If you’ve ever wondered how long THCA stays in your system, you’re not alone. With the growing popularity of THCA and other cannabis products, more people are facing a potential positive result on drug tests.
Unlike THC, which is known for its psychoactive effects, THCA is found in the raw form of the plant and does not cause a “high.” Still, once heated, THCA converts into psychoactive THC, which can leave behind cannabinoid metabolites that most drug tests are designed to detect. That means even people consuming THCA for wellness purposes may face a positive drug test result if they’re tested in the workplace or in other settings.
In this guide, we’ll break down how the body processes THCA, how long it may remain detectable in urine tests, blood tests, saliva tests, and hair tests, and the key factors affecting THCA metabolism.
What is THCA?
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a natural compound found in raw cannabis and raw cannabis products. In its raw form, THCA is not intoxicating and does not create the psychoactive effects people usually associate with marijuana. This changes when the compound is heated — during smoking, vaping, or cooking — because THCA converts into psychoactive THC.
Unlike THC, which directly produces a “high,” THCA has been studied for its potential health benefits without altering mood or perception. However, when it comes to drug tests, most labs don’t distinguish between different cannabis compounds. That means consuming THCA can still result in THCA metabolites or even detectable THC metabolites showing up in standard drug tests.
Because the body metabolizes THCA in ways similar to THC, anyone using THCA products — even for wellness reasons — should be aware that most drug tests are designed to detect cannabis use, not just psychoactive THC.
Is THCA Detectable on Drug Tests?
Yes, THCA can be detectable on a drug test, but the situation is a little complex. Most drug tests are designed to identify cannabis metabolites rather than the specific form of cannabis consumed. When consuming THCA, the compound can either remain as THCA metabolites in the body or be converted into psychoactive THC, which then breaks down into detectable THC metabolites.
Because of this, standard drug tests — such as urine drug tests, blood tests, saliva tests, and hair tests — may all register a positive drug test result even if someone only used raw cannabis or raw THCA. The body’s natural processes don’t always make a clear distinction between different cannabis compounds, meaning you can still test positive.
Another factor is that many drug testing methods are highly sensitive and can detect cannabis use days or even weeks after consumption. For this reason, even if someone seeks out THCA for its potential health benefits and lack of immediate psychoactive effects, there is still a risk of a positive test result during drug screenings.
Understanding THCA Absorption and Metabolism
How long THCA stays in your system depends a lot on how it enters the body. The consumption method plays a big role in how the body metabolizes THCA, how quickly it converts into psychoactive THC, and how long cannabis metabolites remain detectable on a drug test.
Oral Consumption
When consuming THCA through raw cannabis products, capsules, or edibles, the compound passes through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream. This means it takes longer to feel any effects, but the body metabolizes THCA over an extended period. As a result, THCA metabolites and detectable THC metabolites can remain in the body for a longer detection window. Frequent or chronic users who take THCA orally may test positive during urine drug screenings for weeks.
Sublingual (Under the Tongue)
Using THCA tinctures or oils sublingually allows absorption through the mucous membranes under the tongue. This method bypasses some digestion, so the body processes THCA more quickly than oral use but still slower than inhalation. While positive drug test results are still possible, the drug test timeline for cannabinoid metabolites may be slightly shorter compared to edibles.
Inhaled or Smoked
When THCA products are smoked or vaped, heat causes THCA to convert into psychoactive THC almost instantly. This produces faster effects, but it also means psychoactive THC and its cannabinoid metabolites enter the bloodstream quickly. Because of this, inhaled cannabis often leads to a shorter high but a longer detection window in various drug testing methods such as urine tests, blood tests, and saliva tests. Even after the effects wear off, THC and THCA byproducts can remain detectable in fat cells, increasing the chances of a positive drug test for frequent users.
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How Long Does THCA Stay in Your System? A Look at Common Drug Testing Methods and THCA Detection
The detection window for THCA depends on the type of drug test being used, how often someone is consuming THCA, their body composition, and how their individual metabolism processes cannabis metabolites. Below, we’ll break down how long THCA or detectable THC metabolites can remain detectable in different drug testing methods.
How Long Does THCA Stay in Hair?
Hair tests provide one of the longest drug test timelines. These tests can detect cannabis and THCA metabolites for up to 90 days after use. Because THC and other cannabinoid metabolites get trapped in hair follicles, even infrequent or occasional use may show up months later. This makes hair tests particularly challenging for chronic users, since they often produce a positive test result even long after someone has stopped consuming THCA or other cannabis compounds.
How Long Does THCA Stay in Urine?
Urine drug tests are the most common form of drug screenings, and they are very sensitive to THC metabolites. The detection window varies depending on the frequency of use:
- Occasional use: 3–7 days
- Moderate use: 1–2 weeks
- Frequent or daily use: 3–4 weeks
- Heavy chronic use: 30+ days
Because THC binds to fat cells, people with higher body fat percentages may take longer to eliminate THC metabolites. For this reason, a system urine test often shows a positive drug test result even if cannabis was last used weeks ago.
How Long Does THCA Stay in Blood?
