What is the body's THC breakdown mechanism? Your guide to cannabis metabolism

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THC in the body: A brief introduction
THC – tetrahydrocannabinol – is the best-known psychoactive ingredient in the cannabis plant. After consumption, THC quickly enters the bloodstream and binds to certain receptors of the endocannabinoid system, primarily the CB1 receptors in the brain. This explains the typical effects such as relaxation, altered perception, and euphoria.
But many consumers wonder: How long does THC actually stay in the body? And, above all, how does THC breakdown work? These questions are particularly interesting when it comes to monitoring one's THC tolerance or passing drug tests.
If you're generally interested in why a tolerance break is sometimes unnecessary, you'll find an interesting article here: Tolerance break – no thanks!
How THC is broken down in the body
After absorption, THC is initially distributed in fatty tissue and well-perfused organs. From there, it reaches the liver, where it is primarily metabolized by so-called CYP enzymes (particularly CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4). These enzymes convert THC into various metabolites.
The most important breakdown product is 11-OH-THC, which is still psychoactive in its own right, albeit somewhat weaker than the original THC. This is then further converted to THC-COOH, which is no longer psychoactive . THC-COOH is ultimately excreted in urine and feces.
Some users wonder why THC tests can still be positive weeks after the last use. This is because THC and its metabolites are stored in fatty tissue and are only slowly released. THC metabolism is therefore a rather complex process that varies greatly from individual to individual.
You can find more details on this in our blog Why your liver is so important as a cannabis user .
Factors that influence THC degradation
Whether the body breaks down THC quickly or slowly depends on several factors:
- Fat percentage: The more body fat there is, the longer THC can be stored.
- Metabolic rate: People with fast metabolisms metabolize THC faster.
- Genetics: Some people have genetically more or less active CYP enzymes.
- Frequency of consumption: Regular users store more THC in their tissues than occasional users.
- Liver health: A healthy liver can metabolize THC more effectively.
That's why your friend might be clean after just seven days, while your drug test still shows up after four weeks. Pretty unfair, right? But unfortunately, that's the way it is. There's no one-size-fits-all rule for how long THC stays in the body.
By the way: Did you know that exercise can release THC into the blood faster? Fat loss mobilizes stored cannabinoids. Therefore, intense workouts can lead to THC suddenly becoming measurable again, even if you haven't consumed anything for days or weeks. Crazy, right?
Tips to break down THC faster
While there are no miracle cures, you can help your body get rid of THC faster:
- Drink, drink, drink: Plenty of water supports excretion through the kidneys.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help break down fat reserves (and thus stored cannabinoids).
- Healthy diet: Bitter substances, vegetables and fiber-rich foods stimulate digestion.
- No replenishment: Sounds banal, but those who consume less also lose less.
Some users swear by detox drinks or sauna sessions. However, there's no conclusive scientific evidence that such methods significantly accelerate THC breakdown . But they usually don't do any harm—except perhaps to your wallet.
If you want to understand the topic of tolerance in more detail, check out this article: Nature+ – How bitter substances can lower your THC tolerance .
Supportive products such as Nature+ from Canasups
This is where Canasups comes in. The product Nature+ was specifically developed for people who want to manage their THC tolerance naturally. It contains numerous bitter substances such as gentian, artichoke, and dandelion root extracts. These substances have been known for centuries to support the liver, which is the central organ in THC metabolism .
Of course, even the best supplements can't work miracles. But many users report feeling fitter with Nature+ and shortening their tolerance levels. While official health claims aren't allowed, the testimonials speak for themselves.
Canasups consistently focuses on quality: Made in Germany, vegan, laboratory-tested, and free of pesticides and heavy metals. Those looking to support their liver might find a natural option here. You can find Nature+ here: Nature+ – the supplement for your THC tolerance .
But other Canasups products can also be exciting, such as Mango+ – the supplement for a more intense high . Terpenes play a major role there, and can also influence the THC effect.
Anyone who wants to know more should definitely check out Germany's leading platform for innovative cannabis supplements . Canasups remains a pioneer when it comes to supplements for cannabis consumers . And that's a good thing, because there's still a lot to discover, especially when it comes to THC tolerance and degradation processes.
In summary: THC breakdown is complex and depends on many factors. Those who want to support their body have more options today than ever before. But ultimately, the following always applies: Every person is different – and the body can only be "accelerated" to a certain extent. But you can still help it a little.