How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?
(How long does cannabidiol stay in your system)

CBD has become incredibly popular in the mainstream wellness space. But if you’re just starting out on your hemp journey, you may have some questions about exactly how this compound works, feels, and just how long it stays in your system.

To empower you with essential CBD knowledge, we’ve covered some frequently asked questions about CBD, including what you can expect to feel, different consumption methods, and how long does CBD oil last?

But First, What is CBD?

CBD (or cannabidiol) is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis. Cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, are chemical compounds that contribute to the plant’s physiological effects and wellness benefits. All cannabinoids work together in the body, but when isolated, they have very different outcomes.

CBD is an anti-inflammatory compound known for its pain-relieving and mood-boosting properties. Unlike THC, CBD is not intoxicating and will not get you “high”. You won’t feel strong head or body high sensations, and CBD certainly won’t leave you on the couch! CBD is subtle, and the effects are less noticeable, but rest assured- it’s still working even if you can’t feel it the same way.

How Does CBD Work in the Body?

When you consume CBD, you’re activating your endocannabinoid system. Your endocannabinoid system is a complex system with receptors throughout the body that process plant- and endogenous-cannabinoids to keep your body in healthy balance. Even though CBD doesn’t bind directly to receptors like THC, it still triggers the endocannabinoid system for physical and cognitive effects.

How Long Does CBD’s Effects Last?

Typically, a dose of CBD lasts between 2 – 6 hours, wearing off before your body fully processes the compound. But this can vary from person to person because it depends on a variety of individual factors.

How long your CBD experience lasts depends on:

• Dosage – how much you took at once
• Frequency of use – how often you ingest CBD
• Method of administration – how you took CBD
• Your metabolism and endocannabinoid system
  
  

How Long Does the Body Take to Fully Process CBD?

A single dose of CBD (taken orally) takes between 2 and 5 days to completely withdraw from your system.  However, if you consume CBD frequently, take higher doses, or have a slow metabolism, it will take longer.

Types of CBD Extracts

There are a few types of CBD products on the market, which can determine the type of physical effects you feel and wellness benefits you receive. By being familiar with these terms, you can choose the best CBD product for your needs.

• Full Spectrum CBD
  • A full spectrum CBD distillate product includes CBD and all the other plant compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Full spectrum products consist of THC as well, but no more than the legal limit of 0.3%, which will not get you high. Full-spectrum products produce the most noticeable physical changes because of the combination of chemical compounds simultaneously acting on the body. This concept, known as the “entourage effect theory” explains that full spectrum products may also produce the most significant wellness benefits due to the blend of healing agents they contain.
• Broad-Spectrum CBD
  • Broad-spectrum products include CBD and all the other compounds from the plant, except Broad-spectrum products also provide most of the benefits of the entourage effect, even without THC.
• CBD Isolate
  • Isolate products only contain cannabidiol. Noticeable physical effects from an isolate product can be the most subtle since your body is only processing CBD, and there is no entourage effect.
    
    

Ways to Consume CBD

CBD products come in all shapes and forms. Whether you prefer to smoke, drink, ingest, or apply your CBD topically, there’s a method that fits your lifestyle. Each consumption method can produce slightly different effects.

