Let’s assume, you have a flight or a very high-profile job interview soon that may require you to undergo some detection tests. What about all the THC that you have been consuming over all these days? What are the best ways to detox from THC safely and effectively? Here is your guide to know how to.
Understanding THC And Its Persistence
There’s no doubt about the fact that Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is among some of the best and most promising products available in the Cannabis market.
Apart from all the benefits that it has to offer you, there is still more to the story. There is an ‘other’ side of the story too, and that is not at all concerned with the good side of THC.
This side refers to the ‘persistent’ nature of THC. In other words, it refers to the slow metabolic process of THC, that allows for it to stay inside the body longer than it was intended to because it’s stored in fat cells.
Every other compound or drug that is consumed by us has to undergo metabolism. This metabolism allows for that product to be absorbed, assimilated, and then excreted from the body.
However, in the case of THC, this metabolism is a bit controversial. The reason for this is the detection of THC in various tests. These detection tests such as blood, urine, saliva, and sweat make a person appear suspicious in front of the authorities testing them.
This whole controversy exists because of the legal status of Cannabis and its variants. Both of these are still considered to be illegal in several states.
Unfortunately, THC also takes a bit longer (days to weeks) to get eliminated from the body completely after consumption. This makes it easier to get detected in tests.
Proven Methods For THC Detoxification
The persistent nature of THC and its presence inside the body even after days is not that big of an issue. Of course, it might be one for people who have any upcoming detection tests scheduled, but other than that, there are no side effects of THC retention in the body.
However, apart from the detection test fright, there are many people who wish to undergo a ‘detox’ and get rid of any evidence of THC that might be left over in their bodies.
For such people, here are a few proven methods for a complete detoxification of THC from the body.
Diet And Nutrition
Like every other matter, diet and nutrition have a special importance in the metabolism of THC too. There are many aspects of THC metabolism that diet and nutrition control could take care of.
For example, it is best if a person consumes less fatty and oily foods. This phenomenon arises from the widely accepted understanding that THC tends to accumulate in the body’s fat cells. Consequently, a reduced quantity of fat cells translates to a diminished likelihood of THC accumulation.
Additionally, it is highly recommended that individuals increase their consumption of fiber-rich foods, including fruits and vegetables.
Secondly, people eating more fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables is also encouraged. This occurs because fiber-rich foods facilitate smooth digestion and contribute to regular bowel movements. Consequently, they aid in the elimination of THC and its metabolites from the body through fecal excretion.
Moreover, there are also some theories regarding the popular ‘detox’ materials such as activated charcoal, milk thistle, and dandelion root help in detoxifying the body of THC.
Exercise
Like every other healthy activity, regular exercise and heavy workouts, in particular, could help with the detoxifying process too. The reasoning behind this factor is the immense sweating that is produced during and after an intense workout session.
This sweating and heavy breathing also help accelerate the loss of THC and its metabolites from the body. However, in the context of detoxification of the body from THC, its metabolites, and even other substances as well, heavier workouts were seen to work better in the favor of a person.
These heavy workout sessions include cardio training and activities such as swimming, cycling, and weight-lifting, which have all been seen to promote sweating and accelerate the metabolic and excretory functions of a person.
By incorporating exercise and workouts as a regular part of one’s life, people could experience THC and its metabolites to leave the body early and without causing any trouble to them.
THC Detox Myths Debunked
Due to the limited literature present on the optic, people tend to get confused. They misunderstand certain facts regarding the nature of THC, and as a result, fall prey to different myths and misconceptions.
Here are some of the popular myths related to the detox of THC that you can see getting debunked right in front of you!
Myth: For every individual, there is a specific number of days THC will remain in their system
Reality: THC does not depend upon any individual. If anything, it depends on the individual ‘body chemistry’ of every individual and takes roughly the same number of days or weeks to metabolize in each person.
Myth: If you want rapid detox of THC, drink lots of water
Reality: Drinking too much water will do nothing better than getting rid of THC from your body. If anything, it would only cause you to get water intoxicated and overly hydrated. This is something that nobody would want in the first place. Moreover, drinking water does not flush out THC from your system.
Myth: Exercising just before a detection test will help save you from THC detection
Reality: While exercise and workout plays a role in accelerating the detoxification of THC, there is no role of ‘finishing’ it completely from your system. Therefore, such claims should not be made and practiced right before any detection test.
Over-The-Counter Detox Products: Do They Work?
There has been a trend of ‘detox and cleanse’ your bodies going on for quite a while now. While it is actually a healthier option for people who have been into many unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits, it does not work in the same way for everyone.
As an example, certain individuals experience substantial advantages from adhering to detox routines, while others appear to derive little to no discernible benefits from such products. Interestingly, those who reported adverse reactions following the use of detox products often fall into this latter group.
Moreover, these detox products are a short-term solution for people. They have no long-term effects on people who regularly use THC or any of its products.
It is also due to the presence of limited literature in this field that we cannot comment much on the authenticity of these detox products. Moreover, there is also no guarantee about the fact that using these detox products will help you gain clearance on your detection tests.
Secondly, the adverse effects of detox products cannot be ignored as well. There are several people who have complained about acidity, heartburn, and other side effects after taking detox products. In such a situation, it is much better to avoid these products altogether than to risk your health and other aspects related to it.
Conclusion: Time Is The Best Natural Detoxifier
So, if a clear option has to be selected, that is also safe and effective for people, then here it is TIME. Indeed, time is the best detoxifier and problem-solver when it comes to getting rid of THC and its metabolites from your body.
How, you may ask? Well, it is simple. There is a set time for THC and its metabolites to get processed completely in the body.
It is only after this processing gets completed that it could get eliminated from the body safely. No matter what measures you take or what solutions you try to clear it from your body, THC will be eliminated from your body when it is time for it to do so.
FAQs
How Long Does It Typically Take To Detox From THC Naturally?
Different factors such as body weight, metabolic rate, and the mode of consumption of THC are all important factors that either accelerate or slow down the process of elimination of THC from the body.
Typically it takes about a few days to a few weeks for THC to clear out from the body.
Are There Any Side Effects To THC Detox?
Yes, contrary to popular belief, there are several side effects and adverse events related to detox and its products. Many people have complained of experiencing severe heartburn, acidity, and GERD-related issues.
In the people who already had these issues before, the problem got further exacerbated after trying out detox products.
Can Detox Products Guarantee A Negative Drug Test?
No, there is no guarantee about detox and its products ensuring you a negative drug test. Firstly, the evidence is limited and not concrete in this regard.
Secondly, detox has no known evidence of clearing your body of THC, its metabolites, or other products as well.
Therefore, it is better to remain safe than sorry and avoid trying out unconventional measures.
Andleeb Asghar - Pharmacist
Andleeb Asghar holds a “Pharm-D” degree from Lahore College for Women University, Lahore. She is an official Registered Pharmacist (RPh) in Punjab, Pakistan. She has also got a “Master of Philosophy” degree from the University of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Lahore. Andleeb has worked in various practice settings as a clinical Pharmacist and has a wide range of experience. She has been cited in Healthline and Telehealth for her expertise. She has also served as a distinguished guest speaker at various local hospitals and high-profile organizations. She has been writing Cannabinoid & Marijuana related content for the past five years for different reputable companies. She is passionate about serving others by crafting information and helpful pieces for her readers.
