THCA – the latest cannabinoid on the market has hit shelves (including our own!) and our customers are wondering:
Will THCA show up on a drug test?
If you take regular drug tests, consuming THCA either as flower or an edible might have you wondering if you’ll fail.
We’ll cover the ins and out of THCA drug testing in this article. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!
What is THCA?
THCA stands for Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. Without getting too in the weeds (pun intended) THCA is the precursor to THC. It exists in marijuana plants as a non-psychoactive compound. That is, of course, until it’s heated.
When heated (smoked, cooked, etc.), the THCA loses its “A” in a process called called decarboxylation.
That’s why we call it the precursor to THC. Because when THCA is heated, it becomes THC.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol for those who fancy scientific names, is the charismatic compound in cannabis that whispers sweet nothings to your psyche, leading you down a path of euphoria, laughter, and sometimes the profound realization that, yes, pizza is indeed the perfect food.
In other words: THC is the compound that gets you high.
It also happens to be the compound that drug tests are looking for.
Read more about the uses and effects of THCA here!
Will you fail a drug test with THCA?
Yes, THCA will most likely show up on a drug test that is looking for THC. That’s because if you smoked or cooked THCA (as a pre-roll or edibles, for example), that THCA went from non-psychoactive to psychoactive in a process process called called decarboxylation.
The THCA converts to THC when heated, and therefore, will show up on a drug test. Check out our THCA vs THC comparison guide!
Why does THCA show up on drug tests?
Once THC (or THCA, heated) makes its grand entrance into your system, it embarks on a fantastic voyage, mingling with your brain’s endocannabinoid receptors, and eventually being metabolized into molecules known as metabolites.
These metabolites are kind of like the breadcrumbs that THC leaves behind.
And most drug tests are very good at finding these breadcrumbs.
How do THCA drug tests work?
THCA – and THC – drug tests work by detecting the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or its metabolites in a person’s body.
THCA drug tests can be conducted using various samples from your body like urine, blood, saliva, hair, or sweat.
Each THCA drug test type offers varying detection windows and sensitivity levels.
If you’ve consumed THCA and you have a drug test coming up, here are some tidbits to be aware of, by test type.
THCA Urine Tests
These are the most common form of THC drug testing, which is why we have them first. THCA drug tests are able to detect THC metabolites for days to weeks after use.
Whether they show up on your test depends on a variety of factors. These can include how often and how much you smoke THCA, whether you use other popular THC variations (like Delta-9 and Delta-8) and your body’s metabolism.
THCA urine tests will look for the presence of the THC metabolite THC-COOH, which remains in the body longer than THC itself.
Remember that just because THCA products might be more widely available, they will manifest as THC in your body, and therefore, you may fail your test.
THCA Blood Tests
You may not need to worry about THCA blood testing, as its not nearly as common. THCA blood tests can detect THC if you’ve used it recently. How recently, you ask? Blood testing for THC is usually pretty accurate within hours or days, depending on your unique body composition and THC usage.
That’s why they aren’t as common as urine tests.
You might have to take a THCA blood test in situations where your impairment needs to be assessed – such as in driving under the influence (DUI) cases.
For the record, never drive a motor vehicle while using THCA!
THCA Saliva Tests
Saliva tests, like blood tests, rely on recent usage for the most accurate results. THCA spit tests can detect THC for a relatively short period. We’re talking up to 24 hours after use.
THCA saliva tests are the go-to for roadside testing.
THCA Hair Tests
Hair tests are highly effective at determining THCA use. THCA hair tests can effectively measure THC metabolites embedded in the hair shaft for up to 90 days, or even longer.
Accuracy depends on a number of factors like how long your hair is, how often you use THCA (and other THC options).
This method is not necessarily indicative of recent use – but it’s pretty darn good at showing a pattern of THC use over time.
THCA Sweat Tests
Sweat tests are less common which is why they are the last on our list. THCA sweat tests involve collecting sweat from the skin surface using a patch worn for an extended period.
