How Long Does THCA Stay in Your System?

THCA turns into THC when heated—and your body treats it the same. That means it can show up on drug tests even if the product started as non-intoxicating THCA. How long it stays in your system depends on how much, how often, and how you use it.

How long does THCA stay in your system? It’s one of those questions that floats around smoke circles and HR departments alike. With THCA flower becoming a go-to option for many who want the aroma and feel of traditional bud without as strong of a high, it’s fair to wonder how it behaves in your body—and whether it shows up on a drug test. Let’s take a calm, clear look at what we actually know.

THCA vs THC: a quick refresher

Before talking timelines, it helps to know what THCA is. Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is the non-psychoactive form of THC found in raw flower. When you apply heat—say, with a lighter or vaporizer—THCA converts to THC through a process called decarboxylation. That’s when it gains the ability to create a traditional “high.” If you’re curious how these two compounds compare, you can read more in our guide on THCA vs. THC.

So if you’re enjoying Gelonade THCA flower or Guava THCA crystal powder, what you’re actually inhaling after ignition is mostly THC. That distinction matters when it comes to how long the compound lingers in your body.

Does THCA show up on a drug test?

Most standard drug tests aren’t designed to detect THCA itself. Instead, they look for THC metabolites—mainly THC-COOH—that your body produces after breaking THC down. Because THCA can turn into THC when heated, it can indirectly lead to a positive result if you’ve consumed decarbed THCA products. You can learn more in our detailed article Does THCA show up on a drug test?.

If you’re eating raw THCA (say, sprinkled on a salad), it’s less likely to show up because it hasn’t converted to THC. But most people use THCA by smoking or vaping, which triggers that conversion. So yes—THCA use can make you test positive on a THC drug screen, even though the compound started out in its “acidic” form.

How long does THCA stay in your system?

There’s no single answer, because everyone’s metabolism, frequency of use, and body composition play a role. That said, most evidence and user reports suggest that once THCA converts to THC, the detection window is similar to regular THC. For comparison, see our guide on how long Delta 8 stays in your system.

• Urine tests: Occasional users may test positive for 1–3 days after use. Regular users could test positive for several weeks, sometimes longer.
• Blood tests: THC usually clears the bloodstream in a few hours to a couple of days, depending on use and dosage.
• Saliva tests: These can show positive results for roughly 24 hours in most cases, sometimes up to three days.
• Hair tests: The longest-lasting, potentially detecting THC metabolites for up to 90 days or more.

Again, these ranges depend on how often you use THCA flower or extracts, your hydration levels, and even diet and exercise habits. THC likes to store itself in fat cells, which means it can stick around longer in the body of a daily user.

How long is THCA detectable in urine?

Because urine tests look for metabolites, the question is really about how long those breakdown products linger. After smoking or vaping THCA products, metabolites can appear in urine within hours and persist for days or weeks. Occasional users may clear them in a few days; regular consumers might still test positive after a month.

Drinking water, exercising, or using detox products won’t reliably erase metabolites faster. They may help you feel better, but they can’t guarantee a clean result. Your body simply needs time to process and eliminate the compounds naturally. This is similar to what happens with other cannabinoids such as Delta 8, covered in our piece on THCA vs Delta 8.

Can you “pass” a drug test for THCA?

There’s no safe, foolproof shortcut. While the internet is full of DIY methods—from cranberry juice to sauna marathons—none are proven to reliably remove THC metabolites. The only real way to test negative is to allow enough time between use and testing for your system to fully clear the compounds.

For people who know a test is coming, abstaining for several weeks (ideally a month or more) is the most dependable approach. Your metabolism may shorten or lengthen that window, but time remains the key factor.

Factors that influence how long THCA stays in your system

• Frequency of use: Daily or heavy use can cause THC to accumulate in fat cells, extending detection time.
• Body composition: Higher body fat percentage can lead to slower clearance.
• Metabolism speed: Faster metabolisms may break down compounds more quickly.
• Hydration and activity: While helpful for overall health, these have limited impact on test results.

Think of it like perfume on clothing: one quick spritz fades after a wash, but a daily habit builds a scent that takes longer to leave.

What this means for THCA flower fans

THCA products like Gelonade THCA flower or Guava THCA crystal powder continue to appeal to people seeking variety and freshness in their routine. They offer the aroma, taste, and ritual of traditional flower without being federally classified the same way as THC. But when it comes to drug testing, they’re not invisible. Once heat enters the picture, THCA becomes THC—and your body treats it as such. For a better understanding of the experience, see our explainer Does THCA get you high?.

For more context on these evolving products, check out our shop THCA Flower products collection, where you can compare options by aroma, potency, and preferred form. As the hemp market continues to grow in 2025, expect more clarity from both labs and lawmakers about how THCA is regulated and detected.

The takeaway

THCA itself doesn’t cause a “high,” but once heated, it becomes THC—and that’s what standard drug tests look for. How long it stays in your system depends on your body, usage habits, and time. There’s no reliable quick fix to beat a test, just patience and awareness.

Understanding how THCA interacts with your system helps you make informed choices. Whether you enjoy flower, powder, or something in between, it’s worth knowing how your body processes what you put into it.

Written by Jasper Wilde — a West Coast writer exploring how THCA products fit into everyday rituals and real-life timelines.