How Long Does CBD Stay In Your System?

In 2024, CBD is one of the most popular health supplements on the market. Because of this, there are always so many different questions that people have about its products. 

Here at Miracle Leaf, the question of how long CBD stays in your system is one that we get a lot. However, it can be quite a difficult question to answer as there are so many different factors that can change the answer to this question. 

We have put together this guide that looks at what exactly CBD is and all of the different factors that may affect how long the cannabinoid stays in your body to ensure you have all of the answers that you need. 

What Is CBD?

Before figuring out how long CBD will stay in your system for, it is first very important to fully understand what CBD is.  

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is one of over 113 different cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant. While it is an extract from the cannabis plant, it does not cause the ‘high’ that most people associate with cannabis. CBD only provides the body with a huge amount of potential health benefits, hence why it has become such a popular product in the health and wellness industry.

How Does The Body Respond To CBD?

The human body has a vast network of receptors, called the Endocannabinoid System. The purpose of this system is to help our body stay balanced and in good overall health, even when external factors and certain lifestyle choices diminish our wellbeing. CBD and other cannabinoids fit into the receptors of the Endocannabinoid System, helping the body complete its efforts to keep us in good health by supporting many of the body’s physical processes. Learn more about the Endocannabinoids System here!

What Are The Effects Of CBD?

There are several positive effects that you can expect when starting to take CBD products. These positive effects are:

• Increased Relaxation & Calmness
• Clear Mind
• Increased Comfort
• Reduction In Pain
• Increased Sleep Performance

Because the supplement is strictly a health and wellness supplement, the negative effects are very limited. Negative effects are only ever evident in individuals who have taken way too much CBD or mixed with some medications. These potential side effects are:

• Dry mouth
• Diarrhoea
• Appetite reduction
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue

To avoid such side effects, it is hugely important to take the supplement as safely as possible. Start with lower dosages and then slowly increase your doses over time. This will help to avoid any chances of you over consuming. Listen to your body. 

What Factors Affect The Length Of Time That CBD Stays In Your System?

When trying to work out how long CBD will stay in your system, there are a few factors that need to be taken into account. These factors can significantly impact the length of time in which the cannabinoid will stay in your system.

Dosage

The main factor that will significantly impact the length of time that CBD stays in your body is the dose that you consume. This is because the more cannabidiol (CBD) that you consume, the longer it is likely to stay in your system.

With CBD there is no ideal dosage beach we all have different needs and different Endocannabinoid System. It is recommended that you start with smaller amounts and then slowly increase your dosage until you find the dose that works best for you. Because of this, there is no one-size-fits-all dosage and therefore not one specific amount of time that it will stay in your system.

Your Body

No two people are the same, and our different body types mean that CBD will impact people in different ways.

Aspects like your body mass index, water content and metabolism are just a few of the things that will affect how long CBD stays in your system. For example, the faster your metabolism, the quicker it will pass through.

Form of CBD

The form of CBD that you consume can make a difference in the length of time it stays in your system because different forms have different strengths and potencies. Consuming stronger forms of CBD in your system for longer than using weaker strength. 

For example:

CBD edibles have a delayed onset because your body takes time to digest and metabolise them, however stay longer in your system, whereas CBD oils taken sublingually (placed under your tongue) are absorbed by your mucus membranes and thus enter into your bloodstream faster but doesn’t stay long. 

This therefore, once again, makes it almost impossible to tell how long the CBD will stay in your system. However, if your preference would be for the cannabinoid to stay in your system for longer, then you could benefit from choosing a stronger form. 

How long is CBD detectable in urine?

Research on how long CBD stays in a person’s urine is limited. However, one study from 2016 found that subjects tested positive for CBD metabolites within two hours of administration, but flushed it out of their bodies within 24 hours.

How long does CBD stay in your blood?

Most sources suggest that CBD can be detectable in your blood for up to a week after the last dose. However, the exact detection window can vary depending on the factors mentioned above.

Does CBD show up in drug tests?

Even if you have lots of CBD in your system, it shouldn’t show up on a drug test. However, the issue with taking some CBD products is that they may contain THC, which will show up. Some products have traces of the psychoactive compound, so it’s important to be able to differentiate between the different types of CBD products so that you can avoid the risk if you drug tests. The three main types are:

Full spectrum CBD  – Cannabinoids work synergistically with each other and are more effective when they are found together versus when they are isolated. A Full-spectrum CBD product is simply, CBD oil that contains natural hemp extracts from the hemp plant. These include:

• Flavonoids -they are organic compounds and like terpenes, they produce the aroma, flavor, and color in cannabis. They play a major role in the pigmentation of cannabis responsible for the different colors of cannabis plants. Scientists have identified more than 20 flavonoids in cannabis. These organic compounds are said to have anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-mutagenic properties.

• Terpenes – these are original compounds that provide the unique aroma and flavour in cannabis plants and influence its effects by interacting with cannabinoids. Cannabis terpenes support other molecules in producing desired effects. Average cannabis strain contains over 100 terpenes.

• Cannabinoids (CBD, CBC, CBG, THC and more)

Broad spectrum CBD – Broad spectrum CBD products are similar to full spectrum types, but go through a process to remove the THC. However, trace amounts may still be identifiable in a drug test.

CBD Isolate – These products contain CBD only.

It’s a good idea to avoid full or broad spectrum CBD products and stick with CBD isolate products if you don’t want to risk testing positive for THC. However, If you are looking to experience the broader, entourage effect of the CBD and not worry about testing, then full-spectrum CBD will no doubt be the best choice for you. We know that the blend of all cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes can offer stronger benefits than broad spectrum or isolated extracts. 

Reviewed by Miracle Leaf Editorial Team

Our editorial team researches CBD, cannabinoid education, product quality and UK compliance standards to ensure content is accurate, transparent and easy to understand. Articles are reviewed for clarity and responsible consumer education before publication.