Saliva tests are becoming increasingly common for screening narcotic substances, and they are frequently used in some workplaces as well. The compound that often appears in the results when consuming weed is THC, which also happens to stay in our bodies for a long time. However, determining exactly how long THC stays in our saliva can be difficult, as it depends on various factors that we will discuss in this article.
How is THC Metabolized?
To understand how long THC stays in our saliva, it is important to know how it is metabolized. When tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) enters the body, it is absorbed through various tissues and organs. It is then metabolized in the liver, forming metabolites such as 11-hydroxy-THC and carboxy-THC. These metabolites can be easily flushed out of the body through urine.
Over time, THC is stored in our body tissues and then released into the bloodstream, where it is metabolized again. In regular smokers, THC builds up more quickly than it is flushed out, which is why it is possible to test positive for THC even days after consumption.
How Long Does THC Stay in Your Saliva?
Cannabis is composed of hundreds of different compounds that are metabolized by the endocannabinoid system at different rates. When smoking, THC enters the bloodstream directly, reaching its peak concentration between 3 and 10 minutes. When consuming edibles, it can take 1 or 2 hours for THC to cross into the bloodstream.
Research has shown that individuals tested positive for THC in saliva tests up to 13.5 hours after smoking, regardless of their frequency of cannabis consumption. After this time, THC levels decreased for casual users, while they remained high for regular users. CBD and CBN levels also started to slowly decrease among regular marijuana consumers, with these compounds being undetectable after 6 and 10.5 hours, respectively. Generally, any trace of THC disappears after 8-12 hours, when it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, saliva tests lose their effectiveness after 24 hours.
Factors That Determine How Long THC Stays in Your Saliva
- The amount and quality of marijuana consumed.
- Each individual’s metabolism and frequency of consumption.
- Time elapsed since consumption.
- The individual’s weight and level of physical activity.
These factors can vary for each individual and affect the waiting time before taking a saliva test. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can reduce the waiting time. Regular cannabis users may need to wait 2-3 days to test negative, while occasional users may only need to wait around 12 hours.
Saliva Test: What Is It and How Does It Work?
A saliva test requires the individual to provide a sample of saliva by spitting into a tube or collecting it with cotton swabs for a few minutes. This test is less invasive and faster than blood tests and urinalysis, making it convenient for use in various settings, such as on the road or in the workplace.
A significant amount of saliva is required for a saliva test, which can take 1 to 3 minutes to obtain. The amount of saliva produced can be influenced by factors such as anxiety, hunger, or the use of medications. This test can detect the presence of alcohol, marijuana, amphetamines, and other narcotics, as well as some prescription medicines.
Typically, the initial immunoassay screen is positive above the regulatory cutoff for THC metabolite of 50 ng/mL, but the confirmatory test has a THC metabolite concentration below 15 ng/mL.
How to Reduce THC Content in Your Saliva
There are not many quick ways to remove THC from saliva. However, there are products available, such as toxin cleaners, that are commonly used. These products can be used as mouthwashes, rinsing the mouth with the product for a couple of minutes. They have been proven to be effective in routine controls. Some popular saliva cleaners are:
Magnum Mouth Wash
Magnum Mouth Wash is an instant cleaner that eliminates all toxins from the mouth with a mouthwash, providing cleansing effects for 45-60 minutes. Here’s how to use it:
- Rinse your mouth with the product for about 3 minutes.
- Do not swallow the liquid under any circumstances.
- Do not eat, drink, or brush your teeth before taking the test.
Magnum Detox Instant Flush
Magnum Detox Instant Flush is a toxin cleaner for blood, saliva, or urine drug tests. It remains effective for up to 6 hours after ingestion. To use it:
- Drink 500 ml of water and shake the bottle.
- Drink the entire contents of the bottle.
- Urinate 2 or 3 times before taking the test.
- Do not drink more than 250 ml (one glass) of water per hour for the next 6 hours.
Kleaner (Saliva Cleaner)
Kleaner is a saliva cleaner available in both liquid and spray forms. Just spray 2 or 3 times, or add 4-5 drops to your mouth and rinse for a minute. It comes in different sizes, 30 mL and 100 mL, for various uses.
While it may be difficult to determine the exact duration of THC in saliva, it is crucial to consider factors that can affect its elimination or reduce waiting time, such as saliva cleaners.
