How to gently detox from THC

Sometimes, even the most habitual cannabis user wants or needs to detox from THC. Whether it’s for a new job opportunity, health reasons, or just to reset your system, there are a few things to know before resetting.

A detox is clearing out any toxins from your body.  A THC detox is just as it sounds-clearing your system of THC. Stopping smoking is the first step, but be aware that cannabis builds up residual matter in your system and it can take a while to rid your body of it. THC metabolites can stay in your system for 30 days or longer, depending on your daily intake. Some people may find this an easy task, while others may have a harder time with the process. For heavy/habitual users, the detox process may cause irritability, headaches, insomnia, or depression. There are a few different ways to gently detox THC from your system. A lot of these methods include boosting wellness, so you will get the added benefit of improving your overall health while doing so.

The Natural Cleanse

The best way to do anything is the natural way, so of course a natural detox is a highly recommended method. While it can take upwards of 6 weeks to achieve full detox, it is the most effective way.

1. Stop smoking. It may seem obvious, but the first step to detox is to stop introducing whatever toxin you are putting in your body. This means no smoke, vapes, edibles, etc.
2. Sweat it out. A great way to flush toxins is by sweat. Exercise is a great way to work up some sweat and get some of those toxins out. In addition to sweating out the bad stuff, you will also be naturally creating dopamine and anandamide, the “bliss” molecule. This can be a great way to keep yourself motivated through the process. Another great way to sweat it out is through the sauna. If you have access to a sauna, this is an amazing tool to use to help flush anything unwanted from your body. In addition to exercise, meditating and yoga are amazing to help keep your mind and body centered during your journey.
3. Keep hydrated. This is just good sense for overall health, but water helps to flush out your system and will aid in your detox. Water also helps promote healthy organ function and immunity.
4. Eat well. Foods that are high in salt, sugar, and fat can hinder the detox process, as they can cause water retention and slow metabolism. This is counterproductive when trying to flush your system. You want all cylinders running on full, so make sure you are balancing proteins, greens, fiber, and fruits and veggies. Greens help boost metabolism with their iron content and essential vitamins, so make sure you are getting them in. The fiber found in beans, legumes, and nuts can help during detox by stabilizing mood and sleep.
5. Opt for tea. Teas with high levels of antioxidants are great for the big flush but also for replenishing nutrients lost.
6. Keep an eye on your mental health. As stated above, some people may see some side effects when they decide to detox. Most people can handle the transition, but some people can get overwhelmed or worse. This is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Be sure to reach out to a doctor if you think you may be struggling.

How long does it take to successfully detox from THC?

Even after following all of the above steps, THC can still be detectable in your system (urine) for up to a month. How long it stays will depend on a few different factors.

• How much THC you consume regularly

•Your weight/body fat percentage

•Your metabolism rate

•Your typical exercise and eating habits

If someone only consumes minimal THC, exercises regularly, and generally eats healthy, they will detox at a faster rate than someone who does not. That’s why the list we provided is helpful to give a guideline of how to balance everything out to successfully detox.

For every bit of helpful advice detoxing, there are going to be some less effective and health-conscious ones. Some can seem like quick and easy solutions, but they can hurt your body or not complete the detox at all.

1. Cranberry Juice. While the health benefits of cranberry juice are well known (antioxidants, helping flush liver and kidneys), it should never be used excessively to jump-start a detox. Drinking cranberry juice in the recommended quantities is fine and gives a little boost to your detox, but don’t expect to drink a bottle of the stuff and pass a drug test or be clear of THC.
2. Vinegar. Again, while there are many known benefits of vinegar, it should never be used in excess to cleanse your system. It will not rid your body of THC.
3. Store-bought flushes. I’m sure we all know at least one person who has had to pass a drug test and did nothing to prepare. Most likely, they went and tracked down a store-bought detox made just for this purpose. While they have been shown to sometimes work, they aren’t 100% foolproof and do nothing to actually cleanse your system. Not only is it usually unclear exactly HOW these work to provide a clean test, but they can also contain other chemicals that can show up as suspicious on some tests. Just because it is something you can buy at the drug store or health/vitamin shop, doesn’t mean it’s anything you should be putting in your body.

The benefits of a natural cleanse are endless, especially when done in a safe and natural way. It is always a good idea to give ourselves a detox from time to time to make sure we are keeping our bodies in tune and in the best possible health. This isn’t something that has to be forever-it can just be a reset of your system. Just make sure you are taking care of yourself and keeping an eye on your physical and mental health while do so.

Must be 21+. Please consume responsibly.