Drug Detox and Saunas: Can You Sweat Out Drug Toxins?

can u sweat out thc

To date, the relationship between sweating and THC tolerance remains under-explored, with much of the available information leaning towards anecdotal rather than evidence-based. Current scientific literature, accessible through sources such as PubMed and Google Scholar, provides limited direct research on this specific topic. The metabolism of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) within the human body is a complex biochemical process primarily managed by the liver. When THC enters the bloodstream, it is rapidly taken up by tissues and transported to the liver where it undergoes extensive metabolism. This process is largely mediated by a family of enzymes known as cytochrome P450, specifically the isoform CYP2C9. These enzymes convert THC into its primary metabolite, 11-hydroxy-THC, which is known to be more potent, and subsequently into 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC, which is less active.

Even with increased sweating during intense physical activity, this figure reaches only 0.04% of your average daily toxins intake. The study didn’t notice major differences between the THC levels in the blood or urine after the exercise and fast and concluded that neither causes changes to THC concentrations that may affect drug test results. However, the study was done on people with lower levels of fat in their body and a conclusion can’t be drawn for people with higher body fat percentages. While sweating might seem like a quick fix for lowering THC tolerance, scientific evidence suggests otherwise. Exercise and sauna sessions can release stored THC into your bloodstream temporarily, potentially increasing THC levels rather than reducing them. Additionally, relying on high-heat methods could lead to unwanted side effects like dizziness or nausea.

Studies have shown that physical activity can increase receptor sensitivity in the brain, which could contribute to effectively managing THC tolerance. Furthermore, sweating during exercise can lead to the excretion of cannabinoids from the body, possibly aiding in resetting tolerance levels. It is important to contrast these methods with the theory of using sweating to lower THC tolerance. Unlike exercise, dietary changes, and tolerance breaks, the idea that sweating significantly reduces THC tolerance lacks robust scientific evidence. Assertions that sweating can flush THC from the system, thereby lowering tolerance, remain speculative and unproven by health authorities or substantial research studies. Thus, adopting scientifically supported methods is advisable for those looking to manage their THC tolerance effectively.

But unless you already consume a diet high in sugar or have undiagnosed diabetes, consuming edibles is unlikely to lead to dehydration. If you are regularly experiencing the symptoms of dehydration, you should seek out your doctor immediately for a comprehensive examination. Furthermore, whenever someone has high blood sugar, their body will often take water from other areas to ensure that cells retain a balanced volume.

  • The body’s natural detoxification processes involve the liver, kidneys, and digestive system.
  • If you or someone you love is struggling with excessive marijuana usage, getting help is essential.
  • Alcohol consumption, in general, also increases sweat secretion within 10 minutes following consumption.
  • Studies show that only about 0.5% of cannabinoids are excreted this way.
  • Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids, prevalent in foods like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, can support the endocannabinoid system, potentially aiding in the modulation of THC tolerance.

Alternative Methods to Lower THC Tolerance

  • Anecdotal evidence and less formal sources, including wellness blogs and online forums, frequently suggest that regular sweating could potentially aid in lowering one’s THC tolerance.
  • You can use sweating as a support for other detox methods, but on its own, it is not sufficient to get rid of all traces of marijuana from your body.
  • In the present study, sweat patches worn by daily cannabis users the first week of monitored abstinence had THC concentrations averaging 3.85 ng/patch.
  • At home, a person may try to perform a sauna detox by turning their shower or bath on at high temperatures.
  • They put six regular cannabis users through a 45-minute moderate-intensity workout and a 24-hour fast.
  • If you are not sweating out significant amounts of THC and its metabolites, then it will not make a difference.

Due to the fact that the concentration of THCCOOH in sweat is lower than the detection limit of most common confirmation methods, its presence in sweat has not been reported 18. In the present study, sweat patches worn by daily cannabis users the first week of monitored abstinence had THC concentrations averaging 3.85 ng/patch. There are no other published studies reporting sweat patch THC concentrations after cessation of use for comparison. Investigators have collected sweat wipes from drugged drivers and measured THC in those that screened positive for cannabinoids 16, 17. No 11-hydroxy-THC or THCCOOH were detected using a GC/MS operated in the electron impact mode. A lot of drugs can be traced in human sweat, including amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, and others.

Myth Five: Detox Tea for Weed

Before and during public speaking in a professional setting, he experienced tachycardia, dyspnea, extreme anxiety, and increased sweating, complicating things at work. He was suggested to take a single dose of 300 mg of THC-free CBD, about an hour before going to work. Two cases of using cannabidiol (CBD) on people with hyperhidrosis are reported in the literature (Pitliuk 2022). You will notice that people did not take CBD primarily for hyperhidrosis. If you are a heavy smoker (smoking cigarettes or joints with a high nicotine content and other substances), it is likely that your night sweats will last a long time after quitting smoking. In the opposite case, you may need less time to adapt and feel better.

What are the most effective methods for detoxifying from THC?

The patient was suggested to take a combination of CBD with up to 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The patient had significant improvement in her symptoms, and her palmar sweating decreased. All these therapies were entirely effective, but all led to side can u sweat out thc effects, including increased sweating. The excess night sweats vary depending on the amount of nicotine and cannabis present in your body and the number of years you smoked.

can u sweat out thc

Discover more from Hyperhidrosis Facts – Excessive Sweating Community

A study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology indicated that THC and other cannabinoids are indeed present in sweat, but their concentrations are relatively low compared to other excretory fluids. This research suggests that while sweating may play a minor role in eliminating THC from the body, it is unlikely to substantially affect overall THC levels or tolerance. However, it’s important to note that while sweating might assist in fat loss, the direct impact on THC levels is more speculative than scientifically proven. Thus, this method of potentially altering THC tolerance remains largely anecdotal amidst the lack of substantial empirical evidence. Another significant purpose of sweating is the excretion of metabolic waste and toxins.

Ways to Detox from Weed

While sweating and thirst may be uncomfortable, these are not permanent symptoms and cause no long-term complications. I don’t know anyone who quit cannabis primarily to treat their hyperhidrosis. But it can be beneficial for the impact of hyperhidrosis on daily life (more than for the amount of excreted sweat). Except, of course, during the withdrawal period at night when you sweat a lot, whether or not you have hyperhidrosis. Sweat analysis is actually one of the methods used to monitor cannabis consumption (Gambelunghe 2016). Some even use diuretics to speed up the detox by frequent urination, although this method can dilute the concentration of THC in their urine sample and arouse suspicion.

“If you know you’re going to test positive for a test the next day, be honest with your supervisor,” Ogle says. “Easier said than done, but it shows a certain level of responsibility.” However, a review of the scientific literature found no consistent change in drug elimination.

And while modern medicine has a few tricks up its sleeve for helping with drug detox, Mother Nature’s main mechanism for drug detox is the excretory system, the main organs of which are the kidneys and liver. One of the ways the body excretes compounds is through sweat, but urination is a far more efficient way of expelling unwanted chemicals from the body. The body is capable of performing its own drug detox, but it takes time and the withdrawal symptoms that occur in the meantime are uncomfortable at best.

Marijuana cannot cause dehydration because you are not losing any fluids by smoking cannabis. To be dehydrated, you must be actively losing or using the fluids in your body. Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome may be accompanied by excessive sweating, but it is not its primary symptom.