‘How long does CBD stay in your system?’ is a common query due to its popularity among those on regular substance testing or who would like to control the dosage effectively. However, metabolites do have different half-lives. Additionally, it is necessary to mention that the time required for detection by various screening methods also depends upon the type of test undertaken (blood, urine, saliva, or hair follicle).
This article will discuss how long CBD last in your digestive system. A correct comprehension of these factors allows consumers to decide whether or not to take it, reap the advantages, and follow all applicable laws and regulations. Let’s read further to know more.
How Long Does CBD Stay In Your Digestive System?
1. Dosage and Frequency of Use
The amount of CBD in the system depends heavily on the frequency of use. Typically, a higher use frequency combined with larger doses prolongs the detection time as CBD builds up in the body.
2. Method of Consumption
Different ways of consuming CBD affect how quickly or slowly it is absorbed and eliminated from the body. For instance, vaping or smoking helps it reach the bloodstream very fast but leaves the system just as quickly. However, as edibles and capsules take a while for the body to process and absorb, consuming them suggests slower absorption and, hence, a more prolonged presence.
3. Individual Metabolism
Its duration also depends on an individual’s metabolism. People with faster metabolisms get rid of and digest pure CBD more rapidly, and those with lower metabolic rates find it difficult for the body to get rid of it. Age, sex, and overall health are other factors determining one’s metabolic rate.
4. Body Composition
Body composition, mainly fat percentage, influences CBD retention in a person’s body. Cannabidiol’s lipophilic qualities allow it to bond with fat molecules, which is why it binds to fatty tissues. Consequently, people with higher body fat levels are likely to store away these compounds relatively longer than slim individuals.
5. Diet and Lifestyle
Life choices such as eating habits, exercise routine, and hydration level affect how long CBD gummies lasts in one’s body. At the same time, staying hydrated and maintaining good life practices ensures that cannabidiol undergoes quicker processing, hence easy elimination from the body systems.
Source: Freepik
How Long Does CBD Stay In Different Drug Tests?
1. Urine Screening
Urine tests are often used as a means of drug screening and can reveal the presence of CBD for different lengths of time, depending on usage. Generally, after eating gummies or consuming other forms, it may be visible in urine within 3-7 days. Other factors determining how long it will take include the amount taken and one’s metabolism.
Source: Freepik
2. Blood Testing
CBD typically stays in the blood for a shorter period than urine testing. Blood can usually reveal its traces within 1 to 2 days after swallowing. Even though blood tests are less used for regular drug screenings, they are vital in estimating recent intake levels.
3. Saliva Testing
The most comprehensive method of detecting cannabinoids is saliva testing, which can last up to 1-3 days. These drug tests are less invasive and are mainly used to assess current use. Moreover, the detection duration may also depend on the quantity consumed and one’s metabolic rate.
4. Hair Testing
The hair test has the highest detection duration, indicating past usage from weeks to months. However, hair tests are not helpful when looking for CBD, given their emphasis on prolonged durations and more focus on other substances.
Final Words
Knowing how long does CBD stay in your system is crucial if you use any popular supplement for its potential health benefits. The time that remains detectable depends on a range of factors such as quantity consumed, frequency of consumption, method of intake, and the metabolism rate of an individual. Further, different drug tests have different detection timelines. Users who are mindful of these will be able to control their intake better to suit their own needs or even those defined by the workplaces they are under. If you have particular concerns regarding drug testing, such as questions concerning the sensitivity limit, how CBD affects drug testing results, and so forth, involving a doctor would be a great way forward.
References
How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System? by Adrienne Santos (2023)