Longtime Cannabis User Still Tests Positive Weeks After Quitting

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 68-year-old male who has used cannabis for 51 years. During that time span, I graduated from high school and college with two bachelor’s degrees and two master’s degrees, and I spent 35 years as an accomplished educator, motivational speaker and author. I have been married to the same person for 31 years and have a wide circle of friends.

Twenty-five years ago, I had my thyroid removed due to cancer, and I currently take medication. I also inject testosterone and take medications for blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as Xanax. I retired to a life that involves little travel, choosing instead to spend my time reading, researching, writing and being active in my community. Once I began to notice a loss of motivation and diminished memory, I became proactive and decided to give up cannabis.

I have had no trouble quitting cold turkey and have no desire to return to it. My memory has vastly improved, and I still enjoy all the things that made my retirement enjoyable before I made this decision. After 10 weeks of not using, I still test positive for the metabolites using THC testing strips. I have read that normal detoxing for a heavy user is anywhere from six weeks to two months.

To aid in the process, I drink half a glass of lemon juice in the morning, drink two gallons of water or detox tea a day, cut red meat and dairy from my diet, spend an hour a day on the treadmill, and spend 40 minutes in a steam bath. How long should I expect to continue testing positive? Is there anything else I can do to speed up the passing of the metabolites? -- Anon.

ANSWER: The active form of THC, the primary chemical in cannabis that causes the psychoactive effects (i.e., the effects for people to feel “high”), accumulates in the fat cells, where it can be stored for long periods of time.

Research in laboratory animals confirms that losing weight over the long-term releases the stored THC from the fat, making it more likely that a urine test will be positive in people who are losing weight (which might be the case with you, given your exercise and diet). Heavy users have told me that they feel like they are “coming out of a fog” for up to six months after stopping the use of cannabis. However, I can’t give you any evidence-based answer on how long you will continue to show positive results.

I don’t think drinking water and tea, nor the steam bath, are significantly helping you get rid of the accumulated THC in the body, but the diet and exercise changes probably are, if you are losing fat as I suspect. Even if you aren’t losing weight, you may be getting more muscular due to exercise and losing fat.

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Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.

© 2023 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

Sue DeBruyne, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

Understanding Dementia A Key To Compassionate Care

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the more prominent forms of dementia, but there are many additional types of dementia that also can cause both physical and cognitive alterations. Understanding the complexity of dementiacanbebeneficialtobothdementiasufferersandtheircaregivers. Dementia is a general term used to define a decline in mental ability severe enough that it can interfere with daily life, offers the Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Dementia is not a disease but a term used to describe a wide range of symptoms. The words “senility” and “dementia” often are incorrectly used interchangeably. However, serious mental decline is not a normal part of aging.

Periodontal Ultrasonic Scaling

During your next dental cleaning, the hygienist may use an ultrasonic scaler to remove calculus (tartar) from your teeth and under the gumline. Ultrasonicscalersareverygentletoyour teeth, gums, and roots, making them a good option for patients with gum disease. They use water, ultrasound, and mechanical vibrations to make tooth calculus easier to remove. They also create shock waves that disrupt bacteria biofilms, allowing bacteria and debris to be flushed by a stream of water emitted from the ultrasonic scaler. Tiny bubbles in the water create an oxygenated environment that further disrupts bacteria. In addition to safely cleaning the surfaces of teeth, ultrasonic scalers are used below the gumline to clean tooth root surfaces without damage.

At BATAVIA FAMILY DENTAL, we stay on the leading-edge of dentistry, always up to date on the latest dental techniques, materials, therapies and health studies to ensure all our patientsreceivetheverybestindental health care. If you are looking for a family dentist who understands the needs of everyone in your family as individuals and patients,we welcome you to stop by 6 Batavia City Centre and get acquainted. We’re sure you’ll leave with a good feeling about our practice. For an appointment, please call 585.343.4246 www.bataviafamilydental.com

P.S.Ultrasonicscalersaresignificantly more effective than manual instruments at removing tartar from periodontalpockets deeper than four millimeters.

Participants Needed

VPG Medical is seeking eligible participants to test an investigational application for Android smart devices.

To participate you must:

• Be 40 years or older

• Have a history of Paroxysmal AFib

• Use a Samsung Android smartphone daily You will be compensated for your time and participation.

For more information and to determine if you qualify, please contact Margot Lutz: (585) 622-4410 • m.lutz@vpgmedical.com

375 White Spruce Blvd., Rochester, NY 14623 (585) 622-4410 • www.VPGMedical.com

Palm Sunday- 2 Services: 8:30 and 10:30am

Maundy ursday- Agape Style Dinner Service (a reenactment of the last supper followed by stripping of the altar) Please RSVP by signing up on the Narthex table.

Special guests- Community Christian Church & Choir 7pm

Good Friday- Tenebrae: Service of Shadows 7pm

Easter Sunday- 7:30am Sunrise Service at Westside Cemetery (one service in church) 10:30am.

Lutheran Church of Our Saviour 2415 Chili Ave., Rochester, NY 14623

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: “Many are stubborn in pursuit of the path they have chosen, few in pursuit of the goal.” -- Friedrich Nietzsche

Easter

DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE TO THE OVER 50 CROWD: Travel: Men and women over 50 may be able to save substantial amounts of money on travel simply by typing in their birthdays when purchasing tickets or planning trips. For example, men and women over the age of 62 are eligible to receive a 15 percent discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains.

Celebrate Easter With US!

He is RISEN!

Sunday Morning Service

April 9th • 10:30am

Pavilion United Methodist Church

11115 East Park Street • Pavilion, NY 14525

Holy Week Services

Celebrate Easter Wi Us!

Easter Morning Service at 10:00am

In person & on Zoom

Childcare provided during service

EAST AVON FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Located at the Corner of Rts. 15 and 5&20

Rev. Michelle Allen | 585-226-6460 | www.eastavonchurch.compastor@eastavonchurch.com

EVERYONE IS ALWAYS WELCOME!!

Holy ursday - April 6 • 7pm

Evening of the Lord’s Supper at St. Vincent’s

Good Friday - April 7 • 3pm

Passion of the Lord at St. Columba’s

Holy Saturday – April 8 • 8pm

Easter Vigil Mass at St. Mary’s

Easter Sunday Masses - April 9 9am, St. Columba’s • 11am, St. Vincent’s All services held at St. Columba Church will be livestreamed and available on our YouTube channel. https://rb.gy/iut1bd

As always, EVERYONE is welcome at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church

Palm Sunday, April 2 @ 8:30am

Easter Sunday, April 9 @ 8:30am

175 North St., Caledonia, NY 14423 e Reverend Canon Johnnie E. Ross standrewscaledonia1885@gmail.com

Easter Week Services

585-584-3806 Pastor Karen Woodworth Join

Holy Week Services

Palm Sunday • 9:45am

Worship/Sunday School

Maundy ursday • 7PM

Easter Sunday • 9:45AM

Sunday School

Easter Egg Hunt for the Kids

Byron Presbyterian Church 6293 W. Main St. (RT. 262), Byron

Palm Sunday (April 2nd) w/Communion, 10am

Maundy Thursday Ecumenical at St. Mark's, 7pm

Good Friday Service at First Baptist, 12noon

Easter Sunday Service in the Gazebo, 7am

Easter Service in Sanctuary, 10am

First Baptist Church of LeRoy

5 East Main Street • LeRoy, NY 14482 585-768-7600

The term ‘jazz’ means energy, vitality, and enthusiasm that fits the soul of the music. It is originally derived from the word ‘jasm’ meaning spirit and energy.