Short Answer: CBD remains in your system for about 2 weeks, typically. However, if you get drug screening regularly at work, opt for Broad-Spectrum CBD products that do not contain THC.
CBD is a molecule found in the cannabis plant and hemp plant. CBD derived from hemp was legalized in the United States by the 2018 Farm Bill. It is not intoxicating and does not have psychoactive effects. However, some CBD products contain trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive molecule found in marijuana. And it can trigger positive drug tests.
THC is only legal when it accounts for less than 0.3% of the product by weight. That’s not usually enough to produce effects, but it can show up on a drug screen. If you’re concerned about passing a test, your best bet is to stick to products that contain absolutely no THC. Most of our products are made with Broad-Spectrum Hemp Extracted CBD, which contains no THC.
So how long do both CBD and THC stay in the human body? Both molecules are fat-soluble, which means they can stay in your fat cells for up to 30 days. However, exactly how long pure CBD and TCH remain in your body depends on how much you used, what kind of product you used, and your body’s natural metabolism. The standard rule of thumb is that your body removes over 90% of the substance in two weeks.
What does CBD feel like?
The effects of CBD are experienced by everyone differently. But in general, you can expect to experience a calming and general feeling of well-being. I call it the “after yoga” feeling. CBD works with the body’s endocannabinoid system in increasing the serum level of cannabinoid receptors. One of which is anandamide, which is known for reducing anxiety and promoting calmness. Another chemical compound, serotonin, is triggered by cannabinoids as well. Of course, you will not feel like this for 1-2 weeks after taking a single dose of CBD. A study published in 1991 examined the concentration of CBD in the blood after high doses daily. Over a six-week period, the research team administered a daily dose of 700mg of CBD to 14 Huntington’s disease patients. One week after the dosing ceased, the CBD remaining in the blood was just 1.5 nanogram per milliliter and was “virtually undetectable” thereafter. The half-life of CBD is 2-5 days for those who took a daily oral dose. Other delivery methods have varied half-lives. Most of the consumers taking CBD recreationally are taking anywhere from 12-75mg daily so you can expect it to leave your system within 2-5 days.
How long does CBD stay in your specific system? It depends on the consumption method.
If you have typical metabolism and you take CBD oil or CBD gummies, it will likely clear your system within two weeks. However, if you’re concerned about passing a drug test, you don’t have to quit taking CBD. Instead, you opt for Broad-Spectrum CBD because it’s been through a process that removes the THC.
By contrast, full-Spectrum CBD products, which many people prefer thanks to the extra terpenes and cannabinoids it contains, include traces of THC and that may trigger a false-positive result.
Both Broad-Spectrum and Full-Spectrum products contain beneficial CBD.
To truly gauge how long CBD will stay in your system, you need to understand a number of factors. Those include:
Metabolism. Your metabolic rate plays a prominent role in how fast CBD is processed and eventually cleared from the body.
Frequency of use. It will take longer for CBD to exit your body if you take CBD regularly.
Dosage. The amount of CBD you take will influence how long it remains in the system. A large dose will take longer to flush out because of the half-life of CBD is 2-5 days.
Method of consumption. The way CBD is introduced into the body can determine how long it sticks around. This is due to bioavailability, which I talk about in length in this blog post.
Let’s discuss consumption methods in detail
CBD Tincture and CBD Oil
CBD oil and CBD tinctures are not the same. CBD tincture is, by definition, alcohol-based. It is made by steeping hemp flowers in alcohol, then applying low heat to the mixture to extract the cannabinoids. Not many companies are using this method of extraction anymore because it’s difficult to know how exactly many cannabinoids are extracted. CBD oil is most often made by a CO2 extraction process.
Both oils and tinctures are meant to be taken sublingually (under the tongue). That allows the mucous membranes in your mouth to absorb the maximum possible amount of CBD. The effects can be felt within 15 minutes and last 4-6 hours. If you are taking CBD oil, you will inevitably ingest a small portion of the oil. Typically, CBD oil stays in your system for 2 weeks.
CBD edibles and CBD capsules
When you consume CBD by mouth, it takes a lengthier trip through the body by moving through your digestive system before it takes effect. Depending on your metabolism, it can take CBD anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours before delivering any real effects. Typically, ingested CBD or edibles will be out of your system in 1-2 weeks.
CBD topicals
Topical applications come in a variety of forms, such as lotion, cream, salve, balm, body butter, patches, and rollers. They are applied to the areas that are directly affected and it can take effect anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours to start working. The effects usually last 6-8 hours and cannabinoids may remain in your body for up to 4 days.
CBD flowers and vaporizers
CBD inhaled directly into the lungs usually takes effect within seconds and leaves the body relatively quickly. However, we don’t recommend vaping CBD because its harmful effects outweigh the benefits. Depending on the dosage, frequency of use, and metabolism, you can expect the CBD to fully exit your body in 2-5 days.
Will CBD show up on a drug test?
It’s understandable if you are worried about how long CBD is detectable by a blood or urine test. Many employers require workers to submit to random drug screenings. Will CBD show up on one of these tests? What about the trace amount of THC in hemp-derived CBD oil – will that show marijuana use?
If you are taking Broad Spectrum CBD Oil, it is unlikely that you will fail a drug test. But make sure the company you are buying CBD from tests for CBD, you can see from this test result that our hemp extract contains ZERO THC.
In summary, hemp extract CBD can be a wonderful supplement to your daily regimen due to its therapeutic effects. If you think a drug test may be in the near future, err on the side of caution and stick with broad-spectrum products or CBD isolates. If this is your first time taking CBD, start with a smaller dosage than recommended and see how you feel. If that amount doesn’t help, slowly increase the dose in small increments until you find the amount that works best for you. Everyone reacts differently to similar dosages.
Research
Assay of plasma cannabidiol by capillary gas chromatography/ion trap mass spectroscopy following high-dose repeated daily oral administration in humans
10 years ago, while pregnant with my daughter Olivia, I discovered she has Turner Syndrome, a rare genetic condition. Concerned about harmful chemicals in skincare, I created my own line with over 75 botanical ingredients, specializing in hemp. CBD oil became a bestseller. I strive for healing products of the highest quality, conducting thorough testing and research.
Join me in improving your skincare routine and embracing a healthier, happier lifestyle. Rest assured, your skin gets the best of the best.
