Vaping cannabis, the alternative to traditional smoking, has become very popular over recent years. And, cartridges that are used for vaping, commonly known as carts, have become a favored option as they’re potent and easy to use.
However, what new users often wonder is how long the THC from carts stays in their bodies. If you’ve also started vaping recently and are scheduled for a drug test, don’t fret—we’re here to help!
We’ll dive deeper into what carts are, how long THC remains detectable in different drug tests, and whether any external factors influence THC’s detection in the body.
Also, we’ll share some of the best detox tips for when you need to flush out THC sooner.
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What Are Carts?
A cannabis cart is a pre-filled container of cannabis oil or concentrate, such as distillate, live resin, or rosin. It’s designed for use with vape pens and provides a smoke-free method of cannabis consumption.
Rather than combustion, the vape pen heats the oil and produces an inhalable vapor.
Vaping is increasingly popular because it offers discretion, convenience, and a cleaner way to enjoy cannabis, without harmful byproducts associated with smoking.
Understanding Vape Cartridges
Vape carts simplify cannabis consumption and come in various formulations. The most common types are live resin, rosin, and THC or CBD distillate. Each offers a unique profile of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Potency varies between products, but many carts deliver a high THC concentration, the primary intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis. Some carts, especially those with a THC distillate, may have up to 90% THC and are more suited for experienced users and those with high tolerance.
The carts with CBD oil are vaped for therapeutic benefits like pain and anxiety relief, without intoxicating effects. Full-spectrum carts blend THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, valued for producing the “entourage effect,” where multiple cannabinoids and terpenes work in unison to enhance the overall experience.
THC in Carts vs. THC in Other Products
Carts are often more potent than traditional smoking methods—some may contain up to 90% of THC or more, which is significantly stronger than a cannabis flower, which usually ranges between 15-30% THC.
Edibles, on the other hand, may also provide high doses of THC, but their onset is slower and the effects are longer-lasting. This is because they have to pass through the digestive system first and get metabolized by the liver, which converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound that produces stronger and longer-lasting psychoactive effects.
Related: Is 100mg THC Gummies Strong? Potency, Effects & Tolerance
The concentrated oil in carts provides a quicker onset, similar to smoking, but without harmful byproducts from combustion. However, the higher the THC concentration in a cart, the longer the body may need to process and eliminate it.
With this in mind, beginners and individuals with low tolerance should proceed cautiously, as well as those scheduled for an upcoming drug test.
Which Factors Influence the Processing of THC from Carts?
When you vape a cannabis cart, THC will enter the system fast; however, how fast the body processes it depends on numerous factors, including absorption, metabolism, potency, the type of cart you’re using, and more.
1. THC absorption and metabolism
When you inhale vapor from a cart, THC is absorbed almost right away through the lungs and enters the bloodstream. This rapid absorption is why the effects are felt much sooner than with edibles, which must pass through the digestive system before taking effect.
Once in the bloodstream, THC flows throughout the body, including the brain, where it binds to the cannabinoid receptors, producing the characteristic “high”.
After these initial effects, THC is metabolized in the liver, where it’s converted into different metabolites, primarily 11-hydroxy-THC, which is psychoactive, and THC-COOH, which is non-psychoactive but tends to linger longer. THC-COOH is the main metabolite detectable on standard drug tests.
2. The concentration levels
Carts often contain THC oil that’s highly concentrated, sometimes going up to 90% or more. So, users will absorb a larger amount of THC per puff, compared to smoking cannabis flower, which usually contains between 15 and 30% THC. The more concentrated the dose of THC is, the longer the body will need to metabolize and remove its byproducts, compared to the lighter and less concentrated options.
3. The type of cart you’re using
The content inside the cart influences THC processing. Distillate carts usually contain highly concentrated THC with a minimal presence of other cannabinoids or compounds.
Due to this isolated potency, the body must metabolize a dense dose of THC, which may prolong the detection window. On the other hand, full-spectrum carts contain a broader range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds.
They still carry a substantial THC amount, but the presence of compounds may affect the absorption and metabolism of THC. Even so, their overall potency may still prolong the detection window.
4. How often and how much you use
The more often you vape carts and the more THC you consume with each session, the longer your body may need to process and eliminate it. Repeated, heavy use is therefore associated with accumulated THC and its metabolites in the fatty tissues, prolonging the time they stay in the system.
This is why occasional users may be able to clear THC faster than regular users, despite using the same product.
5. Your metabolism and body fat
The unique metabolism of each user influences the speed at which THC is broken down and eliminated. Individuals with faster metabolic rates tend to process substances, including THC, more efficiently.
Moreover, as THC is fat-soluble, users who have higher body fat percentages may retain the THC metabolites longer. This is because those metabolites are stored in the fat cells and are released gradually over time.
6. Your diet, hydration, and activity
Staying hydrated, eating a balanced, healthy diet, and being physically active may influence how long THC is in the body. Optimal hydration is vital for kidney function and flushing out waste, including metabolites.
Following a healthy and nutritious diet and exercising may help lower body fat and improve metabolism, both of which can speed up the removal of THC. These factors may not have a significant impact on the detection times; however, they play a huge role in supporting the metabolic efficiency of the body, which does influence the removal of THC.
