How long does CBD stay in urine?

CBD is one of the main components of Cannabis Sativa L., after THC. The cannabinoid has many beneficial properties for the body. The duration of absorption of the molecule and its elimination time in the human body vary from a few hours to several days depending on various factors. Consumers are surely wondering how long does CBD stay in urine? Here are some elements of answer to this question.

How does CBD act in the body?

CBD exerts various effects on the body.

The benefits of CBD on the body

Several scientific studies demonstrate the effects of the CBD molecule in the body. The cannabidiol molecule notably acts on the receptors of the endocannabinoid system, distributed throughout the entire body. Cannabidiol is notably said to have the following properties:

• analgesic,
• anti-inflammatory,
• anti-stress and anti-anxiety,
• antiemetic,
• antiseptic.

CBD would also contribute to regulating sleep, inhibiting the growth of tumors and cancers, and would regulate the functioning of the digestive system and the central nervous system.

The side effects of CBD on the body

CBD can also have side effects on the body. Cannabidiol can notably cause drowsiness, or even falling asleep, fatigue, diarrhea, and constipation. These undesirable consequences generally result from an overdose of CBD products, an interaction with other medications, and the consumption of poor-quality products.

Furthermore, some consumers complain of bothersome dry mouth after consuming CBD. This is due to the actions of the molecule derived from Cannabis Sativa L. on the oral mucous membranes. Drinking a large glass of water or another beverage helps immediately rehydrate the mouth.

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

The time it takes for the body to absorb cannabidiol varies considerably. The most important factors that impact the time it takes for the effects of CBD to appear are:

• the consumer's profile: weight, age, metabolism, genetics;
• the dose consumed: the amount of CBD has significant influences on how long the product takes to be eliminated from the body;
• the frequency of consumption: daily, occasional, regular, etc;
• the type of product, and notably the concentration of CBD in the product;
• the method of use: sublingual consumption, ingestion in food, inhalation by vaporization, smoking CBD oil, use as a topical application, etc.

As an indication, the effects of CBD in the body are felt between 60 seconds and 2 hours after intake.

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

The effects of CBD can last between 2 hours and 6 hours, depending on the factors mentioned earlier in the article. However, even if the effect of cannabidiol wears off, the product remains detectable in the body until the molecule is completely eliminated. The duration of detection of the molecule in the body also varies according to each person's metabolism. The amount of CBD consumed and the method of using the product also influence the time of absorption and elimination of CBD in the body. Furthermore, lifestyle (diet, volume of water consumed, etc.) is also a factor influencing the time it takes for cannabidiol to take effect in the body.

Scientific research shows that it takes the body about 2 hours and up to several days to eliminate cannabidiol.

An American study conducted in 2016 demonstrates in particular that CBD is not detectable in the body more than 24 hours after occasional or single use. However, a person who regularly takes a dose of cannabidiol can test positive for 7 to 15 days. The experiment shows that CBD is stored in fat and in circulating blood.

Furthermore, traces of CBD can be detected in urine for 2 hours and up to 7 days after consuming the product.

Do urine tests exist to detect the presence of CBD in the body?

CBD is legalized in several European countries such as France. Therefore, CBD screening tests in the body are of no interest within these states. However, tests to check for the presence of CBD in urine do indeed exist. These tools are used for scientific research.

Can a drug test be positive following CBD consumption?

Urine drug detection tests identify in particular cannabinoids with psychotic effects such as THC. Thus, a drug detection test cannot give a positive result for a consumer who has taken CBD with a THC level below 0,3%. Nevertheless, the urine test result can be positive if the THC content exceeds the regulatory threshold. This situation can also occur if the product consumed contains other psychotropic cannabinoids.

Penalties incurred in the event of a positive urine drug test

Be careful to meticulously check the THC level in products described as CBD extracts or derivatives of Cannabis Sativa L. If you choose CBD flowers in particular, make sure you are well informed about the THC content in the product, at the risk of being penalized for marijuana consumption. As a reminder, a positive saliva drug test during a roadside check is punishable by a fine of up to 4 500 Euros. Law enforcement can also impose a prison sentence. In some cases, the authorities also deduct 6 points from the driving license, or even suspend the driving license.

Urine tests to detect cannabis are carried out following a positive saliva drug screening. These checks are intended to confirm previous results. Urine screening can also take place at an employer's request. As a reminder, a drug user faces a fine of up to 200 Euros and a criminal record entry. If the test takes place as part of a roadside check, you also risk losing points on your driving license. If the urine screening is carried out at an employer's request and reveals positive results, the drug user risks disciplinary sanctions.