As cannabis products become more mainstream, understanding how cannabinoids interact with your body is more important than ever. One of the most common questions people ask is: how long does THCA stay in your system? Whether you’re using THCA for wellness or medical purposes, knowing how your body processes it  and whether THCA shows up on a drug test can help you stay informed and avoid surprises.

In this article, we’ll explain how THCA works, how long it can be detected in your body, and what factors influence THCA test results.

What Is THCA?

THCA, or Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid, is the raw, non-psychoactive form of THC found in fresh cannabis plants. When heated through smoking, vaping, or cooking, THCA converts into THC  the compound responsible for the “high.”

Because it’s non-psychoactive in its raw form, many people assume that THCA won’t show up in a drug test. However, things aren’t that simple. When you consume THCA (especially if it’s been heated), your body can metabolize some of it into THC — which may lead to a positive drug test result.

Does THCA Show Up on a Drug Test?

The short answer: Yes, THCA can show up on a drug test.

Most standard drug tests are designed to detect THC metabolites — not THCA itself. However, because THCA converts into THC when exposed to heat or stored improperly, trace amounts of THC may still enter your system.

This means that even if you’re consuming raw cannabis or THCA products, there’s still a chance of testing positive, depending on how the product was processed or consumed.

If you’re wondering, “does THCA show up on a drug test?”, the safest answer is yes — it potentially can, especially if the test is sensitive or if you’ve consumed large amounts over time.

How Long Does THCA Stay in Your System?

Just like THC, how long THCA stays in your system depends on several factors:

• Frequency of use: Regular users may retain cannabinoids for a longer period compared to occasional users.

• Body fat percentage: Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, meaning they can be stored in body fat and released gradually.

• Metabolism rate: People with faster metabolisms tend to process and eliminate cannabinoids more quickly.

• Dosage and potency: Higher doses or more potent THCA products can result in longer detection times.

On average, THCA can stay in your system for several days to a few weeks. However, the exact duration depends on the type of drug test used.

How Long Does THCA Stay in Your Urine?

Urine testing is the most common method for detecting cannabinoids. While THCA itself is not typically tested for, THC metabolites (like THC-COOH) are what show up during a urine test.

Here’s a general breakdown of how long THCA stays in your urine (once it’s converted to THC in your system):

• Single use: 1–3 days

• Moderate use (a few times a week): 5–7 days

• Regular use (daily): 10–15 days

• Heavy use (multiple times daily): 30+ days

In short, even small amounts of THCA can linger in your system and be detectable in urine if converted into THC.

Is THCA Detectable in Urine?

Yes, THCA can be detectable in urine, but indirectly. When THCA transforms into THC through heat or digestion, your body breaks it down into metabolites that are excreted through urine. These metabolites are what most THCA tests look for, not THCA in its raw form.

However, if you consume raw cannabis (unheated THCA), it’s less likely to be detectable in urine though not impossible. Some sensitive THCA drug tests can still detect traces of cannabinoids, depending on the lab’s testing thresholds.

Can You Fail a Drug Test from THCA?

Unfortunately, yes you can fail a drug test due to THCA consumption. Most standard drug screenings are designed to detect THC metabolites, and since THCA can convert into THC, even minimal exposure might trigger a positive result.

If you are subject to regular drug testing (for work or athletics), it’s best to avoid THCA and THC-containing products entirely.

How to Clear THCA from Your System

If you’re concerned about passing a THCA test, here are a few natural ways to help your body eliminate cannabinoids more efficiently:

1. Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins and metabolites through your urine.

2. Exercise: Regular physical activity can help burn fat, where cannabinoids are stored.

3. Eat a balanced diet: Fiber-rich foods aid digestion and detoxification.

4. Avoid further consumption: Stop using THCA or THC products at least several weeks before a scheduled test.

While these steps can help, there’s no guaranteed way to speed up the natural detox process.

Final Thoughts: THCA and Drug Testing

So, how long does THCA stay in your system? The answer varies based on your body, consumption habits, and the type of test used but in general, THCA (through THC conversion) can linger for days or even weeks.

If you’re wondering, “does THCA show up on a drug test?”, the safest assumption is yes. THCA may not directly trigger a positive result, but once it converts into THC, it can certainly be detected.

To avoid complications, always check your product’s content and understand how it’s processed. Whether you use THCA for wellness, pain relief, or other benefits, being informed helps you make responsible choices.