Cannabidiol (CBD) is a popular chemical compound capable of giving users positive effects over time. Research shows using CBD-infused products may have many potential health benefits, such as relieving pain, reducing anxiety, and promoting sleep. 

Cannabinoids remain in the body’s fat cells even after the effects of cannabis wear off, which is why drug tests can detect them even weeks later. No matter how you take CBD, its clinical effect will likely last several days after use.

This article will cover how long CBD can stay in your system while shedding light on whether drug tests can detect it.

 

What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the many organic compounds found in the cannabis plant. There are three common types of CBD: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate. 

There is no THC in either pure CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD products. Full-spectrum CBD products aren’t as pure as CBD isolate because they have trace amounts of THC. However, this THC level isn’t enough to cause intoxication.

Cannabidiol has been used as a natural and effective herbal supplement for centuries. It can treat chronic pain, arthritis, and sleep issues. More recently, it has been effective in managing anxiety disorders and treating skin conditions.

CBD is beneficial for those who need pain relief from various health conditions. It reduces inflammation and the painful symptoms associated with such issues as arthritis, seizures, diabetes, and gout.

 

How Does CBD Work?

CBD and other cannabinoids influence the human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The CB1 and CB2 receptors comprise this system, and CBD binds to these receptors, which are primarily responsible for sending messages to the brain. 

CB1 activation regulates a variety of physiological functions, including:

• Sleep
• Mood
• Memory
• Appetite
• Vomiting
• Pain perception

CB2 receptors are predominantly found in the immune system; therefore, CB2 activation regulates inflammation. CBD, unlike THC, has a low affinity for cannabinoid receptors. However, CBD binds to various receptors and activates them to produce its therapeutic effects.

How Long Does CBD Last?

The time CBD remains in your body will depend on how frequently you take it. If you’re starting to use CBD, it may stay in your system for much longer. The good news is that if you take CBD regularly over time, it does not build up and remains at the same level.

 

What determines how long CBD stays in your system?

You must consider many factors to determine how long CBD lasts in the body. Here are some determinants of how long CBD lasts in your body.

1.      Method of use

There are myriad ways of consuming CBD products. Your consumption method influences how long it remains in your body and can be detected. Some methods take a long time to build up CBD in your system, and other forms absorb quicker and stay in your system for a shorter time.

Different forms of CBD include:

Vaping & Smoking: Inhaled CBD enters the lungs, takes effect quickly, and leaves the body quickly.

Edibles: The digestive system has to metabolize edible forms of CBD, which can take a while to take effect and even longer to leave. Common edibles include CBD gummies, CBD chocolates, and more.

Oils and tinctures: CBD oils are absorbed into the bloodstream faster and stay longer in your system.

Creams and lotions: CBD topical creams and lotions are slow in getting into the body, and leaving it takes longer.

2.      Frequency of use

The frequency of using CBD will also influence how long it remains in your body. CBD increases in your body over time and will stay in your system for longer when you regularly use it. 

In addition, CBD is highly fat soluble. This means it can accumulate in your fatty tissues for an extended time after heavy CBD use. As a result, it can remain in the system for up to weeks for heavy users. CBD in chronic users may be detected more slowly than in acute or one-time users.

3.      BMI and metabolism

Everyone’s body is unique, which is why CBD and other substances affect different people. Your rate of metabolism, body mass index (BMI), and water content can influence how long CBD lasts in your system. 

It’s also important to consider whether you take CBD with food or on an empty stomach since fatty foods improve the bioavailability of CBD.

4.      Food

When fed, the body eliminates CBD more slowly than when fasting. CBD is more likely to leave your body faster if you consume it on an empty stomach and do not immediately eat it. 

On the other hand, consuming high-fat foods such as cheese and nuts can have the opposite effect.

 

How Long Does CBD Take to Leave Your System?

The time that CBD takes to leave your body depends on several factors:

1. How much you use

The amount of CBD you’ve taken will impact the time cannabinoid remains in the body. The higher your dose and CBD levels, the longer CBD will take to leave your system.

2. How regularly do you use it

CBD gradually builds up in your body if you use it frequently, and it will clear from your system faster if you only use it occasionally.

3. How you consume it

How you consume CBD determines how long it takes to leave your system. Vaping gives immediate effects, but it also means the CBD leaves the body quicker than applying topical or edibles. CBD oil takes up to two to five days to leave your system. CBD edibles take an hour to be effective, but they stay longer inside the body.

Can Consume CBD Products Cause You To Fail a Drug Test?

It’s a common misconception that CBD will appear on a drug test. Typically, drug testing doesn’t involve CBD, and they are only interested in THC in your system. 

But can CBD oil cause you to fail a drug test?

Hemp-derived CBD metabolites do not typically appear in most drug tests, such as urine, blood, and hair tests. 

But, if your CBD product contains some THC, it will appear during a drug test screen. THC can be present in detectable amounts in some CBD products, and you can get a positive drug test result depending on the CBD product’s composition and quality.

 

Final Thoughts: How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?

Because there are so many variables, determining how long CBD remains in your system is complex. Furthermore, different bodies can react very differently to CBD, which comes down to taking the CBD products yourself.

Some determinants of how CBD stays in your system are:

• How frequently and how much you take
• How you use the CBD products
• Your body mass index and rate of metabolism
• Whether or not you eat something when taking your CBD products

Furthermore, only consume CBD products from reputable brands to avoid testing positive in an upcoming drug screening. Choose a CBD isolate product if you do not want the effects of THC, and avoid failing a drug test. You may test positive for drugs when your CBD product contains more THC than the FDA allows.

 

References

1. Smith, Amber. “How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?” Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 11 Aug. 2022, https://www.discovermagazine.com/sponsored/how-long-does-cbd-stay-in-your-system.
2. Ashton, Livvy. “Will CBD Show up on a Drug Test?” CFAH, 29 June 2022, https://cfah.org/will-cbd-show-up-on-a-drug-test/.
3. “How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 16 June 2022, https://www.forbes.com/health/body/how-long-does-cbd-stay-in-your-system/.
4. “The Endocannabinoid System Explained.” CBD School, 25 June 2022, https://cbdschool.com/the-endocannabinoid-system-explained/.
5. “How Does CBD Work?” CBD School, 5 Mar. 2022, https://cbdschool.com/how-does-cbd-work/.
6. Ashton, Livvy. “How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?” CFAH, 5 July 2022, https://cfah.org/how-long-does-cbd-stay-in-system/.