Guide

Does THCA Show Up On A Drug Test?

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On April 8, 2025

You’re using THCA because it gives you the benefits of cannabis without the high, and you’re feeling pretty good about it. But then, you realize there’s a drug test coming up. The question pops up: will THCA show up on the test?

Here’s how it works: while THCA itself doesn’t get you high when it’s heated (like when you smoke or vape it), it can turn into THC, the compound that drug tests are actually looking for. THCA’s chill, but once it turns into THC, it could trip up a drug test.

With that said, we’ll break it down so you know exactly how THCA works and what you need to know to avoid a positive test result. Let’s get into it!

What Is THCA?

THCA, or Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw cannabis plants. Unlike THC, which causes the high associated with marijuana, THCA doesn’t produce any mind-altering effects. It’s actually the precursor to THC, meaning it’s inactive until exposed to heat.

When cannabis is heated, like during smoking, vaping, or cooking, a process called decarboxylation occurs. It removes a carboxyl group from THCA, converting it into THC, which is the psychoactive compound that causes a high.

If you’re shopping for THCA products, you can find them in their natural, unheated form in items like THCA flowers, THCA pre-rolls, and THCA diamonds. These products allow you to experience the benefits of THCA without the immediate psychoactive effects of THC.

On the other hand, THCA disposable vapes and vape carts, once heated, will convert into THC, and you’ll likely experience the high typically associated with cannabis consumption.

Difference Between THCA & THC

The main difference between THCA and THC is how they affect your body. THCA is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t give you the high you get from cannabis. It’s a great option if you want the benefits of cannabis without feeling a buzz.

But here’s the catch: when THCA is heated (think smoking, vaping, or cooking), it turns into THC, the stuff that gets you high. This is why it’s important to know how you’re consuming it. If you’re using THCA products like THCA carts or THCA gummies, remember heating them will convert THCA into THC in your system, which means you might experience the psychoactive effects.

If you’re just trying to enjoy cannabis benefits without the high, THCA might be your go-to. But keep in mind, the moment it heats up, you could get that THC kick. So, always know what you’re using and how it’s processed!

Benefits Of THCA

THCA offers a range of potential benefits, even though it doesn’t get you high. Here’s a detailed look at some of its key advantages:

Anti-inflammatory effects: THCA holds the potential to help reduce inflammation in the body, which can be useful for conditions like arthritis, joint pain, or even general discomfort.
Neuroprotective properties: THCA may protect brain cells, possibly supporting cognitive function and helping with neurodegenerative diseases.
Antioxidant benefits: Some research suggests THCA could act as an antioxidant, helping the body fight oxidative stress and supporting overall wellness.
Nausea and appetite support: THCA might help reduce nausea and stimulate appetite, offering relief to those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy.
Pain Relief: Various studies suggest that THCA may help with pain management by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This could make it a potential option for those dealing with chronic pain or muscle soreness without the high that comes with THC.

These benefits make THCA a solid option for those aiming to improve their health without the psychoactive effects of THC.

What Are Drug Tests Looking For?

Drug tests, especially those screening for cannabis, are designed to detect metabolites of THC, such as THC-COOH. These tests typically don’t target THCA directly. The conversion of THCA to THC upon being heated can lead to the presence of THC metabolites in your system, which standard drug tests are designed to detect. Therefore, even if you’ve only consumed THCA products, heating them can result in THC metabolites that may show up on a drug test.

Will THCA Show Up On A Drug Test?

Basically, most drug tests don’t look for THCA. But here’s the thing: if THCA gets heated or processed in your body, it turns into THC, and that’s what drug tests are actually checking for.

So, while THCA probably won’t show up on a test, the THC that comes from it might. If you’re using THCA products, just know that heat can change things up and could make you test positive for THC, depending on how your body handles it.

What Are The Different Types Of Drug Tests?

When it comes to drug testing, there are a few different methods commonly used. Each type of test has a different detection window and sensitivity:

Urine Test: The most common method for drug testing, especially in employment settings. THC metabolites can stay in your urine for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how often you use cannabis.
Hair Follicle Test: Hair tests can detect THC metabolites for up to 90 days. This type of test is typically used for long-term cannabis use detection.
Blood Test: THC is detectable in blood for a shorter period, usually up to 24 hours for occasional users. However, for regular users, THC can remain in the bloodstream for a few days.
Saliva Test: This test detects THC metabolites in your saliva. It usually picks up traces within 24 hours of use, but in heavy users, it might detect them for a few days.
Breath Test: This is the least common method, but it’s being used for cannabis detection. It typically can detect THC for a few hours after use.

