Legally sold THC vapes or THC vape oils contain THC in trace amounts. Since they are vaped or consumed in small quantities, they do not cause harm. However, did you wonder how CBD and THC products like vapes and oils help if their content is relatively small in legally sold products?
Well, the secret is simple. These products tend to accumulate a bit in the body. That is why we say that one should keep using these products for long enough to experience their health benefits. One cannot expect to experience massive benefits from day one. However, one can expect more significant benefits the next day and even greater benefits on the third or fourth day of regular use after that peak is reached.
THC Stays In The System For Quite Long
Researchers have studied how long THC stays in the system. These are called pharmacokinetic studies. Studies show that in irregular users, the half-life of THC is one to three days, and in chronic users, it may be more than five days (1).
Of course, there are significant individual differences. This is due to the differences in liver function and levels of various enzymes in the body that neutralize THC.
Half-life means that half of all the inhaled or ingested THC would have left the body in about one to three days in most individuals. It means that in most people, THC stays in the system for two to six days. However, it may remain in trace for even longer.
However, if you ingest or vape THC regularly, it will keep accumulating for the first four to five days before its plasma levels peak. That is why one can expect maximum results after three to five days when using it for health benefits. This also highlights the importance of taking or vaping THC consistently when using it for health benefits.
Quite like THC, CBD also accumulates in the body, but much less. Nevertheless, it also has quite a long life and thus stays in the system for a few days, like three to five days (2).
So, once you vape or ingest THC, half of it will still remain in the system by the next day. And, now, if you still inhale or ingest more THC, this results in even greater amounts of THC in the system. It means that on daily THC use, its amount in the system keeps rising for 3-5 days before it reaches a peak. Some may get this peak even after a week or even ten days.
The Bottom Line
THC and even CBD are metabolized pretty slowly in the body. Thus, they tend to accumulate with every consecutive dosage or intake. That is why it is vital not to overdose on THC or CBD. Instead, one should use them regularly. This will help prevent side effects and still help them experience their health benefits. Those with poor liver or kidney function should be especially careful, as these two organs are responsible for removing THC and CBD from the body. If these organs are sluggish due to disease, THC and CBD may stay in a system even for longer.
References
1. Chayasirisobhon S. Mechanisms of Action and Pharmacokinetics of Cannabis. The Permanente Journal [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2024 May 15];25. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8803256/
2. Millar SA, Stone NL, Yates AS, O’Sullivan SE. A Systematic Review on the Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol in Humans. Front Pharmacol. 2018 Nov 26;9:1365.