How Long Does Weed Last in Saliva? A Quick Guide

Even though it’s legal in many states, facing a drug test when you’ve recently consumed cannabis can mean your future is suddenly on the line. 

In this case, it helps to be prepared.

Knowing how long saliva tests can detect THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis, in your system is helpful if you are trying to pass an upcoming drug test.

Let's break down how long THC can last in the body, how saliva tests are used to detect it, and what you can do to ensure you pass your next saliva drug test with flying colors.

Key takeaways

• Traces of THC can be detected in saliva, blood, urine, breath, and hair during a drug test.
• The amount of time weed stays in saliva can vary from person to person, but is typically up to 72 hours in chronic users.
• Different testing methods carry different detection windows, from minutes in breath tests to days in saliva tests and months in hair samples.
• Several drug-specific and physiological factors can impact how long certain drugs remain in your system.

See Related: Are THC Gummies Legal? Status by State

What types of marijuana drug tests are there for detecting THC?

There are a variety of reliable methods for measuring levels of THC in the body. Which method is used may depend on the reason behind the drug test.

While not all drug tests are 100% accurate and false positives can sometimes occur, some of the most reliable methods of objective testing include:

• Saliva drug tests
• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Hair tests
• Breath test

Whether you're donating urine samples or a saliva sample, being cognizant of your recent cannabis use can help you better prepare.

How long does THC stay in saliva?

Cannabis users who are facing an upcoming saliva drug test may wonder how long THC stays in the system.

The truth is, it's hard to know for certain.

Generally, THC in saliva is detectable for up to 24 hours for occasional users and up to 72 hours for chronic cannabis users.

What factors impact how long weed can be detected in saliva tests?

How long THC can be detected by a mouth swab depends on several factors that can vary significantly from person to person. This can include:

• Frequency of use: Whether regular consumption or passive exposure, the frequency at which you’ve consumed cannabis can impact a drug test. 
• THC dosage: The potency of the marijuana or cannabis consumed can affect how long THC remains in your system. 
• Consumption method: Smoking marijuana vs. consuming edibles may cause cannabis to clear from your system faster. 
• Oral hygiene: Brushing your teeth and using mouthwash may dilute traces of THC on your next saliva drug test. 
• Saliva pH: Eating certain foods and drinking certain beverages can temporarily alter the mouth's pH, potentially affecting saliva tests. 

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long weed stays in the system. The type of specimen being collected, test sensitivity, and even the strength of the cannabis you've consumed can all affect that timeframe. 

Even factors like fat molecules can impact how long THC sticks around in those with slower metabolisms.

Bonus: Does CBD Help With Nausea? What the Science Says

How long to abstain before a saliva test

Whether you are a chronic user or an occasional cannabis user, the best way to pass saliva tests is to abstain from cannabis for a specific period of time.

If you have upcoming oral fluid drug tests scheduled, it is best to abstain from cannabis use for at least 72 hours to avoid a positive test.

How long does THC show up on urine tests?

Urine drug tests are common for reasons like employment screenings.

This type of drug test carries a longer detection window than other testing methods, sometimes detecting cannabis for up to 90 days in regular cannabis users.

On the other hand, that time frame may be reduced to just 1-3 days after consumption for single or occasional users.

Metabolism and body composition

Drug metabolism is the body’s natural process for eliminating foreign substances. Various factors can impact the speed and efficiency of drug metabolism, which can affect how long drugs are detectable in different drug test specimens. 

Factors like how much body fat a person has and how much cannabis has been consumed over a period of time can influence how long a urine test can detect marijuana.

How long does weed show up on other drug tests (blood tests, hair tests)?

THC detection time varies from test to test.

To avoid a positive result after marijuana use, it is helpful to understand each type of test and how different factors can influence how long THC is detectable in oral fluid and other types of specimens.

For example, hair tests have a notoriously long detection window of around 90 days, while breath tests have a short detection window of minutes to hours.

The method of consumption matters, too, as certain THC concentrations can stay in the system longer, extending the window for THC detection.

Which factors impact how long marijuana stays in your system?

Several drug-specific and physiological factors can impact how long marijuana can stay in your system.

Drug-specific factors may include:

• Half-life: A drug’s half-life is the time it takes for the substance’s concentration in the bloodstream to be reduced by half.
• Dosage: Small amounts of marijuana consumption may clear the body sooner than larger amounts.
• Method of administration: Consuming edibles like chocolates infused with delta 9 THC or CBD + THC gummies may cause THC to remain in your system longer than smoking.

Physiological factors may include:

• Body mass index: Factors like BMI and body composition can impact how long a drug stays in the system.
• Age: Age can impact drug tests as a body’s systems may slow the rate at which drugs are metabolized, which results in a prolonged half-life for some drugs. This is common in the elderly. 
• Liver and kidney health: These can affect how the body metabolizes certain drugs.
• Hydration levels: Hydration levels can impact how long a drug stays in your system. Dehydration can prolong a drug’s half-life while over-hydration may shorten it. 

All of the above factors can vary significantly from person to person.

Conclusion

No one wants to be blindsided by a drug test.

Although cannabis use may be legal in your state, that doesn't mean you still won't be asked to take a drug test for employment or other purposes. If you regularly consume cannabis, it is important to always be prepared.

Staying educated about cannabis, THC products, and how these can impact drug tests can help ensure you are always ready and that a negative test result doesn't impact your future.

Keep Reading: THCa vs THC: Which Is Stronger?

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