When it comes to CBD products, one of the most common questions people have is how long the effects will last. The duration of CBD effects can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the strength and type of the product, as well as individual factors such as metabolism and bioavailability. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are ways to determine how long CBD will last for a given individual.
In this article, we’ll explore what CBD is and how it interacts with the body, as well as delve into the different types of CBD products and their effects. By the end of this article, readers will have a better understanding of how long they can expect to feel the benefits of their CBD products, and what factors influence the duration of these effects.
What Is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a natural compound derived from the cannabis plant. Along with THC, it is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis. These cannabinoids help the plant to resist predators, and inclement weather, and attract pollinators. Interestingly, cannabinoids can also be beneficial to human health. The human body produces endocannabinoids, which are part of a cell-signaling system called the endocannabinoid system. This system helps maintain balance in the body’s various systems and organs, regulating functions such as sleep, memory, mood, pain, stress, motor control, and appetite.
By interacting with the same receptors in the body, CBD and other cannabinoids support the endocannabinoid system and aid in preserving a balanced state. In contrast to THC, CBD does not result in the inebriating effects that are frequently linked to cannabis consumption. There are several ways to consume CBD, such as oils, pills, sweets, and topical applications. Since the FDA does not regulate CBD products, users should use caution while buying and using these products.
How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?
The duration of CBD effects depends on the method of delivery and individual factors such as body composition, metabolism, and tolerance. The term “bioavailability” refers to the rate and speed of CBD absorption, which varies from person to person. The following subsections describe the typical timelines for different CBD products.
CBD Gummies & Other CBD Edibles
CBD edibles, such as gummies and capsules, take the longest time to enter the bloodstream, but they also deliver the longest-lasting effects. This is because the CBD must first pass through the digestive system before being absorbed into the bloodstream. In general, this can take between 30 minutes and two hours. Therefore, the effects of CBD edibles are usually slower to take effect than other types of products. However, the effects of CBD edibles last much longer than other products, often between six and eight hours.
Sublingual CBD Oils
Sublingual CBD oils are tinctures that are held beneath the tongue for about a minute, where the CBD is absorbed through the corpuscles of the mouth. This generally takes between 15 and 30 minutes, and the effects of these CBD oil tinctures can last from four to six hours. Sublingual CBD tincture products are a great middle ground between long-lasting CBD edibles and quick-hitting CBD vapes.
CBD Vape Products
Vaping CBD or THC allows you to experience the effects of these cannabinoids quicker than any other type of product. When you inhale vapor from a CBD vape juice, the CBD enters your bloodstream through the lining of your lungs, which can take just a few minutes or even seconds. The downside is that the effects of a CBD or THC vape max out at around an hour or two.
CBD Creams and Other CBD Topicals
CBD creams, balms, and other topicals are absorbed differently than other CBD products. Instead of being absorbed into the bloodstream, CBD topicals are absorbed through the skin, where the CBD travels directly to the affected area of muscles or joints. The soothing effects of your CBD cream should be felt within 15 minutes to an hour. Those effects should last three or four hours.
Remember, the method of delivery is a crucial factor in determining how long CBD stays in your system. CBD edibles deliver the longest-lasting effects, while CBD vapes provide the quickest onset of effects. CBD oils and topicals offer a middle ground in terms of onset and duration of effects. However, individual factors such as body composition, metabolism, and tolerance can affect how long CBD stays in your system.
CBD Product Comparison Chart
Here is a comparison chart of the various types of CBD products available in the market, along with their average start time and duration of effects:
| Type of Product | Start Time | Duration of Effects |
|---|---|---|
| CBD Edibles | 30 minutes to 2 hours | 6 to 8 hours |
| Sublingual CBD Oil | 15 to 30 minutes | 4 to 6 hours |
| CBD Vapes | A few minutes | 1 to 2 hours |
| CBD Topicals | 15 minutes to 1 hour | 3 to 4 hours |
It’s imperative to remember that these are averages and could differ for different people. It’s also crucial to speak with a medical expert before utilizing any CBD goods.
CBD & Drug Testing
When it comes to drug testing, remember that these tests aren’t typically looking for CBD, but rather THC. While CBD itself is generally not detectable in drug tests, some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, which can accumulate in the body over time.
Full-spectrum CBD products can contain up to 0.3% THC, while broad-spectrum CBD products have all detectable traces of THC filtered out, although they may still contain minute, undetectable traces. CBD isolate, on the other hand, is pure CBD with no other cannabis content present, including THC.
If you’re afraid that the CBD products you’ve been using may have produced a false positive for THC, you should know how long THC may remain in your system depending on the type of drug test used.
Urine
The most common kind of drug test utilized in workplaces is urine testing. Urine containing THC can be identified for up to three days, but prolonged use can allow for up to six weeks of detection. The threshold for a positive urine test is 50 nanograms of THC-COOH per milliliter.
Hair
Though less commonplace, hair testing may be used by some companies due to its ability to identify THC at a concentration of one picogram per milligram. THC is detected in hair for a maximum of 90 days.
Blood
Since blood tests are more effective at identifying drug use right when impairment occurs, they are less common in industrial settings. THC usually disappears from the blood very fast and remains detectable for up to 7 days.
Saliva
Although saliva testing is uncommon, it can identify THC up to 72 hours after ingestion, or longer if the user has a habit of using it. For saliva drug testing, the criterion for detecting THC is likely four nanograms per milligram, while there are no set cutoff limits.
Here’s a handy chart summarizing how long THC is detectable by various types of drug tests:
| Type of Drug Test | THC is Detectable |
|---|---|
| Urine | Up to 3 days (6 weeks with heavy usage) |
| Hair | Up to 90 days |
| Blood | Up to 7 days |
| Saliva | Up to 24 hours |
Remember that there are a number of variables, including bioavailability, that can impact the outcome of your drug test, so these detection windows are not set in stone. Using any CBD products that contain even minimal quantities of THC may be best avoided in the weeks preceding your drug test if you’re worried about a possible false positive.
The Shelf Life of CBD Products
CBD products have a shelf life that varies depending on the product type and storage conditions. Like any organic substance, CBD ages over time. Light, oxygen, and heat can all degrade the quality of CBD, making it less effective over time.
CBD is photoreactive, which means that exposure to light can change its composition and decrease its potency. Additionally, CBD oxidizes when exposed to air, which can also reduce its effectiveness. Other ingredients in CBD products, such as oils and edibles, can also expire over time, further reducing the product’s efficacy.
Shop for a reliable brand that provides accurate expiration dates on their products to ensure that users are taking high-quality CBD supplements. CBD products that have been stored in a cool, dry place and have not been opened can last between one and two years, depending on the product.
Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality and potency of CBD products. CBD oil, gummies, and other products should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. To minimize or eliminate unnecessary oxidation, CBD products should be stored in a sealed container.
The following table summarizes the shelf life of various CBD products:
| Product Type | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| CBD Oil | 1-2 years |
| CBD Gummies | 1-2 years |
| CBD Topicals | 1-2 years |
| CBD Capsules | 1-2 years |
Although the shelf life of CBD products varies, users can assist guarantee they are taking high-quality supplements by storing them properly and buying from trusted manufacturers.
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