How Long Does CBD Cream Stay In Your System?

Consuming CBD has never been easier. After all, there's such a variety of CBD infused products at your fingertips!

But one question remains: How long does CBD stay in your system? And what determines how long CBD remains?

Below, you'll find the answers to all of these questions and more. So keep reading to learn just how long CBD can stay in your system.

See Related: How To Use THC Powder

The short answer

We know most of you want a quick answer, "How long does CBD stay in your system?" But keep in mind that this short answer is just a ballpark figure.

Typically, CBD can stay in your system for about 2 to 5 days. But this range doesn't actually apply to everyone.

In fact, for some users, CBD can stay in their system for up to a couple of weeks. How, you ask?

Well, that's where we really need to dig deep. So get ready to dive down the rabbit hole!

How CBD creams work

Topical CBD is quite different from other hemp derived CBD products. But each CBD product you take will always have one thing in common.

The endocannabinoid system

The endocannabinoid system! Or ECS, for short. The ECS is a function of our bodies that naturally make molecules similar to cannabinoids found in the hemp plant.

And these molecules help to support our immune systems. Endocannabinoid receptors exist all over the body.

So when you consume CBD, both CBD and THC bind to those receptors, influencing the release of neurotransmitters to the brain. We know, it's a lot to take in.

But this is important information for you to know. Because all CBD products interact with the ECS.

They just take different journeys to get there. So let's take a look at how CBD topicals do just that.

How topical CBD travels to the ECS

Everyone has thick skin. Even if you don't.

But when it comes to CBD, it's not quite able to penetrate deeply enough to pass through to the bloodstream. However, creams and CBD rubs are able to produce a localized effect when applied topically.

When you apply CBD oil to the skin, that CBD gets absorbed through the pores. And it works alongside the CB2 receptors inside of the skin.

So it's still accessing the ECS. Just not as directly as oral CBD does. In effect, CBD topicals like creams and lotions are only meant to produce a localized effect.

Which is fairly different from other CBD products out there. But let's take a look at what other factors can affect how long CBD can stay in your system.

What affects how long CBD stays in your system?

How long does CBD stay in your system? Well, that's a question that only you can answer.

How much CBD you use

As with any other substance, the more CBD you use, the longer it sticks around. Besides, CBD oils compound in the body the more you use them.

So when taking CBD, look at the product label. Identify the CBD concentration and always take a small amount to start.

This will allow your body to build up a tolerance to CBD. And if your particular CBD product contains THC, you'll definitely want to start small, then work your way up.

How frequently you use CBD

Earlier we mentioned that CBD compounds over time in the body. And this may mean that the CBD levels in your body remain consistent with frequent use.

This is actually the recommended way to use CBD. That is, on a regular basis.

Because when you eat CBD or apply it through other methods, it continually boosts your ECS function. And this can help your body stay in homeostasis.

Your body mass index

CBD oil is fat soluble which means that CBD gets stored in the body's fat cells. This means that those with a higher percentage of body fat will typically hold onto CBD longer.

While those with a lower percentage of body fat will metabolize CBD faster. This also means that CBD effects may not last as long for those with little body fat.

Simply because their body will burn off the compound quickly. And vice versa, the effects of CBD may last longer for those with a higher percentage of body fat.

This same principle can be applied to CBD oil for pets. So keep this in mind for your furry loved ones!

Whether you take CBD on an empty stomach

Most CBD brands recommend consuming CBD with or after a meal. Because it can increase the bioavailability of the compound.

But this is not to say that you can't take CBD orally without food. If you do so, you may start to feel the effects faster.

But this also means the effects won't stick around for long. When you have food to accompany your CBD delta 9 gummies, oil, or otherwise, CBD gets metabolized slower.

Because your digestive system is also working through other nutrients. This can make CBD oil stay in your system for longer, simply because it slows its digestion.

The type of CBD you use

There are three main types of CBD you'll find among CBD products. Those are full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate.

Full spectrum CBD oil retains all additional cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. And this includes trace amounts of THC.

Broad spectrum CBD also retains additional cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. But it contains no THC.

Lastly, CBD isolate is just pure CBD. No additional cannabinoids and definitely no THC either.

