How Long Does CBD Stay In Your System?

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    Bedrock Recovery Center

How Long Does CBD Stay In Your System?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, has grown in popularity over the past couple of years, particularly as a supplement. However, because it contains trace amounts of THC, it’s still possible that it is detectable in drug tests or screenings.

In fact, recent research has shown that drug tests can’t tell the difference

This can be particularly worrisome if you are searching for jobs or need to consent to drug screenings for other reasons (e.g., being on parole). It’s a common misconception that CBD and THC are the same; while CBD is a natural supplement, it’s still possible for the THC metabolites to be detected during drug screenings.

There isn’t a simple answer for how long CBD stays in your system. It depends on a number of factors, such as how it was administered, the dosage, and the frequency of use.

Let’s take a closer look at the different ways you can take CBD and how your body processes it. Then we’ll walk through how long it will stay in different systems of your body. 

How Your Body Processes CBD and Factors That Affect How Long CBD Stays In Your System

There are many different factors to consider that influence how long CBD stays in your system as well as how it affects you. How long it lasts and is detectable is not the same for everyone. It can depend on:

  • Physical factors and genetics, such as your metabolism, age, and weight
  • Last time it was taken
  • Dosage
  • Frequency of use

CBD is fat-soluble, meaning it’s stored in your body’s fat cells rather than the water cells. Therefore, your Body Mass Index (BMI) influences how quickly it is metabolized. The higher your body mass and weight, the longer it will take to leave your system. 

Your method of intake can influence how it affects you as well as for how long it lasts. Popular methods and forms of CBD include:

  • Oils 
  • Vape
  • Dietary supplements
  • Edibles
  • Dried flower

If you smoke dried flower CBD or use a vape cartridge, the CBD enters your bloodstream within seconds. Therefore, brain effects associated with CBD occur the quickest in this manner.

If you take a dietary supplement or edible that contains CBD, the effects won’t be felt immediately. Your metabolism and diet can influence how soon you feel the effects. However, symptoms are often felt within an hour of digesting it.

Regardless of how you take it though, the effects can typically last between one to three hours. 


How Long Does CBD Stay In Lab Tests?

Just because you no longer feel the effects of CBD doesn’t mean it is no longer detectable. The half-life of CBD is between 18 and 32 hours. However, it can be detectable on lab tests for much longer than that.

Most drug tests screen for THC, rather than CBD. THC is the main component of marijuana. However, as we mentioned, CBD contains trace amounts of THC.

If you pass a drug test after taking CBD, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have traces of THC in your system. It may just mean you’re below the detection level.

Different drug tests have different cut-off levels. Legally, hemp products can contain up to 0.3% of THC.

Furthermore, some tests are more effective at detecting THC and for longer periods of time. The type of drug screening you’re administered – and how long after you last took CBD – could influence whether it’s detectable.

It’s also worth noting that because CBD products are not regulated by the FDA, it’s possible that you could be taking CBD that is mixed with other cannabinoids, which could increase detectability. Also, it’s worth noting that the more frequently you use cannabis products, the wider detection windows become.

How Long Does CBD Stay In Your Urine?

Urine tests are the most popular and common method of drug screening for employers. The detection-window for THC through urine tests can vary widely.

It hinges mostly on the dose you took and your frequency of use. Typically, these metabolites can show up on a urine test anywhere between three days to two weeks after the last time taken.

According to the Mayo Clinic, THC metabolites can be detected for as long as 15 days post-administration among frequent and daily users. However, the research also suggests that these numbers can vary based on the dosage.

How Long Does CBD Stay In Your Hair?

Hair tests are known for being able to detect drugs for an extended period of time. These tests can detect the THC metabolites in CBD for as long as three months post-administration. However, hair tests are also very uncommon for THC and CBD. 

How Long Does CBD Stay In Your Blood?

Although blood tests are not nearly as common as urine tests for screening for CBD and cannabinoids, they can be used to detect THC metabolites. The reason they’re not the preferred method of drug screening is because of how quickly THC is eliminated from your bloodstream.

Generally, THC is only detectable in your plasma for about five hours after you take it. However, THC metabolites and, therefore, CBD can be present for up to a week. 

How Long Does CBD Stay In Your Saliva?

Similar to hair, saliva tests for CBD or THC are incredibly rare for employment or legal reasons. However, the drug components could be detected within minutes after you take it and could last for up to 36 hours, depending on the dosage and frequency of use.

If you consume CBD products in large amounts, and on a regular basis, it’s possible that this test – as well as the others – could detect it for longer. 

Get Treated for Drug Addiction

If you’re trying to break free from the burden of cannabis addiction, know that it is possible. While some people may insist that you can’t become physically dependant on cannabis or cannabis-related products, psychological dependency can be just as disruptive.

For many people, making the decision to get help can be the hardest part. But you’ll be happy you did, and the sooner you take action, the better.

Help, treatment, and support are only one call away. Call Bedrock Recovery Center today to learn about the process.