Following use of a wax pen, THC can sometimes be detected in urine for roughly 30 days, though the exact timeframe depends on usage frequency, the testing method, and other individual factors.
Wax pens are used to inhale or dab concentrated cannabis extracts. These concentrates often contain high levels of THC, the compound in cannabis responsible for intoxication.
Drug screenings identify THC and its breakdown products — known as metabolites — which can linger in your body long after cannabis use.
The duration THC remains detectable in urine varies based on several factors. Greater and more frequent cannabis use generally means THC residues take longer to clear from your system.
The same considerations apply to wax pens containing delta-8 or delta-10 THC. For CBD wax pens, if the product contains any THC, there’s a possibility you could test positive for THC on a drug screen.
How long is wax-pen THC detectable by different drug tests?
Urine
The detection window for urine tests — that is, how long THC can be found after use — largely depends on how often you use THC.
THC metabolites are fat-soluble, meaning they attach to fat molecules in the body. With frequent cannabis use, THC can accumulate in fat tissue, resulting in a higher baseline level of metabolites.
This accumulation explains why habitual users can remain positive on urine tests for longer periods than occasional users.
A 2017 review suggested approximate urine detection times after last use:
- First-time or rare use: about 3 days
- Using cannabis roughly four times per week: 5–7 days
- Daily use: 10–15 days
- Multiple times per day: more than 30 days
Keep in mind some urine assays are less sensitive; certain tests may stop detecting THC within a day after use.
If you might undergo cannabis testing, it’s wise to assume the urine test could detect THC for a longer period.
Saliva
Law enforcement sometimes use saliva tests during roadside checks to determine recent cannabis use. Saliva screens generally have a short detection window and can often reveal same-day use.
A 2020 review found that heavy cannabis smokers could have detectable THC in saliva for up to 72 hours after consumption.
Blood
Blood tests have a shorter detection span than urine or saliva. They typically identify cannabis use within the previous 2 to 12 hours.
However, a small 2013 study reported that in frequent users, blood tests detected THC 30 days after use.
Hair
Hair follicle testing offers a far longer detection window than urine or saliva, with the potential to detect THC for up to 90 days after use.
After cannabis use, THC and its metabolites enter the bloodstream and reach hair follicles via tiny scalp capillaries. Sweat and sebum around the hair shaft can also contain metabolites.
Hair grows about 0.5 inches per month. Testing often examines a 1.5-inch segment of hair to screen for drug exposure during the prior three months.
How quickly does THC metabolize after using a wax pen?
There’s minimal evidence that THC consumed via a wax pen is metabolized differently than THC from smoking cannabis.
When you smoke, vape, or ingest cannabis, THC is absorbed into the bloodstream and processed by the liver. The liver converts THC into metabolites, which persist in the body.
These metabolites can remain detectable in urine and saliva well after the psychoactive effects fade. Drug tests typically screen for THC metabolites rather than THC itself.
Over time, your body eliminates THC metabolites through urine and feces.
What influences how long THC remains in your system?
Numerous factors influence how long THC is detectable, including:
- Frequency of use: Regular and heavy use leads to a longer clearance time for THC.
- Method of consumption: For instance, edible cannabis can result in THC remaining in the body longer than smoking or vaping.
- Liver and kidney health: Because the liver and kidneys help break down and remove substances, impaired function of these organs can prolong THC retention.
Can you speed up THC metabolism?
Not really. There’s little evidence that any specific action meaningfully accelerates THC metabolism or elimination.
If you expect a drug test, the most reliable option is to stop using THC. Staying hydrated supports kidney health, but there’s no proof drinking extra water will guarantee passing a drug screen.
Some detox products and kits promote heavy fluid intake to “flush” metabolites, then use creatinine or vitamin B12 to mask dilution. Research on their safety and effectiveness is limited.
Avoid drinking excessive amounts of water in a short time, as overhydration can be dangerous.
Other common questions
Is a wax pen the same as a dab pen?
Yes. Wax pens and dab pens refer to portable devices used to vaporize cannabis concentrates. Wax is one form of concentrate; other concentrates include budder, crumble, and shatter, which can also be vaped using similar devices.
Is a wax pen the same as a weed cart?
Not exactly, but they’re related. A “weed cart” (cartridge) contains THC oil or concentrate and is typically attached to a battery or pen.
Wax pens often house wax directly in the device. Some hardware, however, may allow interchangeable use of cartridges and concentrate chambers.
Is a wax pen the same as live resin?
You can use a wax pen to vaporize live resin. Among concentrates, live resin often produces stronger effects than typical wax.
Will delta-8 wax show up on a drug test?
Yes — delta-8 THC will likely produce a positive THC result.
A 2021 study noted that many urine assays, especially at-home tests, cannot reliably distinguish delta-8 from delta-9 THC. That can create legal issues for people using delta-8 where delta-9 THC is illegal.
So even if delta-8 use is permitted in your area, you might face problems if tested for THC.
Will delta-10 wax show up on a drug test?
Research is limited. Anecdotal reports suggest some people who used delta-10 tested positive for cannabis, but those products might also have contained delta-8 or delta-9 THC.
Because delta-10 is chemically similar to delta-8 and delta-9 THC, it’s possible delta-10 wax could yield a positive result on a drug screen. If you’re expecting testing, avoiding delta-10 is prudent.
Will CBD wax show up on a drug test?
Multi-panel drug screens, including many at-home urine tests, typically don’t target CBD. However, if CBD wax contains even small amounts of THC, you could test positive for THC.
Though specific research on CBD wax screening is limited, a 2021 case report examined someone who smoked a 250-mg CBD-rich joint daily for 26 days (6.0% CBD, 0.2% delta-9 THC). Researchers found THC metabolites in the person’s urine 8 days after smoking ceased.
If you anticipate THC testing, choose CBD products that are verified THC-free.
The bottom line
After using a THC wax pen, you could test positive for cannabis for about 30 days. The detection window may be much shorter for infrequent users; first-time or occasional users might test negative as soon as 3 days after a single use.
Your individual biology and consumption habits influence how long THC stays in your system. The same considerations apply to delta-8 and delta-10 products, which can also lead to a positive drug test.
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