CBD (Cannabidiol) has been garnering considerable attention in the wellness industry for its myriad benefits.
However, a question that often arises among prospective and new users is, “How long does CBD stay in your system?”
Let’s delve into this topic, understanding what CBD is, how it affects you, and the factors impacting its presence in your system.
What is CBD?
CBD, or Cannabidiol, is the second most abundant active ingredient found in the Cannabis plant. Unlike its cousin THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD doesn’t have psychoactive effects, meaning it doesn’t create the sensation of being ‘high’.
Its rise in popularity stems from the health advantages it reportedly offers, such as relieving pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
How Does CBD Oil Make You Feel?
The effects of CBD are largely subjective and depend upon individual body chemistry. Generally, consuming CBD might invoke feelings of relaxation and calm, reducing stress and promoting improved focus.
Some users report having increased energy levels, while others may experience a soothing sense of balance. Remember, CBD doesn’t produce a ‘high’ feeling, unlike THC-containing products.
Is CBD Legal?
In the US, under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived CBD products are legal, but the amount of permissible THC varies from state to state. Always check the laws in your region before purchasing or using CBD products.
How Long Does It Take for the Effects to Kick In?
The onset of the effects of CBD largely depends on the method of consumption. When CBD oil is administered sublingually (under the tongue), it’s usually absorbed into the bloodstream within 15-45 minutes.
Oral consumption (like capsules or edibles) may delay the onset of effects, with users typically experiencing results within 2 hours. Topical application of CBD (lotions, creams) could take longer due to the absorption process through the skin, but the effects are generally localized to the area of application.
How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?
The duration CBD stays in your system can vary extensively based on several factors. On average, CBD could remain in your system between 2 to 5 days.
However, for individuals using CBD regularly or in higher doses, it could remain in the system for longer, 10 days or more.
How Long Does CBD Stay in Your Saliva?
Saliva tests for CBD are relatively rare, so there’s limited data on how long CBD stays in your saliva. However, if the CBD product you consume contains sufficient THC, it could be detected in saliva tests for up to 72 hours.
How Long Does CBD Stay in Your Hair?
Hair follicle tests are not commonly used for CBD detection. The presence of CBD in hair follicles is likely dependent on the amount and frequency of use.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD, like many other substances, could be incorporated into hair follicles, the duration is around 3 months.
How Long Does CBD Stay in Your Blood?
CBD presence in your blood can be short-lived. Research suggests that CBD is detectable in the bloodstream for up to 5-7 days post-consumption. However, the duration could extend in cases of frequent or high-dose usage.
How Long Does CBD Stay in Your Urine?
Urine tests are one of the most common methods for drug detection. For infrequent users, CBD might be detectable for 2-3 days.
In contrast, heavy users might show CBD presence in urine for up to 15 days or more. Factors such as dosage, frequency, and the user’s metabolism significantly influence these durations.
Factors That Affect How Long Cbd Stays in Your System
Several factors contribute to determining the duration that CBD remains detectable in your system. Here are the most influential ones:
How Much CBD You Use
The higher the dose of CBD you consume, the longer it might stay in your system. Larger doses are metabolized slower than smaller ones and hence stay in the body for a more extended period.
Frequency of Use
The frequency of CBD use significantly influences its longevity in your body. Regular use allows CBD to accumulate in your body, extending the time it stays in your system.
Your Body
Individual body factors such as metabolism, body mass index (BMI), and water content can affect how long CBD stays in your system. Faster metabolism and lower body fat could speed up the process of eliminating CBD from your body.
Food
What you eat, when you eat, and how much you eat can all impact the longevity of CBD in your system. Consuming CBD on an empty stomach may lead to faster metabolization and elimination than when taken with food.
Method of Use
The consumption method can significantly impact how long CBD stays in your system. Vaping or sublingual administration typically leads to quicker absorption and faster elimination than oral consumption or topical application.
Will CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?
Yes, CBD can potentially show up on a drug test, depending on the type of test being conducted and the specific components of the CBD product being used.
While pure CBD products should not contain enough THC to trigger a positive result on a standard drug test, some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, particularly full-spectrum CBD products derived from cannabis plants.
It’s important to note that most drug tests are designed to detect THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, rather than CBD.
If apprehensive about failing a drug test due to CBD consumption, it is recommended to select CBD isolate products or confirm the THC concentration in any CBD products you ingest.
Types of CBD and Drug Tests
Different types of CBD products could influence the results of a drug test because of their varying THC content.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD, stripped of all other plant compounds, including THC. Therefore, it’s the safest choice for users who undergo regular drug testing.
Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD contains all the beneficial compounds present in the cannabis plant, excluding THC. Though it’s designed to be THC-free, trace amounts may still be present, potentially affecting a drug test.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD contains all the natural compounds of the cannabis plant, including THC. Even though the THC content is typically less than 0.3%, regular use could potentially lead to a positive drug test.
CBD Benefits and Side Effects
CBD has several potential benefits, including anxiety reduction, and improved sleep. CBD gummies for pain relief are also popular among users [1].
However, it can also cause side effects in some individuals, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and lower blood pressure. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
Popular Forms and Types of CBD
CBD is available in several forms, each with its own unique benefits and usage methods.
- Oils: CBD oils for anxiety are typically administered sublingually and are absorbed quickly into the bloodstream.
- Pills and Capsules: CBD capsules are easy to use and offer a convenient way to maintain a consistent level of CBD in your system.
- Edibles: CBD edibles, such as gummies or chocolates, offer a tasty and convenient way to consume CBD.
- Vapes: CBD vape pens provide a quick and efficient way to consume CBD, with effects typically felt within minutes.
- Creams and Lotions: Topical CBD products, like lotions and CBD creams, can be applied directly to the skin for localized relief.
FAQs
Here, we answer a few frequently asked questions about how long cbd stays in your system.
How Long Does It Take To Get CBD Out of Your System?
It takes 2-5 days on average for CBD traces to clear from your system. However, this can vary based on factors like the amount of CBD you use, how often you use it, your body composition, and your diet.
Does CBD Show Up on a 10-Panel Drug Screen?
Many conventional drug tests, such as a 10-panel screen, primarily detect THC rather than CBD. Nonetheless, certain CBD products may contain minimal THC traces, which could possibly lead to a positive test outcome.
How Long Does CBD Gummy Effect Last?
The duration of the effects from CBD gummies can vary, typically spanning between 2 to 6 hours, influenced by factors such as individual metabolic rates and the dosage administered.
What Is the Half-Life of CBD?
The half-life of CBD, or the time it takes for half of the CBD to be eliminated from the body, is estimated to be between 18 and 32 hours.
Conclusion
The duration CBD stays in your system can vary widely from one person to another, influenced by factors like the frequency of use, dosage, individual body characteristics, and the consumption method.
While CBD can be a beneficial supplement for many, it’s crucial to understand how it interacts with your body and how long it stays in your system.
It is advisable to seek advice from a healthcare professional prior to initiating any new supplement regimen, particularly if you have preexisting health conditions or are using other medications.
References:
- Rapin L, Gamaoun R, El Hage C, Arboleda MF, Prosk E. Cannabidiol use and effectiveness: real-world evidence from a Canadian medical cannabis clinic. J Cannabis Res. 2021 Jun 23;3(1):19. doi: 10.1186/s42238-021-00078-w. PMID: 34162446; PMCID: PMC8223341.
