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
Arrests for DUI’s on the Rise
By Michael Komorn Arrests for DUI’s have been on the rise across Michigan. This trend could drastically increase as The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has called on state authorities to reduce the legal limit to 0.05 percent. Currently, all 50 U.S. states...
US District Court Judge rules police cannot enter a car without a warrant to facilitate a drug dog sniff
Federal Judge Applies GPS Ruling To Drug Dog Traffic Stop By Michael Komorn Last week, a judge with the US District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia applied the precedent to the common police practice of “permeation” where a police officer enters a...
Drug Checkpoints: Unconstitutional
By Michael Komorn The Supreme Court ruled in City of Indianapolis V. Edmund that drug check points are unconstitutional. So what happens when you see one on the highway? Keep calm and carry on. Police, especially in the Mid-west, have been using drug check points as a...
Knowing When to Exercise Your Rights
Remember, even if you are doing nothing wrong, there are a number of different outcomes that can occur from a police encounter. The short list includes: 1) No action, no problems; 2) A warning or citation; 3) An arrest and/or criminal charges. Exercising your rights...
Why Police Lie Under Oath
Thousands of people plead guilty to crimes every year in the United States because they know that the odds of a jury’s believing their word over a police officer’s are slim to none. As a juror, whom are you likely to believe: the alleged criminal in an orange jumpsuit...
What Did I Just Get Charged With?
Below is a list of common drug offenses as defined by the State of Michigan. If it is your second offense, it is important you read statute 333.7413 below. 333.7413 Conviction of second or subsequent violation; penalty....
