How long does weed stay in the system of an athlete? This is an important question for athletes that have to go for regular drug testing for their sport.
One common question that athletes and many other people ask is, how long does cannabis remain in the system for? Athletes are all the more concerned about this question because, given their physical condition, any trace of THC can prevent them from competing at the level they’re used to.
Luckily, it’s fairly simple to figure out how long THC stays detectable in the body for, and with these tips on how to pass a drug test, you’ll be able to clear your system in time for your next event.
What Types Of Drugs Tests Are There?
There are two main kinds of drug tests, those that look for THC and those that look for the metabolite of THC. A test looking for THC will be able to detect the presence of THC in a person’s system for a period of time after consumption. A test looking for the metabolite will only be able to detect THC if it was consumed within a very short period of time, usually within the last few hours.
A lot of athletes are surprised to learn that THC can be detected for up to 90 days after use in specific drug tests, depending on factors such as the individual’s metabolism, body fat, and workout frequency.
There are a variety of drug tests that can be used to detect the presence of THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. The most popular kind of drug test that is most widely utilized is a urine test, which can detect THC for up to two weeks after last use.
Blood and hair tests are also used, but these are less common. If you’re an athlete who has failed a drug test for weed, you may face suspension from your team or league. There are a few things you can do to try and get THC out of your system faster, including drinking lots of water and exercising.
However, it’s important to note that there is no 100% guaranteed way to get rid of THC in your system quickly. What really matters is whether or not THC stays in your system long enough to make an impact on performance while playing sports.
And this varies depending on how much weed was consumed when it was consumed, and how frequently weed was consumed before playing sports. But according to studies by American Scientist magazine, THC will usually stay in the system of athletes long enough for them to fail a random screening – even if they’ve taken some steps to reduce its impact on their body beforehand.
There is still a lot we don’t know about what types of effects, both positive and negative, THC might have on athletic performance. For example, it’s still unclear how consuming weed prior to competition affects reaction time and muscle coordination. And research into the relationship between cannabis use and injuries is even more sparse.
Still, given that THC can remain detectable in urine tests for up to two weeks after last use with frequent users (according to the US National Library of Medicine), any cannabis user should be aware that they might show traces of the drug during competition or practice – regardless of what precautions they take beforehand.
It’s also worth noting that only one study so far has looked at the effect of cannabis use on injury rates among competitive sports players. Having said that, other drug tests might detect THC for longer periods of time.
Weed Consumption
A lot of people use marijuana to relax and de-stress. However, the drug can also affect coordination and impair judgment. The amount of time that THC stays detectable in the system depends on how often the person smokes, how much is taken in each time, and the body mass index. For example, a person with a body mass index greater than 30 will have marijuana stay in their system longer than someone with a lower BMI.
Marijuana can be detected in your body for up to a month after smoking it. That time frame can be longer depending on how often you use marijuana and other factors. If you’re wondering how long will THC show up in your system, here’s what you need to know.
How Is It Compared To Alcohol?
A single use of alcohol can stay in your system for over 30 days. In fact, any trace of alcohol stays detectable through urinalysis. Studies find that it could take even longer if you drink beer more frequently or consume more amounts at one time.
The primary reason why alcohol is detectable for so long in the human body has to do with the way our bodies break down substances like ethanol into acetaldehyde and acetone before metabolizing them into acetic acid (which becomes vinegar).
In contrast, marijuana does not convert as easily into these metabolites so it takes less time for them to clear from your system. It could take about one week for cannabis metabolites to clear from your system after stopping usage – but this varies based on many factors such as metabolism rate, weight, tolerance level, frequency of use, etc.
Marijuana does remain detectable by urine tests throughout this period due to its fat-soluble properties.
There is a wide range of different characteristics that play a role in figuring out the length of time that pot will stay in your system. One of the most common factors is how often you use weed. The more you use it, the longer it stays in your system. Another factor is your overall health, as those with healthier systems will have a faster rate of body absorption of the drug and thus clear it out quicker.
The Difference Between Urine And Blood Tests
Urine tests are the most common type of drug test. They’re also the least accurate. THC can be detected in urine for up to 14 days after last use. Blood tests are more accurate, but they can only detect THC for up to 72 hours after last use. The best way to get THC out of your system is to wait it out.
Drinking lots of water and exercising will help speed up the process. Your body naturally eliminates toxins when you sweat or urinate, so try to drink at least three liters of water a day and exercise regularly. For even faster results, talk with your doctor about prescription medication that helps remove drugs from the body like THC.
There are also detox kits available on the market that make it easier to flush THC from your system. Be sure to research what products you buy before purchasing them, though, because not all detox kits have been approved by medical professionals as effective ways to flush marijuana from the body. The cheapest and easiest option is just waiting the necessary time for your body to eliminate THC without any help.
