How Long Do Dabs Stay in Your System for a Drug Test?

If you’ve been using dabs and have an upcoming drug test, you may be wondering: how long do dabs stay in your system?

Considering they’re more potent than flowers, they may stay in the body longer than expected. With this in mind, we’re going to break it all down in this guide—from what dabs are and why they linger to how long they can be detected through the various types of drug tests. 

What Are Dabs? 

Dabs are a cannabis concentrate, very potent and known for delivering a quick onset. They’re made via cannabinoid extraction, primarily THC, from the plant, resulting in a wax-like, sticky substance. 

The most common forms of dabs are wax, budder, shatter, crumble, and live resin. All are consumed via vaporization of a small amount, also known as a “dab”, using a vape pen, dab rig, or an electronic dab device. 

As dabs are richer in THC than traditional flavors, even the smallest amount may produce strong effects. Their potency means that they may also remain in the body longer than other types of cannabis products that are less potent.

Related: CBD Concentrates Explained – Hash vs Wax vs Kief vs Dabs 

Why Dabs Stay in Your System Longer?

Dabs are potent, and their potency plays a major role in why they stay longer in the body than other forms. Let’s explore each of the reasons in more detail below:

1. The THC concentration is higher

Dabs have higher THC levels compared to flowers or some other forms, so the body will have to process more THC. This also means that it will take longer for these compounds to be eliminated from the system. 

2. Amount and frequency of use 

If you dab often and in large amounts, THC will start to build up in the body. The larger the amount of THC, the longer it will take the body to remove it. 

3. Your body composition and metabolism

If your metabolism is slower or if you have a higher body fat percentage, you’ll probably retain THC longer than users with a fast metabolism and lower fat. And, this effect is amplified considering the high amount of THC in dabs. 

4. THC’s fat solubility

THC is fat soluble, i.e., it dissolves in fat, rather than water. When you consume dabs that are generally high in THC, there will be more THC stored in your body fat. The fat cells will release THC gradually, so the THC will linger on longer compared to if you were using other, less concentrated forms of cannabis.

5. The drug test 

There are different types of drug tests for the detection of THC metabolites, and each has its varying sensitivities. For example, urine tests can detect THC longer than blood or saliva tests.

Related: How to Clean a Bong: The Ultimate Tips for the Best Smoking Experience 

How Long Do Dabs Stay in Your System? 

The THC from dabbing can stay in your system from anywhere from a couple of days to more than a month. Let’s take a look at how long dabs might be detectable depending on the drug test type and your frequency of use:

1. Urine test

• You dab occasionally: up to three to seven days 
• You dab frequently: around ten to 21 days 
• You dab daily: up to 30 or more days 

2.Blood test 

• You dab occasionally: up to two days
• You dab regularly: for up to a week 

3.  Saliva test

• You dab occasionally: less than 72 hours 
• You dab frequently: up to 72 hours or more

4. Hair test

• You dab occasionally or frequently: up to 90 days (hair follicle tests have the longest detection window, even if you’ve dabbed only a few times) 

Related: What Is Snow Caps Weed? Effects, Flavor, and Best Uses 

Can You Detox From Dabs Faster? 

There’s no instant way to detox from the THC from dabs; however, there are effective methods that can support the body’s natural detoxification processes. But, bear in mind that none of them guarantees immediate results, but rather helps speed up the removal of THC:

1. Follow a healthy diet

A diet based on whole foods supports your body’s detoxification mechanisms. Provide your body with fiber and lean protein—crucial nutrients for optimal digestive processes and liver function. If possible, avoid processed foods and added sugar.

2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate 

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of drinking water if you dab—it helps optimize kidney function and removal of waste. When you’re well hydrated, you may aid the removal of THC metabolites via urine.

3. Be physically active

As THC is stored in fat cells, exercise, particularly cardio and strength training, may help burn fat and may promote the release of THC from the system. However, it’s important to note that physical exertion may also temporarily elevate the THC levels in the blood before they decrease. With this in mind, it’s best to avoid intense workouts right before a drug test.

4. Abstain from dabbing 

This is the most obvious but also most important way to detox from dabbing—when you cease all consumption of THC, you give the body a chance to start clearing out the buildup of THC, rather than filling the body with more. 

5. Detox products 

Detox kits, marketed to “cleanse” THC, often contain herbs like dandelion or ginseng. However, there’s little research to support their marketing claims. Moreover, although in rarer cases, some of these products were linked to side effects like mental health concerns and liver issues. 

Related: Will Delta 8 THC Make You Fail a Drug Test? 

Best Tips If You Have a Drug Test Coming Up 

Though there’s no guaranteed quick solution, you can take several smart steps to support your body’s efforts to naturally eliminate THC and increase your chances of passing: 

1. Stop dabbing 

If you have an upcoming drug test, stop dabbing right away. The longer your body has time to eliminate the THC, the better. 

2. Stay hydrated, but don’t overhydrate 

Considering dabs are highly concentrated, THC will linger in the fat cells longer than if you were using another cannabis form, and extend detection times. Drinking enough water is crucial for the removal of toxins through sweat and urine. But, don’t overhydrate, especially before a test—it can dilute the urine and raise red flags. 

3. Work out regularly 

Cardio and strength training can help you burn fat, which is where THC is stored. If you still have several days until the test, you may consider daily walks, light jogging, or workouts to promote the body’s detoxification from THC. However, avoid strenuous workouts 24-48 hours before the test—this may temporarily increase the THC levels in the blood and urine. 

4. Eat healthy 

Supporting your body with nutrient-rich food is crucial for optimal metabolism and overall detox. Include lots of leafy greens, fruits, whole grains, and fiber-rich foods—they will support the digestion in processing and eliminating toxins more efficiently. 

5. Don’t rely on detox products entirely

Since a lot of detox kits sold on the market aren’t scientifically backed up, don’t rely on them entirely when trying to promote the removal of THC from the body. Although they may work for some, they may be ineffective for others. 

6. Don’t trust everything you read online

There are plenty of unproven hacks online claiming to be effective in detoxifying from THC; however, most of them are ineffective, and some can even have side effects. For example, drinking cranberry juice or vinegar, or taking niacin in large doses.

Final Thoughts 

As one of the most potent forms of cannabis, dabs tend to linger longer in the body. The detection window varies because it depends on numerous factors in addition to potency, including frequency of use, body fat percentage, and metabolism.

Though you can’t magically remove all THC from the body, there are effective ways to support the body’s natural detoxification processes. Avoid relying on detox kits and believing in THC detox myths because they’re not foolproof and don’t work for everyone. 

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