How Long Does CBD Stay In Our System?
Taking CBD as a daily supplement for wellness is trending these days.
A common question is how long CBD actually stays in our system. With so many types of CBD products out there—as well as delivery methods—it can be a bit overwhelming figuring out what you’re getting into when it comes to its long-term effects and viability.
Here’s what you need to know about how CBD works in our body—and how long you can expect it to remain in your system.
WHAT IS CBD AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants. Studies have found it exceptionally useful for its ability to affect a wide range of systems in the body that help to stay regulated and balanced.
CBD delivers results by interacting with our endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a signaling system consisted of cannabis receptors (CB1, CB2), enzymes, and endocannabinoids that are found in our body.
The cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis are very similar to the endocannabinoids naturally produced by our own bodies. This is why our bodies process cannabinoids so well! The role of the ECS is to keep the body stable by using the endocannabinoid ‘messages’ to trigger responses in the body that keep it functioning optimally. Cannabinoids such as CBD interact with receptors in the ECS, also sending signals our bodies respond to. There are 114 cannabinoids have been discovered within hemp and cannabis. CBD and THC are the two most famous ones.
With that in mind, CBD interacts with the receptors in the ECS found in the central nervous system, immune system, digestive system and the surface of our skin to bring back the homeostasis.
Some of the effects of this phenomenon include reduced pain and inflammation, anxiety, muscle spasms, nausea, and seizures while also boosting effectiveness of the immune and circulatory systems. However, CBD works best when taken daily.
HOW LONG DOES CBD STAY IN YOUR SYSTEM?
CBD can be found in your system anywhere between 2 to 5 days, although many factors are at play that can make it stick around longer (or shorter). When learning how to use CBD oil, it’s important to note that your method of consumption, serving size, body types, ailment severity levels, and the frequency you take it all play a role in how long CBD stays in your system.
We have broken down a few of these factors, below:
- Serving Size — As with anything, how much you take will affect how long CBD remains in your body. The larger the serving, the longer you can expect CBD to stay in your body.
- Frequency of Use — CBD builds up in the body over time—just like other cannabinoids, fats, and proteins. If you take CBD consistently, it’ll stick around in your system for longer periods. When only taken on occasion, it gets out from your system faster.
- Whether You’ve Eaten or Not — Taking CBD on an empty stomach helps it leave your system faster. Thanks to the slow digestion process, when taken on a full stomach it can take much longer to be metabolized and eliminated. Snack foods also take longer for us to digest than healthy foods—so what, how much, and when you eat all affect how long CBD will stay in your system.
- Your Body Type — Everyone’s body is different, so some are affected by food or drugs more strongly than others. Your BMI, water content, and rate of metabolism all can affect how long CBD remains in your system. (A heavier person, for example, may not process their CBD as quickly as individuals with a speedy metabolism.)
- Delivery Method — The body processes cannabinoids differently based on how they’re introduced into your system. Some forms of CBD take longer to get to work, while others can be felt almost instantly.
WHAT EFFECT DO THE DIFFERENT DELIVERY METHODS HAVE?
While there are many factors that contribute to how long CBD stays in the body, the most crucial factor is delivery method. The longer it takes for the effects of CBD to be felt, the longer it will be in your system.
Inhaled — CBD can be inhaled via vape cartridges, concentrates, or by smoking the hemp pre-rolls. The effects of inhaled CBD are nearly instant and can be felt for up to 4 hours.
Edible — These come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. From capsules and softgels, to other ediibles like fruit tarts, chocolates, and gummies. CBD edibles may take up to one hour to “kick in” (due to the CBD needing to digest before it can metabolize and get to work), but the effects can be felt for up to 8 hours depending on how fast digestive system works.
Sublingual — This includes all formats taken orally, under the tongue. One of the most popular method is to use CBD oil tincture—which can be taken sublingually for faster absorption through the salivary glands into the bloodstream. Effects can be felt in as soon as 10 minutes and last up to 6 hours.
Topical — CBD applied to the skin topically comes in the form of balms, salves, lotions, body oils, muscle compounds, gels, and creams. CBD topicals typically do not penetrate into the bloodstream, but are crafted to nourish skin and target muscles and joints that could use some pain relief. Topicals take about 20 minutes to get to work and require being reapplied usually around 2-4 hours.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR CBD TO KICK IN, AND HOW LONG DO THE EFFECTS LAST?
What form of CBD you took, your serving size, and body composition all come into play when anticipating how quickly you’ll notice its effects (and how long it will affect you). While some can be felt nearly immediately, or as soon as 15 minutes, others can take up to an hour.
Regardless of the method, you typically will notice the effects of CBD anywhere within 10 minutes and 1 hour—and last up to 8 hours. From there it’s a matter of body composition, serving size and frequency, whether you’ve eaten or not, and what you ate that determines how long CBD remains in your body (even after no longer feeling its effects).
CONCLUSION
A lot of factors go into determining how long CBD oil stays in your system. If you consume CBD more frequently, it will linger in your system longer, as you build a tolerance. Factors such as your body weight and dosage also play a part. You typically can expect CBD to remain in the body for 2 to 5 days, although everyone responds to it differently so nothing is definitive. Always make sure that you’re buying from a reputable company and that you can view test results for their products.
I’ve been taking Kota Botanics™ CBD Oil for my arthritis over a month now. I felt the relief after the first try. I am super happy with the products I have purchased. Best quality ever!
– Kathryn T.
