Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, has become a trusted supplement for people seeking natural relief from anxiety, pain, inflammation, and sleep issues. As the popularity of CBD grows, so does curiosity around how it works inside the body. One of the most frequently asked questions we hear at West Country Herb is: How long does CBD stay in your system?
Whether you’re trying CBD for the first time, using it regularly for wellness support, or preparing for a drug test, understanding how long CBD remains in the body is essential. This guide explores the science behind CBD metabolism, the factors that influence how long it stays in your system, and what you can expect based on your personal usage.
How the Body Processes CBD
Once you consume CBD—whether it’s as an oil, gummy, capsule, or vape—it enters the body and interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS). This network of receptors helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite, pain, and immune response.
CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream, where it begins to circulate and produce effects. Over time, the body metabolizes CBD through the liver using enzymes in the cytochrome P450 system. After processing, CBD is broken down into metabolites that are eventually excreted through urine, feces, and sweat.
The rate at which your body completes this process depends on several factors, which we’ll break down in detail.
How Long Does CBD Stay Detectable in Your System?
On average, CBD stays in your system for 2 to 5 days. However, some people may retain trace amounts for up to a week or longer, especially with prolonged use or high doses.
Below is a general timeline based on research and user reports:
- Single use, low dose: 1–3 days
- Moderate use (few times per week): 3–5 days
- Daily use, moderate dose: 5–7 days
- Long-term use, high dose: 7–14+ days
It’s important to note that just because CBD is still in your system doesn’t mean it’s actively producing effects. The noticeable benefits of CBD—such as relaxation or reduced inflammation—typically wear off within a few hours.
Factors That Affect How Long CBD Stays in Your Body
Dosage
Higher doses of CBD take longer to metabolize. If you’re taking large amounts daily, it may take your body longer to fully eliminate all CBD metabolites.
Frequency of Use
Your body stores cannabinoids in fat cells, which means frequent use can cause a build-up over time. Occasional users will eliminate CBD faster than those who use it every day.
Method of Consumption
How you consume CBD significantly impacts both how fast it takes effect and how long it stays in your body.
- Sublingual oils/tinctures: Effects last 4–6 hours; stay in system 2–5 days
- Edibles/gummies: Effects last 6–8 hours; stay in system 5–7 days
- Vaping/inhalation: Effects last 2–3 hours; stays in system 2–3 days
- Topicals: Typically do not enter the bloodstream in significant amounts, so they won’t show up in drug screenings or remain in your system long
At West Country Herb, we clearly label each product with its format and dosage, helping you make informed choices about how you consume CBD.
Body Weight and Fat Composition
CBD is lipophilic, meaning it binds to fat molecules. People with higher body fat percentages may retain CBD metabolites longer than leaner individuals.
Metabolism
A fast metabolism will process and eliminate CBD more quickly. Age, activity level, and overall health also affect how your body metabolizes cannabinoids.
Hydration and Diet
Drinking water, eating fiber-rich foods, and staying active can help your body eliminate CBD faster. Dehydration or poor nutrition may slow the process.
How Long Do the Effects of CBD Last?
While CBD may remain in your system for days, its noticeable effects usually last between 2 and 8 hours, depending on the format and dose.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Vape products: 1–3 hours
- Sublingual oils: 4–6 hours
- Edibles and capsules: 6–8 hours
- Topicals: Variable, localized relief for 2–4 hours
For long-term benefits like reduced inflammation or improved sleep, consistent daily use provides better results than single-use consumption.
Can CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?
Standard drug tests do not test for CBD, but there’s still a risk—especially if you’re using full-spectrum CBD products that contain trace amounts of THC (up to 0.3%).
While the amount of THC is small, regular use of full-spectrum CBD may lead to THC accumulation in the body, potentially resulting in a positive drug test.
To reduce your risk:
- Use broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate with 0.0% THC
- Choose West Country Herb products, which are lab-tested and clearly labeled with THC content
- Review the Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every batch to verify safety and compliance
How to Clear CBD from Your System Faster
If you want to eliminate CBD from your body quickly—for example, before a drug test or medical procedure—here are some tips to speed up the process:
- Stop using CBD immediately to prevent further accumulation
- Hydrate regularly to flush metabolites from your system
- Exercise to boost your metabolism and burn fat (where cannabinoids are stored)
- Eat high-fiber foods to aid digestion and excretion
- Sleep well to support liver detoxification and overall metabolism
It’s impossible to completely control how fast your body clears CBD, but healthy lifestyle habits can make a measurable difference.
Is It Safe to Use CBD Long Term?
Yes, CBD is generally considered safe for long-term use. Studies have shown that even at high doses, CBD is well tolerated in most people. However, you should always:
- Start with a low dose and increase gradually
- Monitor how your body responds
- Check with a healthcare provider if you’re taking medications or have liver issues
- Stick with trusted brands like West Country Herb that provide accurate labeling and lab-tested products
Long-term CBD use may offer cumulative benefits for stress reduction, inflammation control, mood balance, and sleep quality.
How Long Does CBD Stay in Pets’ Systems?
If you use CBD for your dog or cat, the same general rules apply, though the timeline may vary depending on their size, metabolism, and dosage.
In most cases, CBD remains in a pet’s system for 4 to 12 hours. Effects typically wear off within a few hours, so split dosing throughout the day is often more effective for pets needing consistent support.
West Country Herb offers pet-friendly CBD formulas that are safe, vet-approved, and easy to dose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does CBD stay in your system if you only use it once?
For a single low dose, CBD usually stays in your system for 1 to 3 days, depending on your metabolism and delivery method.
Can CBD make you fail a drug test?
CBD itself won’t trigger a positive drug test. However, full-spectrum CBD products with trace THC can accumulate in the body and possibly lead to a failed test over time.
Does the form of CBD affect how long it stays in your body?
Yes. Edibles and capsules typically last longer in your system than vapes or tinctures because they are processed through the digestive system.
Is it safe to take CBD every day?
Yes. Daily use of CBD is safe for most people and often recommended for ongoing wellness support. Use lab-tested products and monitor how your body responds.
How long do the effects of CBD last?
The effects typically last 2 to 8 hours, depending on your dosage, product type, and individual response.
How can I get CBD out of my system faster?
Drink plenty of water, exercise, eat fiber-rich foods, and stop using CBD. However, complete elimination still takes a few days.
Will CBD accumulate in my body over time?
Yes, especially with frequent use. CBD and other cannabinoids are stored in fat cells, which means they may linger longer in the system after repeated use.
Final Thoughts: How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?
The time CBD stays in your body depends on several factors: your dose, delivery method, frequency of use, and individual metabolism. For most people, CBD is eliminated within 2 to 7 days, though trace amounts may linger longer with daily use or higher doses.
While the effects of CBD wear off within a few hours, understanding how it’s processed can help you plan around work, health screenings, or lifestyle goals.
At West Country Herb, we provide lab-tested, clearly labeled CBD products so you always know what you’re taking and how it might affect your body.
Whether you’re using CBD for daily wellness or as needed for occasional relief, we’re here to support your journey with transparency and trust.
Explore our full range of oils, edibles, capsules, topicals, and pet-friendly formulas at West Country Herb and feel confident in your CBD experience—start to finish.