THC Detection in Blood: A Comprehensive Review
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, can remain detectable in the blood for several days or even weeks after use. This is due to the fact that THC is highly fat-soluble, meaning that it dissolves easily in fat cells. Once THC is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is distributed throughout the body, including the fat cells. When THC reaches the brain, it binds to cannabinoid receptors, producing the intoxicating effects associated with marijuana use.
As the intoxicating effects of THC wear off, it is released from the brain and redistributed to other tissues, including the fat cells. THC can be stored in fat cells for weeks or even months, and it is released slowly back into the bloodstream over time. This means that a blood test for THC can detect past marijuana use, even if the individual is no longer under the influence.
Have you been charged with driving while high?
Want to fight that charge!
Call Our Office for a Free Case Evaluation
Factors that Affect THC Detection in Blood
A number of factors can affect how long THC remains detectable in the blood, including:
- Frequency of use: Chronic marijuana users tend to have higher THC blood levels than occasional users.
- Metabolism: Individuals with faster metabolisms tend to clear THC from their system more quickly.
- Body composition: Individuals with higher body fat percentages tend to have higher THC blood levels.
- Method of use: Different methods of marijuana use can result in different THC blood levels. For example, smoking marijuana tends to result in higher THC blood levels than eating marijuana.
Interpretation of THC Blood Test Results
It is important to note that THC blood levels do not necessarily correlate with impairment. Some individuals with high THC blood levels may not be impaired, while others with low THC blood levels may be impaired. Other factors, such as individual tolerance, route of administration, and time since use, can also play a role.
Additional Scientific Details
In addition to the information above, here are some additional scientific details about THC detection in blood:
- THC is metabolized by the liver into a number of different metabolites, including 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC). 11-OH-THC is more potent than THC and has a longer half-life, meaning that it remains in the body longer.
- The half-life of THC in the blood ranges from 1.3 to 13 days, depending on the individual’s metabolism and other factors.
- THC can be detected in blood using a variety of analytical methods, including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).
Future Research Directions
Additional research is needed to better understand the relationship between THC blood levels and impairment. Researchers are also working to develop new methods for detecting THC in blood that are more sensitive and specific.
Did You Know
Michigan State Police Legal Updates
MSP Legal Update No. 153 (01/2023)
- Search & Seizure: The smell of marihuana, standing alone, no longer constitutes probable cause to search for that substance
- Vehicle Code: Violation for impeding traffic requires evidence the accused’s conduct actually affected the normal flow of traffic.
Legal Update No. 153 (01/2023)
MSP Legal Update No. 150 (01/2022)
- Vehicle Code: Persons under the age of 21 may be prosecuted for operating a motor vehicle with the presence of marihuana in their system
- Criminal Law: Ethnic intimidation based on gender includes harassing or intimidating another person because of the actual or perceived gender of that person.
Legal Update No. 150 (01/2022)
Legal Update No. 148 (09/2021)
Legal Update No. 148 (09/2021)
Legal Update No. 147 (03/2021)
More Posts
![Detroit police make arrests at marijuana dispensary](https://komornlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/decrim-650x390.jpg)
Detroit police make arrests at marijuana dispensary
The Detroit police raided and made arrests at marijuana dispensary in an article in the Detroit Free Press from July 14, 2015. Detroit police arrested two people and confiscated two firearms and drugs during a raid on a marijuana dispensary Tuesday afternoon. Police...
![Michigan Medical Marihuana Patient Bill of Rights](https://komornlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Lansing-Capitol-800x3902.jpg)
Michigan Medical Marihuana Patient Bill of Rights
On November 8th, 2008, by a majority of 63 percent, the citizens of the State of Michigan voted into law the constitutional initiative, Initiated Law 1 of 2008, ratified into law December 4, 2008, herein referred to as the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act, MCL 333.26421...
![Colorado Supreme Court: Employers can fire for off-duty pot use](https://komornlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Colorado-Supreme-Court-COATS.jpg)
Colorado Supreme Court: Employers can fire for off-duty pot use
The Colorado Supreme Court ruled Monday Jun 15, 2015, that Employers’ zero-tolerance drug policies trump Colorado’s medical marijuana laws. In a 6-0 decision, the Colorado Supreme Court affirmed lower court rulings that businesses can fire employees for the use...
![How a sex toy put spotlight on Michigan civil asset forfeiture laws targeted for reform](https://komornlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/ginnifer-hency_komorn_law_3.jpg)
How a sex toy put spotlight on Michigan civil asset forfeiture laws targeted for reform
The headlines read... "How a sex toy put national spotlight on Michigan civil asset forfeiture laws targeted for reform" "State Legislators Reconsider Forfeiture Laws That Turn Cops Into Robbers" "Why Take My Vibrator?" Cops Legally Rob "every Belonging"...
![Reform Today’s Forfeiture Laws](https://komornlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/qq.jpg)
Reform Today’s Forfeiture Laws
Everyday, I get calls to my office from medical marijuana patients and caregivers who have been raided or pulled over by police. Often times, these individuals are not arrested, and little if any paperwork is left behind by the various Narcotics Enforcement Teams....
![KOMORN LAW NEWSLETTER ISSUE #1 May 2015](https://komornlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/medical-marijuana-newsletter.jpg)
KOMORN LAW NEWSLETTER ISSUE #1 May 2015
The Michigan Legal Advisor News Letters. Read the current newsletter from Michigan's #1 Medical Marijuana Defense Attorney Michael Komorn. KOMORN LAW NEWSLETTER ISSUE #1 May 2015 Michael Komorn is recognized as a leading expert on the Michigan Medical...
![Attorney Michael Komorn Lectures Students at the U of M Law School](https://komornlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/komorn_at_U_of_M_law_school_4_2_14.jpg)
Attorney Michael Komorn Lectures Students at the U of M Law School
I wanted to give a huge thanks to University of Michigan Law School Professors Howard Bromberg, Mark Osbeck and Law School class. This past Thursday I had the honor of being asked to speak about my favorite topics, the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act and the practice...
![Jury Selection In Marihuana Cases](https://komornlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Jury-800x3901.jpg)
Jury Selection In Marihuana Cases
A jury trial is fundamental to our democratic system of government. Every American citizen should embrace this responsibility by participating, and ensure justice prevails. by Michael Komorn I just picked a jury in a marihuana case, there were several perspective...
![Planet Green Trees Radio Episode 149-MSC People v. Koon](https://komornlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Michael-Komorn1.jpg)
Planet Green Trees Radio Episode 149-MSC People v. Koon
The best resource for everything related to Michigan medical marijuana with your host Attorney Michael Komorn. Live every Thursday evening from 8 -10 pm eastern time. By Michael Komorn The Michigan Supreme Court issued a unanimous opinion making a finding that...
![Polygraphs Proven Unreliable, Used for Police Intimidation](https://komornlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Polygraph.jpg)
Polygraphs Proven Unreliable, Used for Police Intimidation
Polygraphs are widely recognized as unreliable yet police still use them to elicit confessions. By Michael Komorn Many states don’t allow polygraph test to be admitted in court because they are unreliable. Their lack of reliability is widely recognized by criminal...