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Multiple Choice

Which substance has the longest detection time?

Detection time reflects how long a substance or its metabolites remain detectable in a given specimen. THC, the active compound in marijuana, is highly lipophilic and stored in body fat, so its metabolites are excreted slowly. This leads to a prolonged detection window, especially in regular users—urine tests can pick up THC metabolites for about a month or longer, and hair testing can show use over months. In comparison, amphetamines and cocaine are usually detectable for only a few days in urine, and benzodiazepines vary from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the specific drug and pattern of use. For these reasons, marijuana has the longest detection time among the options.

Detection time reflects how long a substance or its metabolites remain detectable in a given specimen. THC, the active compound in marijuana, is highly lipophilic and stored in body fat, so its metabolites are excreted slowly. This leads to a prolonged detection window, especially in regular users—urine tests can pick up THC metabolites for about a month or longer, and hair testing can show use over months. In comparison, amphetamines and cocaine are usually detectable for only a few days in urine, and benzodiazepines vary from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the specific drug and pattern of use. For these reasons, marijuana has the longest detection time among the options.