Factors That Affect The Duration Of Marijuana Detection
The frequency of use, the amount consumed, the potency of THC, and an individual’s metabolism all play a role in how long marijuana can be detected. The detection window is also different depending on the type of drug test being used. Blood tests have the shortest detection window, while hair follicle tests can detect THC for up to 90 days.
There are a few things that can be done to help clear THC from the system faster, like exercising and drinking lots of water. But one of the most effective ways to get THC out of your system is by using a detox drink. A detox drink helps flush toxins and chemicals out of your body by using herbs such as milk thistle, dandelion root, burdock root, parsley leaf, cilantro leaf, and garlic bulb.
Detox drinks work by combining these herbs with ingredients such as activated charcoal powder which binds to toxins in your stomach and intestines and helps them pass through more quickly than they would naturally. They also contain apple cider vinegar which has been shown to activate the gallbladder bile production process which aids in removing substances from the liver before they enter into circulation throughout the body.
Citrus fruits and cranberry juice help support kidney function which works to eliminate urine and other waste products. Another reason why a detox drink is so effective at flushing drugs from the system is that it contains some powerful laxatives that stimulate bowel movements.
A full cleanse will do wonders for clearing any drugs or toxins from your system because it removes all toxic substances including food waste, heavy metals, impurities, fat cells, and excess yeast. It helps reset the digestive tract lining so it doesn’t absorb anything harmful including drugs or alcohol you might consume later on down the line.
Some people also like to drink their own homemade beverage detox drinks.
Drink 1-2 glasses of this beverage two times a day for 3-5 days, depending on how much THC was ingested:
- Red raspberry leaves
- Burdock root
- Ginger root
- Lemongrass stem & rhizome (or lemon peel)
- Peppermint leaves (optional)
- Chamomile flowers (optional)
- Fennel seeds (optional)
Begin by boiling four cups of filtered water. Add 2 Tbsp of dried red raspberry leaves, 1 tsp each dried ginger root and dried lemongrass stem & rhizome (or lemon peel), and 1⁄4 tsp ground black pepper. Boil for 10 minutes then strains the liquid through cheesecloth or coffee filter paper. If desired, add 2 Tbsp dried chamomile flowers and/or 2 tsp fennel seeds.
Add the tea mixture to 4 cups of filtered warm water, bring back to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for 10 minutes before serving hot. Remember to drink a cup of tea twice daily, in the morning and in the evening, for 5 days.
The best time to drink the tea is when your stomach is empty and preferably on an empty stomach. The diuretic effect of the detox drink combined with the increased urination due to a higher fiber intake should make for frequent trips to the bathroom. As a result, THC should be expelled from your system in 5 days or less.
If a detox drink is not something that you’re interested in, there are also natural alternatives to help ease the symptoms of withdrawal. These include exercise, meditation, and good old fashion healthy eating. Studies show that exercise is an effective way to help manage the symptoms of THC withdrawal by increasing endorphins and dopamine levels in the brain.
Meditation can also be very helpful in managing stress levels which can sometimes be heightened during detoxing from THC. Making sure to eat nutritious foods with plenty of fresh produce, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates will help keep your body nourished and balanced as it struggles to regulate itself during detoxification.
Healthy fats such as coconut oil, avocado, nuts, and nut butter will also help sustain energy levels. Drinking lots of fluids is essential to the detoxification process and will aid in flushing toxins from the system.
Once your body adjusts to THC detoxification you’ll find that many of the cravings for things like junk food or sweets will diminish. However, it’s important to note that cravings are often triggered by emotional responses so addressing underlying issues related to addiction is key to overcoming addiction and maintaining sobriety.
Some people experience difficulty sleeping during detoxification, in which case it may be necessary to consult a doctor about using herbal supplements that promote sleep. Other side effects may include anxiety, nausea, irritability, and short-term memory loss.
Though these side-effects vary depending on individual circumstances, they all tend to subside within a few weeks of being clean.
Do Athletes Use Weed?
It’s no secret that athletes have been using marijuana as a way to relax and relieve stress for centuries. With the legalization of marijuana in many places around the world, many athletes are now able to speak openly about their experiences with marijuana. Michael Phelps, the most decorated olympian of all time, recently admitted to smoking weed before big competitions.
Although cannabis may be known for being a drug of abuse, there are some athletic benefits to using it. For example, some people use it for exercise recovery because it can help reduce pain, inflammation, and soreness. There have also been some studies that have shown that cannabis could help with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Key Takeaways
THC can be detected in the system for up to 90 days with certain drug tests. Keeping the key factors of this blog in mind will help you get it out of your system faster, and also leave you more educated.