Related: Delta 8 THC Oil Benefits | An Unconventional Path To Relief
How Long Does THC from Carts Stay in Your System (by Test Type)
Different drug tests have different detection windows—some are designed to detect only recent use, whereas others can identify THC use weeks and months after consumption.
That’s why the type of test you take influences whether the THC from carts will be caught or not.
1. Blood work
THC enters the bloodstream quickly after vaping, so it’s detectable within minutes. But, it doesn’t stay long. Those who vape occasionally may have detectable THC for 24 to 48 hours.
Heavy users may have detectable THC in their blood for up to a week. Although it’s rare, extremely heavy, long-term users may have THC traces for up to 30 days after consumption.
2. Saliva test
Saliva tests are an increasingly popular method for recent cannabis use detection. It’s convenient and non-invasive. It checks for active THC, not metabolites, which is a reflection of recent consumption.
In occasional users, THC may show up on saliva tests up to 24 and 48 hours after use, whereas in heavy users, the detection window extends up to 72 hours after use.
3. Urine test
This test is the most commonly used method for THC detection, especially during employment screenings. THC itself isn’t detectable in urine; however, specialized drug urine tests look for a specific non-psychoactive metabolite, THC-COOH, which is stored in the fat and gradually released over time.
Occasional users may have detectable levels of THC on this urine test for up to seven days, moderate users for up to 14 days, frequent users for up to 30 or more days, and heavy users for up to 60 days.
Since THC in carts is often more concentrated than cannabis flowers, the detection window may be prolonged.
4. Hair tests
THC and its metabolites bind to the hair shaft, making hair tests one of the best tests to detect THC long after it’s been used. The hair follicles are analyzed for metabolites deposited there through blood vessels.
Hair tests can detect THC in all users for up to 90 days, regardless of frequency. However, they’re the least used option due to the extended processing time and the higher costs.
They’re generally reserved for certain industries or legal cases that require long-term drug history.
THC Detection Time by Test Type
| Test Type | Occasional Users | Frequent Users | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blood | 1–2 days | Up to 7 days | Detects recent use; rare cases up to 30 days |
| Saliva | Up to 24–48 hours | Up to 72 hours | Checks for active THC (not metabolites) |
| Urine | Up to 7 days | 30–60+ days | Most common test; detects THC-COOH metabolite |
| Hair | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days | Least common; reflects long-term cannabis use |
Related: How to Clean a Bong: The Ultimate Tips for the Best Smoking Experience
Useful Tips to Shorten THC Detection When Vaping Carts
Though there’s no magic solution to cleanse the body of cannabis compounds right away, there are specific methods that can help speed up the process.
Check out some of the most effective ones below:
1. Encourage natural detox
If you vape from carts, support your body to detoxify naturally. One of the best ways to do this is to drink lots of water. Kidneys love water—they need it to flush out toxins faster and more effectively.
Also, include lots of veggies, fruits, and whole grains in your diet—they support healthy digestion and may improve the removal of fat-soluble toxins through waste.
Herbal teas like green tea and dandelion may also be of aid as they’re mildly detoxifying and beneficial for the liver.
2. Introduce important lifestyle changes
Adopting certain lifestyle changes may help you speed up the THC metabolism and excretion in the long run. Regular physical activity is crucial—it helps burn fat which is where the metabolites are stored.
But, be extra cautious because working out before a drug test may temporarily increase the THC levels in the blood. Moreover, focus on a balanced diet abundant in antioxidants and low in processed foods. This promotes liver function and more effective toxin processing.
Last but not least, get lots of good night’s sleep—it helps the body repair and regulate its metabolism, including how effectively it can process THC.
3. Take a break
Abstaining from vaping is the most reliable way to prevent THC detection. Try to pause for several weeks or months before a test for optimal results.
Related: Will Delta 8 THC Make You Fail a Drug Test?
THC Detox Myths: Don’t Trust Them
If you google THC detox, you’ll come across different myths. They may sound convincing, but if they sound too good to be true, it’s probably because they are:
- No detox drinks can guarantee a clean test—they may dilute urine temporarily, but cannot guarantee THC removal from the body. Labs also use sophisticated methods for adulterant detection in urine, making it challenging to outsmart drug tests.
- Niacin cannot flush out THC. Vitamin B3 isn’t only ineffective at removing THC, but it may potentially be harmful if taken in higher doses.
- Sauna sweating can’t remove THC—it may be effective at expelling some toxins, but THC metabolites are processed through the liver and kidneys and not removed via sweat.
Final Thoughts: How Long Do Carts Last in Your System?
Though vaping cannabis carts provides fast-acting effects and is combustion-free, it also delivers a concentrated dose of THC, which may stay in the body longer and be detectable on a drug test.
Plenty of other factors play a role in the length of the detection window, including THC concentration, cart type, metabolism, and frequency of use.
The best way to prevent detection is to take a break and follow healthy lifestyle habits such as staying hydrated, eating nutritious foods, and remaining active.
FAQs
How long does a puff of a cart stay in your system?
A single hit of a vape cart may leave THC in the system for several days. If you vape occasionally, it may be visible on a urine test for one to three days, though heavier use can extend the detection window to 30 days. Blood tests can identify THC for 24 hours to seven days after use.
Does a cart show up on drug tests?
Vaping THC carts is detectable on a drug test, as most standard drug tests look for THC metabolites that are produced by the body, regardless of the consumption method.