How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?

How Long Does CBD Stay In Your System?

Cannabidiol (CBD) metabolism happens within both the liver and intestines. The frequency and intensity of use will affect the half-life, which refers to when 50% of the initial drug amount has been eliminated from the body.³ Even after a drug initially wears off, its presence may still be detected via urine or saliva tests.

With that, research shows that the half-life after using oromucosal spray is between 1.4-10.9 hours, 2-5 days after chronic oral consumption, and upwards of 31 hours after smoking.² In addition, someone’s body size, weight, metabolism, and drug strength will affect how long CBD remains in the system.

How Often & What You Eat

While marijuana is associated with appetite-inducing effects, CBD does not seem to stimulate hunger in the same way.  Although research is limited, some studies show that food impacts how CBD is metabolized and how strong the effects of the drug are. Most of this preliminary data is focused on the impact of high-fat foods.⁴

Some examples of high-fat foods that will keep CBD in your system longer include:

• Avocados
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Fatty fish and meats
• Cheese

Medications Processed in the Liver & Liver Disease

As mentioned, CBD is metabolized by the liver. There have been some studies indicating liver test abnormalities during therapy with low doses of CBD. In addition, people with liver injuries may be more susceptible to the effects of CBD.⁵ People with liver disease may metabolize CBD more slowly, and some medications prescribed for liver conditions can impact the metabolic rate of CBD.

Frequency Of CBD Use

The frequency of CBD use will affect how long the drug stays in the system. Chronic consumption inherently causes a higher concentration within the tissues and bloodstream. This accumulation may prolong the time it takes for the body to fully eliminate CBD. In addition, people who use CBD frequently may be more likely to take higher doses.

How Much CBD You Use

CBD dosage affects how long the drug stays in the system, and higher doses will generally correlate with it remaining in the body longer. It simply takes the liver more time to completely break down the CBD, which means it will be detected on drug tests for longer.

The Method You Consume CBD

People can consume CBD in many forms, including vaping, sublingually (under the tongue), mixed into foods or beverages, in dissolvable powders, as suppositories, and via topical application. Different absorption methods affect the drug’s bioavailability, which affects how the liver helps break them down. This will influence how long it stays in the system.

How Long Until The Effects Of CBD Kick In?

The effects of CBD are felt at different times. For example, tinctures and topical products like lotions or balms start providing relief within about 15 minutes. Ingestible forms of CBD may take between 30 minutes to 2 hours. Each product will generally provide an estimated timeline for when people should expect to feel the effects.

How Long Do The Effects Of CBD Last?

The longevity of CBD effects varies based on numerous factors, including how much was consumed, physical health, route of CBD administration, and if any other drugs were also consumed. As mentioned, the effects may wear off even if CBD is still present in the bloodstream. In most cases, people will experience effects from 3-6 hours.

Does CBD Show Up On A Drug Test?

CBD products with THC show up on drug tests, but CBD products without THC will not. Isolated CBD is the purest form of CBD and does not contain any THC. Broad-spectrum CBD contains other cannabinoids but also does not have THC. However, it is important to note that many CBD products have small amounts of THC in them, which could result in a positive drug test.

Can I Use CBD If I Am Breastfeeding?

CBD has not been directly studied in breastfeeding mothers. However, it can be detected in breast milk.⁶ The FDA reports that there are serious risks to using cannabis products, including CBD for pregnant or breastfeeding women. They also indicate there is a risk of CBD being contaminated with THC or other substances. Therefore, they do not approve any CBD products for this population.⁷

Can You Become Addicted to CBD?

While there are some unknown variables to CBD, it is not considered to be an addictive drug. It is not impairing, and it does not cause a high. However, if someone is using THC with CBD, there may be a risk of developing an addiction due to the psychoactive effects.⁸ Although CBD is not addictive, people can experience tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when using THC.

When to Seek Professional Help for Substance Use

While CBD alone may not be problematic, other forms of substance use can worsen progressively over time. The risk of addiction increases if someone has co-occurring mental health issues or uses substances to self-medicate uncomfortable feelings. If you’re concerned about your substance use, it may be time to consider seeking professional support.

Getting help may be one of the best steps you take to start your recovery. You can look for an addiction specialist using our online therapist directory or an online therapy platform. If you’re interested in learning more about psychiatric medication to manage mental health symptoms, consider consulting with a psychiatrist. Numerous online psychiatrist options provide accessible and convenient medication management.

In My Experience

CBD does not cause a high and is accessible throughout the United States, with all 50 states having laws legalizing varying degrees of the substance. It may help treat epilepsy, anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, and other addictive issues. However, CBD is not federally regulated, and there’s a chance it’s combined with unknown elements and THC. With that in mind, it’s important to understand the potential risks before using this drug.