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How Long Does CBD Stay In Your System?
As caretakers of our own well-being, understanding the intricacies of the health and wellness supplements we integrate into our routines is crucial. For many people, CBD (cannabidiol) has become a trusted ally in their quest for holistic health. It's non-psychoactive, so it does not cause a "high", non-addictive, and according to the WHO (World Health Organisation), "In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD." [1]
However, one important question often lingers: What is the duration of CBD effects, and how long does CBD oil stay in your body? The answer to this question is not only essential for those seeking clarity about the effects of CBD but also for individuals in certain professions. People working in the transportation Industry, healthcare sector, law enforcement and military, and government positions are used to random drug testing that is a routine part of their employment landscape.
This article will cover CBD metabolism and its duration in the body, CBD and water solubility and empower you to make informed decisions about your wellness journey.
Understanding CBD Metabolism
CBD has nothing in common with THC — the more popular cannabis component. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant and interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system to regulate various physiological functions.
Once ingested, CBD embarks on a journey through the body, undergoing metabolism and targeting ECS receptors throughout the body and brain. Enzymes situated in the liver break down CBD into metabolites, which are eliminated from the body through urine and feces. The metabolic pathway mainly occurs in the liver.
The ECS (endocannabinoid system) is essential because it is responsible for maintaining balance and the body's immune response. Also, the ECS controls the balance and smooth functioning of other vital systems such as digestive, nervous, and cardiovascular.
Effects of CBD on Different Body Systems
Potential of CBD continues to expand as well as the research into the therapeutic properties of this compound. Scientists are looking into the effects of CBD on different body systems: from the complex workings of the endocannabinoid system to how it interacts with neurotransmitters and receptors throughout the body.
CBD Bioavailability
Research into cannabis is advancing, providing insights into different areas of the plant and its effects on our bodies. One area of particular interest is CBD absorption or bioavailability.
Market leaders, including GW Pharmaceuticals, have conducted notable research. In 2018, GW Pharmaceuticals analysed several clinical studies and concluded that the content of food and oil significantly affects CBD dosing and absorption. GW's research, which involved administering Epidiolex (the first cannabis-derived medication approved by the FDA) to patients, observed a significant increase in concentration levels when the drug was consumed with food. The efficacy of the drug was found to be largely due to refined sesame seed oil. The research attributed the improvement in CBD absorption rates to fatty acids. [2]
CBD and Metabolism Enzymes
So you might be wondering whether you should take food with CBD and what kind of food exactly. The answer is a simple yes: to ensure maximum absorption, CBD should be taken with food. The results of The Effects of Food on Cannabidiol Bioaccessibility research support this fact and suggest that a fed stomach enhances the absorption of CBD by the epithelial cells. It is recommended to consume CBD with high-fat food to optimise absorption through the intestinal epithelial cells. [3]
Why high-fat food? That's because CBD is a fat-soluble compound, so consuming it with healthy fats can enhance its absorption. Avocados, nuts, fatty fish (mackerel, salmon, sardines), and olive oil are the foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Piperine extract
Piperine (derived from black pepper) is a compound that enhances the bioavailability of certain substances, including CBD. Reakiro offers CBD Vegan Capsules enhanced with piperine extract for those looking to optimise CBD absorption and effectiveness. Adding Piperine extract to CBD capsules can serve several purposes:
- It inhibits enzymes that metabolise CBD in the liver and intestines, increasing the absorption of CBD. This allows for more efficient utilization by the body, improving effectiveness. Piperine has the potential to enhance the absorption of CBD, amplifying its therapeutic effects.
- It may also prolong the duration of CBD's effects by slowing its metabolism and clearance from the body, resulting in a sustained presence of CBD in the bloodstream.This can provide prolonged relief for individuals seeking consistent symptom management.
- Piperine has its own pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- When combined with CBD, it may offer synergistic benefits, enhancing the overall therapeutic profile of the supplement and potentially broadening its applicability in addressing various health concerns.
