How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?
CBD is everywhere - CBD oil, CBD gummies, CBD capsules - but how long does it actually stay in your system? Whether you're using it for relaxation, focus, or general wellness, understanding how long CBD will stay in your system can help you make informed choices.
From CBD drug tests to how your digestive system, metabolism, and dosage impact its duration, we’re breaking it all down.
Does CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?
If you're facing a drug test you might be wondering: Will CBD show up on a drug test?
Most standard tests look for THC, not CBD, but that doesn’t mean you’re completely in the clear. Full-spectrum CBD products contain small amounts of THC, which could be detectable in your system depending on how long you use CBD and your dosage of CBD per day (Lucas et al., 2018).
Want to avoid any surprises? Stick to CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD, both of which contain little to no THC, making them less likely to influence test results (JAMA Network, 2021).
How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?
The time CBD stays in your system depends on a few key factors:
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How you take CBD – Vaping CBD oil works fast but leaves your system quicker, while CBD edibles and CBD capsules take longer to metabolise CBD (Millar et al., 2018).
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Dosage of CBD – A low dose like 5mg CBD will exit faster than 500mg CBD taken regularly.
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Frequency of use – CBD can stay in your system for longer if you use it daily.
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Your metabolism – A fast metabolism eliminates CBD within hours, while slower digestion means CBD stays in your system longer (Huestis et al., 2019).
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Food intake – Taking CBD on an empty stomach means it’s absorbed and eliminated faster, while eating first affects how long CBD stays in the body.
Also read: Can You Overdose on CBD?
How Long Does CBD Last in the Body?
There’s no fixed answer, but CBD typically stays in the system for two to five days. However, traces of CBD could remain detectable in your system for longer, especially if you take high doses or use CBD frequently (Lucas et al., 2018).
Here’s a rough breakdown of how long CBD stays based on the method of consumption:
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Vape CBD – Effects felt in minutes, lasts 2–3 hours, stays in your system for up to 48 hours.
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CBD oil (sublingual) – Effects in 20–30 minutes, lasts 4–6 hours, stays for 2–5 days.
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CBD capsules / CBD gummies – Effects in 30–90 minutes, lasts 6–8 hours, remains detectable for a week or more.
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CBD edibles (higher dose) – Effects kick in slowly but last longer; CBD may remain in your system for two weeks or more (Millar et al., 2018).
Looking for some CBD?
Factors That Affect How Long CBD Stays in Your System
Several things impact how long CBD stays in your system:
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Half-life of CBD – The time it takes for your system to eliminate half the CBD. This varies based on the type of CBD you use (Huestis et al., 2019).
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Concentration of CBD – Higher doses = CBD stays in the system longer.
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Levels of CBD in your system – If you regularly take 100mg CBD or more, traces might linger for weeks.
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Marijuana-derived CBD vs hemp-derived CBD – Hemp-derived CBD products generally have lower THC levels, making them less likely to show up on a drug test.
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Your body's ability to metabolise CBD – Some people eliminate CBD quickly, while others retain CBD in their system for longer.
How Long Do the Effects of CBD Last?
Even though CBD stays in the system for a while, you can feel the effects of cbd wear off sooner. The time CBD effects last depends on:
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The way you take CBD – Vaping CBD works fast but wears off quickly, while CBD edibles and CBD capsules stick around longer.
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Dosage of CBD – Taking 15mg CBD won’t last as long as 100mg CBD.
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Your metabolism – Some people process CBD within hours, while others feel the effects for longer.
On average, the effects of CBD last between 2 to 8 hours, depending on these factors (Lucas et al., 2018).
Also read: Is CBD Oil Legal in the UK?
How to Flush CBD Out of Your System Faster
If you need to get CBD out of your system, there are a few ways to speed things up:
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Hydration – Drinking plenty of water can help your body eliminate CBD faster.
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Exercise – Moving your body may influence how long CBD stays in your system by increasing metabolism.
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Diet – A high-fibre diet could help flush CBD out of your system more quickly.
Also read: How Long Does It Take for CBD to Work?
Final Thoughts
So, how long does CBD stay in your system? The answer depends on how you use CBD, the dosage, your metabolism, and how often you take CBD. If you’re worried about CBD showing up on a drug test, broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate are safer options.
Whether you’re using CBD oil, CBD edibles, or vaping CBD, understanding how long CBD stays in the system helps you make the right choices for your lifestyle.
References
- Lucas, C. J., Galettis, P., & Schneider, J. (2018). The pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. PMCID: PMC6177698
- Huestis, M. A., et al. (2019). Cannabidiol adverse effects and toxicity. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. PMCID: PMC7052834
- JAMA Network (2021). Detection of THC in CBD-dominant products. JAMA
- Millar, S. A., et al. (2018). A Systematic Review on the Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol in Humans. Frontiers in Pharmacology. Frontiers