Will THC Drinks Make You Fail a Drug Test?

As cannabis becomes more mainstream, so do new ways of consuming it. From gummies and baked goods to tinctures and vape pens, the options are endless. One of the newest—and trendiest—ways to enjoy cannabis is through THC-infused drinks. These beverages can range from sparkling waters to teas, sodas, mocktails, and even coffee infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in marijuana.

While THC drinks may seem like a discreet and convenient alternative to smoking or vaping, many people wonder: Will THC drinks make you fail a drug test?

The short answer: Yes, they can.

But the longer answer is more nuanced. Whether THC drinks will cause you to test positive depends on several factors—like how much you consume, how often, your body’s metabolism, and the type of drug test being used. Let’s break it down in detail.

Understanding THC in Beverages

THC drinks are designed to deliver the same psychoactive effects as other cannabis products. Instead of inhaling smoke or vapor, you’re drinking a liquid infused with THC extract. These beverages typically fall into two categories:

1. THC-only drinks – Contain THC as the primary cannabinoid, designed to provide a psychoactive “high.”

    

2. CBD drinks with trace THC – Marketed as wellness products, these usually contain cannabidiol (CBD) but may also have up to 0.3% THC (the legal federal limit under the 2018 Farm Bill).

    

The key takeaway: Any beverage containing THC—even small amounts—can potentially show up on a drug test.

How THC Metabolizes in the Body

When you drink a THC-infused beverage, the THC goes through your digestive system before being processed by your liver. This process is called first-pass metabolism, and it transforms THC into a metabolite called 11-hydroxy-THC, which is known to be even more potent and longer-lasting than THC itself.

That’s why THC edibles and drinks often hit harder and last longer than smoking or vaping.

Once in your system, THC and its metabolites are stored in fat cells and gradually released into your bloodstream. Because of this, drug tests don’t just detect whether you’re currently high—they detect the presence of THC metabolites lingering in your body long after the effects have worn off.

Types of Drug Tests and THC Detection

Drug tests vary in sensitivity, detection windows, and reliability. Here’s how THC drinks might affect different types of tests:

1. Urine Tests

• Most common form of drug testing (used by employers, probation officers, etc.).

   

• Detects THC metabolites (specifically THC-COOH), not active THC.

   

• Detection window:
  

   

  • Occasional users: up to 3–7 days after use.

     

  • Regular users: 10–30 days or more.

     

Result: Drinking THC beverages—even once—can cause you to fail a urine test.

2. Blood Tests

• Less common, usually used in accident investigations or DUIs.

   

• Detects active THC in the bloodstream.
  

   

• Detection window:
  

   

  • Just a few hours to 1–2 days for most people.

     

Result: If you recently consumed a THC drink (especially within the last 24 hours), you could test positive.

3. Saliva Tests

• Increasingly used by law enforcement for roadside testing.

   

• Detects active THC in saliva.
  

   

• Detection window:
  

   

  • Typically up to 24–72 hours, depending on use.

     

Result: A THC drink could cause a positive saliva test if consumed within the last couple of days.

4. Hair Tests

• Rarely used, but can detect long-term cannabis use.

   

• Detects THC metabolites embedded in hair follicles.

   

• Detection window: Up to 90 days or longer.

   

Result: Regular use of THC beverages may show up in a hair test months later.

Factors That Influence Whether You’ll Fail a Test

Several factors determine whether a THC drink will make you fail a drug test:

1. Dosage – A drink with 10mg THC is less likely to linger as long as one with 100mg.

    

2. Frequency of Use – Daily users accumulate THC metabolites, which stay in the system longer.

    

3. Metabolism – Faster metabolisms may process THC quicker, but stored metabolites in fat still take time to clear.

    

4. Body Fat Percentage – THC is fat-soluble, meaning people with higher body fat may retain metabolites longer.

    

5. Hydration and Diet – Staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet may slightly affect how fast your body eliminates THC, but not enough to guarantee a clean test.

    

6. Type of Test – As explained above, urine tests are much more likely to detect THC than saliva or blood tests, especially long after consumption.

    

What About CBD Drinks with “Legal” THC Levels?

Many consumers turn to CBD beverages, assuming they’re safe for drug tests. However, CBD products can legally contain up to 0.3% THC. While this may sound negligible, it adds up.

For example:

• Drinking multiple CBD sodas with 0.3% THC can lead to detectable levels in your system.

   

• Some products are mislabeled or contaminated, meaning they may contain more THC than advertised.

   

In fact, studies have shown that CBD users sometimes fail drug tests despite not intentionally consuming THC. If you’re subject to strict testing, even CBD drinks carry some risk.

How Long Do THC Drinks Stay in Your System?

The duration depends on many variables, but here are some general guidelines for detection times after one-time THC drink use:

• Urine test: 3–7 days

   

• Blood test: Up to 24 hours (sometimes longer)

   

• Saliva test: 1–3 days

   

• Hair test: Up to 90 days

   

For chronic or heavy users of THC drinks:

• Urine test: 15–30+ days

   

• Blood test: 2–7 days

   

• Saliva test: Up to a week or more

   

• Hair test: 90+ days

   

Bottom line: Even a single THC beverage can stick around in your system for several days, putting you at risk of failing a test.

Can You Detox Before a Drug Test?

Many people wonder if detox products or quick fixes can help them pass a test after consuming THC drinks. The reality is complicated:

• Hydration and exercise may help reduce metabolite levels but won’t guarantee a negative result.

   

• Detox drinks and kits often claim to “flush” THC, but evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited.

   

• Time is the only reliable factor—the longer you wait, the less likely THC will be detectable.

   

If you know you’ll be tested, the safest approach is to avoid THC drinks altogether.

Legal Risks and Employment Concerns

Even though cannabis is legal in many states for recreational or medical use, drug testing policies often lag behind. Employers, federal contractors, and organizations like the military and probation departments typically maintain zero-tolerance policies for THC.

That means:

• Even if you consumed THC legally, you could still face consequences at work.

   

• Failing a test could lead to job loss, probation violation, or other penalties.
  

   

For individuals in safety-sensitive jobs—like pilots, truck drivers, or healthcare workers—the risks are especially high.

Conclusion

Navigating the consequences of THC consumption—whether through drinks, edibles, or other products—can be confusing, especially when employment, probation, or pending criminal charges are involved. Even “low-dose” or “legal” THC beverages can still trigger a positive drug test, and misunderstanding these risks may put your job, license, or freedom at stake.

If your situation has escalated beyond a simple test result and you’re now facing alcohol or drug-related criminal charges in Colorado, Thomas & Associates is ready to help. Our defense team understands how prosecutors handle cases involving THC, DUI/DUID, and controlled substances—and we know how to challenge test results, protect your rights, and fight for reduced penalties or dismissal when possible. Whether you’re dealing with a failed test, a DUI involving drugs or alcohol, or a misunderstanding about legal THC products, we provide strategic, aggressive, and personalized defense.

Your future doesn’t have to be defined by one mistake or misunderstanding. Contact Thomas & Associates today for a compassionate, skilled defense team that will stand between you and the charges you’re facing.