• CBD Flower
  • Hemp CBD flower is nearly identical to THC-containing marijuana in appearance and smell. You can smoke it the same way for a relaxing, mellow, calming effect. But won’t feel a cerebral high, couch lock or the munchies, like you would get from THC. For those looking for sedative effects searching for CBN flower may help.
• CBD Tinctures and oils
  • CBD oils are great for daily use. These oils can be consumed sublingually or added to foods. Sublingual dosing (holding the oil under your tongue) is the most popular method of ingestion and helps speed up the onset of the effects. Tinctures and oils can be full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate.
• CBD Suppositories and capsules
  • CBD capsules are an excellent option for people who aren’t comfortable smoking or don’t enjoy the taste of oils. Suppositories offer an alternative to swallowing pills that also enhance the bioavailability (absorption rate) of the substance. These pills range from full-spectrum CBD to isolate, and their noticeable results may vary- but rest assured, the CBD is still working in your body!
• CBD Edibles and beverages
  • If you prefer to eat (or drink) your CBD, edibles, and beverages are the way to go. Edibles come in all forms, from infused oil and butter to gummies, snack products, and baked goods. With edibles, your digestive system has to metabolize the hemp, which delays the onset and makes the experience last longer. Most CBD drinks contain 5 - 10 mg of CBD, while edibles can range from 5 mg to 30 mg per serving. As of lately both CBG gummies and CBN gummies have been increasing in popularity.
• Topicals
  • Topical treatments are an excellent option for inflammation and soreness Most topical treatments are CBD isolates, and product potency can vary, but this application works quickly to stimulate the chemical receptors in your skin and provide localized pain relief.
• Concentrates
  • CBD concentrates are extracts from the plant with a high concentration of cannabidiol, including crumble, wax, and shatter. While CBD distillate cannot get you high, these concentrated products are extremely potent and will have a quickly noticeable effect on your mood.
• Full Spectrum CBD Powder 
  • Best for protein powders and smoothies developed as a water soluble formulation. 

Best time of day to take CBD oil

When to take CBD oil depends on why you’re taking it and what benefits you’re seeking.

If you take CBD to help improve your focus or alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, taking CBD in the morning can help you benefit all day. Conversely, if you’re using CBD for stress relief or improved sleep, taking it in the evening makes more sense.

It’s also important to know how long it takes CBD to kick in. How you consume CBD directly affects how long it takes to absorb into your system, so keep that in mind when deciding when to take it.

How Long CBD Takes to Kick In

• Smoking: 5-10 minutes
• Tinctures and oils: 30-45 minutes
• Capsules and suppositories: 45 - 90 minutes
• Edibles and beverages: 45 minutes - 2 hours
• Topicals:15-30 minutes
• Concentrates: 5 -10 minutes

How Does CBD Make You Feel

People take CBD for a variety of reasons, but always with the intent to feel better. Since the effects of CBD are subtle and different from THC, it can be confusing to know if it’s really having an effect.

If you’re taking CBD for a particular pain or ailment, first look for the absence of that pain. Then, examine your mood. Are you happier or feeling less stressed? Do you have a more positive outlook on the day? Are you ready to focus? These can all be signs that your CBD is working.

Some forms of CBD will produce gentle physical sensations that can make you feel like a weight is lifted from your shoulders or that you can relax easier. For a deep dive into exactly how CBD makes you feel, check out our blog on the positive and negative effects of CBD.

How Do You Know if CBD is Working

Because CBD is not intoxicating like THC, you may wonder how to tell if it’s working. The easiest way to know if CBD is working is not by the effects you feel but by what you don’t feel.

CBD helps diminish negative feelings, including aches, pain, discomfort, and stress. For example, if you apply CBD topically for pain, you might notice when the pain disappears. If you’ve consumed an edible or smoked the flower, you may feel lighter, happier, or more focused without feeling “high” or intoxicated.

It’s important to remember that not feeling anything is completely normal–especially when you first start taking CBD. This cannabinoid is gentle and works by building up in your system, so the first time you take a capsule or oil, you may not notice any changes. It can take days or even a few weeks of consistent dosing to feel a difference.

The dosage can also affect how you feel. A more potent dose, particularly with an edible or flower will have a much more noticeable effect than a low dose oil or capsule.

Does CBD show up on a drug test?

Routine drug testing does not screen for CBD, and it will only show up if specially ordered. In states where CBD is legal, screening for it is not standard.

But many drug tests do screen for THC, and full-spectrum CBD products can contain up to 0.3% THC. If you’re nervous about taking full spectrum products before a drug test, avoid full spectrum CBD for at least a week. You can also use broad-spectrum and isolate products, which do not contain THC.

In New York, employers are no longer allowed to screen employees for cannabis (with a few exceptions.)

CBD near me

Medical Mikes provides farm to bottle New York extracted organic CBG oil, CBN, and full spectrum CBD delivered directly to your door. Premium quality with fast and free shipping of orders $75.00 or greater. Medical Mikes hemp is extract in NY and ships to all 50 states. If you have any questions on your products. Feel free to send us an email: Hello@medicalmikes.com