How long does CBD stay in your system?

CBD typically stays in your system for 2 to 5 days, but that range doesn’t apply to everyone. For some, CBD can stay in their system for weeks. How long it hangs around depends on several factors.

What affects how long it stays in your system?

There are a few variables to consider when thinking about how long CBD stays in your system.

How much you use

As with most other substances, the higher the dose, the longer CBD will stay in your system.

How often you use it

The frequency of your usage also determines how long CBD stays in your body. CBD builds up in your body over time, if used regularly. This is why it’s recommended you use it for at least a week to see if it works for you.

If you only use it occasionally, it’ll clear your system faster.

Your body

Everyone’s body is different. That’s why CBD and other substances affect people differently.

Your body mass index, water content, and metabolism are just some of the things that can influence how long CBD stays in your system.

Food

What you eat, how much you eat, and when you eat matter. If you take CBD on an empty stomach, it gets metabolized and eliminated faster than it does when you take it on a full stomach, which slows its digestion.

Method of use

There are a few ways to take CBD. The method you use affects everything from the onset and duration of effects to how long it stays in your body.

Different forms of CBD include:

oils and tinctures
pills and capsules
edibles
vaping
creams and lotions

When you vape CBD (which you should avoid for now), it enters your lungs and takes effect quickly, and also leaves the body quickly. Oils and tinctures placed under your tongue are absorbed into the bloodstream faster and linger longer.

Your digestive system metabolizes edible forms of CBD, which can take a while. Creams and lotions are also slow to get into and out of the body.

Will it show up on a drug test?

CBD typically won’t show up on a drug test, but if your CBD product contains THC, it will. THC is marijuana’s main active ingredient. It’s the one responsible for the “high” effect.

Many CBD products contain 0.3% or less THC. Depending on the composition and quality of a product, you could have a positive drug test result.

If you’re concerned about THC levels, be mindful of the type of CBD products you choose. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Full-spectrum CBD. Full-spectrum CBD extracts contain all of the naturally occurring compounds from the plant they’re extracted from, including THC.
Broad-spectrum CBD. This is similar to full-spectrum CBD, but it goes through a process to eliminate THC.
CBD isolate. This option contains only CBD.

If going with a full-spectrum CBD, look for hemp-derived CBD instead of one that’s marijuana-derived. Hemp-derived CBD is legally required to contain less than 0.3% THC.

The bottom line

It’s hard to say exactly how long CBD stays in your system since there are so many factors involved. Plus, different bodies can have very different responses to CBD.

Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level, but are still illegal under some state laws. Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level, but are legal under some state laws. Check your state’s laws and those of anywhere you travel. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA-approved, and may be inaccurately labeled.