CBD, short for cannabidiol, has grown in popularity over the last decade and has increasingly become the top choice for millennials during the pandemic for its stress and anxiety-fighting properties. But just because it is popular, doesn’t mean it can’t affect your system. Below we break down all you need to know about CBD and how long it actually stays in your system.

What are the different types of CBD?

Before we start, we would like to give a brief refresher on the different types of CBD.

• Full-spectrum CBD: Full-spectrum CBD extracts is made with all the compounds from the plant they are extracted from, including THC.
• Broad-spectrum CBD: Similar to full-spectrum CBD, however contains no THC.
• CBD isolate: Only contains CBD.

What affects how long it stays in your system?

Traditionally, CND can last 2-5 days in the body. However, the below factors will determine how long CBD stays in your system:

• How much you use it: the higher the dose, the longer it will be in your system.
• How often you use it: CBD builds up in your body over time if used regularly. If you use it sporadically, it will clear your system faster.
• Your body: the body mass index, water intake and metabolism can also influence the length of time CBD is in your system.
• Food: diet will always play into how your body reacts. If you take CBD on an empty stomach, it tends to clear quicker.

CBD is fat-soluble, meaning it’s stored in your body’s fat cells rather than the water cells. Therefore, your Body Mass Index (BMI) influences how quickly it is metabolized. The higher your body mass and weight, the longer it will take to leave your system.

How is CBD ingested?

You can use CBD via oils and tinctures, pills and capsules, edibles, vaping, or creams and lotions. Oils and tinctures are placed under your tongue and linger the longest as they enter the bloodstream. Generally speaking, you might feel the effects of CBD within 15 minutes. Some topical products can take as long as two hours to kick in.

Will it show up in a drug test?

Short answer: no.

However, if your CBD product contains THC, it will. THC is the main active ingredient in marijuana, that gets you high. Keep in mind though, that passing a drug test after taking CBD, does not mean you don’t have traces of THC in your system, it might just mean you’re below the detection level. Also, because CBD products are not regulated by the FDA, it’s possible yours could be mixed with other cannabinoids, that could increase detectability.

If you’re interested, there’s also CBD wax.