Detoxing Your Body After Marijuana Use

If, for any reason, you want to stop using marijuana—whether to cleanse your body of foreign substances or to prepare for a workplace drug test—there are several methods you can use to speed up the natural process of removing cannabinoid metabolites from your body. In this article, we’ll cover the key factors involved in marijuana detox, as well as techniques and products that can help accelerate a process that typically takes several weeks.

Important Factors to Know Before Detoxing from Cannabinoids

• THC and its metabolites remain in the body for a long time after use: THC is a lipophilic substance, meaning it dissolves easily in body fat. As a result, its breakdown products are difficult to eliminate. The body will naturally cleanse itself of cannabinoids within a few weeks if you abstain from marijuana. However, this may not be fast enough if you’re facing an imminent drug test at work.
• The speed of detox depends on your unique biochemistry: Because THC and its metabolites are stored in body fat, the rate at which they leave your system depends on how quickly your body burns fat. Factors include your metabolism, body mass, typical marijuana consumption, and overall physical activity. Generally, leaner and more active people detox faster than those with higher body fat.
• Marijuana drug testing uses different methods: Organizations use various methods to test for marijuana. Most commonly, urine is analyzed—either in a lab or with rapid test strips. Tests can also use blood, saliva, or hair samples. It’s important to know which method will be used so you can prepare accordingly.

Artificial Detox Methods

Below are several proven techniques for passing drug tests. Each is best suited for a specific type of test and comes with its own time and resource requirements.

• Detox drinks: The simplest and often most affordable option is to use special marijuana detox drinks, which have become increasingly popular in the US and Europe. Note that these drinks do not actually remove cannabinoids from your body. Instead, they mask their presence in urine and blood for several hours (typically up to 6 hours), which is usually enough to pass a test.
• Physical activity: Engage in intense physical activity or enroll in a specialized detox program. With consistent effort and sweating for a week or two, you can speed up the elimination of cannabinoids without using any external substances.
• Synthetic urine: The most expensive but guaranteed way to pass a urine test is to use synthetic urine. However, this method is not effective if the test is supervised by a lab technician.
• Fruit and vegetable diet: This method takes about a month but doesn’t require physical activity. By following a fruit and vegetable diet for 4–6 weeks, your body will burn through fat stores containing cannabinoids, mimicking the natural detox process.

Top Detox Drinks for Marijuana

Rescue Cleanse (by Clear Choice)

Rescue Cleanse is designed to keep cannabinoid metabolites locked in fat cells, preventing them from appearing in urine for 5–6 hours after consumption. The drink comes in 16 oz and 32 oz sizes. If you weigh under 200 lbs, the 16 oz bottle is sufficient; if you weigh more, use the 32 oz size.

For best results, abstain from marijuana for at least three days before using the drink. Take it on an empty stomach, waiting at least four hours after your last meal. After finishing the drink, follow it with an equal amount of water. Within an hour, toxins will be trapped in fat cells for the next 5–6 hours. Rescue Cleanse is popular in the US and its effectiveness is confirmed by several cannabis publications, including HIGH TIMES magazine.

Mega Clean (by Detoxify)

Mega Clean also provides a 5–6 hour window where THC metabolites are masked in the body’s fat cells. The product comes with “cleansing pills” to be taken 12–24 hours before the test—one pill every few hours with a 16 oz glass of water. On test day, drink plenty of water and consume the detox drink two hours before your test, followed by an equal amount of water.

Unlike other products, Mega Clean contains not only dissolved substances but also synthetic microfibers that help remove cannabinoid metabolites and other toxins. For best results, eat fruits and drink fresh juices on test day. Mega Clean cleanses body fluids, especially urine, so thoroughly that lab technicians are unlikely to detect any signs of detox products. The drink comes in two flavors: tropical fruit and wild berry, and one 16 oz bottle (with pills) is enough even for heavy users.

XXTRA Clean (by Detoxify)

This is a lighter and more affordable version of Mega Clean, suitable for occasional marijuana users or those with low body mass. It’s a 16 oz tropical fruit-flavored drink that comes with cleansing pills. Take the pills the day before your test—one every few hours with water. Avoid fatty foods and marijuana for at least 2–3 days before starting the pills. Drink the detox beverage at least three hours before your test. The masking effect lasts 5–6 hours after consumption.

The Buzz Detox (by Stinger Detox)

This is the fastest-acting but least reliable product. The Buzz can be taken quickly before an unexpected test, but its masking effect lasts no more than an hour. There’s a significant risk that the drink won’t work in time or will wear off during the test, so it’s only recommended for emergencies. The product comes in one size and a dark grape flavor. While users like the taste, they note the effect is short-lived. For best results, stop using marijuana at least a couple of days before the test. Use this product only if no other quick detox methods are available.