Cannabis plant constituent CBD (cannabidiol), a non-psychoactive substance with possible medical uses, has grown in popularity in recent years. Numerous conditions, such as chronic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy, have been treated with CBD. How long CBD remains in the body, however, is a subject that still needs additional research.
The manner of consumption, the dosage, and individual factors including metabolism, body weight, and frequency of use all affect how long CBD remains in your system.
In this post, we’ll examine the several aspects that affect how long CBD remains in your body and offer some advice for determining how long CBD will last there.
How CBD is metabolized in the body
It’s critical to comprehend how CBD is metabolized in the body before we get into the variables that affect how long CBD stays in your system. When you eat CBD, it enters your bloodstream and travels to your liver, where a group of enzymes called cytochrome P450 (CYP450) metabolizes it. These enzymes break down CBD into various metabolites, some of which are then eliminated from the body in urine, feces, and sweat.
Seven-hydroxy-cannabidiol (7-OH-CBD), one of the main CBD metabolites, is thought to be more potent than CBD itself. Cannabidiol glucuronide (CBDG), which is water-soluble and quickly eliminated from the body, is another typical metabolite.
Factors that influence how long CBD stays in your system
Method of consumption
The method of consumption is one of the most significant factors that influence how long CBD stays in your system. There are several ways to consume CBD, including oral consumption, sublingual administration, inhalation, and topical application.
Oral consumption: When you consume CBD orally, it passes through your digestive system and is metabolized by your liver before entering your bloodstream. This process takes longer than other methods of consumption, and it can take up to two hours for the effects of CBD to be felt. The effects of orally consumed CBD typically last longer than other methods, with effects lasting between six to eight hours.
Sublingual administration: When you take CBD sublingually, you place the CBD oil under your tongue and hold it there for several minutes. The CBD is absorbed directly into your bloodstream through the mucous membranes under your tongue, bypassing your digestive system and liver. Sublingual administration provides faster relief than oral consumption, with effects typically felt within 15 to 30 minutes. The effects of sublingually administered CBD usually last between four to six hours.
Inhalation: Inhalation is the fastest method of delivering CBD to your system. When you inhale CBD, it enters your lungs and is rapidly absorbed into your bloodstream. Effects are typically felt within minutes of inhalation and last for around two to four hours.
Topical application: When you apply CBD topically, you rub it directly onto your skin. CBD creams, balms, and lotions are often used to treat localized pain and inflammation. Topical CBD is not absorbed into your bloodstream, so it is unlikely to show up on drug tests. Effects are typically felt within 30 to 60 minutes and can last up to six hours.
Dosage
The dosage of CBD is another factor that influences how long it stays in your system. Higher doses of CBD will take longer to metabolize and eliminate from your body than lower doses. It’s important to start with a low dose of CBD and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired effects. This can help you avoid taking more CBD than you need, which can prolong its presence in your system.
Individual factors
Individual factors can also influence how long CBD stays in your system.
These include:
Metabolism: The process through which your body breaks down and removes chemicals is called metabolism. People with a faster metabolism are likely to eliminate CBD more quickly than those with a slower metabolism.
Body weight: Body weight can also influence how long CBD stays in your system. People with a higher body weight may require higher doses of CBD to achieve the same effects, and it may take longer for CBD to be eliminated from their system.
Frequency of use: The frequency of CBD use can also influence how long it stays in your system. People who use CBD frequently may develop a buildup of CBD in their system, which can take longer to eliminate.
Type of CBD product
The type of CBD product can also influence how long CBD stays in your system. CBD products that contain higher levels of THC may stay in your system longer than products with lower levels of THC. THC is another compound found in the cannabis plant that can be detected in drug tests. Full-spectrum CBD products contain small amounts of THC, while broad-spectrum and CBD isolate products are THC-free.
Tips for estimating how long CBD stays in your system
- It’s difficult to predict exactly how long CBD will stay in your system, as it depends on several individual factors. However, there are some tips that can help you estimate how long it may take for CBD to be eliminated from your body:
- Start with a low dose: Starting with a low dose of CBD and gradually increasing can help you avoid taking more than you need, which can prolong its presence in your system.
- Consider the method of consumption: The method of consumption can influence how quickly you feel the effects of CBD and how long they last. If you need quick relief, inhalation or sublingual administration may be a better option than oral consumption.
- Know your individual factors: Understanding your metabolism, body weight, and frequency of use can help you estimate how long CBD will stay in your system.
- Choose the right CBD product: Choosing a CBD product that is THC-free or contains low levels of THC can help you avoid the risk of failing a drug test and may reduce the amount of time CBD stays in your system.
Conclusion
CBD can provide a variety of potential health benefits, but how long it stays in your system depends on several individual factors. The method of consumption, dosage, individual factors, and type of CBD product can all influence how long CBD stays in your system.
By starting with a low dose, considering the method of consumption, understanding your individual factors, and choosing the right CBD product, you can estimate how long CBD will stay in your system and avoid any unwanted effects.
