You can feel the effects of CBD gummies for 2-6 hours after a single dose, although CBD may linger in your system for weeks, depending on your frequency of use and how much you consume because CBD and other cannabinoids are stored in fat.
Information regarding how long CBD stays in one’s system is especially relevant if anticipating a drug test. Many CBD gummies contain trace amounts of THC, which can sometimes be picked up on drug tests. However, CBD isn’t something that’s screened for since it's a legal compound.
How Long Will CBD Stay in Your System?
CBD can stay in your system anywhere from a day to up to a few weeks. This is a big window, but there’s a reason for this.
Factors like dosage, metabolism levels, frequency of use, and body composition can determine how long CBD gummies can stay in your system.
The general estimate of 2-6 is often used as a starting point to determine the expected duration of CBD's effects, but it takes more time for the body to clear CBD from the system.
Evidence on how long CBD stays in the body is limited, mainly because there are so many factors that influence how it’s processed.
For instance, a person with a faster metabolism may break down and eliminate CBD more quickly than someone with a slower metabolic rate. Additionally, taking CBD orally, such as in oil form, may result in it staying in the body longer than inhaled forms like smoke or vapor.
The frequency and dosage of CBD use are also important, as higher doses or more frequent use can extend the time CBD remains in the system. Given the wide range of CBD products available, there is no standardized extract with a consistent level of active compounds, meaning the length of time that CBD stays in the body can vary by brand and product potency.
These variables make it challenging to predict precisely how long CBD will remain in any individual’s system.
Will CBD Gummies Stay in the Bloodstream?
Yes, ingested forms of CBD, like CBD gummies, will enter the bloodstream. When you eat CBD gummies, the CBD is absorbed through the digestive system and then enters the bloodstream via the liver.
This process takes longer than inhalation or sublingual methods, resulting in effects that can take 30-90 minutes to kick in.
The bioavailability (the amount that reaches the bloodstream) of orally ingested CBD gummies is low, around 10-20%, which means a portion of the CBD may be lost during digestive breakdown and metabolism.
The CBD found in CBD gummies tends to stay in the bloodstream for around 2 to 6 hours after a dose is taken. However, trace amounts can remain in the bloodstream for a day or longer, depending on certain variables such as dosage and metabolic rate.
CBD levels in the bloodstream drop significantly within a few hours of consuming a single dose. However, if larger doses are taken, CBD can accumulate and remain in the bloodstream for much longer.
For occasional users, CBD may be undetectable after a day or two, while regular users may have CBD in their system for longer. Although CBD is generally non-psychoactive and won’t cause a “high,” those who need to undergo drug testing should be cautious with full-spectrum CBD products, as they may contain trace amounts of THC, which could potentially show up on tests.
How Long Do CBD Gummy Types Stay?
The duration of CBD gummies in your system depends on factors like the type of gummy, dosage, metabolism, and individual body chemistry. Here’s a breakdown of how long various types of CBD gummies might stay in your system:
- CBD Gummy Bears: These are typically low to moderate doses of CBD. After digestion and absorption, CBD from gummy bears can stay in the body for around 2-6 days. Since they’re often small doses, they may leave the system slightly faster than higher-dose gummies.
- CBD Edible Gummies: This category includes a wide range of gummies with varying CBD concentrations, from low-dose options to those with stronger amounts. With edibles in general, the CBD lasts longer in the body due to the slower digestion process. On average, CBD edible gummies might remain in the bloodstream for 3-7 days. Stronger doses or frequent use may extend this time.
- CBD Sleep Gummies: These gummies often combine CBD with other ingredients like melatonin or CBN (cannabinol) to enhance relaxation. Depending on the strength and dosage, these can stay in the system for 3-7 days as well. Since they’re designed for extended, calming effects, sleep gummies might linger slightly longer than regular gummies.
While these are average ranges, frequent CBD users or those with slower metabolisms may have CBD in their system for longer periods. It's also good to know that factors like hydration, body weight, and activity level can influence how quickly CBD is metabolized and cleared.
