How Long Does CBD Stay In Your System?

Generally, Cannabidiol (CBD) is detectable for 2-5 days, but it can depend on one's frequency of use, body composition, metabolism, the type of CBD product used, and the detection test. 

In some instances, CBD can stay in your system for up to a few weeks, but this is mainly seen with habitual use and variations in metabolism.

Factors That Can Influence How Long CBD Stays in Your System

Every person’s body is unique, so CBD can affect everyone differently. That’s why it’s important to understand the factors that can impact how long CBD stays in your system, but this also goes for other cannabinoids too:

• Dosage: The higher the dosage of CBD you take, the longer it takes to clear your system.

• Frequency of use: Regular, long-term use can cause CBD and other cannabinoids to accumulate in fat (where it's stored), making it detectable for longer.

• Metabolism: People with faster metabolisms tend to eliminate CBD more quickly than others.

• Type of CBD Product: Different products like CBD oil, gummies, topicals, or vape products are metabolized differently. On top of this, the extract types full-spectrum CBD (which contains small amounts of THC), broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate can affect the CBD product's detectability.

• Method of Use: CBD taken orally (oils, edibles) stays in the system longer than when inhaled or applied topically. Topical CBD products don't enter the bloodstream and, therefore, aren't stored.

How Does the Body Eliminate CBD?

When smoked or ingested, CBD binds indirectly to endocannabinoid system receptors, helping restore balance in areas where your body needs support. Once CBD has done its job, it doesn’t just vanish — it’s temporarily stored in your fat cells.

The liver is tasked with breaking down CBD through metabolism, converting CBD into smaller compounds (metabolites) that are eventually eliminated from the body from urine or stool. The length of this process can vary significantly depending on factors like:

• Your metabolism: Faster metabolisms process CBD more quickly.

• Dosage: Higher doses take longer to break down and eliminate.

• Frequency of use: Repeated use can lead to CBD building up in your fat cells, causing it to linger longer in your system.

• Hydration and activity levels: Staying hydrated and physically active can promote faster elimination.

This process is different when CBD is used topically, such as in creams or balms. 

Topical CBD interacts with ECS receptors in the skin but doesn’t enter the bloodstream, which means it’s not stored in fat cells or processed by the liver. Instead, topical CBD works locally in the area of application and is eventually shed through the skin's natural renewal processes.

By storing CBD in fat cells, the body ensures a gradual release over time, which can contribute to longer-lasting effects, especially with regular use. However, the speed at which CBD is eliminated depends largely on your body and how you use it.

How Long Is CBD Detectable in Drug Tests?

How long CBD products are detectable in drug tests depends on the method of testing and, of course, the other factors we've just discussed.

Urine Drug Tests

CBD itself is not tested for in standard drug tests because it’s not considered a controlled substance. However, traces of THC in full-spectrum CBD products could show up. THC can typically be detected in urine for:

• Occasional use: Up to 3 days

• Regular use: 5-10 days

• Heavy use: Up to 30 days

Blood Samples

Blood tests detect substances for a shorter time. CBD is usually detectable for a few hours to 2 days. THC from full-spectrum products may be detectable longer.

Saliva Samples

CBD can be detected in saliva for a relatively short period compared to other methods like urine or hair testing. On average, CBD may remain detectable in saliva for 24-36 hours after use. However, saliva drug tests typically do not screen for CBD.

These tests are meant to detect THC or other controlled substances. If you’re using full-spectrum CBD products that contain trace amounts of THC (up to 0.3%), THC could show up on a saliva test within 15 minutes to 24 hours of use, depending on the sensitivity of the test.

If you're worried about failing drug tests, using broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate products (which are THC-free) can help reduce the risk of THC detection. Always check product labels and lab reports to confirm the THC content.

How Long Does it Take CBD to Work?

The time it takes for CBD to kick in and exert its effects can be anywhere from seconds to hours — it depends on how you consume it, as different products affect how CBD is absorbed and processed by the body.

Vaping or Smoking

When you vape or smoke CBD, the compound enters your bloodstream almost immediately through your lungs. This means the effects are typically felt within 1-5 minutes, making this method one of the fastest ways to experience relief. However, the effects may also wear off faster, usually lasting 2-3 hours.

CBD Edibles or Oils

CBD edibles (like gummies or capsules) and oils taken orally take longer to kick in because they must pass through your digestive system and be processed by your liver before entering your bloodstream.

This process, called first-pass metabolism, can take 30 minutes to 2 hours for the effects to start. The upside is that the effects tend to last longer — usually 6-8 hours, depending on the dose and your metabolism.

• Sublingual oils (held under the tongue) bypass some digestive processes, allowing CBD to absorb directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. This shortens the onset time to around 15-30 minutes.

• CBD Beverages: Drinks infused with CBD behave similarly to edibles, taking 30-60 minutes to take effect.

CBD Topicals

CBD topicals, like creams, balms, or roll-ons, work by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in your skin.

Relief is often felt within 15-20 minutes, as the CBD doesn't need to enter your bloodstream. However, the effects are localized, meaning they only address the area where the topical is applied. How long the effects last can vary depending on the formula, but typically lasting 2-4 hours.

How Long Do the Effects of CBD Last?

The effects of CBD products can last anywhere from 2-8 hours. Again, it depends on how much you're taking, individual tolerance, and the type of CBD product. Here's a better idea of what you can expect from each product type.

• Vaping/Smoking: Effects last 2-3 hours.

• CBD Oil: Effects last 4-6 hours.

• CBD Gummies/Edibles: Effects last 6-8 hours, as the CBD is released more slowly.

• CBD Topicals: Effects can last up to 2-4 hours, but they won’t affect the whole body since they don’t enter the bloodstream.

Does CBD Show Up on Drug Tests?

Most drug tests don’t screen for CBD because it isn't illegal. However, if you’re using a full-spectrum CBD product, it could contain small amounts of THC, which might result in a positive drug test. If avoiding THC is important, opt for broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate products, which are THC-free.

• Full-Spectrum CBD: Contains all the compounds found in hemp, including THC (less than 0.3%).

• Broad-Spectrum CBD: Includes all the hemp compounds except THC.

• CBD Isolate: The purest form of CBD, containing only cannabidiol and no other compounds.

The Takeaway: How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?

How long CBD stays in your system depends on dosage, frequency, and metabolism. CBD itself isn’t tested for in drug screenings. However, full-spectrum products that contain traces of THC might show up.

Check your product labels carefully and choose the type of CBD that aligns with your goals. If you have any concerns about CBD and drug testing, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.