Each test has its strengths and limitations, and the detection window can vary depending on factors like how much cannabis you consume, your metabolism, and how frequently you use it.

Factors That Can Influence Drug Test Results

Several factors influence how long THC and its metabolites remain detectable in your system, affecting the likelihood of a positive drug test:

Dosage and Frequency of Use: Higher doses and regular consumption can lead to THC accumulation in fat tissues, prolonging detection times. Chronic users may test positive for up to 30 days or more after cessation.
Metabolic Rate: Individuals with faster metabolisms process and eliminate THC more quickly, reducing detection windows. Conversely, a slower metabolism extends the presence of THC metabolites.
Body Fat Percentage: THC is lipophilic and binds to fat cells. Those with higher body fat percentages may retain THC metabolites longer, as the compound is stored in fat tissues and released slowly over time.
Consumption Method: The way THC is consumed affects its metabolism. Using THCA vape carts or smoking THCA joints introduces THC directly into the bloodstream, leading to quicker metabolism and shorter detection times. In contrast, edibles are processed through the digestive system and liver, resulting in delayed metabolism and extended detection periods.
Hydration and Diet: While staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can support overall metabolic function, they have minimal impact on the rate at which THC is eliminated from the body.
Age and Overall Health: Age and health status can influence metabolic rate. Younger individuals and those in good health typically have faster metabolisms, aiding in quicker THC elimination.

Understanding these factors is crucial for anticipating drug test outcomes and managing THC consumption responsibly.

Why THCA Isn’t Typically Detected in Drug Tests (Unless Heated)?

THCA is non-psychoactive and doesn’t usually show up on standard drug tests unless it’s heated or metabolized in your body into THC. So, if you consume raw THCA (like in THCA flowers or gummies), it’s less likely to cause a positive drug test result unless you heat it or your body metabolizes it.

How Long Does THCA Stay In Your System?

The amount of time THCA stays in your system depends on several factors. Here’s a breakdown:

Dosage: The more THCA you consume, the longer it might stay in your body. Larger doses take more time to metabolize and leave your system.
Metabolic Rate: People with faster metabolisms generally process and eliminate THCA quickly. If you’re someone who burns through calories fast, THCA may clear out sooner.
Consumption Method: Smoking or vaping THCA turns it into THC, which stays in your system longer. Other methods, like consuming THCA edibles like gummies, may take longer to metabolize and show up on tests.
Frequency of Use: Regular use of THCA might lead to its metabolites lingering in your body for a longer period. The more often you use it, the longer it could take to fully clear out.

In general, THC metabolites can stay detectable in your system for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on these factors.

Wrapping Up: How Long Does THCA Stay In Your System?

To wrap it up, THCA itself doesn’t usually show up on drug tests. But when it’s heated (like when you smoke or vape) or metabolized in your body, it can convert into THC, which is what drug tests look for.

How long it stays in your system depends on factors like how much THCA you consume, your metabolism, and how often you use it. For occasional users, THC might clear out within a few days, but for regular users, it can stick around for weeks. So, while THCA is less likely to show up, the THC it turns into can certainly be detected.

You can browse through the wide variety of THCA products at Dopeboo and easily shop THCA at affordable prices. If you’re interested in buying in bulk, check out our wholesale THCA options for great deals!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can THCA fail a drug test?

THCA by itself won’t cause a failed drug test. However, once it’s heated or metabolized, it converts to THC, which is what most drug tests look for. This conversion can lead to a positive result.

How much THCA is needed for a positive test?

The amount of THCA required to fail a test varies based on how much it converts to THC. While small amounts might not result in a positive test, significant THCA consumption, especially when heated, can lead to a positive result.

How long will one hit of THCA stay in your system?

A single hit of THCA generally won’t stay in your system long unless it’s converted into THC. Once converted, THC metabolites could be detected in a drug test for a few days, depending on other factors.

Is THCA considered a drug?

THCA itself isn’t considered a drug because it doesn’t have psychoactive effects. However, when THCA is heated and metabolized into THC, it becomes psychoactive, and THC is classified as a controlled substance in many places.

How is THCA metabolized in the body?

THCA is metabolized into THC either through heat (like smoking or vaping) or naturally by the body during digestion. The liver processes it, creating THC-COOH, which is the metabolite tested for in drug screenings.

How to get THCA out of your system?

THCA naturally exits the body over time as it’s metabolized. Staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy metabolism, and exercising regularly can help speed up the process, especially if THC has been converted to THC metabolites.