Drug Detection Times by Test Type: Complete Guide

Drug Detection Times by Test Type: Complete Guide

How Long Do Drugs Stay in Your System? A Comprehensive Drug Detection Time Guide

If you're preparing for a drug test or simply want to understand how long substances stay in the body, it's essential to know the detection times across different testing methods. Drug detection windows vary depending on the substance, frequency of use, and type of test—whether urine, blood, saliva, hair, or even fingernails.

Below, we provide a detailed guide based on data collected from trusted community resources and testing standards. Whether you're concerned about cannabis, opiates, stimulants, hallucinogens, or synthetic substances, this chart will help you make informed decisions.

🔍 Drug Test Detection Methods

  • Urine Drug Test: Most commonly used. Detects recent use, typically within days.
  • Blood Drug Test: Short detection window but highly accurate for recent use.
  • Saliva Drug Test: Useful for detecting very recent use (within hours to days).
  • Hair Drug Test: Longest detection period (up to 90 days or more).
  • Fingernail Drug Test: Can detect drug use up to 90 days, similar to hair testing.

🌿 Cannabis Detection Time (THC, Weed, Marijuana)

Usage Frequency Urine Test Detection Window
One-time use 5–8 days
2–4 times per month 11–18 days
2–4 times per week 23–35 days
5–6 times per week 33–48 days
Daily use 49–90 days

Other tests for THC:

  • Hair: Up to 90 days (some states test up to 120 days)
  • Saliva: 1–10 days
  • Blood: ~2 days
  • Fingernail: ~90 days

💊 Drug Detection Time Chart by Substance

This is a condensed chart of some of the most commonly tested substances. For full data, please consult the r/eldertrees Complete Drug Testing Guide.

Substance Urine Blood Saliva Hair
Amphetamines 1–2 days 12 hrs 1–2 days Up to 90 days
Cocaine 2–30 days 24 hrs 1–10 days Up to 90 days
Benzodiazepines 1–6 weeks 6–48 hrs 1–10 days Up to 90 days
Opiates (e.g., Codeine) 2–4 days 12 hrs 1–4 days Up to 90 days
Methamphetamine 1–4 days 1–3 days 1–4 days Up to 90 days
LSD 8–24 hrs 3 hrs 1–2 days Up to 90 days
MDMA / Ecstasy 1–5 days 12–24 hrs 1–5 days Up to 90 days
Kratom ~6 days 24 hrs N/A N/A
Fentanyl 8–24 hrs 12 hrs 1–2 days Up to 90 days
Alcohol (EtG) 3–5 days 12 hrs 1–5 days Up to 90 days

🧪 How Long Does Synthetic Urine Work for Drug Tests?

Many people turn to synthetic urine kits when facing a supervised urine drug test. Products like Quick Fix, UPass, and Monkey Whizz mimic real human urine and are designed to pass lab-grade analysis. Their success depends on:

  • Maintaining proper temperature (90°F to 100°F)
  • Using unexpired, high-quality products
  • Ensuring uric acid, creatinine, and pH levels are balanced

Learn more in our Synthetic Urine Buyer’s Guide

💡 Tips to Prepare for a Drug Test

  • Know which test you'll be taking
  • Understand your substance’s detection window
  • Stay hydrated (avoid excessive dilution)
  • Use trusted detox kits when needed
  • Avoid risky last-minute tricks

📚 Additional Resources

⚠️ Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only. We do not encourage or condone the illegal use of substances. Always follow local laws and testing policies.

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