How long does CBD stay in hair?

When consuming cannabidiol (CBD), the product is absorbed by the body. This is how it exerts its effects. The CBD molecule is therefore detectable for a specific period of time in urine, blood, and saliva. Traces of the cannabinoid can also be found in hair. So how long does CBD stay in hair?

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main active components of the hemp plant. The substance has properties similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, the two cannabinoids differ in that CBD has no psychoactive effect and does not create addiction.

The World Health Organization (WHO) notably recognizes the benefits of cannabidiol. It also approves the absence of risk associated with its use for therapeutic and wellness purposes. This notably explains the legalization of the product in several European Union countries, including France.

CBD has been highly sought after in recent years for its medicinal properties. The product derived from cannabis notably acts on the receptors of the endocannabinoid system. It would thus help to:

• relieve pain;
• reduce stress and anxiety;
• alleviate the symptoms of certain neurological diseases;
• help fight insomnia;
• limit the development of cancers and tumors;
• prevent neurodegenerative diseases;

Cannabidiol is sold in various forms on the dedicated legal market. You can notably buy oils, capsules, creams, infusions, foods, and CBD beverages.

Is it possible to detect CBD in hair?

It is possible to detect CBD in hair. In some cases, hair drug tests can notably provide a positive result following the consumption of cannabidiol.

Do hair tests exist to identify CBD?

There is currently no standardized hair test to specifically detect CBD in hair. Indeed, cannabidiol is officially legalized in France. The authorities therefore have no interest in performing specific tests to detect the presence of the molecule in the body.

Moreover, detecting CBD in hair can be difficult. This is notably explained by the low concentration of CBD in consumer products and therefore the smaller amount of product reaching the hair tissue.

Hair drug screening tests are designed to detect the presence of narcotic substances. THC is part of this category of product. However, some laboratories may offer more specific hair tests for CBD. Nevertheless, these tests are rarely used.

It should be noted that hair tests for drug screening are more expensive and more invasive than urine, blood, or saliva tests.

Can a hair drug test be positive following CBD use?

CBD does not produce a psychoactive effect and is generally considered safe and non-addictive. Drug screening tests are not designed to detect CBD. These devices often detect any trace of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). This cannabinoid is the psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant.

However, it can happen that a drug screening test gives a positive result following the use of CBD products. This situation notably occurs if the cannabidiol consumed has a THC level higher than the legal limit allowed. In this case, the consumer completely violates the legislation in force. They then risk severe penalties applied for drug use.

How long is CBD detectable in hair?

CBD (cannabidiol) can be detected in hair for a relatively long period compared to other substances. Indeed, hair tests can detect the presence of CBD for up to 90 days, or nearly 3 months, after the last consumption.

For information, a blood test can detect traces of CBD between 3 and 5 hours following consumption of the product. Furthermore, a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine shows that cannabidiol remains in saliva for 1 to 2 days after administration of the product. Finally, it is possible to detect the presence of cannabidiol through a urine analysis for 2 to 5 days following the last intake.

How long does it take for the body to eliminate CBD?

The elimination time of CBD in the body notably varies from one person to another depending on various factors, including:

The method of using the product

Depending on the form of cannabidiol, consumers can choose:

Consumption by ingestion

Infusions, capsules, candies, and other CBD foods or beverages are consumed orally. Taken by ingestion, CBD is eliminated from the body via the kidneys or the lymphatic system within a few days.

Sublingual administration

Sublingual administration applies to CBD oil. The consumer must place the number of drops corresponding to the dosage needed for their treatment under their tongue. They must wait between 20 and 60 seconds, for the molecule to be absorbed by the body through the mucous membranes and capillaries. After this time, they can swallow the drops with a large glass of water. Taking CBD sublingually allows for rapid elimination of CBD by the body.

Inhalation by vaporization

CBD resin (hash, hashish, cannabidiol pollen) and CBD flowers are used by inhalation through vaporization. To do this, it is essential to use a vaporizer. This device heats the product to a high temperature to create a vapor rich in CBD. The molecule is quickly absorbed by the lungs and then passes into the bloodstream. The effects of cannabidiol are then felt immediately. Furthermore, administered by inhalation through vaporization, the cannabinoid is quickly eliminated from the body.

Topical use

CBD creams, gels, balms, and ointments are used topically. You must spread the product on the skin, on the part of the body to be treated. These types of products allow targeted treatment, particularly in cases of burns, insect bites, localized pain, cellulite, etc. Used topically, CBD completely disappears from the body within just a few hours.

The frequency of CBD use

Regular CBD consumption over a long period considerably increases the time it takes for the body to eliminate the product. On the contrary, when consumed occasionally, CBD quickly disappears from the body.

The dose of CBD administered

It goes without saying that the metabolism takes longer to eliminate a large amount of CBD.

Thus, CBD is detectable in hair for between a few hours and several days, or even several months. The duration notably varies depending on the metabolism and the method of administration of the cannabidiol.