How Long Do Dabs Remain in Your System
Whether we’re first-time or long-time concentrate users, dabs provide a more potent cannabinoid experience compared to smoking pot. Marijuana flower can contain as much as 30% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), while concentrates contain at least 70% THC, with some having over 90% THC. Sounds enticing, right?
For those wondering, “how long do dabs stay in our system?”, the answer will not only depend on the type of concentrate used, but also the frequency of use, and our metabolism. Because dabs contain much more THC than flower, many users are left in the dark trying to determine the long-term effects of dabs or how long a drug test can detect it.
How long does a dab high last?
Though concentrates contain a higher percentage of psychoactive cannabinoids, the effects don’t typically last longer than those experienced when smoking flower. The notable differences between ripping a bong or a rig are intensity and onset: dabbing produces a more intense high with effects felt almost instantly. The height of a dab high can last between one to two hours (or more for low-frequency users) before the effects subside.
How long can dabs be detected in drug tests?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear-cut answer to the question “how long does THC stay in our system?.” THC levels are affected by age, sex, body mass, metabolism, dosage, the frequency of use, and other factors. Frequent users can have small amounts of detectable metabolites months after using cannabis.
Drug test detection times: urine, saliva, blood, and hair
THC and its metabolite THC-COOH can be detected in a variety of test samples including urine, hair, saliva, and blood. Urine tests are the go-to for employers, probation officers, and parents alike due to their ease and affordability.
The table below provides approximate estimates of the amount of time it takes for dabs to no longer be detectable when undertaking various forms of drug tests. Please be aware that these drug detection times are estimated and vary depending on our specific circumstances. There is no scientific evidence on which we base our estimated detection times — all of our estimates are based on experience alone. The dab detection times below are all estimates based on a worst-case scenario.
| Frequency Of Use | Urine | Saliva | Hair | Blood | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
One time use |
7 days |
1.5 days |
Up to 90 days |
1.5 days |
||
|
Up to two times per week |
14 days |
2 days |
Up to 90 days |
1.5 days |
||
|
Three or more times per week |
30 days |
3 days |
Up to 90 days |
2 days |
||
|
Daily use |
30+ days |
3 days |
Up to 90 days |
Up to 30 days |
||
|
Long-term chronic use |
Up to 90 days |
Up to 30 days |
Up to 90 days |
Up to 30 days |
||
- Cannabis is detectable in the urine for 14 days for infrequent users (less than three times a week), 30 days for moderate users (four times a week), and more than a month for daily users. Keep in mind, different labs may use different THC concentration cut-off points.
- With blood testing, THC-COOH is detectable one to two days after dabbing. However, as mentioned above, very heavy users can hold the metabolite for as long as a month. Some blood tests have detected THC in heavy users after 25 days
- For saliva testing, THC can be detected one to three days after the last use for occasional users or up to a month after the last use for chronic users.
- Hair testing can detect marijuana use for the longest, up to 90 days, depending on hair length.
Other factors to consider
When THC enters our body after dabbing, it is immediately absorbed into the bloodstream. Users can begin to feel effects within a minute of inhalation. THC is broken down in the body into molecules known as metabolites that are stored in organs, body fat, and the bloodstream. People with a quick metabolism or lower body fat can remove THC from their system faster than those with a slower metabolic rate.
Influential Factors in Drug Test Detection Times for Dabs
The drug test detection times provided above serve as rough estimates. The actual duration it takes for THC from dabs to become undetectable in your body may vary based on several factors listed below.
Consumption Habits
As illustrated in the table above, the main factor influencing how long dabs remain detectable in your system is the amount and frequency of use. Dabs will stay in your system longer for a regular user than for an occasional user.
Stress Levels
Your stress levels can impact the time it takes for THC metabolites to leave your system. Higher stress levels can slow down the process of eliminating carboxy-THC from your body.
Metabolic Rate
The number of days dabs are detectable in your system is directly related to your metabolic rate. A faster metabolism will help purge dabs from your system more quickly.
Body Mass (Body Fat Content)
Your body stores excess THC metabolites in fast-growing cells such as body fat, hair, and nails, with the highest concentration being in fat cells. These metabolites gradually leak back into your system over time, extending the period THC remains detectable in your body.
Physical Activity Levels
This factor is related to the previous point. Less physical activity can lead to more body fat cells, and consequently, THC metabolites will stay detectable in your system for a longer duration.
Age
Human metabolism typically slows down as we age. Consequently, dabs will remain in the body longer for older individuals compared to younger ones.
General Health
Since body metabolism slows down during periods of ill health, a healthier person will process and eliminate THC metabolites faster than an unhealthy person.
Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions can influence the time it takes for THC metabolites to be removed from your body. For instance, conditions that affect your kidneys or liver can impact drug-detection times. A proper diagnosis is necessary to determine the potential impact.
Genetics
Some individuals are genetically predisposed to process drug metabolites faster than others. This is due to the presence of the drug-metabolizing enzyme CYP2D6, as documented by the American Association for Clinical Chemistry. People with lower levels of this enzyme will experience longer drug-detection times.
Use of Other Drugs
Our bodies have a limited capacity for metabolizing drugs. If your body is overloaded with various drugs, this will prolong drug-detection time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dabs show up as concentrates on drug tests?
No, concentrates will appear on a drug test as cannabis. There isn’t a drug test designed specifically to detect the use of dabs.
Do dabs stay in your system longer than cannabis flower?
Well, it depends. Whether you test positive for marijuana depends on the amount of THC in your system. Since dabs have higher THC levels than regular cannabis flower, using them could result in higher THC levels in your body. However, the amount of THC in your system depends on your consumption habits and the duration of use, so it varies from person to person.
Can you speed up THC removal from your system?
Once we inhale a dab, our bodies naturally start breaking it down as the THC undergoes the metabolizing process. While not scientifically proven, many people believe that vigorous exercise and staying well-hydrated can help speed up THC removal from the system. There are numerous detox kits claiming to remove THC, but they’re often unreliable and expensive. The best way to ensure dabs are out of your system is to avoid dabbing altogether.
How long does THC from a wax pen stay in your urine?
Like other concentrates, THC in wax pens may be detectable in your urine several days after your last session. Factors like how often and how much you smoke, along with your metabolism, all play a role in how long it takes for your body to process and eliminate THC. Heavy smokers may need up to three days for THC from a dab pen to leave their system, while light smokers with fast metabolisms might clear it within 24 hours. As a general rule, THC is detectable in urine for about three days for first-time vapers, a week for regular or weekly smokers, and up to thirty days or more for daily or long-term heavy users.
Will a dab pen show up on a drug test?
Yes, a dab pen can show up on a drug test, depending on the quantity consumed and other factors.
How long does a dab pen high last?
Typically, the effects of a dab pen last between 1 and 3 hours, depending on the amount consumed.
How long does a THC cart stay in your system?
The duration a THC cart stays detectable in your system depends on factors like the amount consumed and your body fat. However, it generally lasts between 2 and 30 days for most users.
