How Long Do Edibles Stay in Your System?

With the growing popularity of cannabis-infused edibles, especially weed gummies, many Canadians are turning to this discreet and potent method of consumption. But one of the most common questions people ask is: how long do edibles stay in your system? Whether you’re preparing for a drug test or just curious about how your body processes THC, understanding the timeline of edibles is crucial.

In this guide from Reefside, your go-to source for premium cannabis edibles in Canada, we break down the science behind how edibles work, how long their effects last, and how long THC from edibles remains in your body.

 

What Are Edibles?

Cannabis edibles are food or drink products infused with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol), or both. They come in various forms such as:

• • Weed Gummies 
  • Cannabis Chocolates 
  • Jelly bombs 
  • Caramels & Toffee 
  • Mints 
  • Sour Twisted Singles 

• Beverages

Weed gummies are among the most popular edibles in Canada due to their taste, ease of dosing, and discreet consumption. But unlike smoking or vaping cannabis, edibles take a different route through your system—one that impacts how long they last and how long they stay detectable in your body.

 

How Do Edibles Work in the Body?

When you ingest an edible, it passes through your digestive system and is processed by the liver. This process converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent form that can cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively. This transformation results in a stronger, longer-lasting high than other forms of cannabis consumption.

Because of this unique metabolism, edibles take longer to kick in—usually 30 minutes to 2 hours—but their effects can last significantly longer.

 

How Long Does a Weed Gummy Last?

So, how long does a weed gummy last? The answer depends on various factors, but here’s a general guideline:

• Onset time: 30–90 minutes 
• Peak effects: 2–4 hours after ingestion 
• Total duration of effects: 6–8 hours, sometimes up to 12 for high doses or new users 

Your body composition, tolerance level, metabolism, and even what you’ve eaten that day can affect how long the high lasts. For most people, the noticeable effects taper off after 6 hours, but THC can remain in the system far longer.

 

How Long Do Edibles Stay in Your System?

This is the big question: how long do edibles stay in your system? The short answer? It depends on the type of test being used and your individual body chemistry. Let’s break it down by testing method.

Urine Tests

Urine tests are the most common form of drug testing, especially in workplace screenings. THC metabolites can be detected in urine for:

• Occasional users (1–2 times per week): 3–7 days 
• Regular users (3–4 times per week): 10–21 days 
• Daily users: Up to 30+ days 

Edibles can actually stay in your system longer than smoked cannabis because of the way they are metabolized in the liver. That’s important to remember if you have a drug test coming up.

Blood Tests

Blood tests detect active THC in the bloodstream, which tends to dissipate more quickly than in urine:

• Detectable for up to 12–24 hours in occasional users 
• Up to 7 days or more in heavy users 

Since edibles produce a longer-lasting high, THC can linger in your blood a bit longer than with smoking.

Saliva Tests

Saliva tests are less common but can still detect THC from edibles:

• Up to 24–72 hours after use 

However, because edibles are swallowed and not inhaled, they might not leave as much trace in the saliva as smoked cannabis.

Hair Tests

Hair tests have the longest detection window:

• Up to 90 days 

These tests look for metabolites deposited in the hair shaft. Even a single use of a weed gummy can potentially be detected in hair for months afterward.

 

Factors That Affect How Long Edibles Stay in Your System

When trying to figure out how long does an edible stay in your system, it’s important to consider that everyone’s body is different. Here are some of the key factors that influence the duration:

1. Frequency of Use

The more often you consume edibles, the longer THC will accumulate in your fat cells and linger in your body.

2. Dosage

A 10mg weed gummy will likely clear out of your system faster than a 100mg edible brownie. Higher doses mean longer metabolism and detection times.

3. Body Fat Percentage

THC is fat-soluble, meaning it binds to fat cells. People with higher body fat may retain THC for longer periods.

4. Metabolism

Faster metabolisms burn through THC more quickly, shortening the window of detection.

5. Hydration & Diet

Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet can help your body metabolize and eliminate THC more efficiently.

 

How to Clear Edibles from Your System Faster

While there’s no guaranteed way to flush THC out of your system quickly, there are things you can do to support your body’s natural detox process:

• Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins. 
• Exercise regularly to burn fat and release stored THC. 
• Eat a healthy, high-fiber diet to support digestion. 
• Avoid further THC consumption to give your body time to detox. 

At Reefside, we recommend using cannabis responsibly and being mindful of upcoming tests or commitments that may require abstinence.

 

Can Edibles Cause a Positive Drug Test Weeks Later?

Yes, especially if you’re a frequent consumer. Because edibles are stored in fat and metabolized slowly, THC metabolites can remain detectable for weeks—even if you no longer feel high. This is why understanding how long do edibles stay in your system is so important, particularly if you’re subject to random drug testing.

 

Edibles vs. Smoking: Which Stays in Your System Longer?

When comparing edibles to smoking weed, edibles almost always stay in your system longer. Here’s why:

• Smoking delivers THC directly to the bloodstream via the lungs. 
• Edibles must go through the digestive tract and liver, converting THC into 11-hydroxy-THC. 
• This metabolite is stored in fat and takes longer to eliminate. 

So, while the effects of smoking may wear off faster, the residual THC from edibles—especially weed gummies—sticks around.

 

Why Weed Gummies Are So Popular in Canada

Canadians love edibles, especially weed gummies, for several reasons:

• Discreet and portable 
• Long-lasting effects 
• No smoke or odour 
• Easy to dose 
• Available in a wide range of flavours and potencies 

At Reefside, we offer a curated collection of high-quality THC gummies that cater to every type of user—from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to relax, sleep better, or just have a good time, we’ve got the perfect gummy for you.

 

Shop THC Gummies Online in Canada with Reefside

Looking for premium weed gummies with reliable shipping and top-tier customer service? At Reefside, we make it easy to buy edibles online in Canada with fast delivery and a huge selection of THC-infused products. Whether you’re wondering how long does a weed gummy last or you’re just exploring cannabis for the first time, our team is here to help.

Browse our selection of:

• THC gummies for sleep 
• Daytime edibles 
• Indica and sativa gummies 
• High-dose edibles 
• Bulk THC gummies 

No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it at Reefside—Canada’s trusted source for cannabis edibles.

 

Final Thoughts: How Long Does an Edible Stay in Your System?

To sum it up, how long does an edible stay in your system depends on a range of factors including your metabolism, dosage, frequency of use, and testing method. While the effects may last 6–8 hours, THC can be detectable in your system for days, weeks, or even months afterward.

If you’re consuming weed gummies and have an upcoming drug test—or you’re just curious about your body’s response—it’s always better to plan ahead.

Visit Reefside today to explore our full line of THC edibles and learn more about how to enjoy cannabis responsibly and safely.

 

REFERENCES:

Kendall K. M. (May 22, 2024). Edibles: Types and How to Use Them Safely. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/edibles 

Jon J. Medically reviewed by Eloise T., RN, MSN, AGPCNP-BC. (2024, February 5). How long does an edible last?. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-long-do-edibles-last 

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction.  Cannabis: Inhaling vs Ingesting. Available at: https://www.ccsa.ca/sites/default/files/2019-06/CCSA-Cannabis-Inhaling-Ingesting-Risks-Infographic-2019-en_1.pdf