How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?

Amanda Russell

Here at The Green Dragon CBD, we have a great deal of conversation regarding the many reasons that consumers with various health challenges turn to CBD. As more and more individuals learn more about CBD, some are skeptical of use because they are unaware of how long CBD remains in the system. Some who have never tried CBD before are weary because it could be traced and result in a negative drug test. Others may just want more clarification on how long you should expect to feel the effects.

On average, the effects of CBD can last from 2 to 8 hours but this differs depending on the product type and other factors. If you’re new to CBD and would like to learn more about how long CBD stays in your system — have no fear! We’re here to answer this question in detail by taking a look at CBD as a whole, factors that impact this, and how it differs from each CBD product category. 

What is CBD?

Let’s talk more about Cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. CBD differs from the other popular cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, otherwise known as THC. The key difference between these two cannabinoids is simply that CBD is not psychoactive and therefore does not cause a “high” that it is associated with ingesting THC and marijuana. However, there are many reasons that consumers turn to CBD. CBD is known to be used to relieve anxiety, inflammation, and a wide variety of other health issues.

CBD naturally works with the human body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS). With or without CBD use, every human has an ECS that helps to ensure the healthy functioning of many of your internal systems and promotes the healthy functioning of organs. This system contains natural cannabinoids that the body produces, but can at times be thrown off balance due to natural external factors such as stress, diet change, and more. When the ECS is off-balance, you’ll notice changes in your general health and at times pain and inflammation. By adding more cannabinoids into the ECS with the help of our good friend CBD, you can help to get the body’s natural balance back on track which leads to a variety of powerful health benefits. CBD is also a natural anti-inflammatory which can be beneficial for many that suffer from any external or internal inflammation from asthma to sciatica.

So, How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?

Let’s break this down. CBD is stored in the fat cells in your body, so technically it can remain detectable in your system for a few days or even weeks on a blood test. This does not mean you will test positive on a THC drug test, only that CBD which is a completely different compound, remains in the blood. The average time that CBD stays in the system is about 2 to 5 days, but again this can fluctuate and stays in some people’s system for weeks. Some factors go into discovering how long CBD might stay in your system. Some factors include:

Body Weight - Just like when we have conversations regarding identifying your perfect CBD dosage, BMI and metabolism are an additional factor when determining how long CBD stays in the system. These factors can determine how long CBD stays in your system. For example, if you have a slower metabolism it may take longer to metabolize and leave your bloodstream. This also includes how often you’re eating during CBD use. Taking CBD on an empty stomach allows CBD to metabolize and leave the body faster, rather than taking CBD with food and waiting for the body to digest.

Frequency and Dosage - Here are some factors that just make sense. If you’re using a higher dose then you have more CBD in your system. This will in turn take longer to leave. Additionally, if you’re a frequent CBD user then it will build in your system and take longer to leave the body.

Method of Use - This is a big one. Each product category of CBD can have different effects on both the duration of CBD effects as well as the length of time it stays in the system. 

CBD Edibles in the System

If you’re looking to ingest CBD, there are many different types of edible available from CBD gummies to chocolate and more. Popular reasons that many choose to use CBD edibles because it is easy to use and measure a perfect dose. CBD edibles take longer to feel effects compared to other product categories. This is because CBD ingested orally must first pass through the digestive system, passing first through the stomach and then the liver before moving on to the bloodstream. On average, it is estimated that people report feeling better from the effects of CBD within 20-30 minutes of ingestion.

Research continues to assess how long CBD stays in your system from oral ingestion. The average appears to be a couple of days. According to a recent study, it is estimated that the “half-life of CBD is around 18-32 hours.” In another study, 14 patients were given 700mg of CBD/day orally for six weeks. This estimated that CBD taken orally would fully leave the body by 11-28 days, but could be gone well before that timeframe. 

CBD Vaping in the System

Another popular way to take CBD is through vaping. Inhaling CBD means that it is absorbed through the lungs and then gets sent directly to the bloodstream. This method is often appealing to those who are in severe pain or are looking for relief at the moment. This is much faster to take effect compared to edibles. It is estimated that you will feel the effects of CBD within three (3) minutes of inhalation. As fast as you feel the effects, you also feel CBD leaving the body. Vaping CBD does not stay in your system as long as edibles. In the same study above, it was estimated that the half-life for vaped CBD is only a few hours.

CBD Topicals in the System

CBD topicals are lotions and creams that can be applied externally to the skin and joints for relief from pain and inflammation. This differs from other product categories because it doesn’t enter the bloodstream, so it won’t necessarily stay in your system. This is often used for those who suffer from inflammation caused by sciatica, tendonitis, or other conditions. When you apply CBD topicals, you can expect to feel effects for anywhere from four to six hours. 

CBD Oils in the System

Similar to vaping CBD, CBD oils and tinctures are one of the most rapid ways to get CBD into the bloodstream. Oils and tinctures remain one of the most popular ways to ingest CBD for a multitude of reasons. First, they are taken sublingually which is easy for many consumers both in understanding dosage and working it into a daily routine. Sublingual CBD is taken by using a dropper and placing a few drops (identify your proper dosage) directly under the tongue. Another way is to add CBD oil into your cocktail, check out our blog on CBD and Alcohol for ways to mix them.

To properly use CBD sublingually, you will place a few drops and leave them under the tongue. Hold the CBD under the tongue for a few minutes before swallowing. This allows CBD to immediately transfer to the bloodstream and bypass having to be digested through the liver. Due to this, you end up getting even more CBD into your system at a faster rate. This means that you can feel the effects within just a few minutes. It also can stay in your system for an estimate of 2 to 5 days. Again, this all depends on external factors and how much CBD is ingested. 

When’s the Best Time of Day to Take CBD?

The best time of day to take CBD completely differs from person to person. Ultimately, taking CBD as part of a daily routine is all about consistency. The best time of day will depend on a time that you can rely on working into your schedule. If you are looking to start the day with these benefits, then it would be best to use CBD in the morning. If you struggle with insomnia or pain at the end of the day, then it may be best to use before bed. Using CBD to relieve in the moment pain or anxiety, then it should be taken throughout the day to start feeling the effects.

Conclusion

There are a LOT of factors that go into understanding how long CBD will stay in your system. Understanding this is two-fold. It includes educating yourself on your own CBD needs. Then, you'll need to determine what product category is the right fit for those needs. Here at The Green Dragon CBD, we are always there to help you decide your best CBD product. We will always help you to understand the effects it may have and how long it can potentially stay in your system. Leave your questions in the comments below!

How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?
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Ever wonder how long CBD will stay in your system? Learn more about the different factors that impact CBD timing and effects.
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How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?
November 11, 2023
CBD Education