Dear Cheri,

Do cannabis edibles show up on a drug test or do you have to smoke it?  If they do show up on a drug test, how long do edibles stay in your system? Thank you.

Question #1: Do edibles how up in a drug test?

Yes, consuming edibles absolutely will show up on a drug test.  The only way to use cannabis that does not show up on a drug test is with topicals that you rub on your skin (unless it is a transdermal patch, but that’s another topic). Otherwise, smoking, vaping, or eating cannabis will show up on a drug test.

Question #2: How long do edibles stay in your system?

The answer to question #2 is a bit more complex.  That's because cannabis can show up in your system long, long, LONG after its effects have worn off.  We are talking months after. 

This is the principle reason that the per se THC driving limits imposed by many states are nonsense and just a way for these states to extort money from otherwise law abiding citizens. 

Testing positive on a drug test in no way indicates impairment. 

The person might not have used cannabis for a month or more but can still fail a drug test.  Regular cannabis users would always fail.

So how long do edibles stay in your system?  Or any type of cannabis you’ve used for that matter.    

It will depend on the testing method, but as long as 3 months!

A hair test is the worst culprit and if you absolutely have to pass a drug test, I would plan on abstaining for at least 3 months.

With a urine test, cannabis can still show up a month or more after you’ve last used cannabis. 

Blood and saliva tests can be a little less, so if have to take a drug test these would be the options requiring the least amount of abstinence.  But just to be safe, I would plan on abstaining a month or more even with these.

There are commercial products on the market that claim they can help you pass drug test.  I have heard good things about their effectiveness.  However, since I have been lucky enough to never have to pas a drug test, I have no specific brands to recommend. 

So the bottom line is, to be absolutely safe in any drug test situation, abstain for at least 3 months. 

Stay safe everyone and I hope you all pass those drug tests!