Wondering how long THCA sticks around in your body? You’re not alone. While it’s not the same as THC—the stuff that gets you high—THCA can still show up on a drug test depending on how it’s consumed. The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all: your metabolism, how often you use cannabis, and even your hydration levels all play a part. Let’s break it down so you know what to expect.
Key Takeaways
- THCA is usually detectable for 1–2 days, but chronic use can stretch that to weeks.
- It doesn’t cause a high unless it’s heated and converted into THC.
- Standard drug tests don’t target THCA, but heat-activated THCA can lead to positive THC results.
- Body fat, metabolism, hydration, and genetics all affect how long THCA stays in your system.
- There’s no magic detox—hydration, time, and abstinence are still your best bets.
What Is THCA and How Is It Different From THC?
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the raw, non-psychoactive version of THC found in live cannabis plants. When heated—through smoking, vaping, or baking—it converts into THC and produces intoxicating effects.
So, if you’re juicing raw cannabis or using unheated extracts, you’re mostly getting THCA. That won’t make you feel high, but it can still show up on tests in the right conditions.
Factors That Affect How Long THCA Stays in Your System
1. Frequency of Use
- Occasional Users: THCA may be gone within 1–3 days.
- Regular Users: Can take weeks or even over a month due to THC metabolite buildup in fat cells.
2. Metabolism & Genetics
- A faster metabolism clears THCA faster.
- Some people process cannabinoids more efficiently due to genetic differences, particularly in enzymes like CYP2C9.
3. Body Composition
- THCA and THC are fat-soluble. More body fat = longer retention.
4. Hydration and Diet
- Good hydration can help your body flush out metabolites.
- High-fiber diets and exercise support natural detox—but no fad juice cleanses required.
THCA and Drug Testing: Will You Fail a Test?
Standard drug tests don’t specifically look for THCA. They target THC-COOH, the metabolite formed after your body processes THC.
Here’s the catch: if you consume THCA through a method that heats it—like dabs, vape pens, or even hot tea—it becomes THC. Once metabolized, it can trigger a positive test.
So even if your product says “THCA,” how you use it could make all the difference.
How Long Does THCA Stay in Your System
| User Type | Estimated Detection Time |
|---|---|
| One-time use | 1–3 days |
| Weekly use | Up to 7–10 days |
| Daily use | 2–4 weeks or longer |
| Heavy/chronic use | 30+ days (especially with high fat) |
Note: These ranges vary depending on metabolism, hydration, and test sensitivity.
Can You Detox THCA Faster?
Despite what some “cleansing kits” promise, there’s no fast fix. Your body needs time.
That said, you can support your natural detox process:
- Stay hydrated (but don’t overdo it)
- Eat a balanced diet with fiber and antioxidants
- Get regular exercise, especially cardio
Just skip the gimmicks. If you’re facing a drug test, abstaining is the only guaranteed method.
Final Thoughts
So—how long does THCA stay in your system? For most people, it clears within a few days. But if you’re a regular user, have a slower metabolism, or carry more body fat, that window stretches out. While THCA on its own isn’t usually the problem, heating it can turn it into THC—and that can show up on drug tests.
If you’re looking to clear it out, time, hydration, and healthy habits go further than any quick fix. And if you’re using THCA for medical reasons, just be mindful of how your consumption method might affect test results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does THCA show up on a drug test?
Not directly, but if it’s been heated and turned into THC, yes—it can trigger a positive.
How long does THCA stay in your urine?
Usually 1–3 days for infrequent users, but much longer for regular or heavy users.
Can you speed up THCA elimination?
Not really. Hydration, a healthy diet, and exercise help, but nothing will flush it out overnight.
Is THCA legal?
THCA often falls into a legal gray area. It’s non-psychoactive, but heating it makes THC—so check your state laws.
Will raw cannabis make you fail a drug test?
Raw cannabis is rich in THCA. If you eat it without heating, it’s unlikely—but again, it depends on the test and how your body processes it.
