How long does cannabidiol last in your system? This is one of the most popular CBD questions. We're here to give you the answer, plus more.
How long does cannabinoid last? We answer all your burning CBD questions.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, abbreviated as CBD, is a compound derived from cannabis, extracted from the plant's flowers and stems. CBD has become a popular supplement and is used in many products such as oils and edibles that have minimal THC. Most importantly, people take CBD because it is not psychoactive.
Let’s find out how long it takes for CBD to leave your system after using it.
How Long Does Cannabidiol Effects Last?
The amount of time that CBD lasts for is largely dependent on how much one takes and in what form. Generally speaking, CBD usually lasts between 2 and 6 hours.
Different products contain different levels of cannabinoids, so be sure you know what product you're using! The type of product will make a difference in how the product works for you and for how long it produces that effect.
Oils and Tinctures - CBD oil and tinctures are absorbed directly into the bloodstream thanks to sublingual use. The effects are felt within 15 minutes, lasting between 45 min and several hours.
Topicals - a topical is applied directly to the skin. Their effects can take up to an hour or two. Effects from topicals tend to last a couple of hours as well.
Vaping CBD - Effects can be felt within the first 15 minutes of use, but are not typically long-lived. The same goes for when you smoke CBD.
Edibles - CBD taken in edible form (gummies, capsules, etc) tends to last a bit longer than the average dose of cannabidiol oil.
Generally speaking, how long CBD's effects last can vary. The main factors are:
- Your body and metabolism
- Amount of CBD you take
- How you take it (what form it is in)
- How Long Does Cannabidiol Last in your System?
The question of how long CBD stays in your system doesn't have a simple answer. It depends on a number of factors, such as what product you used, how much, and how often.
As a standard rule, consistent CBD use can cause the cannabinoid to remain in your system. But what if you use CBD irregularly, or have just used it once? Research tells us a once-off use of CBD could stay in your system for several days or even weeks. Again, it is dependent on individuals. But researchers are still figuring things out when it comes to CBD. A recent study showed healthy participants eliminated approximately 50% of the cannabinoid within 24 hours. The researchers gave participants a fairly purified CBD, so we can't blame it on the product- it was as pure as it gets.
As you can see, the jury is divided. The clearest answer to the question is this: CBD can last in your system a single day, several days, or several weeks.
Can a Drug Test Pick Up CBD?
Recreational marijuana is becoming increasingly common across the USA. It will come as no surprise if employers begin to run routine drug tests. But if you're a CBD user, do you have to worry about positive results? Well if we're talking about positive drug tests, then no. If we're talking about positive results on your health and wellness, that's another story entirely. But CBD isn't likely to flag a drug test.
Here are some extra tips if you're worried about drug tests:
Look for THC-free. THC is the cannabinoid that makes users feel the quintessential "high" associated with marijuana use.
Choose CBD products derived from hemp.
Look for broad spectrum or CBD isolate if the product is not derived from hemp.
Check the COA (certificate of analysis) to double-check and cross-reference the company's claims.
What CBD should I use?
Medical research has shown we can benefit from CBD's potential influence on our bodies. So let's start giving our bodies more of the good stuff it needs.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is the best method or way to consume CBD?
A: There is no one size fits all answer here. It depends entirely on your choice and how you want the CBD to affect you. Some want to feel the effect of CBD immediately, while others prefer a slow release. For immediate relief of anxiety, some like to vape CBD. For winding down in the evening, some will opt for CBD gummies. Most agree CBD beverages are the best way to enjoy CBD.
Q: Why does a CBD Edible's effects take longer?
A: CBD edibles need to pass through the digestive system before you feel the effect of CBD. The digestive system will metabolize the CBD compound first before you feel any therapeutic effects.
Q: How do you feel the effects of CBD fast?
A: Consumption via drinking, smoking, vaping, or sublingual is one of the fastest ways to feel the substance working. Sublingual refers to the method of placing oil or tincture beneath the tongue. This type of administration allows for quick absorption into the blood stream. A new fast method has recently arrived on the scene: CBD water. Water-soluble CBD can be one of the fastest ways to feel the effects. Think about it: Our bodies are comprised of two thirds water, and it doesn't pass through the metabolism. Sure, CBD water is a fairly new concept. But it may becoming one of the best innovations to hit the market.
Q: Where does CBD come from?
A: Although most CBD products are derived from the hemp plant, CBD can also be found in marijuana varieties. However, marijuana typically has low levels of CBD.
Q: Does Full-Spectrum contain THC?
A: Again, there is no one size fits all answer. If you want to take CBD only, then look for CBD from hemp or seek CBD isolate.
Q: Will CBD affect a drug test results?
A: It is unlikely for CBD to affect drug test results. Most cannabis drug tests are looking for THC. For this reason, stay with hemp-derived products. Not only do they work effectively, they will have less than 0.3% psychoactive cannabinoids like THC
Q: What are the other cannabinoids?
A: You are probably familiar with cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid just as famous as THC. And you probably know that it is non-psychoactive. But it is not only CBD that has therapeutic potential. Cannabinoids are a series of chemicals, and among the most powerful are CBG and CBC. Cannabinoids are found naturally in the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant. And there are many other cannabinoids. Science is still finding out what these chemicals can do for us.
Q: Does CBD interfere with the effects of THC?
A: While it is possible that CBD could out-smart THC, there is insufficient research to know for absolute certainty. But marijuana experts say that CBD helps to mitigate the psychoactive effects that THC has.
The Bottom Line: How Long Does Cannabidiol Last?
The effects of CBD can last anything between 45 minutes and several hours. Factor in the following before you try a CBD product:
Dosage (how much CBD you used)
Type of CBD Product
CBD oil typically lasts 2 to 4 hours
Topicals like CBD creams and balms can also last several hours. These are most often used for topical pain relief.
CBD edibles can last up to 6 hours. However, since they pass through your stomach (i.e, your metabolism), effects take longer before you feel them.
Disclaimer: Any information provided in the blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. THE FDA HAS NOT EVALUATED THE PRODUCTS SOLD ON THIS WEBSITE FOR SAFETY OR EFFICACY.
These products are only fit for use by adults 18 and above. Keep out of the reach of children. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a health care professional prior to use.