies naturally produce.
Related
The runner’s high and the endocannabinoid system
3. Drink water
During this time, drink plenty of water to cleanse the body and eliminate toxins. We need water to maintain all sorts of bodily functions, not just detoxification, including organ function and immunity. But don’t overdo it – drinking to excess will not speed up the process.
4. Practice a healthy diet
Avoid foods high in sodium, sugar, and fat to aid in weed detoxification. These types of foods, like red meat and junk food, increase water retention and slow down your metabolism, which is in direct contrast to the body’s ability to excrete THC metabolites. Instead, opt for a nutritious, healthy diet high in vegetables, lean meats, fruits, and plenty of leafy greens.
Many greens increase metabolism because they contain iron and other essential vitamins. Incorporate more spinach, kale, and other vegetables into your diet to aid in the process of flushing your system.
Healthy fiber is also good during this time: beans, legumes, peanuts, non-enriched whole grain wheat and other good fibers provide an additional boost. These key detox foods will also help stabilize your mood and sleep, and alleviate potential negative symptoms.
5. Drink more tea
Opt for teas high in antioxidants or liver-cleansing teas like dandelion or milk thistle. This is a simple, enjoyable way to assist the body in the marijuana detoxification process.
Related
Guide: The best weed tea recipes
5. Take care of your sanity
Detoxification can amplify negative emotions. Remember to be gentle with yourself and take care of your sanity.
This can mean different things to different people. For some, exercise, yoga, and meditation can help stabilize mood. For others, it may mean putting less on your metaphorical plate and viewing marijuana detox time as a vacation from typical stresses and excitements.
Consider using resources such as therapy if available. Whatever the reason, be kind to yourself during a THC detox.
7. Groom yourself
Think of the cannabis detox experience as an opportunity to check in and take care of yourself. Think of this time as a vacation and give yourself permission to worry less and spoil yourself more.
Buy a fancy bath bomb and have a relaxing bath, spend more time with close friends, visit your favorite parks or nature centers for picnics or easy walks, garden, read, dance or pick up an instrument. Whatever healthy habits make you happy, give yourself permission now to enjoy them to the fullest.
Related
Survey: More cannabis users are seeking wellness, not high
How long does a weed detox take?
Even after completing a marijuana detox, THC can remain detectable in urine for a few days to a full month. Tests for urine, blood, hair, and saliva can all test for THC, but most tests are done with urine.
How long weed stays in your system depends on many factors:
- How much THC you consume on a regular basis
- How much body fat you have
- your metabolic rate
- exercise and eating habits
People who smoke less, exercise more, have a higher metabolism, and have less body fat can flush THC from their system quickly.
Anyone can increase the rate at which THC leaves their bodies by eating a healthy diet, exercising, and drinking plenty of water.
What’s the fastest way to detox for a drug test?
Now that we know what works in THC detoxes, let’s dive straight into what doesn’t work.
Most quick THC detox methods are based on myth and should not be trusted. Don’t rely on questionable and unreliable detox methods. If you’re wondering how to pass a drug test for cannabis without taking a tolerance break, remember that detoxing from cannabis is a long process. No vitamin, juice, tea or chemical will magically flush weed out of your system overnight or in a short period of time.
Unfortunately, there is no quick fix to remove weed from your system. Bunk information abounds that doesn’t show results. Some examples of failing “quick” THC detox methods to avoid are:
cranberry juice
Many websites praise cranberry juice for helping the liver and kidneys flush out toxins. While cranberry juice is high in antioxidants, it doesn’t actually rid the body of THC—even if a urine test comes back negative, THC is still present on other tests.
Vinegar
Vinegar has many health benefits and prebiotics that help with digestion. But like cranberry juice, it won’t actually cleanse your body of THC.
niacin
There is no scientific evidence that using niacin to flush THC out of your system will work.
Related
How long does weed stay in your system?
THC detox drinks and kits
The following products do not all target THC removal specifically, but instead help to detoxify the body in general by removing impurities and toxins. Some of these can be used in conjunction with natural detoxification methods.
Note: We have not tested these products and cannot guarantee their effectiveness in reducing THC and THC metabolites. Use them at your own discretion.
Sources
Note: This article has not been reviewed by a doctor. Please consult your GP for more information.
Rae Lland
Rae Lland is a freelance writer, journalist and former editor for Weedist and The Leaf Online. With a focus on culture, music, health and wellness, in addition to her work for Leafly, she has been featured in numerous online cannabis publications as well as print editions of Cannabis Now Magazine. Follow her on Instagram @rae.lland
Check out Rae Lland’s articles
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