Law

How Long Do Drugs Stay in Your System?

Different drugs remain in the body for different periods of time, but it is important to know what these are so you can avoid trouble with the law.

Drugs can stay in the human body for long periods of time, which can negatively impact a person if they are charged with a drug offense. For example, THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, can remain in the system for up to 30 days. A police officer may suspect someone of driving under the influence, even though the person had not consumed marijuana for two days. However, a drug test will still come back positive, which can result in an arrest. Below, our Austin criminal defense lawyer explains how long certain drugs will remain in the system.

How Long Does Marijuana Stay in the System?

Marijuana is perhaps the most commonly used illegal substance in Texas. The length of time marijuana will remain in the system depends on how much was consumed, how much body fat a person has, and how often a person uses it. Marijuana is detectable in a urine test for up to 30 days, and a hair test can come back positive for up to 90 days. Through a blood test, marijuana can only be detected for four hours.

How Long Do Opioids Stay in the System?

The opioid epidemic continues to rage on in Texas and throughout the rest of the country. Opioids are a class of many drugs, including heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, morphine, and codeine. Opioids can be detected in the urine, blood, and saliva for up to three days. Opioids can be detected in the hair follicles for up to 90 days.

How Long Do Benzodiazepines Stay in the System?

Benzodiazepine drugs include Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin. These drugs are typically prescribed for insomnia or anxiety. Blood tests can detect benzodiazepines for up to three days, while a urine test can detect these drugs for up to six days after consumption. Benzodiazepines can be detected using a hair test for up to 30 days.

How Long Do Hallucinogens Stay in the System?

LSD is one of the most common types of hallucinogens, but ketamine, PCP, and psilocybin (also known as magic mushrooms) are others. Hallucinogens can be detected in the blood for up to four days, while a urine test can detect these drugs for up to 11 days. Hallucinogens can remain in the hair follicles for up to 90 days.

Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Austin Can Help You Avoid a Drug Conviction

Given that certain drugs can remain in the system for so long, it is not surprising that so many people are charged with a drug offense even when they have not consumed it in some time. At Granger and Mueller, PC, our Austin criminal defense lawyers have the necessary experience to challenge drug test results and prepare different defenses that give you the best chance of beating your charges. Call us now at (512) 474-9999 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more.