How Long Does THC Stay in Your Hair Follicles? What is Considered a High THC Level in Hair Test?

How Long Does THC Stay in Your Hair? It takes 90 days, on average, for THC to be completely washed out of hair. Because of this window of detection, cannabinoid levels in hair samples can be used to reconstruct a person’s cannabis use over time. THC metabolites are byproducts of the body’s metabolism of THC, and their presence can be detected using a hair follicle test.


How Long Does THC Stay in Your Hair?

After enjoying a weekend smoke session with friends, the sobering reality of Monday sets in—mainly if your employer employs hair tests for drug screening. Once you’ve experienced that high, you might wonder how long you’ll have to wait for the THC traces to disappear. Approximately 90 days is before your system clears the THC in your hair. However, the lingering question remains: How precisely does weed’s presence endure in your hair? Let’s delve into the essential facts you should be aware of.

The hair test, dreaded by many, is one of the most widely used methods for detecting drug use. It offers a less invasive and time-consuming alternative to urine and blood tests. Nonetheless, it remains a contentious subject and has often yielded false positives. Intriguingly, even mere exposure to cannabis smoke can skew the results. While the accuracy of hair tests continues to be debated, it’s crucial that you know how these tests function, especially concerning one of the most prevalent substances—marijuana.

How Does THC in Hair Happen?

When you smoke, vape, or ingest marijuana, you’re facilitating the liberation of the drug’s active compounds into your bloodstream. Once within your veins, these cannabinoids embark on a journey through the blood vessels, navigating toward the cannabinoid receptors present in the body’s cells.

This is where they establish their binding and initiate their effects. Along this voyage, specific cannabinoids—primarily metabolites of the psychoactive THC—are particularly interesting to most tests. These compounds find their way into the blood vessels that supply the scalp’s cell population.

THC manages to traverse the divide in the intricate interaction between the vessel and the hair follicle cells, known as the hair papilla. It ventures into the matrix, the space where the crucial hair growth process occurs. As the ensuing weeks unfold, the hair springs from the root, progressively extending upwards. This upward trajectory carries THC past the scalp’s surface, rendering it susceptible to testing for the subsequent three months.

How Long Does THC Stay in Your Hair Comparison

Explore the characteristics of different drug testing methods – Hair, Urine, Blood, and Saliva tests – and understand their detection windows, sample collection processes, and advantages and disadvantages.

Testing MethodDetection WindowSample CollectionProsCons
Hair TestUp to 90 daysHair sampleExtended detection period, historical usageRequires longer hair length, potential external contamination
Urine TestUp to 30 daysUrine sampleCommon, non-invasiveNon-invasive, recent-use detection
Blood TestUp to a few daysBlood sampleRecent use detectionInvasive, limited window of detection
Saliva TestUp to 1-2 daysSaliva sampleNon-invasive, recent use detectionShort detection window, limited for historical use
Comparison of Drug Testing Methods

Weed Facts

What is Weed?

Marijuana, also called weed, is a substance obtained from the cannabis plant for THC-induced effects. Weed is the most widely used illegal substance in the US, according to the National Institute on Drug Addiction (NIDA).


Weed Effects

Humans have looked into various methods to enjoy marijuana’s effects. The most popular ways to consume marijuana are as hand-rolled joints or through pipes.

Another alternative method of marijuana consumption is via vaporizers. There are numerous recipes for baking cannabis into brownies and cookies and blending it with butter, tea, and oils.

When THC, the primary psychoactive component of marijuana, travels to the brain and enters the bloodstream, the effects of marijuana become apparent.

Weed Dependence

Cannabis use can lead to addiction. Marijuana consumption has negative psychological and physical repercussions. Physical symptoms include difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and vomiting.

Regarding their mental health, marijuana users may also be more susceptible to hallucinations, paranoia, disordered thinking, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

Furthermore risky for women, and marijuana use during pregnancy. Premature birth, low birth weight, and other harmful effects have all been related to marijuana usage by pregnant women.

It is conceivable to overdose on marijuana to the point of suffering significant symptoms, such as anxiety and paranoia, even though a life-threatening overdose has never been documented.

Occasionally, people who experience a psychotic reaction from marijuana are in the emergency room. Like intense vertigo, which results in nausea and vomiting, it can prompt patients to seek medical attention.

How Long Does Weed Stay In Your System Urine Test?

Urine is the most common drug test method. Urine tests can detect marijuana for different durations depending on the frequency and level of use. Occasional users can test positive for up to 4-7 days, moderate users for 7-21 days, and heavy users for more than 21 days.

How Long Does THC Stay in Hair Follicles?

Approximately 90 days is before your system clears the THC in your hair.

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Weed Addiction Statistics

Although marijuana’s acceptance has increased in recent years, it is not without risks. Here we’ll look at some of the most telling data about the risks of marijuana use. The potential risks to physical and mental health from marijuana use and the results of driving while high are among the topics covered.

Understanding the available data can help individuals make educated decisions about their use and contribute to ongoing discussions about cannabis policy and regulation, even though much remains to be learned about the risks and benefits of marijuana use.


17.5%

Among those 12 and older, marijuana consumption increased from 11% to 17.5%.

Source: NIDA

55 Million

The number of American adults who currently use marijuana.

Source: NIDA

24%

The percentage of 12th-graders who have used marijuana in the past year.

Source: NIDA


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How to Get THC out of Hair?

