Philadelphia, PA - CBD, short for Cannabidiol, has taken the wellness industry by storm due to its purported health benefits. Despite increasing popularity, many potential users are left wondering about the duration of CBD’s effects. This article aims to demystify that, delving into various factors impacting CBD's time in the body.
What Exactly is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of over 100 different compounds known as cannabinoids found in cannabis seeds. It is typically extracted from hemp plants, which contain low levels of THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana use.
CBD is non-intoxicating and is believed to have a variety of potential health benefits, including reducing anxiety, relieving pain, and improving sleep. [1]
CBD is available in various forms, including capsules, oils, edibles, and topicals. Each form has its benefits and considerations. Still, regardless of the form, it is important to understand how long the CBD effect stays in your system to manage its effects effectively.
Factors That Affect the Duration of CBD in the System
The length of time CBD remains detectable in the body can vary from person to person. Several factors influence how long CBD stays in the system:
Metabolism and Body Composition
The individual's metabolism and body composition are crucial in determining how long CBD lingers in the system. People with faster metabolisms may process and eliminate CBD more quickly than those with slower metabolisms.
Additionally, individuals with a higher percentage of body fat may experience a longer detection time as CBD is stored in fat cells.
Dosage and Frequency of Use
The dosage and frequency of CBD use can impact its duration in the body. Higher doses and frequent usage may result in CBD accumulating in fat tissue, leading to a longer detection window.
Conversely, lower doses and occasional use may result in CBD being eliminated more rapidly.
Method of Consumption
The method of CBD consumption can significantly affect how long it stays in the system. Here are the most common methods and their implications:
Inhalation
When CBD is inhaled, such as through vaping using vape pens or smoking, it enters the bloodstream rapidly through the lungs.
This method offers the highest bioavailability, meaning a larger proportion of CBD is absorbed and reaches the bloodstream. As a result, the effects of inhaled CBD are often felt more quickly but may dissipate faster as well.
Sublingual Administration
Sublingual administration involves placing CBD oil or tinctures under the tongue for absorption through the sublingual glands.
This method allows CBD to bypass the digestive system and enter the bloodstream directly. The effects are typically felt within 15-30 minutes and may last for a few hours.
Oral Ingestion
Oral ingestion of CBD, such as consuming CBD gummies or capsules, requires the CBD to pass through the digestive system. This process takes longer for the CBD to reach the bloodstream, resulting in delayed onset of effects.
The duration of CBD in the system can vary based on individual factors and the specific product ingested.
Topical Application
CBD topicals, such as creams, lotions, and CBD balms, are applied directly to the skin. These products are primarily used for localized relief and generally do not enter the bloodstream in significant amounts. As a result, the duration of CBD in the system from topical application is minimal.
How Long Does CBD Stay In Urine?
The detection of CBD in urine is of particular interest, especially for individuals who may undergo drug testing. While research on CBD's presence in urine is limited, studies suggest that CBD is generally not detectable after a few days.
One study followed a single test subject who consumed CBD and found detectable levels in urine for only 24 hours. However, it's important to consider that individual factors, such as dosage, frequency of use, and metabolism, can influence the duration of detectability in urine.
How Long Does CBD Stay in Blood?
The presence of CBD in the bloodstream can also be a consideration for drug testing purposes. When CBD is inhaled or consumed orally, it enters the bloodstream and can be detected for a limited time.
Inhaled CBD has a shorter detection window in blood plasma compared to oral ingestion. Research suggests that CBD may be detectable in blood plasma for a few hours after inhalation, while orally ingested CBD may be detectable for a longer duration.
How Long Does CBD Stay In Saliva?
The detection of CBD in saliva is another aspect that may be relevant for drug testing scenarios. Research on the presence of CBD in saliva is limited, but studies indicate that CBD can be detected in saliva for a brief period.
The exact duration of CBD detectability in saliva can vary based on individual factors and the specific method of consumption. However, it's generally believed that CBD is detectable in saliva for up to 72 hours, similar to some other substances.
How Long Does CBD Stay In Hair?
CBD's presence in hair is a less explored area compared to other detection methods. While research specifically on CBD's detection in hair is limited, studies on THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) suggest that cannabinoids can potentially be detected in hair for an extended period.
Drug Tests and CBD Detection
It's crucial to understand that standard drug tests, such as those conducted by employers or athletic organizations, primarily focus on detecting THC and its metabolites. CBD itself is not typically screened for in these tests.
However, some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, and these trace levels could potentially result in a positive drug test. To minimize the risk of a positive result, it's advisable to choose CBD products that are labeled as THC-free or contain only trace amounts of THC.
If you have concerns about CBD causing a failed drug test, it's essential to choose high-quality CBD products from the best seed banks that provide third-party lab testing to verify the absence of THC or minimal THC content.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this next segment, we’ll answer some more questions on the duration of CBD in the body system.
How Long Should You Stop Taking CBD Before a Drug Test?
Considering the lack of standardization in the CBD industry and the risk of some products containing higher levels of THC than labeled, it's generally recommended to cease CBD use 2 to 4 weeks before a drug test to minimize the risk of a positive result.
Can You Fail a Drug Test From Just CBD?
While unlikely, some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC that can accumulate in the body over time and potentially lead to a positive drug test result. Chronic users may need to wait longer for CBD to clear their system.
How Long Do CBD Effects Last?
The beneficial effects of CBD typically last between 2 to 6 hours. Higher doses may affect the body for longer periods. Frequent or long-term use may result in a buildup of CBD in the system, leading to longer-lasting effects.
How Long Does It Remain in Your System: Final Thoughts
The duration of CBD in the system is influenced by various factors, such as metabolism, dosage, method of consumption, and individual characteristics.
While research on CBD's presence in the body is still evolving, it generally dissipates within a few hours to a couple of weeks, depending on the individual and the specific method of consumption.
As always, it's essential to approach CBD use responsibly and be aware of the legal and ethical considerations surrounding its consumption.
Reference
White C. M. (2019). A Review of Human Studies Assessing Cannabidiol's (CBD) Therapeutic Actions and Potential. Journal of clinical pharmacology, 59(7), 923–934. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcph.1387