Your consumption method

How you consume CBD also determines how long CBD stays in your system. Yes, you read that right.

So let's take a look at the different consumption methods available. And add yet another factor to the question, "How long does CBD stay in your system?"

Bonus: How To Give A Cat CBD Oil

How CBD topicals differ from other CBD products

Like we said earlier, topical CBD only offers a localized effect. But that's far from how other CBD products operate.

CBD oil

Sublingual CBD gets absorbed through the mucous glands under your tongue. And this offers CBD oil a direct route to your bloodstream.

This is why taking CBD oil sublingually is considered the most effective. Because it gets CBD into your system quickly while maintaining the purity of the product.

This also means that sublingual CBD products may stay in your system longer. Because they are directly entering the bloodstream.

CBD edibles

Any kind of oral CBD that goes through your digestive system has quite a different CBD journey. Because it's not entering your bloodstream directly.

Instead, it's getting digested, then metabolized by your liver. This means that it may take longer for you to feel the effects of CBD edibles.

Sometimes even up to 2 hours. And this also means that it tends to stick around in your body for longer because it travels through more of your system.

CBD capsules

CBD capsules are often taken with other daily supplements. And they're specifically designed to offer a slow release effect throughout the day.

These capsules do go through the same digestive process as edibles. But they are often more concentrated since they are meant to last throughout the day.

Sometimes, this additional concentration can affect how long CBD stays in your system. And especially if you take this as a daily supplement.

Vaporized CBD

When you vape or smoke CBD, you are absorbing it through your lungs. And it directly passes into your bloodstream.

Like sublingual application, this consumption method offers fast effects. But there are plenty of health risks associated with smoking and vaping.

So while you may feel the effects of CBD faster, you may also be doing harm in the long run. Additionally, the fast acting effects of smoking and vaping also mean that the effects may not last as long.

But that doesn't mean it's not sticking around in your body. So now, let's take a look at how CBD may show up on an upcoming drug test. And what drug tests tend to detect CBD and THC the longest.

How long CBD stays in your system according to drug tests

Most drug tests are trying to detect THC metabolites. So if you are taking CBD isolate or pure CBD with no traces of THC, you don't need to worry about a positive drug test result.

That being said, it's important to look at how CBD metabolites may show up depending on what drug tests screen for. So let's take a look at the various types of drug testing out there.

Urine tests

Urine tests are the most common type of drug test for employers to screen. And THC metabolites can stay in the urine for up to 15 days after consumption.

At least that's the typical baseline for frequent and daily users. It's possible for infrequent users to pass CBD faster than 15 days after consumption.

But if you have any drug screening coming up, it's best to lay off the CBD overall. Just to make sure you're in the clear.

Blood tests

You might be surprised to know that THC metabolites actually get eliminated from the bloodstream fairly quickly. So if you're asked to give a blood sample, the drug test may not be able to detect drugs.

Unless you took CBD within the last five hours before the drug test. That's right. That's how long THC is detectable in a blood test.

Pretty different from a urine test, right? That being said, THC and CBD can typically be present in your body for up to a week.

And blood tests are not entirely common. All good things to keep in mind.

Hair tests

Hair tests are notorious for being able to detect drugs for an extended period of time. In fact, this type of drug test can even detect THC metabolites in CBD for as long as three months after consumption.

These tests are also uncommon. But it's important to remember, especially if you have a job that wants to track your habits for months at a time.

Saliva tests

Saliva tests are similarly uncommon. But both CBD and THC are able to be detected from your saliva within minutes after consumption.

These compounds can be detectable for up to 36 hours after consumption as well. But of course this depends on how much you take and how often you take CBD.

Frequent users who take large amounts of CBD may test positive on a saliva test after 36 hours. But again, this kind of test is fairly uncommon in workplace settings.

The bottom line

As you can see, it takes a lot of information to answer the first question in mind. So remember these variables as you go forward.

And especially if you have an upcoming drug test on the horizon. Ultimately, these various methods of consuming CBD are meant to offer you as many options as possible.

But understanding how long it can affect your system is equally important as well. So, as you continue along in your CBD journey, remember to keep these factors in mind so you can enjoy CBD without worry or doubt. 

Keep Reading: Where To Buy CBD Drinks

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