If you’re looking to cleanse your hair of THC traces, there are some considerations to keep in mind. THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, can remain in the hair for an extended period, making it a challenge to remove altogether. While there’s no foolproof method, here are some options you might consider:

  • Time: The most straightforward approach is to let time run its course. As hair grows, new, drug-free growth will eventually replace the THC-laden strands. However, this method requires patience, and the detection window can range up to 90 days.
  • Haircuts: Trimming or cutting your hair significantly reduces the length of THC strands. While this doesn’t eliminate the traces instantly, it can expedite clearing your hair.
  • Detox Shampoos: Some detox shampoos claim to help remove drug metabolites from hair. However, their efficacy varies, and they might not guarantee complete removal. It’s essential to research and choose products from reputable sources.
  • Home Remedies: Some individuals try home remedies like using vinegar, baking soda, or specialized detoxifying masks on their hair. However, these methods lack scientific backing and might not yield consistent results.
  • Professional Hair Treatments: Certain salons offer hair treatments that claim to remove drug traces. These treatments may involve chemicals or procedures that could damage your hair.
  • Consult a Professional: If you’re facing a hair drug test and are concerned about THC detection, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a toxicology expert. They can guide suitable options based on your situation.

Important Considerations:

  • No method can guarantee 100% removal of THC from hair.
  • Detox products might not work for everyone and could have varying results.
  • Home remedies and salon treatments may carry risks and side effects.
  • Professional guidance is recommended, especially if the stakes are high, such as in legal or employment situations.

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What is Considered a High THC Level in Hair Test?

A high THC level in a hair test typically refers to a concentration of THC metabolites that exceeds a certain threshold set by the testing laboratory or organization. However, the exact threshold for what is considered a “high” THC level in a hair test can vary depending on several factors, including the testing standards, the specific metabolite being measured, and the purpose of the test (e.g., employment, legal, medical).

As a general guideline, a commonly used threshold for a positive result in hair tests is around 1 picogram per milligram (pg/mg) of THC metabolite. This value is often used by many testing laboratories to differentiate between incidental exposure and actual cannabis use. Keep in mind that different laboratories and organizations might use slightly different thresholds, so it’s important to consult the specific guidelines provided by the entity conducting the test.

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We Level Up NJ helps people detox in a caring and supportive environment with the resources they need to live healthier. Our detox program provides a safe, nurturing environment to focus on your health while removing CBD, THC, or both.
We Level Up NJ helps people detox in a caring and supportive environment with the resources they need to live healthier. Our detox program provides a safe, nurturing environment to focus on your health while removing CBD, THC, or both.

We Level Up NJ THC Detox

To help people safely and effectively rid their bodies of the lingering effects of CBD and THC, We Level Up NJ provides a thorough detox program. The potential effects of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on the body and mind are considered in our individualized detox program.

Our CBD vs THC detox program is individualized to meet the specific requirements of each patient. Supporting the body’s detoxification mechanisms, our experienced medical professionals lead clients through a structured detox process. We employ evidence-based practices, nutritional guidance, hydration, and other therapeutic modalities to facilitate the detoxification procedure.

Our mission at We Level Up NJ is to help people through the detox process in a caring and supportive environment with all the resources they need to make the change toward a healthier lifestyle. Our detox program offers a safe and nurturing space to focus on your health while removing CBD, THC, or both from your system.

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  1. Does CBD oil with THC in it?

    CBD oil can contain varying levels of THC, depending on the source and the manufacturing process. Full-spectrum CBD oil, derived from the whole hemp plant, may contain trace amounts of THC, usually below 0.3%, as federal law allows. This minimal THC content cannot produce psychoactive effects but may still appear on sensitive drug tests. On the other hand, broad-spectrum CBD oil contains other cannabinoids and compounds found in the hemp plant, but it has the THC removed. As the name suggests, CBD isolate contains only CBD and no other cannabinoids or compounds, including THC.

  2. Do CBD gummies have THC?

    The amount of THC can vary depending on the gummy type and where it came from. CBD gummies can be made from the same extracts as CBD oil: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate. Full-spectrum CBD gummies are made from the whole hemp plant and may have minimal amounts of THC, usually less than 0.3%, the limit set by US federal law. Broad-spectrum CBD gummies, on the other hand, are made in a way that removes THC but keeps other cannabinoids and compounds that are good for you. CBD isolate gummies only have CBD, not THC or any other cannabinoids or compounds.

How to Sober up Fast from THC Informative Video


In this helpful video, we provide practical tips on how to sober up quickly after consuming THC. Discover practical strategies to reduce the psychoactive effects of cannabis, including hydration, fresh air, and light physical activity. Learn about potential remedies to alleviate discomfort and regain clarity, allowing you to navigate daily activities more comfortably. Everyone’s response to THC varies, so these tips can serve as general guidelines to promote a more comfortable experience.

Search How Long Does THC Stay in Your Hair Follicles? Detox & Mental Health Topics & Resources
Sources
  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Marijuana: https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/marijuana Learn More: how long does thc stay in your hair
  2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Drugs and Human Performance Fact Sheets: https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.dot.gov/files/documents/812440-drugsandhumanperformancefactshheet.pdf Learn More: how long does thc stay in your hair
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Marijuana and Public Health: https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/index.htm Learn More: how long does thc stay in your hair
  4. National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) – Marijuana Overview: https://www.ncsl.org/research/civil-and-criminal-justice/marijuana-overview.aspx Learn More: how long does thc stay in your hair
  5. National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) – State Laws: https://norml.org/states Learn More: how long does thc stay in your hair