Understanding CBD Testing Methods
It is crucial for individuals who are subject to drug testing to understand testing methods. These methods include urine, blood, saliva, and hair tests, each with varying detection windows. Though CBD is unlikely to cause a positive result in standard drug screenings, it is essential to consider the presence of trace amounts of the psychoactive component of cannabis - tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis, in some CBD products.
How Long Does CBD Remain Detectable in Your Body?
It usually takes 2 to 5 days after the first dose for the drug to leave your body and not show up in blood and urine tests. You should not rely on this figure without considering many other factors:
- The amount of CBD you take each day.
- Your weight. The more a person weighs, the faster the CBD molecules leave the body.
- Male or female. In most cases, the effects of CBD last longer in women than in men.
Other factors should also be taken into account when choosing a CBD dosage:
Lifestyle
We know that an active lifestyle also leads to a faster metabolism. This means that fat is processed more quickly, and so is CBD, which is stored mainly in fat cells.
- ➤ You are what you eat! So it means that if you eat a lot of fibre-rich fruits and vegetables it will help CBD to be processed and eliminated from the body more quickly.
- ➤ Getting seven to eight hours of regular, good-quality sleep each night helps to maintain a healthy metabolism and energy balance.
- ➤ The last thing to consider is the amount of water you drink each day. The more fluid that passes through your body, the faster you will eliminate what you consume.
Ultimately, anything that increases your body's metabolism will speed up the processing and elimination of CBD.
Body Weight
CBD and vitamins are commonly stored in fat cells. The more a person weighs, the higher the risk of accumulating more CBD and releasing it slowly. The duration of CBD in the body is affected by BMI, with lower BMI resulting in shorter duration and more efficient processing.
Frequency and Dosage
Some people take CBD courses or use it seasonally. It is important to note that frequent consumption of any drug leads to its accumulation in the body. If someone takes CBD supplements for an extended period, it may be detectable in their tests (urine test for CBD, blood test for CBD or saliva test for CBD) for up to two weeks. Dose strength also plays a role; higher concentrations or larger amounts of CBD take longer to process and may be stored in fat.
Biochemistry (CBD and tolerance)
An analogy can be made with coffee. Some people only need a small amount of caffeine in the morning to feel alert, while others require a higher dose to be productive. The human endocannabinoid system's reaction is unique to each individual, and it takes weeks of experience to determine the appropriate dosage and how quickly it is metabolised.
How to Get Rid of CBD Traces as Quickly as Possible?
If you stop taking CBD products, CBD will stop accumulating in the body and will be eliminated without a trace. However, it may be challenging to speed up the process of removing hemp products since the effectiveness of these methods is individual. There are common rules that can help cleanse the body of toxins and other third-party substances.
- ➤ One of these rules is to drink more water, as it facilitates the rapid removal of any substances from the body. Drinking 3-4 litres a day can accelerate metabolism.
- ➤ Herbal tea is a healthy and pure option. Warm drinks cleanse the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and liver, stimulate metabolism, and remove toxins. Getting rid of waste and toxins can help the body's digestive system function better.
- ➤ Consider adding spinach, lime, and celery to cucumber salads and avocado smoothies to improve your diet.
- ➤ To remove cannabinoid residues from the body, it is essential to exclude sweets, milk, baked goods, and fatty and fried foods.
- ➤ Physical activity can accelerate this process. Start exercising at least three times a week to reduce the amount of fat tissue where cannabidiol markers accumulate. Regular exercise can also improve your appearance and overal
Summary
Knowledge is empowering people to make informed decisions about the supplements they use. It is essential to understand how long CBD stays in your system, especially if you are navigating drug testing protocols or managing your overall health. By considering factors such as dosage, frequency of use, and metabolic rate, you can confidently navigate your CBD journey, embracing its therapeutic benefits while being mindful of its presence in your system.