Blood tests usually have the shortest detection window. For most people, THCA and psychoactive THC remain detectable in blood for 24–48 hours. However, for chronic users, detectable THC metabolites may linger in the bloodstream for several days. While blood tests are less common than urine drug screenings, they are often used in accident investigations or roadside drug testing methods because they can show recent use.
How Long Does THCA Stay in Saliva?
Saliva tests are becoming more popular because they are quick and non-invasive. These tests can detect THCA and THC metabolites within 24–72 hours after use. For occasional users, the detection window is typically shorter, but frequent users may still test positive after several days. Since saliva tests check for recent use, they are often used by employers and law enforcement for on-the-spot drug screenings.
Factors Affecting THCA Metabolism and Detection
When asking how long does THCA stay in your system, the answer is never the same for everyone. The detection window depends on how the body metabolizes THCA, the type of drug testing methods used, and several personal variables. Below are the most important factors affecting THCA metabolism and how long cannabis metabolites remain detectable.
Frequency of Cannabis Use
Occasional users may clear detectable THC metabolites in just a few days.
Frequent users or chronic users often have a much longer drug test timeline, sometimes testing positive for weeks. This is because repeated cannabis use allows cannabinoid metabolites to build up in the body.
Body Composition and Fat Cells
Since THC and THCA metabolites are fat-soluble, they are stored in fat cells. People with a higher body fat percentage may retain detectable THC metabolites longer. In contrast, individuals with lower fat levels often eliminate THC metabolites more quickly.
Individual Metabolism
Everyone’s individual metabolism is different. Some people can quickly detox THC metabolites, while others break down cannabis compounds more slowly. Age, genetics, and overall health all influence how the body processes THCA and how long it will remain detectable.
Consumption Method
The way someone uses THCA — whether through raw cannabis consumption, edibles, tinctures, or smoking — plays a big role in detection. For example:
- Inhaled or smoked THCA products convert quickly into psychoactive THC, which may show up faster on a urine drug screening or blood test.
- Oral consumption of raw THCA often produces a longer-lasting presence of THCA metabolites, making them easier to detect on standard urine tests.
- Sublingual methods fall somewhere in between, with a moderate detection window.
Hydration, Diet, and Lifestyle
Staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and regular exercise all affect how the body metabolizes THCA. These habits can sometimes shorten the detection window by helping the body eliminate THC metabolites more efficiently, although they won’t guarantee a clean result on common drug testing methods.
Can You Flush THC Metabolites From Your System Quickly?
Many people wonder if it’s possible to quickly detox THC metabolites before a drug test. The truth is that there’s no guaranteed way to completely clear cannabinoid metabolites from your body overnight. How long THCA stays in your system depends on several factors — like frequency of cannabis use, body fat percentage, and your individual metabolism.
That said, some habits may help the body eliminate THC metabolites more efficiently:
- Hydration: Drinking water helps support the kidneys and may slightly speed up how the body processes THCA and other cannabis compounds, though it will not erase all traces for a urine drug screening.
- Exercise: Physical activity burns fat cells, which can release stored detectable THC metabolites. However, this may temporarily increase the chance of a positive drug test result if exercised right before testing.
- Healthy diet: Eating fiber-rich foods can support digestion and may help the body metabolize THCA more steadily.
- Time: Ultimately, the most reliable way to pass common drug testing methods is to allow enough time for your body to eliminate THC metabolites naturally.
Despite what some detox products claim, there is no proven method that guarantees a clean result on standard urine tests, blood tests, saliva tests, or hair tests.
Find Help for Cannabis Use Disorder Today
If you’re facing cannabis use concerns or worried about cannabis use disorder, you’re not alone. The CDC estimates that 3 out of every 10 people who use cannabis regularly have or will have a cannabis use disorder.
If you or someone you love is struggling with cannabis use and worried about a positive drug test result or the impact on daily life, now is the time to take action. Our New Jersey treatment center provides personalized care for cannabis use disorder and related challenges.
At Moving Mountains Recovery, we understand that every journey is unique. That’s why we offer supportive, evidence-based treatment options designed to help you regain control, restore balance, and move toward lasting recovery.
Call us today for a confidential consultation and learn how our programs can support your goals. Whether you’re seeking outpatient care, counseling, or more comprehensive treatment, we’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About THCA and Drug Tests
Does THCA show up differently from THC on a drug test?
No. Most drug tests don’t distinguish between THCA and THC. They look for cannabis metabolites in the body, which means consuming THCA can still trigger a positive drug test result.
Why do frequent users test positive longer than occasional users?
Chronic users or frequent users often have more cannabinoid metabolites stored in their fat cells, which lengthens the drug test timeline. Occasional users typically eliminate THC faster.
Which drug testing method detects THCA the longest?
Hair tests have the longest detection window — up to 90 days. Urine tests, blood tests, and saliva tests vary, but they generally detect cannabis for shorter periods.
References:
- Science Direct: Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid
- The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics: Comparison of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA-A) and Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in neuronal cell functions
- Taylor & Francis Online: Comparative metabolism of THCA and THCV using UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS
- National Institute of Health (NIH): ACMT Position Statement: Interpretation of Urine for Tetrahydrocannabinol Metabolites
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Urine Testing for Detection of Marijuana: An Advisory
- CDC: Understanding Your Risk for Cannabis Use Disorder
