If you suspect you’ll be getting a drug test at your new job soon, or you know for a fact there is one in a month or two weeks, you should definitely not ignore that. Even if you don’t often smoke, maybe once per weekend or only once every couple of weeks, you shouldn’t assume that you can avoid smoking for just a week before the test, and you’ll be okay. Unfortunately, THC binds to our fat molecules and therefore likes to stick around for a long time. So how long does THC stay in your system even if you hardly ever smoke? Well, that depends on a lot of factors, namely the type of test you’re taking.
Urine Test
This is the most common form of analysis for detecting illicit drug metabolites in employees or people on probation. That’s because it’s the cheapest and simplest, to put it briefly. THC metabolites can remain present in their urine for up to 15 days of no smoking for somebody who smokes every week or two for somebody who smokes whatsoever. You also have to be sure to avoid other people smoking too. Just one session in a blue moon with a friend can take up to 8 days to test negative again. This depends on many factors such as your height, weight, genetics, dietary habits, and exercise habits.
Blood Or Saliva Tests
These two types of drug tests are much less common. Still, if you find yourself requiring them to be eligible for a clinical study or something, you can relax knowing that even regular users only have to abstain for about a week before either of these two tests. When it comes to a saliva test, you can even be extra sure by swabbing your teeth instead of your gums. There isn’t much you can do to speed things up when it comes to your blood, but one week shouldn’t be too difficult for even lifelong stoners.
Hair Follicle Tests
Now this one is a bit of a bummer. Usually, when an institution opts for a hair follicle test over urine, blood, or saliva, it’s because they want accuracy and certainty. Your strands of hair all document on average the last 90 days of your drug use, and there aren’t any really surefire ways to get past this type of test. Still, detox shampoos exist and are pretty commonly successful for many people, so don’t give up!