They can detect THC use over the period the patch is worn. You will fail a sweat test if you use THCA products while the patch is on.
So, to answer the big question…
Will THCA fail a drug test?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes, THCA is likely to fail a sensitive drug test that is looking for THC.
Be wary of sources that tell you you’re safe if you’ve consumed THCA in its raw form. You would almost never consume raw cannabis. Not to mention, THCA may start to slowly convert to THC over time if it’s set out for a while, near a sunny window, in a warm car, and more. Is THCA Flower safe? Read about it here!
Check out this quote from CNS Occupational Medicine:
“Even if your THCA product came from a legal hemp source, your body will break down the THC into THC metabolites and trigger a positive THC drug test.” CNS Occupational Medicine
If you’re a cannabis enthusiast, we think you’ll love our collection of THCA strains including Wedding Cake, OG Kush, and Cereal Milk. Check them out here!
Dive into all the things THCA with our new user guide!
FAQ: THCA Drug Testing Guide
Does THCA show up differently than THC on a drug test?
No, drug tests do not distinguish between THCA and THC. When THCA is heated (such as through smoking or cooking), it converts to THC, which is what standard drug tests detect. Even if consumed in its raw form, THCA can still break down into detectable THC metabolites in the body.
Can I consume raw THCA without failing a drug test?
Technically, consuming raw, unheated THCA may not initially cause psychoactive effects, but it could still lead to a positive drug test. THCA may gradually convert to THC even without heating due to exposure to sunlight or warmth. To avoid risk, assume that THCA can contribute to a positive result on a THC-sensitive test.
How long does THCA stay in the system?
THCA’s metabolites, once converted to THC, can stay in the system for days to weeks, depending on factors like frequency of use, individual metabolism, and body composition. The detection window varies by test type: urine tests can detect metabolites for days to weeks, blood tests for hours to days, and hair tests for up to 90 days or more.
Will a single use of THCA show up on a drug test?
Yes, even a single use of THCA could result in a positive test, especially with sensitive urine or blood tests that detect THC metabolites. While infrequent users may have a shorter detection window, there’s still a significant risk of failing a drug test with any THC product use, including THCA.
Can I pass a drug test after using THCA if I have a high metabolism?
Metabolism can impact how quickly THC metabolites are processed, but it’s not a guarantee that you’ll pass a drug test. While some may metabolize THC faster, detection windows can still last days to weeks in urine, especially for regular users. Factors like hydration, body fat, and metabolism speed may help but won’t ensure a negative test result.
Do all drug tests check for THCA or THC?
Not all tests target THC, but standard drug screenings (such as for employment) commonly include THC detection. Urine tests are the most common and sensitive for THC metabolites, but saliva, hair, and blood tests are also used in certain scenarios. Always verify the specifics of the drug test type if you’re concerned about detection.
Can using THCA topicals lead to a failed drug test?
Topicals containing THCA, when applied to the skin, typically don’t enter the bloodstream at levels that would trigger a positive result. However, be cautious with any form of THC or THCA product, especially those that could be ingested or heated, as they are more likely to affect drug test outcomes.
Are there any ways to speed up THCA metabolite clearance from my system?
While drinking water, exercising, and eating a balanced diet may aid general metabolism, there’s no guaranteed method to quickly eliminate THC metabolites from your body. Time is the most reliable factor for reducing detectable levels in the system. Be wary of products claiming to “flush out” THC quickly, as these are often ineffective.
Does the legality of THCA products affect drug test results?
Legal status does not affect drug testing. Even if THCA products are legal in your state, drug tests will still detect THC metabolites. Employers and organizations often test for THC without considering the product’s legal status, so consuming THCA can still lead to a positive result. Read more about the legality of THCA here!
How can I consume THCA without risking a positive drug test?
Currently, there’s no reliable method to use THCA products without the risk of a positive drug test for THC. Any THCA that converts to THC (through heating or over time) can lead to detectable metabolites in your system.
