How long does CBD stay in your system is a common question among new users, and unfortunately, there is no clear answer. The effects of CBD and how long they last vary from person to person based on a range of factors. It may take some trial and error to determine what’s normal for you. The items discussed in this post are not intended to be medical advice.
What we can share is a bit more about what might affect how long CBD stays in your system to help you understand its effects. At Cannabis and Glass, we’re here to answer all your questions about CBD. Be sure to check out our large selection of CBD at one of our cannabis stores near you!
What is CBD, and How Does the Body Process It?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that can interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which regulates sleep schedules, metabolism, and more.
How the body processes CBD depends on the ingestion route. Oral CBD passes through the digestive system before being metabolized by the liver and entering the bloodstream.
Sublingual CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream within minutes via the mucous membrane under the tongue. Finally, inhaled CBD, such as vape, is metabolized by the lungs before entering the bloodstream.
The faster CBD enters your bloodstream, the faster the effects will kick in and the sooner they will go away. As a result, CBD from oral ingestion will stay in your system longer than inhalation. Sublingual has mixed effects as most users swallow the tincture or oil after holding it under their tongue.
In most cases, the effects of CBD last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, and it will stay in your system for 2 to 5 days. Why didn’t we mention topical CBD? Topical CBD doesn’t enter the bloodstream at all and only has short-term effects in the localized area.
Other Factors That Affect How Long CBD Stays in Your System
While the ingestion method is one of the most significant factors in how long CBD will stay in your body, it’s not the only one. Here are a few more factors that play a role:
- Metabolism: Younger people tend to have faster metabolisms, which can impact how long the effects of CBD last and how long it stays in the body. The faster your metabolism, the faster the CBD is metabolized.
- Dosage: A higher dosage will stay in your system longer than a smaller dose. The potency of the CBD you took can also have an effect. Naturally, even a smaller dose of high-potency CBD will last longer than a larger dose of lower potency CBD.
- Frequency of use: How often you use CBD products may affect how long it stays in your system and the duration of the effects. Like THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, CBD can be stored in fat cells and, with regular use, may build up in the body.
CBD and Drug Tests
If you’re wondering how long CBD stays in your system because you’re worried about failing a drug test, you’ll be happy to know CBD doesn’t show up on a drug test at all, regardless of how recently you’ve taken it. However, be aware, some forms of CBD do contain small amounts of THC (less than .3%).
Full-spectrum CBD, which includes all the compounds naturally occurring in hemp, could potentially result in a positive drug test. If this is a concern for you, opt for broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate.
If you’ve already been using a full-spectrum CBD product, you can expect THC to potentially remain in your urine for 3 to 30 days. Why such a broad range? As mentioned, both THC and CBD can build up in your fat cells, so how long it will remain detectable in urine depends on how often and how long you’ve consumed full-spectrum CBD or THC products.
A single use will typically leave your system within three days. A dose every few days will stay in your system closer to 10 days but up to 21 days, and daily use puts you at the long end of the scale—30 days after the last use. Remember, the clock resets every time you potentially consume THC.
Contrary to popular belief, you can’t wash CBD or THC out of your system by drinking gallons upon gallons of water. Cannabinoids aren’t stored in your urine or the urinary system.
CBD and Breastfeeding
While there’s no definitive evidence that CBD poses any risk to children and infants, there’s also not enough research to say for sure that it doesn’t. It’s best to speak to your care provider before taking CBD if you’re breastfeeding.
Otherwise, you can expect CBD to end up in your breastmilk as long as it’s in your bloodstream (just like with alcohol). If you’re hoping to avoid potentially exposing your baby to CBD, it’s best to wait for 2 to 5 days before breastfeeding after use. For most breastfeeding women, that means avoiding use altogether.
Looking for Quality CBD Products in Eastern Washington?
One of the best ways to better gauge how long CBD will stay in your system is to purchase products from a reputable seller. You want CBD with clear potency information, purity lab testing, and consistent quality.
At Cannabis and Glass, our trained associates can help you find the right CBD products for your needs. Check out our menu online or stop by one of our dispensaries today!
